Can't Wait Wednesday! Never Leave Me

 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.

Time-travel is a genre I never read before this year and the books I've read this year was written so well.  Looking forward to book 2 in this time-travel series published on January 4th. 

About the book: Never Leave Me

In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Harrison cares deeply for Ellen, but as a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship. However, he's desperately trying to save her by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease.

When he locates two flasks, Ellen refuses to drink one of them because she believes the holy water killed her sister and father. In an effort to convince her to take it, Harrison ingests the contents first, and when Ellen witnesses the effects, she can no longer deny the power of the substance in the bottles. Dangerous criminals are also seeking the holy water, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to find it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in a race against the clock in this breathtaking, emotional second Waters of Time story.

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Crosshairs

Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was another exciting and thrilling romantic suspense delivered by Patricia Bradley. And with a murder investigation, historical mystery about missing old diaries and danger around every corner, the end of the book came way too fast.

Ainsley and Lincoln was the perfect main characters for this story. Their history added depth to a new start and I liked how Lincoln's struggle as an FBI sniper was realistically portrayed. The pace between solving the murder, staying alive and solving the mysteries of the diaries was executed well and kept me intrigued.

There was a lot of revelations which was a surprise, other big reveals which I guessed and one closure which came a bit faster than what I expected, but I still enjoyed the thrill.

The focus on reconciliation of broken revelations was a well received theme and I enjoyed seeing the character development.

Fans of Romantic Suspense will enjoy this story.

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

Review of book 1: Standoff

Review of book 2: Obsession 

View all my reviews

About the book:

Investigative Services Branch (ISB) ranger Ainsley Beaumont arrives in her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a three-month-pregnant teenager. While she wishes the visit was under better circumstances, she never imagined that she would become the killer's next target--nor that she'd have to work alongside an old flame.

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn't bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly and unforeseen consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her. The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley continues her Natchez Trace Park Rangers series with a story about how good must prevail when evil just won't quit.

About the author:

Winner of an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in Suspense, Patricia Bradley lives in North Mississippi

with her rescue kitty, Suzy, and loves to write suspense with a twist of romance. Her Logan Point series is available at all on-line retailers and major bookstores. In September 2017, JUSTICE BURIED, the second book in the Memphis Cold Case Novels will release.

Her workshops on writing include online courses with American Christian Fiction Writers, workshops at the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, ACFW Minnesota NICE and Memphis ACFW. When she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.

I love connecting with readers on my blog every Tuesday where I have a Mystery Question for them to solve: www.patriciabradleyauthor.com/blog
Twitter: @ptbradley1
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ptbradley/

Review: The Price of Valor

The Price of Valor by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

“Why do you keep showing up?” she asked softly. “That’s how I’m built.”

Ham is a character I loved since we first met him in the Montana Rescue series and continued enjoying his character with his rescue mission in the Montana Marshall series and now this Global Search and Rescue series. He is solid and supportive and the emotional journey he had to go through in this series he managed to survive thanks to his solid faith.

Orion - my heart broke for him in this story. He was so vulnerable and took a chance on his own happy ending. He stole my heart with his brokenness in book one. I was a bit anti-Jenny for a while, but like the author always does well, Jenny got back into my good books as their story plot developed.

Signe was a difficult character to connect with, and till the end the author had me totally guessing on Signe's sincerity and honesty.

“The answer isn’t in knowing the plan, but trusting God, daily, to give you direction. To help you sacrifice your own desires, and to love.”

Susan May Warren has a talent of throwing her character into difficult situations, then adding another level of danger and action, and this story was no different. The characters and this reader had barely enough time to come up for air before the next dangerous wave hit.

Secretly I love CIA stories, so I loved that the CIA was part of this story. The mystery and action was captivating, and I enjoyed how a big mystery plot, which started in the Montana Marshall series, was concluded in this book. On that note, I would recommend reading the Montana Marshall series first before this series (and all books in order), just to get a complete picture of what is going on and all the characters involved.

I also loved the visit from Pete from the Montana Rescue series.

“But God calls you to be a warrior. To train, to wait for his command. And that’s why you have to lean hard into him. Fill your mind with prayer, with Scripture, with truth. Let God be to you all he says he is—strength, peace, grace, love, . . . joy.”

Another great story by Susan May Warren, which includes everything I've come to love by this author: great characters, awesome danger and action and bringing God into the struggles and answers.

Review of book one.  

Review of book two 

Montana Marshall Series 

View all my reviews

About the book:

Former Navy SEAL Hamilton Jones thought that the love of his life was dead. But when a girl claiming to be his daughter shows up with a dire message from his wife, Ham knows he will stop at nothing to find her and bring her home.

Kidnapped by rebels while serving as an interpreter in Ukraine, Signe Kincaid has spent the past decade secreting out valuable information about Russian assets in the US to her CIA handler. Fearing for her daughter after being discovered as an operative, Signe sends her to Ham for safekeeping. She's ready to give her life for her country, and she can hardly expect Ham to rescue her after breaking his heart over and over.

When Ham discovers the reason Signe has kept her distance, he must choose between love for his wife and love for the nation he has vowed to protect. Will he save the many? Or the few?

USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren takes you on a global search and rescue mission where the stakes are higher than ever in this final installment of her popular series.

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.

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Memories

 

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. 

So, growing up books was always a part of my life ever since I can remember.

Here is a few of my favourite memories:

1.  Fictional friends keeping me company over weekends and holidays so I was never alone.

2. Reading in the middle of the night while trying to get the baby back to sleep.

3.  Reading books next to the beach during summer holidays.

4.  During cold winter days, while it is raining, snuggling up with a good book.

5.  Reading my book in the parks of Philadelphia during the 5 months I lived there.

6.  Going to the library and having the problem of which books to take and which to leave for next time, because... there is a limit.

7.  Lying on a Mauritius beach, sipping cocktails and reading a book while hubby is nose-deep in his own book.

8.  Reading my first Lynette Eason, while sitting on a overland truck, touring Namibia and Botswana.

9. Book class discussions, because I could read.

10.  Reading for my small boys and seeing the love of books developing in them as well.

Weekend Wrap-Up: November 28th

 

 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

Much needed sleep, a wedding and a family braai kept reading to a minimum this weekend.

Currently reading

Next up:

Some beautiful covers on my planned next reads:

What are you reading this week?

Book Spotlight Fridays! The King

 

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.

This is my second last book in the series. 

The King

About the book:

FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers has matched wits with some of the most violent serial killers in history—and one of them has never forgiven him....

Patrick Bowers has pursued the nation’s fiercest serial killers—and now one elusive foe is back for revenge.

Settling into a new post at the FBI academy, Patrick and his fiancée, Lien-hua Jiang, are planning their future together with his stepdaughter, Tessa.

But just when his life seems normal, a demon from the past returns to draw him down a dark road he hoped had closed forever. Forced into a desperate hunt to save the two women he loves most, Patrick is in a race against time to stop an international conspiracy from becoming the most widespread act of terrorism in U.S. history.

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Book Beginnings

When Corey Wellington woke up at 5:14 a.m., he had no intention of killing himself.

Friday 56

His past, his choices, had transformed him. The day last May when his wife, Tatiana, died.

My thoughts so far

This serial killer is one of the worst I've seen.  I'm reading this slowly because I can only take so much at a time.

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Can't Wait Wednesday! To Treasure an Hereiss

 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 looking forward to continuing the The Secret of the Isles series by Roseanna M White.  Book 2 is coming January 2nd.  But!  If you can't wait so long, you can now sign up to the Sneak Peak Newsletter where you can read the first chapter before anyone else.

Sign up here https://bit.ly/39FY4WM (Sneak Peek begins December 1st) @roseannamwhite #thesecretsoftheisles #totreasureanheiress 

About the book: To Treasure an Heiress

Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. As an adolescent, she dreamed of love in London's ballrooms. Now, stumbling across an old map on her family's property, she's found more adventure than she ever craved in the hunt for pirate treasure. Unfortunately, Beth can't escape the attentions of her family's guest, Lord Sheridan.

Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interests caught his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth's search connects with one of his favorite pirates of history, he can't help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.

As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But the true surprise is the treasure they discover in each other.

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Heart of Stone

Heart of Stone by David James Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

“They say that without hope, people perish. I say hope crushes the soul.”“

Today I have that feeling, you know the one, where you waited so long for something, and now that you have it...that bittersweet what now feeling?

This final story in the series had it all! Leaving this reader with hope throughout reading this series, it was great to see Hope being a strong theme in this book. There was cold cases to solve, romances to love, WHAT moments and me scream-reading at Rem to put the pieces to discover the Jackson killer (who I guessed correct in book 5 - may I be Rem's crime fighting partner?)

“I don't know what it is, but I have learned that I can live with the past mistakes much easier than without the blessings of today.”

I can go on and on about how great this series was, how the authors took it to the next level, how, if you are patient, you will grow along with Rem in his journey to correct things, to see the truth and come face to face with that and God, but...READ THIS SERIES!

“What if it's not our regrets that make us who we are, but the choices after the regrets?”

I hope to reread this series soon on audio!

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

View all my reviews

Review of previous previous books in the series:

1. Cast the first stone

2. No unturned stone

3. Sticks and Stones 

4. Set in Stone

5.  Blood from a Stone

About the book:

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

About the authors:

Meet David James Warren

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they’ll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He’s dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at http://jameslrubart.com/

With over 1.5 million books sold, critically acclaimed USA Today best selling novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over seventy-five novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.

David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.

Review: Like a Silver Bell

Like a Silver Bell by Lindsay Harrel
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was such a heartwarming and comforting story about learning to find yourself and to trust again after experiencing physical abuse from the person who should love and protect you. I feel that the author did a great job of making Kara's emotional struggles and fear feel realistic.

This is the third book in the Novella series, but the fourth book set in Port Willis, and unfortunately the first I've read for my OCD with reading series in order. This one can be read as a standalone, but I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series soon.

I appreciated how the author took a difficult subject, one a lot of people have to deal with, and highlighted this struggle in this sensitive and warm Christmas theme story.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

Kara Elise Gentry’s trust in men is shattered...

...especially wealthy ones.

But after spending seven years as the wife of a powerful CEO—a praiseworthy man on the outside, but a monster behind closed doors—who can blame her?

Now, three years after finding the courage to leave him, Kara is trying to make a life for herself and her young daughter. She’s moving forward, working a job she loves at Boston-based New Dawn Women’s Council, the very non-profit that made her second chance possible.

That job lands her overseas in the quaint village of Port Willis just two weeks before Christmas. As the special events coordinator for New Dawn’s main office in Boston, Kara is overseeing the fundraiser that will help to finance and launch their London office.

And, like every good fundraiser should, this one includes a three-night stay at a historic English estate and a Winter Ball.

Kara has planned for every contingency—except Warren Kensington.

The handsome president of the charity’s board of directors seems like a good guy. Then again, so did Kara’s ex until they got married.

Still, there’s something about Warren that draws Kara to him. Can she let down her walls and trust again, or will they both return to Boston broken hearted this Christmas?

Lose yourself in the magic of this modern-day Austen-esque romance, where the friendships are sweet and the kisses are sweeter.

About the author:

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd with a B.A. in journalism and M.A. in English. She lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. Lindsay has held a variety of jobs, including curriculum editor for two universities, medical and business writer, and copywriter for a digital marketing agency. Now she juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with working freelance jobs, teaching college English courses online, and—of course—writing novels.

When she actually has time to do other things, she loves to sing, read, and sip passion iced teas from Starbucks. She loves to watch God work in ordinary lives to create something extraordinary, and she writes to bring hope to those who may have lost it along the way. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com and any other place she hangs out online, including Facebook and Twitter.

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I’d Love An Update On

 

 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 this topic, right away a few options popped up in my mind.  Lets settle on the following ten:

1.  The O'Malleys

Yes please, I would love to see what the O'Malleys are up to, and by now, some of their children might be grown up and following up in some of their footsteps.

2.  The McKenna's

I would love a suspenseful action packed reunion.

3.  The Noble family

I loved the Noble family, and though I got to catch up with Rafe a few times, I would love to see more of the Nobles.

4.  Jack and Molly

I would love to meet up again with Jack and Molly!  Their struggle to trust God while they had to deal with the fear of losing their son had me turning the pages.  I would love to see how they are and if they expanded the family.

5.  Team Zulu

So much more stories to tell from this team!

6.  Kaia and her dolphins

I would love another adventure with Kaia and her dolphins!

7.  Tames-His-Horse

I loved his role in Burning Sky, and was not ready to say goodbye.  I would love to read his own story!

8.  The Cash Sisters

They were my introduction to Lynette Eason, and yes, I would love to catch up on all the characters I've met in all of her series, but I'm trying to limit it to one character per author, but will settle on the siblings who started my Eason Obsession.

9.  The Branning Family

Great family and series and would love to see how they are doing after everything that happened.

10.  Lizzy and Jane

I loved these sisters and would love to see what is happening in their lives.

Weekend Wrap-Up: November 21st

 

 

 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

Only finished two this week.

Currently reading

Next up:

Some Biblical fiction and Suspense coming up:

What are you reading this week?

Review: The Moonlight School

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 💛💛💛

Rating 3.5

This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed the story. From the heading I did think the book would have been more about the school, than events who lead up to the opening of the Moonlight School and after hearing Cora was an actual historical person, I would have loved more scenes with her, but I still enjoyed the story.

I loved the characters and how the author used the literate Lucy to show the difference to the mountain people's learning. I loved Angie and Flynn and would have loved more to their story. I did get irritated that Lucy did not see the true character of Andrew sooner. Loved loved Wyatt and all his wisdom.

Fans of Historical Romance will love this one.

*I listened to this on Scribd.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Haunted by her sister's mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn't expected: love.

Inspired by the true events of the Moonlight Schools, this standalone novel from bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings to life the story that shocked the nation into taking adult literacy seriously. You'll finish the last page of this enthralling story with deep gratitude for the gift of reading.

About the author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the

Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine.

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.

Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Book Spotlight Fridays! The Price of Valor

 

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.

Loving this series - Susan May Warren is such a talented author and has a way of pushing her characters through extreme situations.

The Price of Valor

About the book:

Former Navy SEAL Hamilton Jones thought that the love of his life was dead. But when a girl claiming to be his daughter shows up with a dire message from his wife, Ham knows he will stop at nothing to find her and bring her home.

Kidnapped by rebels while serving as an interpreter in Ukraine, Signe Kincaid has spent the past decade secreting out valuable information about Russian assets in the US to her CIA handler. Fearing for her daughter after being discovered as an operative, Signe sends her to Ham for safekeeping. She's ready to give her life for her country, and she can hardly expect Ham to rescue her after breaking his heart over and over.

When Ham discovers the reason Signe has kept her distance, he must choose between love for his wife and love for the nation he has vowed to protect. Will he save the many? Or the few?

USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren takes you on a global search and rescue mission where the stakes are higher than ever in this final installment of her popular series.

Author Discovery: Susan May Warren

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Book Beginnings

As long as Hamilton Jones had breath in his body, nothing, not even tooth decay, would hurt his little girl.

Friday 56

Martin was still hunting her, and no amount of pretending was going to make that truth easier.

My thoughts so far

Giving up sleep with this one.  Just want to keep reading to see what will happen next.

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