Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Can't Wait Wednesday! Range

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 one released 30 September, and I am so excited to read this one.  This will be pushed before any other planned books.

About the book: Range





He's back and he's out for blood

Fed up with living in the shadow of his brothers, Range Metcalfe struck out to carve a name for himself—one written in the blood of many a terrorist. Now, he’s targeting the notorious Madam of Kandahar, who has trafficked children and women. Finally given the green light, he captures her and quickly finds himself entrenched up in a deadly encounter that forces him into the Afghan wilderness—with the madam.

Ten years as a trafficking victim Kasra Jazani has little left of her soul. No longer able to live with herself, she takes matters into her own hands and coordinates an escape, a massive coup against the man who has kept her and so many others captive. They flee into the night—right into the fierce and capable hands of American operators, who ruin everything and put lives at risk. Livid, she knows death is coming for them, because she also holds a very dangerous, very powerful secret: the name of the man at the top of the trafficking ring. Now that monster wants her—and her American protector—dead.

What are you waiting on this week?

Monday, September 26, 2022

Top Ten Tuesday: Typographic Book Covers

 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 actually have a lot of books where the cover is mainly words.  Here is top ten I really want to read soon:

1. Dark Justice



2. Possession



3. The House at Saltwater Point



4. Things I Never Told you



5. Death in the Mind's Eye



6. Fatal Strike



7. State of Lies



8. Secrets She Knew



9. Closer Than She Knows



10. A Lesson in Love & Murder



Review: In Every Heartbeat

In Every Heartbeat In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer
My rating: πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›

I enjoyed this sequel which focused on the grown orphan children we have met in My Heart Remembers.

Though this one had more of a young adult feel with the children off to college, there was still depth in the growth and development of the characters.

I enjoyed seeing how each character grew and discover more about themselves and loved Pete’s reconciliation story with his family, which was both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*

Review book 1: My Heart Remembers


View all my reviews

About the book:


As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a cherished dream. Libby wishes to become a famous journalist, Pete plans to study to become a minister, and Bennett wants to join a fraternity and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well. And when Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?

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.

Review: Honor Bound

Honor Bound Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman
My rating: πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›

Rating 4.5

This story was a captivating, nail-biting, fast paced suspense! loved the team, their interactions, and their jokes.

We have briefly met the team in the Novella, Love in Any Language, so it was easier to follow them in book one. And even though we do not have all the history of the team, I could just feel the connection, love, and respect they have for each other and felt their fear that those injured will not make it out of the jungle.

The action scenes were executed well, taking you right there along with the characters and the deeper character development was strong.

I loved one scene where Cynthia spoke to her dad about her critical viewpoint wrt Rick’s job, and I just loved her dad’s advice! Go read it! But we all sometimes fall into the trap, wanting to change things we do not like, instead of accepting it as God’s plan.

I did not want to stop reading, because I wanted to see how everything unfolded.

Fans of Ronie Kendig’s military suspense would love this book.

I am so glad the next book releases in October, because I need to find out who Bill Sanders is!

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

Review: Love in any Language

View all my reviews

About the book:


It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancΓ©, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces "A-Team" on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia tries to hold on to her anger--but an unwanted attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think they just might overcome their differences and be able to make a life together.

About the author:


With nearly a million book sales, USA Today bestselling author Hallee Bridgeman writes action-packed

romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real-world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy.


An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee and her husband finally settled in central Kentucky so they could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons. Hallee’s oldest daughter is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, her middle son struggles as a hexagonal “autism spectrum” peg in this round world, and her youngest son fills the house with wooshes and bangs as he fights imaginary bad guys while wearing a Spiderman costume and wielding a Ninja sword.

When she’s not penning novels, you will find her in the kitchen, which she considers the ‘heart of the home’. Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food “Parody” cookbook series. In addition to nutritious, Biblically grounded recipes, readers will find that each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture.

Hallee has served as the Director of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, President of the Faith-Hope-Love chapter of the Romance Writers of America, is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and the American Christian Writers (ACW), and Novelists, Inc. (NINC). An accomplished speaker, Hallee has taught and inspired writers around the globe, from Sydney, Australia, to Dallas, Texas, to Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., and all places in between.

Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. She prays her work here on earth is a blessing to you and would love to hear from you. You can reach Hallee at hallee@halleebridgeman.com

Review: Courting Morrow Little

Courting Morrow Little Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
My rating: πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›

I can understand why this is a favourite off Laura Frantz fans. This story was sweet, heartbreaking, dangerous and filled with hope all in one.

So many different events changed the course of Morrow’s life, but at the end, it drifted her to one of happiness and love. I fell in love with the love story.

I listened to this audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator.


View all my reviews

About the book:


Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?
This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop readers as it takes them from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness to the west in search of true love.

About the author:


Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her

manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.Readers can find Laura Frantz at 
www.laurafrantz.net.

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Weekend Wrap-up: September 25th

 

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

This will be my last weekly update for two weeks more or less.  We are going on a mini vacation, so I am off for about a week and a half.  Hopefully I managed a lot of reading to update on when I am back.

Finished





(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Currently reading


Absolute no to limited movement in these:




Next up:


I would love to read all of these over the holiday.  All depends how busy we are and how tired I will be.





What are you reading this week?


Here is my past week's Blog Posts.




Which Avid Reader do not add to their shelves! I try to limit mine to review books since I have so many owned on my TBR to read.  So did I add to my shelf this week? LOADS of ARCs downloaded this week.  Hopefully I will have good reading time during our holiday!









Saturday, September 24, 2022

Series Discovery: The Secrets of the Isles

 Fans of Roseanna M White’s previous series would find this series a bit different to her past three series but will not be left without that swooning romance and deeper messages we are spoiled with in her stories.  And do not forget about the dashing gentleman and unique, but loveable ladies.





But this series stands out due to the adventure and treasure seeking element.  It was fun searching with the characters.

I also enjoyed how the romance included the leading lady, but also a secondary romance which included the servants.  And how the servants became more, not just friends, but family as well, crossing the boundaries of what was expected during the time.

The series was also reach in spiritual lessons, with the one included in the third book, for me the strongest.

This series is highly recommended. 

For more on each book, refer to my individual reviews below:


About the author:



Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are

the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. She and her family make their home in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at 
www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
see also Roseanna White

Friday, September 23, 2022

Review: Yours Truly, Thomas

Yours Truly, Thomas Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham
My rating: πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›

Penny fell in love with someone else’s love story, which challenged her to want more than what her mom and uncle planned for her.

Thomas was a character with so many layers. The strong dashing man, escaping his past for a new future, a high in demand bachelor and a gentle man who can share all his emotions and dreams in a letter, a side that only him and a certain dead letter worker knows about.

The relationship development between Penny and Thomas was as sweet as I have come to expect form this author, but the mystery and danger was also intriguing and as enjoyable as expected.

The narrator delivered a very entertaining reading.

*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*


View all my reviews

About the book:


A young woman working at the Dead Letter Office in 1883 opens a series of heartbreaking love letters. She's determined to find their rightful owner and make things right. But a trip to Azure Springs, Iowa, may provide love and healing for more than just the letter writer.

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: Off the Chain

Off the Chain Off the Chain by Janice Thompson
My rating: πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›

This was an extremely cute cozy mystery and the first in the series involving a vet clinic and the people working there.

This was my first Janice Thompson book, and I enjoyed the writing, the characters and their interactions which caused LOL moments for me.

I also loved how animals, specifically dogs, was center staged and played important roles in getting to the truth.

The love story developed sweetly.

Looking forward to more in this series.

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


View all my reviews

About the book:


The Town of Brenham, Texas, Has Gone to the Dogs!
 
Curl up with your pup and sink into a delightful small-town mystery as riddles and rescues stack up in book one of a new cozy mystery series.
 
Marigold Evans’ first attempt at rescuing an abandoned pooch lands her in a drainage pipe in Brenham Texas. . .and almost in jail, until Parker Jenson comes to her rescue. Then a bad day only gets worse as the Lone Star Vet Clinic, where they both work, is vandalized and the list of suspects starts to climb. With the help of her fellow employees, Marigold sets out to simultaneously solve the crime, rehab the rescued dog, and help more dogs in crisis. But why would anyone continue to work against all their good efforts?

About the book:


Welcome to the wacky, wonderful world of inspirational author Janice Hanna Thompson, where romantic

comedy rules the day! I hope you love to laugh, because I make it my goal to tickle your funny bone at every turn in my light-hearted tales.


Whether you’re looking for inspirational romance, quirky cozy mysteries, light-hearted historicals or fun books for younger readers, you will find it here. You will also find an abundance of non-fiction books, guaranteed to ease life’s burdens.

Why do I focus on the light-hearted stuff? Because life is hard! My readers lead busy, chaotic lives and need those special “Calgon, Take Me Away!” moments! Providing “Love, Laughter and Happily Ever Afters” brings me great delight. Lest you think it’s all fluff, think again!

Woven between the lines of each cheerful tale you will find the ultimate love story, one guaranteed to stir your soul and get your heart fluttering. Talk about a real happily ever after! There’s something for everyone on my site, so settle back in your chair, grab a cup of Earl Grey tea, and get ready to discover a light-hearted approach to life!

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Book Spotlight Fridays! Waiting For Spring

 

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.  First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is my Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you're reading.

I read the first book in this series years ago, and decided it is probably time to continue this series.


Waiting For Spring




About the book:

After the loss of her husband and the birth of her baby, Charlotte has had a long, hard year. But when a notorious robber believes she knows the location of a long-lost treasure, she flees to Cheyenne and opens a dressmaker's shop to lie low and make a living. When wealthy cattle baron and political hopeful Barrett Landry enters the shop to visit her best customer, Charlotte feels drawn to him.

If Barrett is to be a senator of the soon-to-be state of Wyoming, he must make a sensible match, and Miriam has all the right connections. Yet he can't shake the feeling that Charlotte holds the key to his heart and his future.

Soon the past comes to call, and Barrett's plans crumble around him. Will Charlotte and Barrett find the courage to look love in the face? Or will their fears blot out any chance for happiness?

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

Book Beginnings

It was only the wind.

Friday 56

Charlotte's worries had been for naught.  Mrs. Melnor hadn't batted an eyelash when she saw David but insisted on serving sugar cookies along with a pot of her famous hot chocolate.

My thoughts so far

I'm reading this one slowly, not because I don't like it, mainly because I am reading this one on my phone and not prioritising it above my kindle books.

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

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Can't Wait Wednesday! Word of Honor

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 busy reading book one and already interested to learn more about some of the characters I'm getting to know. This releases October.

About the book: Word of Honor





FBI Special Agent Lynda Cutler is investigating an ecoterrorist organization in the Alaskan wilderness when her partner is taken captive and murdered before her very eyes. The only person who can identify the key players, Lynda gets assigned to take part in a joint operation in Istanbul to take the organization down.

As a woman in a Muslim country, she'll find it much easier to move around undetected with a fake husband. Unfortunately for her, the man assigned to play the role is none other than US Army weapons specialist Bill Sanders--the man who crushed her heart into a million pieces back in college.

With a cargo bay's worth of hurt and baggage between them, these two consummate professionals must play their parts perfectly if they hope to stop those responsible for bombing oil pipelines, killing innocent civilians, and threatening to destabilize the oil markets. But love long buried has a way of resurfacing at the most inopportune times--and protecting Lynda has become Bill's primary focus.

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Deception

Deception Deception by Lisa Harris
My rating: πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›πŸ’›

I was waiting for this one for a while now and was so excited when this one hit my kindle. From the first sentence, this story started out strong and filled with action and suspense which did not end.

I loved how the author took Sam's story from the present to the past to show the reader the journey Sam was on to get back to his family.

Up until book 3, readers experienced the blackout from the members of Shadow Ridge and neighbouring towns, so it was intriguing to see how other parts of the country experienced and survived. Readers, along with the characters, also learned more about who is behind the blackout.

Sam's personal journey and struggles with his faith was also a highlight for me.

“I think most of the time we don't stop long enough to be still and hear his voice. We’re so busy being distracted.”

There was one character I've met and had this feeling he is not all he pretends to be, which ended up being a valid feeling.

“It was something he’d always wanted to be. Open to God’s calling, and willing to do the hard stuff. But finding the faith to walk on water was never easy.”

I loved the reunion between Sam and his family.

By the time I finished this book, I was not ready to say goodbye.


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

View all my reviews

About the book:


It’s been over a year since Sam McQuaid has been back home to Shadow Ridge, and this time, he’s returning with a bounty on his head.

Welcome to Shadow Ridge, where LONGMIRE meets JERICHO.

From USA Today Best-selling author Lisa Harris comes an epic new series where the survival of Shadow Ridge depends on learning how to fight crime all over again.

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. 


About the author:



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.

Monday, September 19, 2022

Top Ten Tuesday: Books On My Fall 2022 To-Read List

 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.

How is it time to plan the last quarter of books!  There is still so much I want to squeeze in this year!

1.  No Journey too Far



2.  To the Moon and Back



3.  Winning the Gentlemen



4.  Far Side of the Sea



5.  Blue Columbine



6.  The Writing Desk



7.  A Promise to Remember



8.  Undercurrent of secrets



9.  Falling for Zeke



10.  Lost in Darkness




Can't Wait Wednesday: Vanishing Legacy

Can't Wait Wednesday  is a weekly meme hosted by  Wishful Endings  that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that ...