Book Spotlight Fridays! Martyr

 

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.

This regency serial is something different to the norm, but so intriguing and action packed.

Martyr

About the book:

A Christian Historical Adventure set in Regency England with slow-burn romance and a supernatural twist
Part six in an epic-length serial novel Lady Wynwood has discovered the gardening notebooks belonging to Bianca Jadis, the deceased mistress of the late Lord Wynwood and a former member of the treasonous group, the Citadel. However, the team is dismayed to discover that parts of the notebooks have been written in some sort of code. Mr. Sol Drydale has kept hidden the fact that the notebooks have been found because he is unable to fully trust his superior officers at the Ramparts, the secret branch of the Alien Office. After all, when one of his own was kidnapped, the men who should have assisted him had seemed more interested in obtaining the Root potion that gives men supernatural strength. But then two Ramparts agents bring information about an opportunity to capture the poisoner Apothecary Jack, one of the members of the Citadel. Sol is ordered to integrate these newcomers into his group, then plan a daring raid upon Jack’s new laboratory. When things take an unexpected turn, Sol is faced with a terrible choice. Will he disobey orders, or will he forfeit the life of someone he holds dear? PLEASE NOTE: Like the novels published in Jane Austen’s time, this is a novel in multiple parts. Each volume has a completed story arc, but this is NOT a stand-alone novel and the story continues in volume 7.

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Book Beginnings

Laura, Lady Wynwood, had never before been afraid of entering the attic, but she found herself frozen in the doorway, unable to force her body to move forward.

Friday 56

Laura had agreed to be locked inside a room with a madman.

My thoughts so far

So much happening in this one! Wished I could stay awake to finish it.

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Review: Expired Hope

Expired Hope by Lisa Phillips
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

The firefighting team of Last Chance County are passionate about what they do, experience the danger of their job, and still struggle to find the balance between facing the risks and becoming a working family.

As a reader, I could feel the longing of all the characters to belong and be accepted, but also the fear of being rejected and hiding behind this wall of distance. The author handled the subject of counselling and emotional healing well, with the benefits and dangers clearly shown.

The action was never ending and created a fast-paced suspense.

It was fun catching up with the characters from book one, but you won’t be lost starting with this book since it can be read as a standalone.

Another great book by Sunrise Media. I am looking forward to continuing the series.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

She battled every fire she ever faced.
He’s risking everything for the chance to belong.

Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson watched her Army career explode in her face. All she ever wanted was to help people carry their burdens. Seeking a new future in Last Chance County doesn’t start so well when she’s the one being rescued from a client’s burning house. To make matters worse, now she’s stuck evaluating the truck and rescue squads for the fire department. When the chief overhears why she left her last job, she’s determined to prove to him and her boss that she’s still the right therapist to assess his crew.

No matter if success takes everything she’s got.

Fire Chief Macon James is the right man for the job. He doesn’t need a therapist interfering with the running of his crew or putting his position in jeopardy when a counselor is what tore his family apart. He’s got to get his firefighters to be a team, and he can do it without Natalie’s help. After an explosion destroys her car, it quickly becomes clear she might need him as much as everyone thinks he needs her. If these two stubborn hearts will surrender, they could have everything they want.

Or it could all go down in flames.

About the authors:

Megan Besing adores reading, writing, and reviewing stories with happily-ever-afters. She’s received many awards, including being a multi-category finalist in ACFW’s Genesis and a winner of MCRW’s Melody of Love contest. Her debut Perfect for the Preacher released February 2018 in Barbour’s Mail-Order Brides Novella Collection.

She lives in Indiana with her husband and their children, where she dreams of the beach and drinks way too many Vanilla Cokes. Connect with Megan at www.meganbesing.com.

A British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London, Lisa attended Calvary Chapel Bible College where

she met her husband. He's from California, but nobody's perfect. It wasn't until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she's taken the Apprentice and Journeyman writing courses with the Christian Writers Guild, and discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.
Lisa can be found in Idaho wearing either flip-flops or cowgirl boots, depending on the season. She leads worship with her husband at their local church. Together they have two children--a sparkly Little Princess and a Mini Daddy--and two bunny rabbits.

Review: Windswept Way

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon
My rating: 💛💛💛

This story was heartwarming and included a beautiful message about not judging by what we see, but to always remember there is more to a story or person. Especially in a world today where appearances are emphasized and where we forget what really matters is the heart.

I enjoyed my revisit in Hope Harbor and that my favourite scene played out on Blackberry Beach, which is still a favourite book in this series.

The author handled the mysteries around Rose well and revealed the story at the right moments.

The struggle Jon faced felt realistic and his fears made sense. Ashley was a great leading lady to love from the start and to love.

I also loved how different people at different times spoke to Jon, but basically delivered the same message.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

Buying a supposedly haunted house wasn't in Ashley Scott's plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap, she's ready to launch a new life. But she can't do it alone, and her reclusive new neighbor Jonathan Gray may be just the person to help--if only there were room in his life for romance.

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! Counter Attack

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 always enjoy Patricia Bradley's suspense. The first book in her new series releases May 16th:

About the book: Counter Attack

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

What are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Audiobook Narrators

  

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.

Though I have favourite authors, I do not keep track of my favourite audiobook narrators.  However, here is 10 of my favourite audiobooks, mainly thanks to the narrator:

1. Out of the Night - this whole series was brilliant on audio.

2. Na n plaas in Afrika

3. My Heart Remembers

4. To Steal a Heart

5. The Lady and the Lionheart

6. No Ocean too Wide

7. Then There Was You

8. The Tea Chest

9. Hawk

10. Lady Jane Disappears

Weekend Wrap-up: April 23rd

 

 

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

My days were quite busy so got behind with reviews, but slowly catching up.

Finished

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Currently reading

Next up:

What are you reading this week?

Blog Posts Recap:

Here is my past week's Blog Posts.

Top Ten Tuesday

Can't Wait Wednesday

Book Spotlight Fridays!

Saturday Series Discovery

Adding to the Bookshelf:

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? 

Downloaded two ARCs this week:

Review: The Letter Keeper

The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin
My rating: 💛💛💛

This second novel to the action-packed Water Keeper brough the same characters to love, the same crimes to fight but also gave the reader more back story to who Murphy Shephard is and how he got to the path he was on.

This book slowed down from book one, focusing more on the victims Murphy rescued in book one, their road to recovery and how it sometimes a bit difficult to truly break through from their captors.

The audiobook was greatly delivered. I think if I read the book, I might have found it a lot slower than listening to the audiobook.

*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*

Review: Book 1 - The Water Keeper 

View all my reviews

About the book:

Combining heart-wrenching emotion with edge-of-your-seat tension, Charles Martin explores the true power of sacrificial love.

He shows up when all hope is lost.

Murphy Shepherd has made a career of finding those no one else could—survivors of human trafficking. His life’s mission is helping others find freedom.

But then the nightmare strikes too close to home .

When his new wife, her daughter, and two other teenage girls are stolen, Murphy is left questioning all he has thought to be true. With more dead ends than leads, he has no idea how to find those he loves.

After everything is stripped away, love is what remains.

Hope feels lost, but Murphy is willing to expend his last breath trying to bring them home.

Review: Never Let Go

Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard
My rating: 💛💛💛

I loved getting to know Willow and Austin while following the clues and evidence to solve the cold kidnapping case which took them from Washington state to Wyoming.

Willow has an interesting job; however, I feel that there was not really a lot of focus on what she does and how she used it in this cold case.

The suspense plot was fast paced and edge of your seat with twists and turns and not knowing who to trust. There was one point however that I realized who was behind everything, so that slowed the suspense part down for me a bit.

I loved that Willow and Austin had a past which they needed to figure out. I love that this series is about brothers who lost contact and events are bringing them back together.

The setting of Wyoming and the ranch was well described, and I can’t wait to get to know the brothers better.

This story about healing and strengthening broken relationships was strong and I enjoyed my time with these characters.

View all my reviews

About the book:

As a forensic genealogist, Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from the hospital more than twenty years ago. The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up when someone makes an attempt on her life to keep her from discovering the truth.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers his help to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget. And even if it puts Willow's tender heart at risk.

In this fast-paced and emotional page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps the stakes high, the romantic tension sparking, and the outcome uncertain until the very end.

About the author:

With over one million books sold, Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestselling, award-winning author of over fifty romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES--a 2011 Carol Award winner. Four of her six Mountain Cove books have been contest finalists. Buried, Backfire and Deception are finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, and Submerged is a Carol Award finalist. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time.

Review: Desert Secrets

Desert Secrets by Lisa Harris
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was an enjoyable suspense, but not one of my favourite by this author. I could see the struggle to escape and how the desert would make this a lot more difficult.

The characters were well likeable and there were a few twists which were surprising.

*I read this book on Scribd.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

On the run across the Sahara, a young woman and an ex-soldier must rely on their wits, their faith, and each other in this inspiring romantic thriller.

When aid worker Lexi Shannon is abducted at gunpoint in Mali, she quickly learns her kidnappers are really after her brother—and the money he’s stolen. Landing at the secluded desert compound, ex-military pilot Colton Landry has a clear rescue his brother-in-law, who’s being held for ransom. But after discovering the kidnappers also have Lexi, there’s no way he’s leaving her behind.

About the author:

LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Vendetta, and Port of Origin, 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 fifty 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.

Review: Daughter of Rome

Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I have not read a lot of books about the first followers of Jesus, and really enjoyed this one. It highlighted the faith of the people, the struggles they endured with the decision to follow Christ and the impact they made.

This story also emphasized the grace and forgiveness we receive through Jesus, and I loved the scenes where the Christians understood and grasped it and extended it to others.

*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

A woman with a devastating secret. A man bent on proving his worth. A chance encounter that catapults them into the heart of history.

When the daughter of a prominent Roman general meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God's plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can they anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them. Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and a ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they're banished from their home by a capricious emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption.

With impeccable research and vivid detail, Daughter of Rome is both an emotive love story and an immersive journey through first-century Rome and Corinth, reminding readers once again why Debbie Macomber has said that "no one brings the Bible to life like Tessa Afshar."

About the author:

TESSA AFSHAR is a Christy and Christian Book Award winning author of historical and biblical fiction, and

non-fiction. Her books have been on the Publishers Weekly, ECPA, and other bestseller lists, and translated into eleven languages.
Her novel Daughter of Rome is a Carol Award Finalist. Land of Silence won an INSPY Award and was voted by Library Journal as one of the top five Christian fiction titles of 2016. Harvest of Gold won the prestigious Christy Award in the Historical Romance category, Harvest of Rubies was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Book Award in the fiction category, and Thief of Corinth was an INSPY Award finalist. Tessa’s Bible study, The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings, based on the book of Ruth, won ECPA’s Christian Book Award in the Bible Study category, 2021.
Tessa was born in the Middle East and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She then moved to England, where she survived boarding school for girls, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever.
Tessa holds a master of divinity from Yale University, where she served for one year as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She worked in women and prayer ministries for nearly twenty years before becoming a full-time writer. Tessa is a devoted wife, mediocre gardener, and chocolate enthusiast. Visit her online at Tessaafshar.com.

Book Spotlight Fridays! Windswept Way

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.

The Hope Harbor series has delivered a few enjoyable stories about second chances.

Windswept Way

About the book:

Buying a supposedly haunted house wasn't in Ashley Scott's plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap, she's ready to launch a new life. But she can't do it alone, and her reclusive new neighbor Jonathan Gray may be just the person to help--if only there were room in his life for romance.

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Book Beginnings

Maybe buying a hunted house wasn't her best idea.

Friday 56

Music continued to fill the night.

My thoughts so far

I only started this one, but hoping for an enjoyable weekend read.

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Review: The Tapestry of Grace: A Novel

The Tapestry of Grace: A Novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

At the start of this story, Martina was a difficult character to connect to and her attitude and objective made me concerned on where the story might lead. These concerns had me considering not continuing reading or skipping to the end. I did not and am glad that I trusted the author based on her prior works and continued reading.

All these characters were a little lost and broken but had so much to give and growth to experience. I loved every single journey and Martina with her loss, secrets and fear ended up being a favourite character.

I adored the children in this story. They provided for a few smiling moments.

Kim Vogel Sawyer delivered another emotional and deep story with characters to love and happy endings wished for every one of them.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:

When a group of Kansas women start a Frauenverein, a benevolent society devoted to aiding widows and orphans, life changes for more than just the hurting people they seek to help in this heartwarming romance inspired by historical events—from the bestselling author of Freedom’s Song .

With classes paused for the planting season, Alexandertol’s schoolteacher Augusta Dyck is glad for some meaningful work to occupy her time. She even knows exactly who their town’s benevolence society should help first: quiet, reserved widower Konrad Rempel and his young twin sons.

Konrad Rempel, however, is adamant that he doesn’t want help. His boys are mischievous but good-hearted. And though Konrad may be struggling, he doesn’t want anyone else sticking their nose in and telling him what his sons need. Or what he needs.

For her part, the charity’s founder Martina Krahn is relieved to have a reason to spend time outside her unhappy home. It even occurs to her that she may, through her work, encounter a boy in need of a family and so find a son for her husband since they have no children of their own.

Augusta, Konrad, and Martina each have deep needs and desires, and each imagines how they should be met: by reaching out or by being left alone. But God, indeed, knows best. Will the competing agendas of Alexandertol’s residents prevent them from receiving God’s help? Or will the members of this small Mennonite community find the answers to their prayers in the very last place they expect—in one another?

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

Can't Wait Wednesday! In Feast or Famine

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.

Mesu Andrews is currently my favourite Biblical author, and I am so excited to read this new releasing, coming May 9th.

About the book: In Feast or Famine

Thrust into an arranged marriage, the daughter of ancient Egypt's high priest plays a pivotal role in Joseph's biblical narrative in this powerful novel from the award-winning author of Potiphar's Wife.

After four-year-old Asenath's mother is murdered by Egypt's foreign rulers, the child is raised to be a priestess by her overprotective father--high priest of Egypt's sun god. For fifteen years, Asenath is sequestered in the upper levels of Ra's temple, convinced it is her destiny to heal the land by becoming queen to the next Egyptian pharaoh. But when Egypt's foreign king instead gives her as a bride to the newly appointed vizier--a Hebrew named Joseph--her entire world is shaken.

Beyond the walls of her tower, Asenath discovers treachery, deceit, and conspiracy that force her to redefine her destiny and weigh where her true loyalties lie. Can she still trust the gods of Egypt? Or is Elohim, the foreign God of her husband, the one who will heal her nation during the feast and famine to come?

What are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Non-book Freebie

  

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.

Here is the Top Ten Series I am currently watching and enjoying:

Some seasons we get a few months after it aired overseas, others we get as it airs.

1.  Heartland

2. Fire Country

3. Sweet Magnolias

4. The Good Doctor

5. Survivor

6. CSI Vegas

7. The Rookie

8. Manifest

9. NCIS

10. A Million Little Things