Jilted - Varina Denman - #3 Mended hearts series

Jilted - Varina Denman

A heartbroken woman desires to move beyond old memories, but will her past five way to hope?

Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago.  Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest.  As long-ago secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life in which the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.

Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, of a man determined to draw her back toward happiness and of a town that must - once and for all - leave the past where it belongs.  It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.

New Releases - May 23 - 28

Dear Readers,

Thank you to all who are serving or have served.  Your service is not forgotten.

Happy Reading,

The Progeny - Tosca Lee - Emily wakes up to find she remembers nothing of her past.  Nothing.  She is quickly on the run as her life is threatened by more than one person.  But she can't remember who taught her to protect herself and who are the good guys and who are the bad guys or why?  Will she find out soon enough? 

Jilted - Varina Denman - #3 Mended Hearts - (backcover copy) ...tells a story of a woman who has lost the joy of living, of a man determined to draw her back toward happiness and of a town that must - once and for all - leave the past where it belongs. 

Just Life - Neil Abramson - When the street dogs of NYC are suspected of spreading a dangerous virus, the governor calls the national guard to quarantine them all.  Samantha and her ragtag group fight for the animals lives.  She knows they are not the problem, but is trying to find the true culprit that is spreading the virus.

Son's Vow - Shelley Shepard Gray - #1 The Charmed Amish Life - After the tragic fire that cost 5 Amish men their lives, the town of Charm has not looked at the Kurtz family the same.  Darla struggles to help her family heal, but her brother's anger is now spilling over onto her.

Sister Eve and the Blue Nun - Lynne Hinton - #3 A Divine Private Detective Agency series - Sister Eve returns to her enclave only to find another murder mystery.  Some one has poisoned the researcher working on the life of the "Blue Nun."  Why would anyone want to kill over the research?  Why would the killer take the manuscripts that haven't even been read yet?

The Valley of Dry Bones - Jerry Jenkins - 17 years of drought has had everyone but a few Holdouts leaving California.  The contingency feels called by God to stay, but as their beliefs and cultures clash, the voice of God maybe the answer for them all.

Book Addiction

Dear Readers, 

Found this on the Bethany Publisher blog.  I have to say I probably suffer from all of them.  I also refuse to get treatment for any of them. 

Happy Reading. 

Here are a few easy ways to find out if you are addicted to reading. (Tweet this!) Read through the common symptoms carefully and see how many apply to you.

One: After seeing a movie adaptation, you have to find someone to talk about the inaccuracies and inadequacies of the film compared to the novel…but you still inexplicably want all of your favorite books to be made into movies.

Two: If your Kindle was magically turned into a physical library, it would probably look like the one from Beauty and the Beast.

(Speaking of which: best movie moment of your childhood, right there.)

Three: The package delivery person carries around earplugs so as not to be deafened by your squeal of delight when a new book arrives. Which is often.

Four: Everyone knows what to get you for Christmas, or your birthday, or Mother’s Day (even if you’re not a mother), or World Book Day (it’s a real thing!), or really, any day of the week.

Five: Half of the pictures on your Dream Home board on Pinterest involve bookshelves, personal libraries, or cozy reading nooks.

Six: When you check out fewer than twelve books from the library, the librarian gives you a concerned look and asks if everything is all right.

Seven: Getting to all the titles on your to-read list on Goodreads would require you to drop out of life for at least a year with nothing but you in a room alone with books…and that doesn’t actually sound like a bad plan.

Eight: You have high standards—if the author hasn’t impressed you (or at least intrigued you) by the end of chapter one, you’re outta there! Too many books, too little time.

Nine: Some of your friends actually think your favorite fictional characters are real people because you gush about them so much.

Ten: When asked to list your hobbies, you start with “reading”…and then struggle to think of something else. Maybe…collecting books? That’s a hobby, right?

Don’t worry—there is help for a reading addiction. I recommend extensive time spent in group therapy with other reading-addicted friends, discussing your favorite books. Of course, you have to face the real world eventually…but maybe after a few more pages.

What’s your biggest indicator that you might be addicted to books?

New Release - Murder Comes by Mail - A. H. Gabhart

Murder Comes by Mail - A.H. Gabhart

Doing a good deed never felt so bad
Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane doesn't particularly enjoy being touted as the hero of Hidden Springs after pulling a suicidal man back from the edge of the Eagle River bridge in front of dozens of witnesses--a few of whom caught the breathtaking moments with their cameras. But the media hype doesn't last long as a new story pushes its way into the public consciousness of Hidden Springs' concerned citizens. 

Photos of a dead girl arrive in the mail, and Michael becomes convinced she was murdered by the man he saved. With a killer one step ahead, things in Hidden Springs begin to unravel. Now Michael must protect the people he loves--because the killer could be targeting one of them next.

The Progeny - Tosca Lee

The Progeny released yesterday.  I am very excited to talk to anyone who has read it.  I so enjoyed it and can't wait until book #2 is in my hands so I can read it and find out what happens to... Oh wait, I shouldn't give anything away.

Happy Reading

New Release - Messenger by Moonlight - Stephanie Grace Whitson

Messenger by Moonlight - Stephanie Grace Whitson

Orphaned Annie Paxton and her brothers may have lost the only home they've ever known, but they're determined to make a better future in St. Joseph, Missouri. Annie dreams of a pretty house with window boxes, and having friends, and attending church every week. But then her brothers spot the ad for a new venture called the Pony Express. "Wanted," it reads, "Young, skinny fellows not over eighteen. Must be expert riders and willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred." Sure enough, both her brothers land jobs as Express messengers, and Annie puts her dreams on hold to work as a cook at Clearwater Ranch, a station along the Pony Express route. 

Annie struggles to adapt to her new job--work made all the more challenging when she has so many to feed and few ingredients. The gruff station owner, George, doesn't seem inclined to make her life any easier, or at least not at first. But slowly a friendship builds between them. When Annie attracts the attention of a refined, dashing lieutenant from the nearby fort, she'll have to learn how to trust her instincts and follow her heart, even if she's conflicted about which way it's leading her. 

New Releases May 16-21

Dear Readers,

Happy Victoria Day.  At least to my Canadian friends. I am not sure how you celebrate that day in Canada, but here in the U.S.  I plan on putting my feet up and reading.

Happy Reading,

Murder Comes by Mail - A.H. Gabhart - #2 A Hidden Springs Mystery - Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane is not thrilled with his new found fame.  Happily it is short lived when pictures of a murdered girl arrive in the mail.  now Michael is busy trying to find a killer.

Every Bride has her Day - Janice Thompson - #3 Brides with Style Novel - Katie is finally planning her big day.  Brady has proposed and now she can do what she has always dreamed of, plan her perfect wedding.  Her happiness is derailed when those around her begin to offer the opinions of what that day should look like.

Dawn at Emberwilde - Sarah E. Ladd - #2 A Treasure of Surrey - Isabel was never happy at Fellsworth School, but a teaching job there will help her and her sister find a stable life.  When unknown relatives show up, Isabel's life is turned upside down and she now has to learn a whole different set of rules to live by.

Messenger by Moonlight - Stephanie Grace Whitson - A novel about the pony express - Annie and her two brothers are looking for a place to settle.  Her brothers see an advertisement for the pony express and take the job and finding her one in a remote outpost.  The cantankerous owner seems to just be waiting for Annie to fail. Will she be able to prove him wrong?

Close to Home - Deborah Raney -#4 Chicory Inn Novel - Bree Whitman became a member of the Whitman family when she married Ben.  She remained a family member even after his death in Afghanistan 5 years ago.  Now she has two men interested in dating her, but she still loves Ben and his family.  Will she be able find a balance between her old love and maybe new love?

quote

"you know everything you need to know about a person from the answer to the question, What is your favorite book?" 

-Gabrielle Zevin , the Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

New Release - There will be Stars - Billy Coffey

There will be Stars - Billy Coffey

IN A LIFE FULL OF LIES, HE FINALLY SETTLED FOR THE TRUTH.

No one in Mattingly ever believed Bobby Barnes would live to see old age. Drink would either rot Bobby from the inside out or dull his senses just enough to send his truck off the mountain on one of his nightly rides. Although Bobby believes such an end possible and even likely it doesn't stop him from taking his twin sons Matthew and Mark into the mountains one Saturday night. A sharp curve, blinding headlights, metal on metal, his son’s screams. Bobby s final thought as he sinks into blackness is a curious one There will be stars.

Yet it is not death that greets him beyond the veil. Instead, he returns to the day he has just lived and finds he is not alone in this strange new world. Six others are trapped with him.

Bobby soon discovers that this supposed place of peace is actually a place of secrets and hidden dangers. Along with three others, he seeks to escape, even as the world around him begins to crumble. The escape will lead some to greater life, others to endless death . . . and Bobby Barnes to understand the deepest nature of love."

Dee Henderson

Dear Readers,

It has been a couple books since I have read a Dee Henderson book.  She has a loyal following and because she is a consistent writer she is easy to recommend to any and all readers.  She is the queen of the unofficially title genre, romantic suspense.  Many years before anyone else was writing it, she was penning the O'Malley series that remains popular today.  

Traces of Guilt not only adds to her already impressive list of titles, it also starts a new series for us to enjoy.  The Evie Blackwell Cold Case series introduces us to Evie as she starts a working vacation in Carin County IL with two cold cases that have affected many  of the families living there.   As Evie dives into her investigation, she realises there maybe more at stake than just finding the killers, her own heart maybe in danger. 

One thing that Dee does so very well is include characters from past series.  It is like the chance to visit with old friends.  But I still have no idea how she is able to keep that all straight.  However she does, it makes for a fun read.  

I always find myself regretting when I don't have time to read Dee's books.  They are a wonderful way to pass the time.  Her characters are interesting, often with a fascinating backstory.   It just makes the story all the more richer for it. 

If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Dee Henderson's books before Traces is a great place to start, but if you wish to remain in writing order, start with the Negotiator, book #1 of the O'Malley series.  

Happy Reading, 

New Release - Medical Judgement - Richard L. Mabry - M.D.

Medical Judgment - Richard Mabry, M.D. 

Someone is after Dr. Sarah Gordon. They've stalked her and set a fire at her home. Trying to recover from the traumatic deaths of her husband and infant daughter is tough enough, but she has no idea what will come next. Her late husband's best friend and a recovering alcoholic detective are trying to solve the mystery before it's too late, but both appear to be vying for her affection as well. Sarah finds herself in constant fear as the process plays out. 

As the threats on her life continue to escalate, so do the questions: Who is doing this? Why are they after her? And with her only help being unreliable suitors in competition with each other, whom can she really trust?

New Releases - May 9 - 14

Dear Readers,

Ready for Spring?  I know I am.  Around here it is either summer - temps in the 80's or fall with temps in the 40's.  Mother nature can't seem to make up her mind.  Ah well, here are a few titles to help pass a lazy afternoon no matter the weather.

Happy Reading,


There will be Stars - Billy Coffey - Bobby Barnes will not live to see old age. Either the drink will rot his insides or he will be killed on one of the many curves on the mountain roads.  He believes that such end is possible.  But after a car wreck he is left in limbo.  A place of secrets and hidden danger.  Will he and the three others trapped with him be able to find their way out?

Medical Judgement - Richard L. Mabry M.D. - Sarah thinks life can't get any worse, but someone wants to see her suffer and is stalking her.  They set a fire in her garage and are sending threats.  As Kyle Andrews and detective Bill Larson race to find out who is after Sarah, she finds herself attracted to both me, but who can she trust?

The Quieting - Suzanne Woods Fisher - #2 the Bishop's Family - With the Amish church of Stoney Ridge facing a crisis, minister David Stoltzfus must decide if a Quieting will solve the problem . . . or make it worse.

Someone Like You - Victoria Bylin - Julia is working hard to make a good life for herself and her son.  When a big account comes in she will be spending time at Caliente Springs resort.  Little does she know that it will bring her face to face with her college sweetheart.  Zeke is more interested in keeping the resort afloat that renewing their old relationship, but his heart tells him otherwise. 

Tom and Jerry

New Release - Change of Heart - Rachel J. Good

Change of Heart - Rachel J. Good 

Lydia Esh’s younger sister Emma is running wild during rumschpringe, causing the family major heartaches. Although it means risking her reputation, her job as a schoolteacher, and her courtship with Jakob Zook, Lydia attends parties to watch over Emma and protect her sister’s virtue.
 
When Emma begins a relationship with Kyle, an Englischer, Lydia teams up with Kyle’s older brother, Caleb, to keep the couple apart. As Lydia and Caleb spend time together keeping an eye on their siblings, Lydia falls for this forbidden love. But she fights her attraction and determines to stay true to her faith.
 
Caleb confesses his feelings to Lydia. She admits her attraction to him, but she’s made her decision to join the church and marry Jakob Zook as her family is pressing her to do.

 

Will Lydia stay true to her faith even when it means giving up the things that are most precious to her?

Nadine Barndes

Dear Readers,

I picked up an interesting book a couple weeks ago to read.  It is A Time to Speak by Nadine Brandes.  It is book #2 in the Out of Time series.

At first I wasn't sure what to do with the series itself as I wasn't to fond of how book one,  A Time to Die ended.   Very abruptly.  And (spoiler if you haven't read book #1) killing off one of my favorite character.  But I was interested enough to read book number two and when the opportunity presented itself, I decided 'why not.'


I will say I am glad I did.  The story  centers around America after a great disaster strikes.  The country has been split by a wall, you can read more about this in book one so I won't go into great detail.  Everyone on the east side can have a clock that shows them how long they have to live.  It has been a volunteer thing, but now the government has gained the ability to force everyone to have a clock.  Which means they will control everything about peoples lives. Health Care, food, jobs, housing and those that can or cannot marry or have children.

This book caused a bit of thinking and wondering, one conclusion I did come to is I don't want to know how many hours or minutes I have left.  That to me would give me much stress and someone else to much control.  It is a very interesting book, and was one it took me a while to write a review of as I kind of wanted chew on it for a while.  Other than saying you should check this series out, I don't have any conclusions for you as the story is not finished yet.  (How's that for a wishy washy answer)  But I hope to find someone else who has read this book because of the discussions we could have.

The story bogged down a few times with a bit of whining of the main character, but yet it kind of fit what the main character was going through.  When I thought about it a bit more, Parvin reminded me of the Old Testament prophets who were sent by God to warn the Israelite's, but they had a nasty habit of whining the whole way there and even sometimes back.  So I guess we all can do that when we feel like God is calling us to do something we don't want to.

Over all I am looking forward to book #3 that is due out later this year.  It is with Enclave, which was just purchased by Gilead so it will be interesting to see what that schedule is like.  Hopefully it will be pretty close as I don't want to wait a long time to find out what happens.

Happy Reading,

New Release - Together at the Table - Hillary Manton Lodge

Together at the Table - Hillary Manton Lodge

Three months ago, Juliette D’Alisa’s world changed.

In a bittersweet series of events, her mother’s health took a turn for the worse. Juliette and her brother opened their restaurant together to rave reviews, but her romance with Memphis immunologist Neil McLaren ended in anger and tears.

As autumn sweeps into the Pacific Northwest, Juliette feels that she’s finally on the cusp of equilibrium. The restaurant continues to thrive, and her family is closer than ever. She and sous-chef Adrien are seeing each other, both in and out of the kitchen. Just when she thinks her world might stop spinning, a trip to the waterfront lands a familiar face into her path.

Rather than dwell on her personal life, Juliette throws herself into work and research. After reading her grandmother’s letters from war-torn Paris, she still wants to know the full story –  and she’ll travel across countries and oceans to find it.

But even Juliette can’t outrun the man who stole her heart. As she finally uncovers the truth about her family history, what will it mean for her own chances at lasting love?

New Releases - May 2 - 7

Dear Readers,

Some good titles this past week.  Many of the summer reads are releasing, which makes me even more eager for the warm temps to stay.

Happy Reading,

Cain - Brennan S. McPherson - The story of the first murder and the evil it unleashed.

Apple of His Eye - Kelly Caldwell - Amish Pie Series #1 - Rob King asks his best friend to watch over his girl while Rob is away taking care of his grandfather.  John Miller takes that request seriously, until he finds himself falling in love with Tabitha.

Sins of the Past - Dee Henderson/Dani Pettrey/Lynette Eason - 3 in 1 book - Secrets and lies.  Danger that will never go away.  3 top romantic suspense authors join together to keep you  on the edge of your seat.

Change of Heart - Rachel J. Good - #1 Sisters and Friends Series - Lydia is risking her own reputation, job and courtship to protect her sister.  Emma is running wild during her Rumschpringe and Lydia teams up with Caleb to Emma and Caleb's younger brother apart.  But the more time they spend together the more they start to fall for each other.

Together at the Table - Hillary Manton Lodge - #3 Two Blue Doors series - Finally the long awaited 3rd book in the series.  Juliette's life is changing.  Her mother is not doing well, her relationship with Neil ended and her new restaurant just opened.  She is also still looking for the answers to her family's history.

Christy Finalists

The 2016 Christy Awards finalists are:

CONTEMPORARY
The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert (WaterBrook Press) 
As Waters Gone By by Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon Press)
The Sea Keeper’s Daughters by Lisa Wingate (Tyndale House Publishers)

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE/SUSPENSE
Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck (Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

CONTEMPORARY SERIESAnna’s Healing by Vannetta Chapman (Harvest House Publishers)
Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon (G.P. Putnam’s Sons)
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt (Howard Books)

FIRST NOVELThe Choosing by Rachelle Dekker (Tyndale House Publishers)
Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICALThe Girl from the Train by Irma Joubert (Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke (Tyndale House Publishers)
The Wood’s Edge by Lori Benton (WaterBrook Press)

HISTORICAL ROMANCEBeyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)
Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund (WaterBrook Press)
To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander (Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

SUSPENSEThe Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks (Thomas Nelson, a division of Harper Collins Christian Publishing)
Twisted Innocence by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Vendetta by Lisa Harris (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

VISIONARYThe Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart (Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
A Time to Speak by Nadine Brandes (Enclave Publishing)
Waking Beauty by Sarah E. Morin (Enclave Publishing)

YOUNG ADULTThe Choosing by Rachelle Dekker (Tyndale House Publishers)
Rebel by R.J. Anderson (Enclave Publishing)
To Get to You by Joanne Bischof (Independently Published)

New Release - Sarah Sundin

Anchor in the Storm - Sarah Sundin

In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love?

Nothing slows Lillian Avery down--not her personal challenges and certainly not America's entry into World War II. She finally has a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The demands of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he is her brother's best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? 

As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Gilead

Dear Readers,

A bit of a different review today.  Just a few short weeks ago there was a splash in the Christian fiction world.  I don't know how many of you heard of the new publishing company starting with just the idea of printing fiction.  Yup only fiction.

Gilead is making fiction their only focus.  I know how exciting!  What this translates to you and I is that there will be more books for us to read.

I know there are tons of Indie books out there, but it turns out I am a snob when it comes to those books.  Yes, there are several really good books out there, but I feel like most of them need another edit or two to make them really good.  Places like Gilead will give those authors that chance to get started and to get a good launch into the publishing world.  Which in turns gives them a great start in the reading world.

I only know a few details and am including a couple links below to let you read about Gilead for yourself.  Personally I am looking forward to seeing what they release first.

Happy Reading,

http://www.stevelaube.com/new-publisher-announced-gilead-publishing/

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/religion/article/70031-industry-veterans-form-a-new-christian-fiction-publishing-house.html      


P.S.  the have already purchased Fantasy publisher Enclave.

http://www.stevelaube.com/enclave-publishing-sold/

New Release - Traces of Guilt - Dee Henderson

Traces of Guilt - Dee Henderson 

She's turning up the heat on Carin County's cold cases . . .
Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police detective . . . mostly. She's very skilled at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks. She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job.

Gabriel Thane grew up in Carin County and is now its sheriff, a job he loves. Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he's sworn to protect. He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have. . . .

When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it's to help launch a new task force focused on unsolved crimes across the state. She will work with the sheriff's department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases. As she studies old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths surprising connections. One way or another, she knows Gabriel Thane and his family will be key to the answers she seeks.

New Releases April 25-30

Dear Readers,

Happy May!

Happy Reading,

Anchor in the Storm - Sarah Sundin - #2 Waves of Freedom - For Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he is her brother's best friend.

Fading Starlight - Kathryn Cushman - Lauren Summers red carpet accident has lead to her being black balled from the fashion houses.  Kendall Joiner needs her help.  If she is willing to help then he will help her prove her "accident" was a publicity stunt. 

Her One and Only - Becky Wade - Gray Fowler cannot believe that the female body guard is going to save him from anyone, let alone a determined stalker.  Dru Porter is a former Marine and a crack shot, nothing intimidates her.  But she does find herself falling for Gray and that is a no-no in her business. 

Traces of Guilt - Dee Henderson - An Evie Blackwell Cold Case #1 - Evie Blackwell loves her job as a detective.  She looks forward to starting a new cold case task force.  Her first job leads her to Gabriel Thane's home town.  The case she is working on is one he has history with and he is not sure he is ready to reopen it or find the answers.