Review: This Quiet Sky

This Quiet Sky by Joanne Bischof
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This book. I've read a lot of reviews that this book was stunning and emotional, and they were not wrong. This was such a beautiful and emotionally moving story.

All I can say is, you will not be sorry if you read this. And for 160 pages, there is so much you take away from this novella. For me, the lessons I learned from this novella is to never take love for granted, live everyday fully, and it is okay to be honest with God and acknowledge if you are angry or frustrated.

“Would it...would it be all right...if I loved you forever?”

Read this book, but keep tissues close by!

View all my reviews

About the book:

There is nothing extraordinary about Tucker O’Shay’s dreams.
Go to college. Become president. Fall in love.
And pretend like he has enough time to get it all done.

Sixteen-year-old Sarah Miller doesn’t expect anything out of the ordinary when she begins her first day at the one-room-school house in her new hometown of Rocky Knob. But when she meets seventeen-year-old Tucker O’Shay—the boy with the fatal illness who volunteers to tutor her in algebra—she finds herself swept up in a friendship that changes the way she sees the world and a love that changes her life.

About the author:

An ECPA Christy Award winner and an ACFW Carol Award winner, Joanne Bischof writes deeply layered

fiction that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings. Joanne’s 2016 novel, THE LADY AND THE LIONHEART, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from Romantic Times Book Reviews among other critical acclaim. Joanne has a long-standing passion for romance and a budding fervor for theology. She is more and more awed by how wondrously the two go hand in hand. She lives in the mountains of southern California with her three children and is represented by Sandra Bishop of Transatlantic Literary Agency.

Book Spotlight Fridays! Survival and Lights Out

 

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.

Spotlighting the start of two new series this week.  Both is suspenseful and I have I expectations for this series.

Survival

About the book:

Welcome to Shadow Ridge, where Longmire meets Jericho.

A dead body. A missing suspect. A town fighting for survival.

In today’s world, law enforcement agencies across the country rely on forensic tools, DNA testing, and crime labs. But what if that technology was suddenly no longer available? No one in the small, west Texas town of Shadow Ridge knows what took down the power grid, or when it’s going to be back up, but everyone knows exactly where they were the moment it went down. And now, with no electricity, no internet, and no modern technology, the men and women responsible for keeping the town safe are going to have to learn how to fight crime all over again.

When one of the men in charge of storing food for the town of Shadow Ridge is found murdered execution style, it’s up to Jace McQuaid to find the killer. What he discovers is a group of organized raiders who are stealing supplies and selling them on the black market—and the survival of the town depends on stopping them.

Morgan Addison’s estranged brother, Ricky, shows up at her house demanding weapons and confirming her fears that he’s a part of the outlaws. Tensions are raised further when Ricky kidnaps her son to ensure his safe passage out of town. Jace must find a way to save Noah and ensure the survival of Shadow Ridge.

~Survival is book one in the new Fallout series. Each novel contains a standalone mystery, but there are overarching stories that tie together the entire series.

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Book Beginnings

Garrett McQuaid looked up into the barrel of the gun and knew at that moment he was going to die.

Friday 56

No, Shadow Ridge couldn't be where he settled down permanently.  Someday this would all be over and he could go back to living his life.  But what if his father was right?  What if closing his heart to love ended up costing him everything?

My thoughts so far

Really liking this.  What would you do if you can't buy food and depend on electricity?  This one has some action and mysteries which I'm looking forward to solve.

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Lights Out

About the book:

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.

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

Book Beginnings

Seif El-Deeb watched the noisy trio of American boys cross the street away from Cairo American College.

Friday 56

Grovel? No Way.  She did not grovel.

My thoughts so far

Natalie Walters is a newly published author, with this only being her second series.  I'm only 17% in, but have a feeling that she upped her writing standard with this one.

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Review: The Heart of a Hero

The Heart of a Hero by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Funny that when skies were clear, he was the storm. But in the middle of the storm . . . He was the calm.

Oh, from the first page, actually from the first scene in book 1 where Jake was introduced, I knew here is another special hero. Jake is on a journey to moving on, on dealing with some events from his navy career and finding his new path. I loved his struggle to do the right thing, make better choices, but not hesitating to jump into danger.

Aria also had a deep emotional journey with her struggle to accept that she survived. To learn to live.

The danger, adventure and action did not end. Yes, not everything was 100% realistic, but I did not really care - I enjoyed the story way too much!

What I love about this author is the fact that the author does not shy away from bringing in God and scripture. In this story it was no different, and through Mimi and Jake's dad, so much wisdom was imparted.

I would read this series in order, because even though each book has its own story which comes to a conclusion, there is a thread with Ham which started and continues - and I can't wait to see what happens in book 3.

“Then maybe you need to ask God to help you to forgive yourself. To stop punishing yourself. Because if Jesus can forgive you, if he paid the price for those sins, what right do you have not to forgive yourself?”

Rating 4.5

Review of book one.        

View all my reviews

About the book:

Jake Silver may not be able to put the memories of his time as a sniper and Navy SEAL behind him, but at least he can put his skills to use as a part of the Jones Inc. rescue team. Saving the life of pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Aria Sinclair on Denali helped too. Now he can't get her out of his head, and when he hears she is in the path of a hurricane down in Key West he can't help but jump on a plane to rescue her.

Aria has dedicated her life to helping children born with defective hearts. After all, she was one of those children. Now driven to succeed, she lives a lonely, stressful life. One she would have lost on Denali if it hadn't been for Jake. Jake is exciting and handsome, but he's also dangerous, and she's already lost one person she loves. She can't bear it again.

It's not until she finds herself trapped in the middle of a category 4 hurricane that she can admit she needs Jake desperately. With their very survival in the balance, can they hope for a second chance at life . . . and love?

About the author:

Also see: Author Discovery: Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren Short Bio

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Review: Dangerous Pursuits : Deadly Heights

Dangerous Pursuits : 15 Stories From Today's Most Popular Mystery and Suspense Authors by Ronie Kendig


Read and review:

Deadly Heights by Ronie Kendig:

Heiress and experienced climber Jolie Decouteau doesn't believe in coincidences, so getting acute mountain sickness while on a hike shortly after her father is found dead convinces her that someone is trying to kill her.

Review: 3 stars
This is an old novella which was published in 2o13. I did even know about it, and I've followed Ronie Kendig since I've discovered her and slowly caught up on her books. Though there was danger, action and adventure, I did not enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed her military suspense novels.

View all my reviews

Can't Wait Wednesday: Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

 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.

Another great WW2 historical from Barbour Publishing, coming December 1st. 

About the book: Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

Meet Shirley Davenport, who joins the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve only to be sent to her hometown in Maine to foil a plot to harm the First Lady.

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Hours to Kill

Hours to Kill by Susan Sleeman
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This third and final book in the series was my favourite by far! Not only was the suspense plot captivating and a thrilling ride, but I enjoyed the romantic plot as well. I'm always in favour of marriage reconciliation stories. The covenant of marriage is important and I love it when an author fights for the marriage. Addie's amnesia added to the mystery of what will happen between Marc and Addie.

Fans of romantic suspense will enjoy this book and series. For me, this third book also emphasised the Red team than the previous two. The way they joked with each other, pushed each other, but also supported each other, was one of the main reasons I enjoyed this series.

*I listened to this on Scribd.*

Review of the other books in the series:

1. Seconds to Live        

2. Minutes to Die

View all my reviews

About the book:

Just as Homeland Security Agent Addison Leigh reaches the pinnacle of her cyber investigation into a firearms smuggling ring, she's attacked and left for dead. Her estranged husband, ICE Agent Mack Jordan, is notified that she's at the hospital in a coma. He may have let his past military trauma ruin their short marriage, but she never gave up on their relationship, and he remains her next of kin.

Mack rushes to her bedside, where he promises to hunt down the man who attacked her. Mack failed her once when he bailed on their marriage, and he's not about to let her down again. But when she wakes up in the hospital, she remembers neither the attack nor ever being married to Mack. And when a second attempt to take her life is made, it's clear something very sinister is going on, and Mack and Addison are in for the ride of their lives.

About the author:

SUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over forty-five novels with more than one million books sold.

She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts TheSuspenseZone.com. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law, and an adorable grandson.
To learn more about Susan’s books sign up for her monthly email that includes exclusive excerpts, giveaways, and other goodies. http://www.susansleeman.com/susans-ne...

Or stop by any of these locations on the web.
Website - http://www.susansleeman.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/SusanSleemanB...
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/susansleeman
Review Site - http://www.TheSuspenseZone.com

Top Ten Tuesday: Favourite Series Read in 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.

I love reading series and always try to finish a few during the year.  I'm still busy with a few I should finish before the end of the year, but the following is probably some of the best series I've read this year:

1. The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone

I love this time travel series and want to listen to this series on audiobook next year!

2. The Patrick Bowers Files

This is one of the best thriller series I've read.

3. Danger Never Sleeps

Lynette Eason is one of my favourite suspense writers and this series did not dissapoint.

4. The Montana Marshall series

I loved this suspenseful and adventurous series about the Montana Marshall Siblings.

5. The Walker Family Series

If you enjoy series about families in small towns, this one is calling your name.

6. True Colors

This series was about true historical crimes in America.  I enjoyed learning about crimes I never knew about.

7. Legacy of Faith

I loved this dual-time series.  The lessons learned by the past characters was real and hard and the legacy which they left for the generation in the present was strong and solid.

8. Harbored Secrets

Murder, mysteries and small towns.

9. Orphan Train

Before this year, I knew little to nothing about orphan trains, how they sometimes worked as intended, but most time left the orphans in more destitute circumstances.

10. The Bowers Files - The New York Years

A thrilling series, one I would recommend to read before the Patrick Bowers Files one mentioned in number 2 above.

Weekend Wrap-up: October 24th

 

 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:

Finished

From hurricanes to emotional roller coaster, but this past week was a great reading week.

Currently reading

Next up:

Excited for my next reads:

What are you reading this week?

Book Spotlight Fridays! Hours to Kill and more

 

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'm spotlighting not one, not two, but three books!  Sorry, or not sorry, but I'm currently reading all three and enjoying all so much, want to share the reading-love.

Hours To Kill

About the book:

Just as Homeland Security Agent Addison Leigh reaches the pinnacle of her cyber investigation into a firearms smuggling ring, she's attacked and left for dead. Her estranged husband, ICE Agent Mack Jordan, is notified that she's at the hospital in a coma. He may have let his past military trauma ruin their short marriage, but she never gave up on their relationship, and he remains her next of kin.

Mack rushes to her bedside, where he promises to hunt down the man who attacked her. Mack failed her once when he bailed on their marriage, and he's not about to let her down again. But when she wakes up in the hospital, she remembers neither the attack nor ever being married to Mack. And when a second attempt to take her life is made, it's clear something very sinister is going on, and Mack and Addison are in for the ride of their lives.

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

Book Beginnings

THE BRUTAL KILLER put a knife to her mother's throat.

Friday 56

Her stomach knotted.  "Our office could be one of them.  Razo could be looking to pay me back for investigating him and make it seem like a sovereign citizen did it."

My thoughts so far

Enjoying this one.  I'm listening to this on audio and I love the banter between Mack and Kylie.  Mack and Addie is cute together, hope they can sort out their issues.

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The Heart of a Hero

About the book:

Jake Silver may not be able to put the memories of his time as a sniper and Navy SEAL behind him, but at least he can put his skills to use as a part of the Jones Inc. rescue team. Saving the life of pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Aria Sinclair on Denali helped too. Now he can't get her out of his head, and when he hears she is in the path of a hurricane down in Key West he can't help but jump on a plane to rescue her.

Aria has dedicated her life to helping children born with defective hearts. After all, she was one of those children. Now driven to succeed, she lives a lonely, stressful life. One she would have lost on Denali if it hadn't been for Jake. Jake is exciting and handsome, but he's also dangerous, and she's already lost one person she loves. She can't bear it again.

It's not until she finds herself trapped in the middle of a category 4 hurricane that she can admit she needs Jake desperately. With their very survival in the balance, can they hope for a second chance at life . . . and love?

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

Book Beginnings

IN THE DAYLIGHT, Jake Silver wasn't the devil.

Friday 56

He sorta liked cats.  They were like sisters - independent, smart, savvy and capable.

My thoughts so far

Jake is such a loveable hero, more to what you see!

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The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

About the book:

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

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Book Beginnings

For want of a properly working pocket watch, Jackson Forge failed to save the world today - or at least the City of London.  Now he'd be lucky to save himself.

Friday 56

A smile twitched on her lips, then fell away.  Footsteps clicked outside the door.  Right outside.  Before she could glance around for a place to hide, the know turned.  There was nothing for it, then.  She launched herself into Jackson's arms and kissed him full on the mouth.

My thoughts so far

This one is adventure and fun.

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Review: Gentleman of Her Dreams

Gentleman of Her Dreams by Jen Turano
My rating: 💛💛💛💛
I listened to this on audio and really enjoyed the telling. It was fun and filled with adventure. This novella had great character growth and was full bodied for the few pages it contained.

I'm looking forward to reading more by this author and the rest of this series.

*I listened to this on Scribd.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

When Miss Charlotte Wilson asks God for a husband, she decides He must want her to pursue Mr. Hamilton Beckett, the catch of the season. The only problem? She's never actually met Hamilton. Fortunately, one of her oldest and dearest friends, Mr. Henry St. James—who has returned to New York after a two-year absence—does know Hamilton. Much to Henry's chagrin, Charlotte immediately ropes him into helping her meet Hamilton. However, none of her plans to catch Hamilton's eye go as she expected, and she is even more confused when her old feelings for Henry begin to resurrect themselves. In the midst of the mayhem Charlotte always seems to cause, she wonders if the gentleman of her dreams might be an entirely different man than she thought.

This novella is a companion to A Change of Fortune, Jen Turano's full-length debut novel, available fall 2012.

About the author:

Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com - https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoaut... , https://www.instagram.com/jenturanoau... or on Twitter at JenTurano@JenTurano.

NEW SERIES ALERT! Fall out series by Lisa Harris

 I'm so excited for this new series by Lisa Harris.

I've read the novella The Last Day, which is part of this crazy bundle: 

Go check out the awesome video trailer - it gave me goosebumps: https://vimeo.com/637024556

Review: Labyrinth of Lies

Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was another solid romantic suspense from a tested and favourite author.

At first, I thought it was a bit unrealistic that a 33 year old can pass for a 17 year old, and it reminded me a bit of the movie, Never Been Kissed, but soon the characters and story pulled me in that I didn't really mind that fact.

The undercover plot was interesting and I enjoyed following the characters finding the clues and following the evidence. I did know who the ultimate man was as soon as Kaylee told Cate something in the middle of the book, but it did not keep me from enjoying how everything developed and was revealed.

The history between Zeke and Cate was deep with emotion and unsettled baggage. Zeke - I had a love - hate - love relationship with him as more facts were revealed, and enjoyed the second chance story they had.

Love the relationship the sisters has and all the appearances by Eve and Grace.

The book starts at a point before the epilogue of book 1, but I enjoyed that and how the epilogue brought both books together.

This can be read as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading it in order.

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

Book 1: Point of Danger 

View all my reviews

About the book:

When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath the veneer of polish and wealth, things are not as they seem at Ivy Hill Academy. But the biggest surprise of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly. But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?

Queen of romantic suspense Irene Hannon invites you to scale the heights of human folly and plumb the depths of the human heart in this second gripping book in the Triple Threat series.

About the author:

Irene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than

50 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Heart of 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'm so excited for the final installment of Rem's time-travel journey coming November 23rd. 

About the book: Heart of Stone

Rembrandt Stone can't believe the world he's returned to. It must change. But he'll have to break time's rules and undo his past to create a future he can live with.

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: Freedom's Song

Freedom's Song by Kim Vogel Sawyer
My rating: 💛💛💛

This story had all I’ve come to love about this author’s writing. A strong heroine, a great male lead (Walter), beautiful writing and a strong Christian message woven between the pages.

The first 50% of this story had me engaged. I enjoyed Fanny’s journey back to her family, meeting up with Enoch’s family and being detoured at Walter and Annaliese.

Fanny was a strong character who found strength in her faith in God. Walter with his own emotional bondages was easy to care for and love. And Annaliese was just adorable!

But somewhere after 50%, though I totally loved all the scenes with Fanny, Walter and Annaliese, the story felt a bit long with the side plot with Sloan. Maybe if I got to see more of Sloan’s inner struggle between returning to God vs the path he was on, I would have connected with him and his sudden actions af the end. I expected a stronger story with his search from the summary - starting this book I expected he would have been a characters which I would have hated at first but grown to like but sadly he did not won me over.

At the end of the story, I did not completely felt finished with all the characters I’ve met, especially the Moores and their longings and dreams!

*I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Her voice made her a riverboat's darling--and its prisoner. Now she's singing her way to freedom in this powerful novel from the bestselling author of The Librarian of Boone's Hollow.

Indentured servant Fanny Beck has been forced to sing for riverboat passengers since she was a girl. All she wants is to live a quiet, humble life with her family as soon as her seven-year contract is over. However, when she discovers that the captain has no intention of releasing her, she seizes a sudden opportunity to escape--an impulse that leads Fanny to a group of enslaved people who are on their own dangerous quest for liberty. . . .

Widower Walter Kuhn is overwhelmed by his responsibilities to his farm and young daughter, and now his mail-order bride hasn't arrived. Could a beautiful stranger seeking work be the answer to his prayers? . . .

After the star performer of the River Peacock is presumed drowned, Sloan Kirkpatrick, the riverboat's captain, sets off to find her replacement. However, his journey will bring him face to face with his own past--and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be free. . . .

Uplifting, inspiring, and grounded in biblical truth, Freedom's Song is a story for every reader who has longed for physical, emotional, or spiritual delivery.

About the author:

Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different languages. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com.