Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Can't Wait Wednesday! 8 down

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 enjoyed the first book and looking forward to the 2nd book in the series coming Feb 2024.

About the book: 8 down








How do you catch a serial killer who attacks through cyberspace?
Investigator Carrie Kintz has been on the job with the Alaska Bureau of Investigation in Anchorage for only a couple of months. But she's already been thrown into the deep there's a serial killer on the loose. Not only is he claiming he's already killed eight people, he's also vowed that eight more lives will be eliminated if demands aren't met. The only clues to help law enforcement stop him are the ones he sends in crossword puzzles across the country--always in the same 8 Down position.
As Carrie works the case, she can't help but feel she's in over her head. And worse, there's signs that the deaths may be part of a frighteningly elaborate cyberattack. But without knowing how the victims are connected, tracking down a killer determined to prove he's smarter than everyone else may be impossible.
With the clock ticking and lives hanging in the balance, Carrie is desperate not to fail and be fired--or worse, to find her faith fading in the face of danger and uncertainty. But when she calls in security specialist Scott Patteson for his expertise on the case, she's suddenly also in danger of losing her heart.
Best-selling author Kimberley Woodhouse's thrilling romantic suspense series continues with this melding of cybercrime and true crime, perfect for fans of Irene Hannon, Lynnette Eason, and Colleen Coble.

What are you waiting on this week?

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Top Ten Tuesday: New-to-Me Authors I Discovered in 2023

 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 have read more than 20 books again from new-to-me authors. The following ten is authors I have either put on my backlist to read, or newly published authors I want to keep an eye out for any new books:

1. Steffani Webb

Her debut was a five star for me.



2. Amanda Barratt

Her WW2 story was so good!




3. Jennifer Rodewald

I found her story a strong contemporary.




4. Lisa Phillips

I enjoyed this author's writing. She has published a long backlist for me to tackle!




5. Megan Besing

Her debut was a strong romantic suspense which show casted a promising writing career.




6. Emilie Haney

I enjoyed this nail-biting debut.




7. Jennifer Deibel

I enjoyed this Cinderella take set in historical Ireland.




8. Hannah Linder

I enjoyed this Gothic style regency.


9. Angela Ruth Strong

I really enjoyed this rom com




10. Julianne Donaldson

Her regency stories were beautifully written and I loved the characters.




Monday, January 29, 2024

Review: What I Promise You

What I Promise You What I Promise You by Liz Tolsma
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

They say every building has a story, an unwritten history contained within its structure.

What I promise you was a powerful poignant story set in three different timeless which focused on the WW2 horrors in France and the heartbreaking results years later.

The writing was expressive, captivating and the characters easy to connect to and sympathize with.

There were so many ways the story could lead to and trying to see what happened held me captivated right till the end. There were some clues I put together before it was revealed.

If you enjoy strong WW2 stories, add this one to your TBR.

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

Review book 1: What I Would Tell You 

View all my reviews

About the book:


A Family’s History Is Lost to the Ravages of WWII in Southwest France   1942 Noémie Treves, a young, pregnant Jewish woman, had her entire world shattered when she is arrested and taken to the Camp de Rivesaltes transit camp in Southwest France. No sooner does she arrive, though, than she assists in helping two young girls scheduled for transport escape to a nearby maternity hospital. The matron there befriends her and changes her name to help hide her. But nothing goes according to plan, and Hannah finds herself doing the unimaginable to save one precious life.   2022 Caitlyn Laurant is haunted by recent events in her life and hopes becoming a nurse on the mission field will help her forget. While in training, she and her friends travel to France where her grandfather was born. What should have been an easy search for his birthplace turns into anything but and reveals secrets that no one alive has ever heard. Don't miss the Echoes of the Past Series Book 1 - What I Would Tell You

About the author:


Liz Tolsma has lived in Wisconsin most of her life, and she now resides next to a farm field with her

husband, their son, and their two daughters. All of their children have been adopted internationally and one has special needs. Her novella, Under His Wings, appeared in the New York Times bestselling collection, A Log Cabin Christmas. Her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips, released in August of 2013. Daisies Are Forever released in May 2014. When not busy putting words to paper, she enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping with her family. Please visit her blog at 
www.liztolsma.blogspot.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter (@LizTolsma). She is also a regular contributor to the Barn Door blog.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Weekend Wrap-Up: January 28th

 

 

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

This week we had some sun and warmer temperatures! We went exploring this weekend to two and yesterday enjoyed a nice walk in a nature park.  Also a great week of reading.


Finished






(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Currently reading





Next up:





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? 

Two ARCs this week:




Bought:


Freebie:



Review: Target

Target Target by Lisa Phillips
My rating: 💛💛💛

For a novella, this story was action packed!

The story is told from three different POV, but I did not feel lost at all.

I enjoyed the partnership between Liam and Caisey. Liam had quite an intense protection attitude towards Andrea, who he knew from his neighborhood, but the kidnapping was the event which pulled them closer together.

The novella did end in a cliffhanger – so I did buy the next book and hope to read it soon!


View all my reviews

About the book:


Special Agent Liam Conners is the only witness to his neighbor’s abduction: the Chloroform Killer has struck again.
But when his neighbor, Andrea James, returns from a business trip, they realize the killer’s mistake—her sister has been abducted in her place.
Now the killer is coming for Andrea, and Liam and his partner are the only ones standing in the way. Can they catch the killer and protect the target?

About the Author:


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.
 

Friday, January 26, 2024

Review: A Stranger's Game

A Stranger's Game A Stranger's Game by Colleen Coble
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

A stranger’s game ended up being a bit different to what I expected, but I still enjoyed it.

There were a few things I didn’t like or were too obvious, but the mystery and action kept me well engaged and wanting to see what happened. I did expect the culprit before the revelation, but still enjoyed seeing how it all ended.

What I loved about this book was Joe and Hailey. Their father-daughter relationship is so sweet, and I loved how they recited scripture to each other.

Not my favourite by this author, but still an action-packed romantic suspense.


View all my reviews

About the book:


A gripping new stand-alone novel from USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble.

A wealthy hotel heiress.

Torie Bergstrom hasn’t been back to Georgia since she was ten, but she’s happy to arrange a job for her best friend at one of the family properties on Jekyll Island.

A suspicious death.

When Torie learns that her best friend has drowned, she knows this is more than a tragic accident: Lisbeth was terrified of water and wouldn’t have gone swimming by choice.

A fight for the truth.

Torie goes to the hotel under an alias, trying to find answers. When she meets Joe Abbott and his daughter rescuing baby turtles, she finds a tentative ally.

But the more they dig, the more ties they find to Torie’s mother’s death twenty years before. Someone will risk anything—even more murder—to hide the truth.

About the Author:  


USAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana. She is the author of

dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, 
Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 2 million books in print. 

Review: Behind Love's Wall

Behind Love's Wall Behind Love's Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Behind Loves Wall was an intriguing dual-time mystery which linked the two periods together effortlessly.

The author tackled the difficult subject of mental illness – in the past it was an unspoken and unacknowledged illness, and sometimes still not correctly handled – in a respectful but factual way.

The mystery of the past was enjoyable to discover as the present meets past.

The characters in both time periods were easy to connect with. I can’t really say that one period stood out more since I loved and enjoyed my time spent in both.

Mackinac Island sounds like a beautiful destination and from online images I wouldn’t mind spending some physical time there as well.

Though this is part of a series, each book can be read as a stand alone.

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


View all my reviews

About the book:


The Grand Hotel Slowly Reveals Her Secrets

Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.

Two successful women, a hundred-and-twenty-years apart, build walls to protect their hearts. Modern-day Willa, a successful interior decorator, is chosen to consult for the Grand Hotel’s possible redesign. She discovers a journal detailing the struggles of a young woman, Lily—which reveals dark secrets. The renowned singer wasn’t who she pretended to be. As Willa reaches out to Lily’s descendant, a charismatic and prominent landscape artist, she lets down her guard. Should she share the journal with him, or once again erect a wall as she struggles to redesign both the Grand and her life? 

About the author:



Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-award-winning, bestselling, multi-published author of Christian fiction. She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, but hails from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan--where she loves to visit often.


You can follow Carrie on BookBub at bit.ly/35wBSk3

Review: 26 Below

26 Below 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I have enjoyed Kimberley Woodhouse’s historical fiction. This was the first suspense I read by her, and it amazes me how the author can seamlessly produce engaging stories in different genres.

There was action, murder, danger, and chaos in this cyber-attack thriller.

What I loved in the author’s historical novels was how faith was a big part of the characters – it was part of who they were and they easily brought up their faith and trust in God. It was no different in this story. I enjoyed seeing how Jason realized he was not leaving his faith openly among the people he knew and how he stepped up to just do that and how it impacted those around him.

There was and cliffhanger moment in the epilogue, so it seems best to read this book before the second book is released soon.

If you enjoy action packed thrillers, you should add this one to your TBR.

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

View all my reviews

About the book:


In her new role as Emergency Operations Center director for Fairbanks, Alaska, Darcie Phillips prevents disasters. But none of her training can prepare her for the terror that's coming.

As a cybersecurity specialist, Jason Myers is determined to ferret out any threats to the town he now calls home--and that includes his reckless brother and his ecoterrorist friends.

When an old woman's wild prediction--widespread destruction as soon as the Fairbanks temperature falls to 26 below--hits national headlines, neither Darcie nor Jason sees a real risk to anything but tourism.

Then the bodies start dropping.

Darcie is relying on her experience and intelligence to stop a killer; Jason is relying on God to guide the way. They'll have to work together to find the truth and prevent their Alaskan town from becoming a city of nightmares. The first in a thrilling new suspense series from best-selling author Kimberley Woodhouse, 26 Below will delight fans of Lynnette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Lynn Blackburn.

About the author:


Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than twenty-five books who loves the JOY of story.

A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate. She's spoken to more than 2 million people at more than 2,500 venues and has taught the craft of writing around the country. Married to the love of her life for thirty plus years, she makes her home in the Poconos. You can connect with Kimberley at: 
www.kimberleywoodhouse.com www.facebook.com/KimberleyWoodhouseAu...
www.instagram.com/kimberleywoodhouse
www.twitter.com/kimwoodhouse

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Book Spotlight Friday! What I Promised You


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 My Head is Full of Books 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 have discovered Liz Tolsma a few years ago and since then enjoyed her detailed historical fiction with characters who leaves an impact.


What I Promise You







About the book:


A Family’s History Is Lost to the Ravages of WWII in Southwest France   1942 Noémie Treves, a young, pregnant Jewish woman, had her entire world shattered when she is arrested and taken to the Camp de Rivesaltes transit camp in Southwest France. No sooner does she arrive, though, than she assists in helping two young girls scheduled for transport escape to a nearby maternity hospital. The matron there befriends her and changes her name to help hide her. But nothing goes according to plan, and Hannah finds herself doing the unimaginable to save one precious life.   2022 Caitlyn Laurant is haunted by recent events in her life and hopes becoming a nurse on the mission field will help her forget. While in training, she and her friends travel to France where her grandfather was born. What should have been an easy search for his birthplace turns into anything but and reveals secrets that no one alive has ever heard. Don't miss the Echoes of the Past Series Book 1 - What I Would Tell You



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

Book Beginnings

They say every building has a story, an unwritten history contained within its structure.

Friday 56

Helene stated at the three men. "I knew it wouldn't be good news."

My thoughts so far

This story is good. Recommended to fans of WW2.  Sleep is the only thing keeping me from reading this faster.


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

Review: Falling for the Cowgirl

Falling for the Cowgirl Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I loved Ivy since the first-time readers were introduced to her spirity personality.

Trying to reach her dreams in a world where women had little right and were looked down on, she did not let challenges set her back. She was a take charge kind of women. Though her feistiness and eagerness did get her in trouble a time or two.

Jericho was a born hero with a longing to protect. Facing his struggles and concerns to find the right path for him was intriguing to watch as his character developed.

A “forbidden” love which includes strong chemistry, steamy kisses and heartbreak, it was difficult for this reader to enjoy their scenes together and feel the pain of a loss of future together.

Looking forward to the last book about rebellious Dillon.

*I listened to the audiobook on Everand.*


View all my reviews

About the book:


As the only girl in her family, and with four older brothers, Ivy McQuaid can rope and ride with the roughest of ranchers. She's ready to have what she's always longed for--a home of her own. She's set her heart on a parcel of land south of Fairplay and is saving for it with her winnings from the cowhand competitions she sneaks into.

After two years away, Jericho Bliss is back in South Park as an undercover Pinkerton agent searching for a war criminal. He has no intention of involving a woman in the dangerous life he leads, but one look at Ivy is all it takes for him to question the path he's set out for himself.

Even though Jericho tries to resist his longtime attraction to the beautiful and vivacious Ivy, he finds himself falling hard and fast for her. In the process, his worst fear comes true--he puts her smack dab in the middle of danger. With Ivy's life in the balance, will Jericho give her up once again, or will he find a way back to her, this time forever?

About the author:



Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.


Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Review: Waves of Mercy

Waves of Mercy Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Waves of Mercy was a story where past and present weaved together to create a beautiful journey of Geesje’s life.

Just moving to the Netherlands, I could understand why Geesje missed it. Everything she remembered about it is what we find magical about the Netherlands.

Through Geesje’s life, we find loss, love, broken hearts, and difficult decisions. But most of all, we find a strong thread of faith.

I had a suspicion of how Anna was connected to everyone and was happy to see I was right.

I enjoyed seeing how the characters grew and realized they had to give up what they thought was the plan for the live, to step into God’s plan and a life of abundance.

*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*


View all my reviews


About the book:


Austin Returns with a Multi-Generational Historical Novel
Geesje de Jonge crossed the ocean at age seventeen with her parents and a small group of immigrants from the Netherlands to settle in the Michigan wilderness. Fifty years later, in 1897, she's asked to write a memoir of her early experiences as the town celebrates its anniversary. Reluctant at first, she soon uncovers memories and emotions hidden all these years, including the story of her one true love.
At the nearby Hotel Ottawa Resort on the shore of Lake Michigan, twenty-three-year-old Anna Nicholson is trying to ease the pain of a broken engagement to a wealthy Chicago banker. But her time of introspection is disturbed after a violent storm aboard a steamship stirs up memories of a childhood nightmare. As more memories and dreams surface, Anna begins to question who she is and whether she wants to return to her wealthy life in Chicago. When she befriends a young seminary student who is working at the hotel for the summer, she finds herself asking him all the questions that have been troubling her.
Neither Geesje nor Anna, who are different in every possible way, can foresee the life-altering surprises awaiting them before the summer ends.


About the author:




For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.


It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.

Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.

Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Can't Wait Wednesday! Riot

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 am loving this series by various debut authors. The next book will be released in March 2024.

About the book: Riot






Navy SEAL K-9 handler Beau “Danger” Maddox is at the top of his game—until an op goes south, leaving him physically and mentally scarred. Separated from the Navy, he’s determined to requalify as operational and get back in the action so he can take down the deadly South American cartel that killed his team. The last thing he needs is a distraction in the form of a beautiful new neighbor and her dog…Trafficking survivor Paisley Reyna became a trauma counselor to help others after a harrowing captivity at the hands of the notorious Guerrero Cartel. When she unexpectedly inherits her cousin’s home and retired military working dog, Riot, she seizes the chance to eke out a quiet life in a small town in Texas. However, the Dutch shepherd upends her plans, destroys her belongings, and repeatedly escapes next door to the intense former SEAL, who poses a threat to her peace—and maybe even her heart. When the local sheriff asks for Danger’s expertise and Paisley’s dog to intercept a trafficking deal, they’re quickly caught up in a battle against the very cartel that marked both their souls. Along with a paramilitary team, they plunge deeper and deeper into the Venezuelan jungle—all too aware that making it out alive a second time will take nothing short of a miracle.

What are you waiting on this week?

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Review: The Way You Love Me: A Deep Haven Novel

The Way You Love Me: A Deep Haven Novel The Way You Love Me: A Deep Haven Novel by Michelle Sass Aleckson
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

It was quite some time when I read a book which brought me to tears. This story did just that.

This was a story about overcoming your past mistakes, making amends with those you wronged as well as discovering who you are and where you belong, irrespective of your parentage.

After 12 years Oliver returns to Deep Haven with his adorable five-year-old and readers get to enjoy a few laughable moments in his quest to mend bridges and win over Lena.

This was a sweet heartwarming story with forgiveness as the main theme.

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

Review book 2: It's Your Love


View all my reviews

About the book:


Oliver Fox never thought he’d step foot in Deep Haven again—not with the ghosts he left behind. But when the custody battle for his beloved daughter hinges on his ability to face his past, he returns to Deep Haven and dives back into the fray of his mistakes…starting with the girl next door.

Veterinarian Lena Larson has her hands full with the town’s pets, including a shelter for lost animals. The last thing she needs is the arrival of the man who once shattered her heart. But back he is, and with an adorable daughter…and the need to start over. She has no intention of letting him back into her life. But when her shelter is destroyed, Lena finds herself with a garage full of homeless animals—and an unlikely ally in Oliver. Together, they embark on a mission to find homes for the abandoned animals, and help Oliver make peace with his past.

But it’s not easy to come home. Not everyone believes Oliver has changed, and their doubt could keep him from retaining custody of his daughter. More, Lena has ghosts of her own, and they’ve returned to haunt her. If she isn’t careful, they might even have the power to destroy the surprising happy ending she never saw coming.

Discover this captivating story of healing, forgiveness, and the transformative power of second chances.

Fox Family
How Sweet It Is
It’s Your Love
The Way You Love Me

Deep Haven Collection
Only You
Still The One
Can’t Buy Me Love
Crazy for You
Then Came You
Hangin’ by a Moment
Right Here Waiting
Once Upon a Winter Wonderland

About the author:




After growing up on both the east and west coasts, Michelle now loves living the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and four children. She rocks out to 80's music on a Saturday night, enjoys playing board games, and is a hopeless romantic. And if you're wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name.


She writes contemporary romance with a dash of sass and suspense. Connect with her on her website: michellealeckson.com

Monthly Recap: October 2024

    I first saw this monthly reflections idea on:  Christian bookshelf reviews A lot of reading done, though I still planned a few more book...