Review: A Piece of the Moon

A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I've watched a few movies by this author, but this was the first book I've read. I really enjoyed it and the same thing I loved in the movies was also prominent here - the journey of one character (or a few) to finding answers and their way back to a relationship with God (and reconciliation with others).

The premise of the story was interesting and different with the clues of the path to the treasure hidden in the scripture, because even though there might be physical treasure, the true treasure to find is the ultimate relationship with God.

There was a lot of characters to love and a few which irritated me.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator's voice (I think it is the author) was amazing and lovely to listen to.

*I listened to this on Scribd.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

An inspiring southern fiction story from the bestselling author of War Room
When eccentric millionaire Gideon Quidley receives a divine revelation to hide his earthly treasure somewhere in the hills, he sets out to find a fitting hiding spot, choosing only a few Bible verses as clues leading to untold riches of gold, silver, cash . . . and one very unexpected--and very costly--item.

Treasure hunters descend upon the hills of West Virginia, including those surrounding the small town of Emmaus, where TD Lovett and Waite Evers provide the latest updates and the beating heart of the community on radio station Country 16. Neither man is much interested in a wild-goose chase for Quidley's treasure, though. Waite is busy keeping the station afloat and caring for the bruised souls who have landed there. Meanwhile, TD's more intent on winning over local junkyard owner Pidge Bledsoe, who has taken in a shy, wounded boy to raise.

But after an estranged friend goes missing searching for the treasure, TD is unexpectedly drawn into the hunt. As TD joins the race to find Quidley's wealth, he discovers where his own real treasure lies, and he begins to suspect there's a hidden piece to Gideon Quidley's treasure that no one could've expected.

About the author:

Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry

Live on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children.

Chris' novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, Not in the Heart, Borders of the Heart, Every Waking Moment, The Promise of Jesse Woods, Looking into You, Under a Cloudless Sky, and A Piece of the Moon, have won five Christy Awards, an ECPA Christian Book Award, and two Christianity Today Book Awards of Merit, but it's his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more.

Chris has also published more than 70 other books, ranging from nonfiction and film novelizations, including the Kendrick brothers' War Room and Overcomer, to novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and The Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. RPM is his latest series for kids and explores the exciting world of NASCAR.

Visit Chris' website at www.chrisfabry.com.

Review: A Place to Belong

A Place to Belong by Melissa Tagg
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Shame and regret, they'll eat you alive, if you let them. But if you let yourself look out, you'll realize that your future is so much wider than your present, full of opportunities - and better yet, full of the newness that comes from God's forgiveness and love.

There was so much to love in this novella - from the gorgeous cover, the fun ‘had me smiling’ first meeting, to the swoon-worthy ending.

I really enjoyed Eric’s bubbly personality to Megan’s more serious sarcastic one and then Delia just added to cuteness overload.

But then the author also went deeper with her theme of second chances and if people can really change in a way which was realistic and honest.

I love stories set in small towns and Maple Valley with the quirky mayor is one of the best.

Megan just stared. "This is crazy." "This is Maple Valley, Meg. This is the town you've chosen to call home. Embrace the madness."

Highly recommended to fans of sweet contemporary fiction.

View all my reviews

Previous reviews of books in this series:

0.5 Three Little Words

1 From the Start

2 Like never before

3 Keep Holding On

4 All this time

About the book:

After years of mistakes and regret, coffee shop owner Megan Harrow has finally built a new life for herself and her daughter in quirky, but charming Maple Valley. But she’s not ready for the sparks that fly when she meets local nonprofit owner Eric Hampton . . . or for the sudden reappearance of an unwelcome face from her past.

Note from Melissa: Megan Harrow appears in all four of my Walker Family books. She's a reader favorite and I can't tell you how many notes I've received asking when she's going to get her own story. Well, she's finally getting the spotlight now. :)

*This novella originally appeared in the RIGHT WHERE WE BELONG collection in 2017, alongside novellas from award-winning authors Deborah Raney and Courtney Walsh

About the author:

Melissa Tagg is the Christy and Carol Award-winning author of swoony and hope-filled small-town contemporary romances, including the Maple Valley series, the Walker Family series, the Where Love Begins series, and the Enchanted Christmas Collection. She’s also a former reporter, current nonprofit marketing strategist, and total Iowa girl.

Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Hostile Intent

 Can't Wait Wednesdayis a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Oh, I'm enjoying this series and I'm excited for this 4th and final book in the Active Defense series.  Releasing August 3rd.

About the book: Hostile Intent

Ava Jackson entered the military shortly after high school, but her mother's illness has forced her to request

an early discharge. She already lost her father while deployed, and there's no way she's going to let her mother die alone. But after a visit to the nursing facility where her mother lives, Ava is attacked walking back to her car. Fortunately, FBI Special Agent Caden Denning arrives in time to help fight off her attacker.

Caden reveals to Ava that she may hold the key to the murders of three families, and he needs her help before anyone else is harmed. The hits show a pattern, and clearly the killer has an agenda. But if Caden and Ava can't discover what it is, Ava may be next on the hit list.

Bestselling author Lynette Eason concludes her latest suspense-filled series with a bang as secrets are revealed and the guilty are brought to justice.

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Every Wicked Man

Every Wicked Man by Steven James
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

“If you don’t get angry about injustice, you won’t act, and if you don’t act, evil will win. Don’t be a coward, treat people with honor, and do what’s right regardless of whose feelings get hurt. The road to enlightenment is paved with well-directed anger, not denial.”

What surprised me by the end of this book, was that even though I knew how a certain plot would end because I’ve read The Pawn first, the author did a great job with leaving me with hope for the characters for a different ending, and had tears forming in my eyes at the end (this doen’t happen a lot anymore).

On top of the above mentioned plot, we have Patrick who is still searching for Blake, one twisted bad guy, his sidekick, Mannie (and I was quite surprised at a few twists here). The action was great, the fighting scenes even better and all the hints dropped here and there had me totally confused a few times and surprised me when the events/bad guys were revealed.

I loved loved Pat and Tessa’s relationship! Such great step-father-daughter interactions and banter.

“Sometimes doubt is simply a stepping-stone on the journey toward a deeper faith. You don’t need to understand God to love him. In fact, if you make understanding him a prerequisite for loving him, you’ll always be disappointed.”

I also loved how the author brought in all the scripture and the characters struggles with faith (to trust God or even to believe in God).

This author is great at psychological thrillers and bring everything together at the end, even though you wonder at one point how everything will fit.

There was simply a moment when you realized that the person you were talking with or looking at needed to die.

There was just one thing I either missed or wasn’t wrapped up. I might go back to reread some parts to see if I just missed something.

A great series for readers who enjoy thrillers.

View all my reviews

Review of Book 1

Review of Book 2

About the book:

A criminal mastermind's chilling terrorist plot forces FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers to the brink in the latest thriller from bestselling novelist Steven James.

When a senator's son takes his own life and posts the video live online, Agent Bowers is drawn into a complex web of lies that begins to threaten the people he loves the most. As he races to unravel the mystery behind the suicide and a centuries-old code that might help shed light on the case, he finds a dark pathway laced with twists and deadly secrets that touch a little too close to home.

A fast-paced, intelligent thriller, Every Wicked Man will have readers racing through the pages to its thundering conclusion.

About the author:

Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to

gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base.

His latest novel, SYNAPSE, a near-future thriller, was a finalist for an International Book Award in the sci-fi category.

Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book EVERY WICKED MAN one of their “Best Books of 2018,” says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game,” and RT Book Reviews promises that “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.”

Steven deftly weaves intense stories of psychological suspense with deep philosophical insights. As critically-acclaimed novelist Ann Tatlock put it, “Steven James gives us a captivating look at the fine line between good and evil in the human heart.”

Equipped with a unique Master’s Degree in Storytelling, he has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades and has spoken more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe.

Steven’s groundbreaking books on the art of fiction writing, STORY TRUMPS STRUCTURE and TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR NOVEL, have both won Storytelling World Awards. Widely recognized for his story-crafting expertise, he teaches regularly as a Master Class instructor at ThrillerFest, North America’s premier training event for suspense writers. He also hosts the biweekly podcast, The Story Blender.

When Steven isn't writing or speaking, you'll find him trail running, rock climbing, or drinking dark roast coffee near his home in East Tennessee.

Review: The Orchard House

The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This is my second book by this author and again I did enjoy it, though I found the previous book, The Tea Chest, a bit stronger.

Though both the modern day and historical stories was interesting, with characters going through a lot of difficulties and lessons to learn, I did found I enjoyed the story of Joanna (past storyline) a lot more interesting and strong. She really did go through a lot, having dreams, having to delay some dreams and let go of others.

I enjoyed the reconciliation story of the modern day. It is always good to see families growing closer and stronger.

I'm liking this author, and would definitely read more of her works as reading time allows.

The audiobook was entertaining.

*I listened to this on scribd.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Concord, Massachusetts

2001
Abandoned by her own family, Taylor is determined not to mess up her chance at joining the home of her best friend, Victoria Bennett. But despite attending summer camp at Louisa May Alcott's historic Orchard House with Victoria and sharing dreams of becoming famous authors, Taylor struggles to fit in. As she enters college and begins dating, it feels like Taylor is finally finding her place and some stability . . . until Victoria's betrayal changes everything.

1865
While Louisa May Alcott is off traveling the world, Johanna Suhre accepts a job tending Louisa's aging parents and their home in Concord. Soon after arriving at Orchard House, Johanna meets Nathan Bancroft and, ignoring Louisa's words of caution, falls in love and accepts Nathan's proposal. But before long, Johanna experiences her husband's dark side, and she can't hide the bruises that appear.

2019
After receiving news of Lorraine Bennett's cancer diagnosis, Taylor knows she must return home to see her adoptive mother again. Now a successful author, Taylor is determined to spend little time in Concord. Yet she becomes drawn into the story of a woman who lived there centuries before. And through her story, Taylor may just find forgiveness and a place to belong.

About the author:

Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring places that whisper of historical secrets. She is an ACFW Carol Award winner and a Christy finalist. Both her debut novel, "Freedom's Ring" and her sophomore novel, "The Hidden Side" are Romantic Times Top Picks. "Freedom's Ring" was also a BOOKLIST Top Ten Romance Debut. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com.

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Books of the Second Half of 2021

  

 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Again, there is so many new releases I'm excited for which will be released in the second half of 2021.  Here is 10 of them:

1.  The Scarlet Pen - releasing July 1st

2.  The Chase - releasing July 6th

3.  Hostile Intent - releasing August 3rd

4.  Set in Stone - releasing August 10th

5.  Hanging by a moment - releasing September 14th

6.  Labyrinth of Lies - releasing October 5th

7.  Blood from Stone - releasing October 5th

8.  Deadly Target - releasing November 2nd

9.  Lights Out - releasing November 2nd

10.  Heart of Stone - releasing November 23rd

TOP TEN for 1st half of 2021 Update:

The following was the top 10 books of the first 6 months I was excited about.  So lets see if I've read it or need to still get to!

My Top 10:

The following books will be released in the next 6 months on which I really want to read:

A few of my favourite suspense authors will be releasing new books:

1. Active Defense

Read it and loved it!  See review

2. Aftermath  - still to read

Terri Blackstock is an auto buy.  I love her suspense and looking forward to this one!

3. Three missing days   - still to read

Okay, so I still need to read book two, but totally excited to continue this series!

4. Unknown Threat

Read it! See Review

Other releases

5. On the Cliffs of Fixglove Manor   - still to read

I always enjoy Jaime Jo Wright's darker feel to her mysteries.

6. Cast the First Stone

Read it and totally loving this series! See Review

7. The Purple Nightgown

Read it! See Review

8. All of You, Always

Read it! See Review

9. Still the one

Read it! See Review

10. From this moment   - still to read

I haven't yet read a book by Kim Vogel Sawyer I haven't enjoy.  This cover is so beautiful and I'm sure the story will be as well.

And two extras:

11. Dreams of Savannah   - still to read

Roseanna M White always gives me a great balance of regency romance with some mystery.

12.  Legal Intent   - still to read

Cara Putman writes thrilling legal suspense and I'm looking forward to reading her latest.

Weekend Wrap-Up: June 27th

 

 I'm joining Christian Bookshelf Reviews in this weekly weekend wrap-up idea which I first saw on her blog.

And also It’s Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Book Date.

See which books I've read this week, currently reading and planning to read.

Books I've finished this week:

Yes! Managed to finish three again this week:

Currently reading

Almost done with Every Wicked Man and The Orchard House:

Next up:

Next in line in my never-ending, overflowing TBR:

What are you reading this week?

Book Spotlight Fridays! Every Wicked Man and Then Came You

 

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.

So this week I have two good books to spotlight.  The first is a thriller by Steven James and the second is a sweet contemporary for when the thrill ride gets too much:

Every Wicked Man

About the book:

A criminal mastermind's chilling terrorist plot forces FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers to the brink in the latest thriller from bestselling novelist Steven James.

When a senator's son takes his own life and posts the video live online, Agent Bowers is drawn into a complex web of lies that begins to threaten the people he loves the most. As he races to unravel the mystery behind the suicide and a centuries-old code that might help shed light on the case, he finds a dark pathway laced with twists and deadly secrets that touch a little too close to home.

A fast-paced, intelligent thriller, Every Wicked Man will have readers racing through the pages to its thundering conclusion

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

"Have the nightmares been getting worse?" 

Friday 56 (56%)

However, I did take away a few of Vidocq's hints: Go where the criminals are, gain their confidence, and get them to respect you, to like you, even.  Use subterfuge whenever necessary.

My thoughts so far

I'm enjoying this thriller, which includes a few twisted serial killers.

*************************************************************

Then Came You

About the book:

He’s in Deep Haven to relax.

Detective Daniel “Boone” Buckam is more than burned out. After fourteen stellar years on the job, one bad judgment call—and, fine, a whole lot of cynicism—has forced him into a mandatory vacation. If he can get his head on straight, there’s a job as Police Chief waiting for him back in his Minneapolis suburb.

But then he meets Vivien.

Actress Vivien Calhoun isn’t really a drama queen. Sure, she gets swept up in the emotions of life—but please, she’s an actress. Or, um, was until a stalker made her flee the bright lights of Broadway. Now, she’s passionate about directing her local theater production. But when she accidentally ropes an uptight police detective on vacation into her cast, she can’t help but wonder if he might be the leading man she’s always longed for.

Of course, she’s in trouble.

Boone can’t help but like Vivien. He might even have a type—vivacious and bubbly, with a penchant for attracting danger. He can smell trouble even if she can’t, and is pretty sure her stalker has hunted her all the way to Deep Haven. He’ll have to stay by her side—even if it means being in her silly play—to keep her safe. But Vivien is more than he expected as she helps him discover a part of him he’s locked away…the part that said he could never love again.

So much for relaxing.

It’s summertime in Deep Haven, and the fun is heating up in this laugh-out-loud, charming story.

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Vivien Calhourn needed a man within the next five minutes.

Friday 56 (59%)

Boone glanced at Vivie, who was still laughing, and when she caught him looking, she winked.  Adrian was wrong about Vivie being trouble.

My thoughts so far

Oh, I'm enjoying this one.  I've met Boone in a previous series: PJ Sugar.  He was part of a love triangle and I wanted him to get the girl, but also didn't want him to get the girl.  Looking forward to finishing this one over the weekend.

*************************************************************

Throwback Thursday! Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason

 

 

Another Throwback to June 2015.  Oh my, from the first book I've ready by Lynette Eason, I was hooked.  And since then she just got better.  Have you read any of her work?  Also see Author Discovery: Lynette Eason

Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

Warning: this is one great page turning suspense and be sure to start it only if you sufficient reading time to finish it, especially the last 20% of the book.

I have read A Killer Among Us about 2 years ago and then bought the first 2 books in the Women of Justice series, and cannot believe I waited till now to read it. Lynette Eason is one gifted suspense writer and after this book she moved up the ranks of favourite suspense writers.

The characters. I loved the characters. They were real dealing with real issues. I loved how Lynette showed the reader the inner conflicts the characters are dealing with. This made them feel like someone you know, not a fictitious character.

The romance. The romance was not over the top at all. The suspense and the murder stories got more of the limelight of the book, the romance was secondary and not in your face. I loved this.

The suspense: Wow, the plot felt like it could be one episode of criminal minds. The suspect was twisted. The writer wrote some scenes from the culprit's view point and you can't believe how twisted this subject was. The suspense was fast and building and there was so many twists that kept me guessing. About 80% in the book I thought I knew who it was, but the way the rest was written , bouncing from the cops to the culprit's view point, confused me up to almost 90% when it was revealed. That for me is great suspense - keeping me guessing right up till the end.

Oh and the epilogue - I was planning to read another book first, but the epilogue made me open the second book in the series right away!

Highly recommended to all suspense fans!

View all my reviews

Review: Searching for You

Searching for You by Jody Hedlund
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was a lovely conclusion to the Orphan Train series.

Reinhold was one character who grabbed my heartstrings in book one, and a character I loved seeing throughout the series and was hoping for a HEA for. Even though he was the one left behind in book one and two, I think the best was left for last, since his and Sophie's story was sweet, unique and a favourite marriage for convenience story.

I especially enjoyed the growth both Sophie and Reinhold went through from book 1 and how they found their true identity, not one based on parents or past mistakes. The reconciliation scene with his sisters was quite emotional.

This series was such an eye opener of how orphans were treated, some was lucky and some unfortunately received a bad deal with no one fighting for them.

*I listened to this on Scribd.*

View all my reviews

Review of An Awakened Heart - this is free on Kindle

Review: With You Always

Review: Together Forever

About the book:

Despite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won't abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850s New York is her only option.

Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life.

Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he's in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help?

About the author:

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.