Review: Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail--addressed in her sister's handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he's coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and two-time Christy Award finalist Irene Hannon warms readers' hearts as they root for a romance between Lance and Christy, but she pulls out all the stops as this high-stakes thriller chills to the bone in a race to the finish.

My Review

A suspenseful plot, a creepy villain, a vulnerable victim, and themes of sacrifice and family make this a compelling book. The villain was creepier than I expected, and the scenes from that point of view kept the  pace moving forward. At first Christy is looking for answers, but Lance soon realizes she is in a desperate situation. Her anxiety is palpable as she waits for the next clue or discovery, and I was biting my nails in trepidation. There is also a subplot with Lance's brother serving in special forces overseas, and Lance's devotion to his family is admirable. The romance between Lance and Christy followed the same formula as the previous book in the series- they verbally acknowledge the attraction to each other and make a plan to pursue a relationship after the case is closed. It kind of kills the anticipation and romantic tension. They still shared some special moments and I especially enjoyed the ending scene which is heart-warming.

(Thank you to Revell Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: Love's Violet Sunrise by Naomi Rawlings

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

With her brother facing trial for a murder he didn't commit, German immigrant Mabel Krause needs a lawyer who can help prove her brother's innocence. The only trouble is--she can't afford one.

Hiram Cummings needs money to return to law school, and the fastest way to earn it is by working as a legal clerk for the powerful and rich Rhett Vandergriff. When a desperate immigrant comes to him for help, he finds himself on a mission to prove a man's innocence, risking his job in the process.

But all is not as it appears, and Hiram soon learns that not only is his job at risk, but he's also in danger of losing his heart--if he and Mabel don't lose their lives first.

Love's Violet Sunrise is a prequel to the bestselling Eagle Harbor Series, as well as part of the American State Flower Collection.

My Review

Naomi Rawlings has a gift for writing strong characters who are confronted by seemingly impossible circumstances yet manage to persevere by seeking God's will and following it. I admired Mabel's tenacity in not giving up when rejected over and over. Her determination compels Hiram to recognize that his integrity took precedence over his job and dreams for the future and he could not allow her to fend for herself. The story is suspenseful as powerful men pursue them while they are trying to solve the crime in order to free Mabel's brother. They bond during the time they spend working together and the romance that blossoms is quick but sweet. This is a wonderful beginning to a series I enjoyed reading and it made me want to go read all the books again :)

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review & Giveaway: Deliverance (The Moses Chronicles) by H.B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Experience the life of Moses as never before, following his journey from fugitive of Egypt to prophet of God. In this exhilarating follow-up to H.B. Moore’s biblical drama The Moses Chronicles: Bondage, the account of Moses’s flight from Egypt continues. Moses’s life as he knew it is over. He has chosen to stand for his beliefs at the cost of being cast out of his royal home and family. He is free of the wickedness of Egypt, but peace is not to be found, for Moses is as much an aimless wanderer as those in the nomadic tribe he encounters in the wilderness.

Exhausted by long weeks of travel, he nevertheless jumps to action when he observes a group of young women accosted by a band of Badrayan men at a communal well. These lovely daughters of Jethro are grateful for his help, and their Midianite tribe welcomes Moses with open arms. As he learns the ways of the Midianites, his kinship with Jethro grows—as does his admiration of one of Jethro’s daughters, Zipporah. But when Moses suddenly receives a burning call to free the very people he has long oppressed, will he have the courage to return to the land from which he has been exiled?

My Review

Once again, totally epic, amazing, compelling. I've never thought much about Moses' life between when when he was raised in Egypt to when he returns to set the Israelites free. I appreciated that this novel is based as much as possible on Biblical accuracy, the history and culture of the period, yet brings the story to life in such a vivid way that made me completely immersed in the world as I read. The story picks up where the first book left off, Moses wandering in the wilderness in search of a new life. His experiences with desert tribes are incredibly different from his upbringing in the royal Egyptian court, but he adapts and thrives, becoming a blessing to those he comes across. The feelings and emotions of Moses are explored as he reconciles his newfound knowledge that he is truly a Hebrew and learns from Jethro about worshiping the one true God and the importance of family. The story is told just as much from the perspective of Zipporah, and I loved the sweetness of their romance. She is strong, compassionate, and devoted to her family. Her life is full of hard work, but the love of her family relationships and faith in God bring her peace. The skirmishes and battles with an aggressive neighboring tribe bring tension and action to the plot, and Moses proves invaluable with his skills learned in Egypt. The book wraps up with the events leading to Moses' return to Egypt, and it was incredible to read about them from the perspective of a character I feel like I connected with, who was also a real person. It makes me want to study the scriptural account of Moses, his life and communications with God. Highly recommend!

(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Don't miss the first book in The Moses Chronicles series! Read my 5 star review here!

 

March 7th
Rockin' Book Reviews
Joy in the Moments
Literary Time Out

March 8th
Heidi Reads...
I am a Reader
EmpowerMoms

March 9th
My Book a Day
Mel's Shelves

March 10th
LDS and Lovin' It
Seeking With All Yur Heart
Min Reads and Reviews
LDS Womens Book Review

March 11th
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Getting Your Read On
LDS Writer Mom

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Book Tour & Giveaway: Courting Cassandry by Joyce DiPastena

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Courting Cassandry

By Joyce DiPastena

We hope you enjoyed going back to Medieval times, finding tokens of courtship from Gerolt to Cassandry, and their story at their chance for a rare second chance at love! If you have been gathering tokens for the giveaway, here is the eighth one (previously not posted):

If you missed any of the stops or tokens, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Author Q&A

What is your motivation behind Courting Cassandry? Why did you want to write it?

Courting Cassandry is the second book in my Hearts in Autumn Romance series. The couples in this series are older than couples in most romances, in their 40s and 50s. Now that I’m, oh, somewhere around those ages myself, I thought it would be interesting to explore how romances might develop between more mature couples, all based on the premise: “You’re never too old to fall in love!” Because really, don’t we all want to be loved regardless of our age?

The Written Adventure - What is a Hearts in Autumn Romance?

These are characters who have already lived rich lives, who have experienced depths of heartache and joy that my younger characters only stand on the threshold of. That gives my autumn couples layers of complexity that I can’t quite reach with younger characters. And I am finding that aspect exceptionally enjoyable!

Lampshade Reader - Interview

6. If you were presented with the opportunity to travel through time, which period would you choose and why?

My fascination with the Middle Ages began with King Henry II of England, who has played an offstage role in several of my books, so I suppose I would like to go back to the days when he was king and see what he was truly like. Not what his modern critics or supporters say he was like, but what he was really like.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Fire churned in her stomach. How dare you make me feel again? After you failed me so abysmally. You abandon me, then sweep back into my life as though you were never gone. But I will always be a child to you, your sparrow, when at this moment I want nothing more than to wipe away the taste of Sir Samson with your kiss on my lips.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"The characters and story are well written. This is a clean romance that pulled me in from the beginning. I love reading Joyce's books and this book lived up to my expectations!"

deal sharing aunt - Excerpt

At the risk of another rebuff, Gerolt took her hand again, allowing some of the purple blossoms to scatter at their feet. How could she not feel his longing for her in his touch? His thumb swept lightly over her knuckles. “I cannot let you simply disappear again.”

I Am A Reader - Medieval Tokens

One event at which a lady might quite openly give a token to a man with few repercussions was at a tournament. These tokens were usually called “favors” and when worn by the knight, indicated that all his successes on the tournament field would be won on behalf of the lady whose token he wore.

Letters from Annie Douglass Lima - Medieval Rules of Inheritance

Sometimes well-meaning readers question the lines of inheritance in my medieval romances. More familiar with the popular and wide spread Regency romance, they assume that the strict rules of inheritance that basically disowned the rights of daughters during the Regency or even Victorian eras have always stood in England. This was not the case.

EskieMama Reads - Excerpt

“I hate seeing you in such distress.” The vehemence that shook his lowered voice made her turn her head to gaze at him. “As much as we love them, children can sometimes be the very devil. If you would like me to shake Egelina for you, I should be happy to oblige.”

Getting Your Read On - Review

"I loved the stories within stories. Each character in this book has a story to tell. They all weave together but shape each character separately. It was a gentle and slow unfolding and I feel like I became more personally acquainted with each character page by page."

underneath the covers - Medieval Entertainments, Part 1 – Dancing

The curious thing about medieval dancing is that no one knows how medieval couples actually danced. Written descriptions of dancing in Europe didn’t appear until the mid-1400s, during the Renaissance. Nevertheless, we know people did dance during the Middle Ages because there are references to dancing in medieval poetry, as well as glimpses of dancing in medieval paintings and illuminated manuscripts.

Singing Librarian Books - Review & Interview

"Readers will be captivated by the charming and beautiful love story, as well as the wonderfully developed characters. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy medieval romance novels."

5. What inspired the idea for your Courting Cassandry or Hearts in Autumn Series?

A couple of years ago, a writers group I was in challenged us each to try to write an autumn-themed story. While I was trying to come up with an autumn theme, the thought came to me, “What if I wrote a story about falling in love during the characters’ ‘autumn years?’” So I wrote a romance about an older couple and enjoyed it so much, I decided to turn it into a series called “Hearts in Autumn.” Courting Cassandry is the second title in the series. (The first was Loving Lucianna.)

Zerina Blossom's Books - Medieval Entertainment, Part II - Chess

Chess was a hugely popular game among the nobility of Europe during the Middle Ages. The game is believed to have originated in India in the 6th century and made its way to Europe somewhere around the year 1000. The rules were somewhat different than the modern game and the names of some of the pieces changed, translated into more familiar European concepts.

Courting Cassandry

(Hearts in Autumn #2)

by Joyce DePastena

Adult Historical Romance

ebook, 348 pages

February 17th 2016

Is it too late for second chances when the girl you loved in your youth comes back into your life?

Gerolt de Warenne became guardian to a child-heiress named Cassandry when he was only nineteen-years old. As he watched her grow into a lovely young woman, he found himself falling in love with her, but Cassandry viewed him as an older brother. So, burying his feelings, he gave permission for her to marry another.

Twenty-four years later Gerolt and Cassandry meet again. With the loss of their respective spouses, Gerolt hopes to finally court Cassandry, but she desires to remain a widow. Instead, they agree to a betrothal of their children.

Matters become complicated as their friendship begins to evolve into the romance Gerolt has always wanted. But by the law of the medieval Church, Cassandry and Gerolt can’t marry if their children do. Can they find a way to be together? Or must they sacrifice their future for the love of their children?

"Courting Cassandry" is a “Hearts in Autumn” romance, medieval romances revolving around heroes and heroines “in the autumn of their years.” Because love isn’t only for the young!

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The First Book in the Series

Loving Lucianna

(Hearts in Autumn #1)

by Joyce DePastena

Adult Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 220 pages

October 11th 2014

Sir Balduin de Soler gave up long ago on love. He never had the means to support a wife until an unexpected advancement in his fifties allows him to reassess his future just as the lovely Lucianna enters his life. 

Lucianna Fabio harbors a secret, painful memory from her past that has kept her unwed, as well. Now in her forties, she thought herself too old to marry until she meets Sir Balduin. Now suddenly their lonely autumn lives feel very much like spring again . . . until Lucianna’s brother appears without warning and threatens to revive the secret that will destroy Lucianna’s second chance at love. 

"Loving Lucianna" is the first in Joyce DiPastena’s new "Hearts in Autumn" romance series, medieval romances revolving around heroes and heroines “in the autumn of their years.” Because you’re never too old to fall in love!

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Joyce DiPastena dreamed of green medieval forests while growing up in the dusty copper mining town of Kearny, Arizona. She filled her medieval hunger by reading the books of Thomas B. Costain (where she fell in love with King Henry II of England), and later by attending the University of Arizona where she graduated with a degree in history, specializing in the Middle Ages. The university was also where she completed her first full-length novel…set, of course, in medieval England. Later, her fascination with Henry II led her to expand her research horizons to the far reaches of his “Angevin Empire” in France, which became the setting of her first published novel, Loyalty’s Web (a 2007 Whitney Award Finalist).

When she’s not writing, Joyce loves to read, play the piano, and spend time with her sister and friends. A highlight of her year is attending the annual Arizona Renaissance Festival .

Joyce is a multi-published, multi-award winning author who specializes in sweet medieval romances heavily spiced with mystery and adventure. She lives with her two cats, Clio and Glinka Rimsky-Korsokov, in Mesa, Arizona.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter

Tour Giveaway

$20 See's Candies Gift Certificate (if US) or $20 PayPal Cash (if international)

Copies of Loving Lucianna and Courting Cassandry (signed print if US, ebook if international)

Ends March 12th

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Review & Giveaway: Charity's Cross by MaryLu Tyndall

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Suspected of killing her husband, Charity Westcott flees on the first ship out of Portsmouth, England heading for the colonies. Loathing all men after her abusive marriage, she hopes to reunite with her family in Charles Towne, but the ship ends up in Nassau. When she spots her husband’s brother, who is intent on seeing her hang, boarding her ship, she jumps overboard.

Elias Dutton, preacher and son of the famous pirate, Rowan Dutton, must get to Barbados as soon as possible. His sister is in danger, and his parents have charged him with her safety. He cannot let them down—again.  But after rescuing a madcap woman from the bay, he now finds himself tricked into masquerading as her husband so they both can procure passage to Barbados.

Pirates, storms, shipwreck and betrayal threaten to delay the couple in their journey even as sparks fly between them. With her brother-in-law in fast pursuit, the last thing Charity wants is help from a man, especially a religious one, but she has no choice. After Elias’ heart was broken by a sordid woman who nearly ruined his life, he seeks a godly woman pure as the virgin sands of the Caribbean. He believes he has found such a woman in Charity. Until he discovers she is a murderer and is now faced with two choices: letting her go or turning her into the authorities.
 
My Review

Non-stop action. Epic setting. Dynamic characters. This book reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean, but with a spiritual thread and a damaged main character. The abuse Charity endured at the hands of her husband completely demolishes her faith and trust in men. Elias demonstrates over and over his kindness and goodness, and it was frustrating how blind she was to his character. I loved that his protectiveness took priority over everything, including his attraction to her. She has a strength and tenacity, even in her desperation, that draws him to her despite her repeated rejection. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure of this book... even with Charity's overuse of the exclamation "Vapors!" ;)
 

(Thank you to Celebrate Lit Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

About the Author

Award-winning author MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. With more than seventeen books published, she makes no excuses for the spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee and Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award winner, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, two grandchildren and several stray cats on the California coast.

Review: Home for Christmas: Historical Christian Romance Collection by Janet Dean, Ruth Logan Herne, Pam Hillman, Julie Lessman

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

There is nothing better than romance unless it's faith-filled romance plus Christmas! Join these multi-published, award-winning and best-selling historical authors as they take you on a joy-filled, old-fashioned sleigh ride full of sweet, happily-ever-after romances, the tried-and-true kind that honor God, love, romance and timeless Christmas spirit!

My Review

A Daddy for Christmas by Janet Dean
Rafe learns through the grapevine that the girlfriend he left behind in his hometown had a baby and never told him. He leaves his job working on Mount Rushmore to go home and do his duty so his child won't be fatherless. I admired his resolve to make a family for his child, even though it meant facing unhappy memories from his own childhood and a disapproving father. Tess has been taking care of her niece Josie for three years since her sister died in childbirth and holds Rafe in contempt for leaving her sister. She was a pretty tough nut to crack as she completely resists the efforts of Rafe to get to know his daughter. On top of all that, she and her father are close to losing their store to Rafe's father, leaving them without a way to care for Josie. All the adults become humbled as they put a little girl's welfare above all else during Christmas.

Second Chance Christmas by Ruth Logan Herne
Nellie is on the run from the law, unjustly accused of theft. She arrives in Second Chance, South Dakota to work for the local seamstress, but immediately has a run-in with the sheriff-blacksmith who disdains her impractical fancy city dress. I enjoyed reading as they learn to see beyond first impressions and prejudices.

All Aboard: Destination Christmas by Pam Hillman
My favorite of the collection! This is one I plan to read again.The best kissing scene and an exciting and  compelling plot of survival when the train gets trapped on the tracks by accumulated snow. Great ending for a couple who thought their futures were headed in opposite directions.

The Best Gift of All by Julie Lessman
Julie Lessman's novella would be most appreciated by those who have read her books and already know the family of characters and their dynamics. It was a story of a married couple from one of her previous books and the miscommunications they experience during the holiday season, with moments of humor woven in.

(Thank you to Seekerville for a copy of the book as a gift; this is my honest review)

Review: A Gentleman's Kiss Romance Collection: 9 Modern Romances with an Old-Fashioned Quality by Ginny Aiken, Kristin Billerbeck, Lynn A. Coleman, Peggy Darty, Nancy J. Farrier, Rebecca Germany, Bev Huston, Yvonne Lehman , Gail Sattler, Pamela Kaye Tracy

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Are you ready for some good old-fashioned romance in a contemporary setting? Then you’ll enjoy these nine stories of modern women who are forced to slow down and take a new look at dating and romance when new men enter their lives. For some it will take vacation time, others will discover through music, while some need the gentle nudges from both God and Grandma. Delight in discovering how chivalry is not dead despite the stresses of today’s world.

My Review

I struggled through this collection of novellas. While the premise of each story was somewhat interesting, I found the dialogue to be either cheesy, stilted, preachy, immature, or unrealistic. Some were so slow paced they lost my interest, while others moved the plot forward in ways that seemed contrived. I loved the cover of the book and thought it gave the impression that the stories would be more romantic than I found them to be.

(Thank you to Barbour Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: Broken Things to Mend by Karey White

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Celia is in desperate need of a change--a change of scenery, a change of pace, and a complete redo of all relationships. Not knowing what else to do, she opens a map, closes her eyes, and lets fate decide her future. Then she packs her meager belongings and buys a one-way ticket to a little town on the fringes of Oregon's Deschutes National Forest called Sisters. She's wanted a family for years. Will she find one in Sisters?

What Celia doesn't plan to find is a strange Chinese woman whose meddling ways keep throwing her in the path of a handsome, but reserved, forest ranger. But no matter how kind or dependable Silas seems to be, there are some things in Celia's past that neither of them can escape, and this time, the damage might be too much to mend.

***This book is part of a multi-author project that features one recurring character--the match maker--but it is a STAND-ALONE novel.***

My Review

I absolutely loved this story of a gentle romance between two lonely and hurting people. It is well paced, with plenty of room to soak in the characters without feeling slow. The details of the lives of Celia and Silas prevent the plot from seeming cliché. The setting of a small town in Oregon made me want to take a road trip to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I loved Silas' Aunt Nancy, with her giant garden, quilting, and open hospitality. Even though the serious topic of rape is a part of the story, it never felt dark or hopeless. Rather, it was a hope-filled journey of healing and connection. The matchmaker Pearl only made an appearance at the beginning of the story and the end, which I liked since she didn't distract from the relationship between Silas and Celia developing naturally. I'm looking forward to reading more by the author and the next book in the Power of the Matchmaker line.

(Thank you to Ebooks For Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)