Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Can't Wait Wednesday! All That's Fair

 Can't Wait Wednesday is 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.

This is so different to my normal genre, but I'm really liking this series.  Coming October 5th:


About the book: All that's fair





Cady Schuster can't die.

Unable for the last century to grow old or succumb to injury, Cady Schuster has lost a lot of people, some more recently than others. She's trying to find new belonging in Harbor Vale, Michigan, among a welcoming little group of fellow ageless folk. Then she meets Paige, a mortal woman who needs a friend-and might need help.

Paige's husband rules their church with an authority unquestioned by his congregation. When Paige suddenly severs all communication, Cady determines to find her. Churchgoers warn her off, and the behavior of Paige's husband proves a still bigger warning. Is this friend lost too, or can Cady help her? And how far should an ageless woman involve herself in the conflicts of mortals?


What are you waiting on this week?

Review: The Hope of Azure Springs

The Hope of Azure Springs The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I'm in trouble, because now I am adding another author to my list of authors to follow whose books I want to read! This debut novel had character growth, danger, deep emotions, and some fun adventurous moments. Thinking back on this story, for me, it is about what true beauty is.

Em, though she was not what the world would define beauty, was the perfect representation of inner beauty and how what is in the heart, can flow through to others and create beauty around you.

I enjoyed Em's journey of finding where she belongs.

*I listened to this on Scribd.*



View all my reviews


About the book:


Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance readers to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where the people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.

About the author:


Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”.

Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children's bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writing plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling she enjoys reading, being outdoors and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state.


Learn more about current projects at rachelfordham.com 

Review: Lethal Outbreak

Lethal Outbreak Lethal Outbreak by Lisa Harris
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was another great Medical thriller. Some of the medical/scientific terms went over my head again, but the suspense and revelations of the traitor was surprising.

I was a bit confused about the timing of this story. In book 2 Rachel mentioned a failed relationship with Aiden, and this was their love story so the ending did not make sense. I would have preferred an ending which tied back to book 2. I’m guessing Aiden but reappear in the final book, which was why this novel was required.

*I read this on Kindle Unlimited.*

View all my reviews


About the book:


USA Today bestselling authors Harris and Gentry deliver a gripping medical thriller ripped from today's headlines.

There are diseases hidden in the ice and they are waking up.

Virus hunter Aiden Ballinger believes the source of the lethal outbreak that decimated a remote Tibetan village came from disturbing the permafrost. Desperate to rebury it before it buries the world, Aiden enlists Rachel Allen, a beautiful epidemiologist. But while Aiden and Rachel pursue the cure—and their feelings for each other—someone is hunting them. Whoever wants them dead will not stop until they are silenced.

About the authors:



LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times.


She has almost forty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.


This girl who grew up on a Kansas dairy farm never wanted to be a writer, but she has always been a

storyteller. Her mother called it "Selling wind in a bag." Lynne started out writing plays and skits. Then in a moment of sheer insanity, she decided to take a stab at writing full-length novels. Reinventing Leona was her first and it is no longer in print. The Carthage Chronicles are her time travel/sci-fi series. The Mt. Hope Southern Adventures series starting with WALKING SHOES and The Women of Fossil Ridge series starting with FLYING FOSSILS are her contemporary romantic comedy series. And GHOST HEART and PORT OF ORIGIN are part of her Agents of Mercy Medical Thriller series.


Lynne can milk a cow, drive a tractor, organize a banquet, prepare a kid for that first professional acting audition, or sit across the table and enjoy a cup of coffee with you.

She loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.

Review: Port of Origin

Port of Origin Port of Origin by Lisa Harris
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This story started out strong with the prologue, the unexpected first chapter and the possible outbreak of a deadly virus (hello real life).

I enjoyed suspense element of pirates taking over a medical ship - the realistic thread of a corrupt government and the consequences for the locals and the slow and steady love story.

Emma was so much wiser than a 6 year old and I enjoyed how Josiah got closure as well. Mac was a strong female lead and I wished she had a different ending wrt something.

Even though certain things was expected and not surprises, the suspense was good and twists brought in at the right time.

I enjoyed this so much that I immediately started the 3rd book in the series, though I had a different book planned.

*I’ve read this on kindle unlimited.*

View all my reviews

1. Ghost Heart

About the book:


When virus-infected pirates hijack a humanitarian medical ship, they trigger the threat of a global pandemic.

An African fisherman.

Foreign exploitation of Africa’s natural resources has destroyed the fishing business of Dabir Omar. Hijacking oil tankers brings cash to his family in their remote village, but it doesn’t buy the medical care needed to stop the deadly sickness attacking his people. When Dabir’s son becomes ill, the desperate pirate sets sail for the Liberty, an international humanitarian medical ship ported on the coast.

An American surgeon.

Against his better judgment, Dr. Josiah Allen agrees to work a two-week surgical stint on the Liberty, moored in Douala, Cameroon. Shortly after he arrives with his precocious six-year-old daughter, Josiah is sent ashore to investigate a mysterious illness at the ship’s post-op clinic. While he’s gone, Ebola-infected pirates hijack the medical ship where Josiah left his daughter.

The woman compelled to save them all.

When pirate negotiations fail, Mackenzie Scott’s privately-owned extraction unit comes in for the rescue. But when the medical ship where Mac had taken a wounded comrade is hijacked by pirates, the former military pararescue jumper becomes the pirate’s key hostage.

Both fathers go to war to save their children. If Mac can’t convince them to work together, the winner of this conflict will be a deadly virus intent on destroying the world.


About the authors:



LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times.


She has almost forty novels and novellas in print. She and her family work as missionaries in southern Africa. Lisa loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. Visit Lisa’s website to learn more.


This girl who grew up on a Kansas dairy farm never wanted to be a writer, but she has always been a

storyteller. Her mother called it "Selling wind in a bag." Lynne started out writing plays and skits. Then in a moment of sheer insanity, she decided to take a stab at writing full-length novels. Reinventing Leona was her first and it is no longer in print. The Carthage Chronicles are her time travel/sci-fi series. The Mt. Hope Southern Adventures series starting with WALKING SHOES and The Women of Fossil Ridge series starting with FLYING FOSSILS are her contemporary romantic comedy series. And GHOST HEART and PORT OF ORIGIN are part of her Agents of Mercy Medical Thriller series.


Lynne can milk a cow, drive a tractor, organize a banquet, prepare a kid for that first professional acting audition, or sit across the table and enjoy a cup of coffee with you.

She loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.

Monday, August 30, 2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Fictional Crushes

 

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.

I'm not usually one who crushes on book heroes, but the following heroes made me swoon just a bit more than normal.  I've also realised I like the quiet, broody kind...

1.  Peter


2.  Rafe


3.  Tate


4.  Casper Christiansen


5.  Logan Walker


6.  Malachi



8.  Stephen O'Malley


9.  Derek St John


10.  Travis Archer


11. Joshua



Review: The Knight

The Knight The Knight by Steven James
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

Another great thriller in the Patrick Bowers series. I just love Patrick - he has his flaws, but I enjoyed his internal struggle to do the right thing, trying to solve the case, but also be there for his stepdaughter, Tessa.

The thrilling suspense was great again. So many twists and turns, a twisted killer and a revelation I did not expect. I like that we can see the POV of the killer as well.

I enjoyed how the author writes about Rem's personal life without having that be the focus point, but are focused on Rem's pursuit of the killer and his relationship with Tessa, Ralph and Calvin.

Looking forward to the next one in the series.

*I listened to this on scribd.*

View all my reviews


About the book:


In The Knight, the third installment in the bestselling series of thrillers featuring FBI criminologist Patrick Bowers, the stakes have never been higher.

Agent Bowers is used to tracking the country's most dangerous killers, but now it looks like a killer is tracking him. When he realizes the murderer is using clues from an ancient manuscript as a blueprint for his crimes, Bowers faces a race against time to decipher who the next victim will be and to stop the final shocking murder--which he's beginning to believe might be his own. Gritty, chilling, and intense, this psychological thriller is guaranteed to keep readers up all night.


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.

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Weekend Wrap-Up: August 29th

 

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

I was hoping for a bit more reading time over the weekend, but we changed our plans last minute when we saw snow reports of loads of ground level snow 2 hours away.  So we woke up super early, loaded the boys and went for some snow fun.  We do get snow over the winter in that region, but usually just close to the mountains and hiking required to find snow to play with.




So, back to the books.

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


A few thrillers this week!





Currently reading






Next up:


Two ARCs lined up for this week:










What are you reading this week?

Friday, August 27, 2021

Book Spotlight Fridays! The Hope of Azure Springs

 

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.

A new author for me!


The Hope of Azure Springs




About the book:

Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance readers to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where the people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.


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

Book Beginnings

She dead?

Friday 56 - page 26

Em doubted Eliza's back could hurt nearly hurt as badly as the gunshot wound she was struggling to recover from, but living off charity kept her from saying so.

My thoughts so far

This story is definitely about true beauty - what is in the heart vs looks.

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

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Throwback Thursday: Nightshade


 

A Throwback to my first book by Ronie Kendig.  Her suspense and action grabbed me and her banter between her amazing characters is what kept me reading more books.




Nightshade
Nightshade by Ronie Kendig
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

How did I never heard about Ronie Kendig before! This book kept my attention and made me read every available minute I could. Fast paced, full of action, but also an emotional side to it.

This book was busy, loads was happening:

Max and Sydney - My heart ached for them, dealing with their broken marriage, both not willing to let it go but also not let going of their own hurt and pride to meet each other halfway to work on mending the broken walls. Max had so much hurt from being at war and incidents from his past. I went through the emotional ride with them, also wanting to hit them behind the head sometimes. Oh and Bryce, Sydney's meddling brother, didn't like his meddling at all! Also got irritated with Lane and angry with Sydney for not setting him straight from the start.

The action:
Max and the nightshade team - the story was action packed and I felt like I was walking through the jungle with them. Sad for one thing happening, but won't spoil it. The way Ronie introduced the members of Nightshade in book one has me interested one their past and hurts and looking forward to the rest of the series.

Sydney - she is investigating a story which might cost her life. It was interesting how she followed the facts and some stuff which happened felt a bit surreal, but she is dealing with black ops which no one is suppose to know about, so I guess the extremes can be real in that CIA mission type of way.

Jon and Kimber - missionaries in the Philippines who has to deal with radicals. The events they discuss here of what the radicals does is harsh (and reality), so if you are a sensitive reader, skim over that parts (no details but they are talking about rape etc).

Looking forward to all of Ronie's other books and recommended for anyone who loves suspense.

View all my reviews

About the book:


Soldiers all across the globe are returning home to their families after brutal tours of duty. They are discharged from the service. . .and on their own. Meet Max Jacobs, one of these discarded heroes, as he faces a wall of failure—in his career, his friendships, and his marriage. Failing again—this time to end his life—he is offered a thread of hope. Are covert government operations the answer for him, or will they only bring more danger and dissension upon his broken family?


About the author:



Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After thirty years of

marriage, she and her hunky hero are adventuring on the East coast, a short train ride from NYC with their retired military working dog and their Stealth Golden. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of raw, broken characters.


Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, the RT Reviewers' Choice Award (twice), the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), GoodReads, and Instagram (www.instagram.com/kendigronie ).

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Review: Monster

Monster Monster by Frank E. Peretti
My rating: 💛💛💛

Well, this one was different from the other Frank Peretti books I’ve read to date. Between a two and three star, so I’ve settled on a three star because of the suspense and twist at the end, though I definitely would not want to watch a horror film based on this novel.

What could go wrong when science tries to proof their theories and try to play God? There was a lot of speculation in this novel, and some of the scientific parts went over my head. It can be quite scary when you get so focussed on ambitions that you loose the truth of reality.

The author’s writing was good, getting me to wonder what is going on, fearing when the characters heard that scream, scared for whatever is chasing them, disgusted with the scientists and even sad at the end when ‘Rachel’ broke down.

Not my favourite Peretti novel, but still showing the creativity of the author.

View all my reviews

About the book:


Some monsters are real.

Miles away from the hectic city, Reed and Rebecca hike into the beautiful Northwester woods. They are surrounded by gorgeous mountains, waterfalls, and hundreds of acres of unspoiled wilderness.

During their first night camping, an unearthly wail pierces the calm of the forest. Then something emerges from the dense woods. Everything that follows is a blur to Reed—except the unforgettable image of a huge creature carrying his wife into the darkness.

Enter into deep wilderness where the rules of civilization no longer apply. A world where strange shadows lurk. Where creatures long attributed to overactive imaginations and nightmares are the hunters . . .and people are the hunted.


About the author:



FROM HIS WEBSITE:

With more than 12 million novels in print, Frank Peretti is nothing short of a publishing phenomenon and has been called “America’s hottest Christian novelist.”

Peretti is a natural storyteller who, as a youngster in Seattle, regularly gathered the neighborhood children for animated storytelling sessions. After graduating from high school, he began playing banjo with a local bluegrass group. He and his wife were married in 1972, and Peretti soon moved from touring with a pop band to launching a modest Christian music ministry. Peretti later spent time studying English, screen writing and film at UCLA and then assisted his father in pastoring a small Assembly of God church. In 1983, he gave up his pastoring position and began taking construction jobs to make ends meet. While working at a local ski factory, he began writing This Present Darkness, the book that would catapult him into the public eye. After numerous rejections from publishers and a slow start in sales, word-of-mouth enthusiasm finally lifted This Present Darkness onto a tidal wave of interest in spiritual warfare. The book appeared on Bookstore Journal’s bestseller list every month for more than eight years. Peretti’s two spiritual warfare novels, This Present Darkness (1998) and Piercing the Darkness (1989), captivated readers, together selling more than 3.5 million copies. The Oath was awarded the 1996 Gold Medallion Award for best fiction.

For kids, Peretti wrote The Cooper Kids Adventure Series (Crossways and Tommy Nelson), which remains a best-selling series for children with sales exceeding 1 million copies. In August 2000, Peretti released the hilarious children’s audiocassette series titled Wild and Wacky Totally True Bible Stories, reprising his role as Mr. Henry, the offbeat substitute Sunday School teacher found in two Visual Bible for Kids videos.

Peretti released his first-ever non-fiction book, The Wounded Spirit in 2000, which quickly became a best-seller. The book addresses the pain of “wounded spirits” and was writted as a result of painful childhood experiences.

Frank Peretti and his wife, Barbara Jean, live in the Western U.S. In spite of sudden fame and notoriety, Frank still lives a simple, well-rounded life that includes carpentry, banjo making, sculpturing, bicycling and hiking. He is also an avid pilot.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Can't Wait Wednesday! Blood from Stone

  Can't Wait Wednesday is 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.

I feel like a child before my birthday or Christmas, waiting for book 5 in The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone series.  Coming October 5th:


About the book: Blood from Stone






It's Rembrandt Stone's last chance to get things right--and to apprehend a killer who promises tragedy for him in the future. But one mistake in the past might cost him everything he's worked so hard to save.

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing as DAVID JAMES WARREN.


What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Beyond the Tides

Beyond the Tides Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

But we're promised storms in this life. We're also promised that our hope in God is an anchor in those storms. He'll hold us steady even in the wind and the waves.

When I saw this cover - so stunning - it pulled me to this book which I probably would have only read in a few years. I'm so glad this cover introduced me to a story with a beautiful setting, hurting characters and families with lots of stories to still be told.

Oliver Ross is probably one of my favourite male characters this year. He had this inner strength from past troubles, but also still an adventurous, full of life spirit. His struggles to create a new legacy for him and his family was realistic and I hope to see more of him and reconciliations with members of his family.

Meg Whitaker was stubborn, a bit on the selfish side and definitely in avoidance mode with her mom's health. She had a lot of growth as she learned about the fishing industry. The lesson she learned about forgiveness and holding grudges was just again a reminder that it always better to let things go.

There was serious moments, a bit of lighter moments and some fun kissing scenes (probably not for everyone).

I was surprised at one person's involvement with something, because until then, they seemed impartial and only provided gentle guidance.

That's the thing about forgiveness - it's a renewable resource. The act of giving it fills you up to give it again. The more you practice forgiveness, the more you have to give.

Looking forward to Eli's story next!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:


When Meg Whitaker's father decides to sell the family's lobster-fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should inherit it instead. Though she's never had any interest in running the small fleet--or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness--she can't stand to see Oliver Ross take over. Not when he ruined her dreams for a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

Oliver isn't proud of what he did back then. Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg--an innocent bystander. But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, and he's not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.

Meg's father has the perfect solution: Oliver and Meg must work the business together, and at the end of the season, he'll decide who gets it. Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought . . . and their dreams aren't what they expected.

Bestselling author Liz Johnson invites you back to Prince Edward Island for a brand-new series about family, forgiveness, and the kind of love that heals all wounds.

About the author:


By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager. She makes time to write late at night—that’s when she thinks best anyway. Liz is the author of more than a dozen novels, a New York Times bestselling novella, and a handful of short stories. She’s a Christy Award finalist and a three-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. She makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona, where she enjoys exploring local music, theater, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She writes stories of true love filled with heart, humor, and happily ever afters.


Monday, August 23, 2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time

 

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.


Another easy topic for me this week since my favourite genre is Suspense.  The following 10 (or 12) books, or series, I would love to read again for the first time, because major TWISTS and TURNS which I will never be able to experience again as a first time reader:



2.  The Pawn








6.  Thin Ice


















Monthly Recap: November 2024

  I first saw this monthly reflections idea on:  Christian bookshelf reviews Life got a bit busy, so my update is a bit late! December will ...