Lawana Blackwell

Dear Readers,

Welcome back Lawana Blackwell, you have been missed by readers.  A Haven on Orchard Lane is Lawana's first book in 8 years and I for one could hardly wait to read it.  The best part was I was able to savor it while sitting at the beach one day on vacation.

A gentle tale of life in Victorian England.  Charlotte escapes her abusive marriage.  Her husband only married her for any money that she is rumored to have.  When he finds out that she has none he mocks her for anything and everything.  So when she is offered a chance to return to the stage she makes a run for it.

The results are a disaster.  With no where to return, her estranged daughter rescues her and helps her settle into a small cottage in a lovely village to recover.  Charlotte and Rosalind's relationship is non-existence  since Charlotte left Rosalind with an aunt to raise.

Even with the two women trying to make there way back to each other, this is a gentle story.  It makes you want to go back in time to live in one of those wonderful village.  Lawana has wonderful characters who you want to meet and even though not everyone is perfect, they are people you want to know.

If you are looking for a wonderful, refreshing, tender story.  It is not only a story of a mother daughter relationship it is how those around us are there to help us through those valleys.  Of course it is a great way to take a vacation to England also.

Happy Reading.

New Release - From Winter's Ashes - Amy Leigh Simpson

From Winter's Ashes - Amy Leigh Simpson

If you can trust your enemy with your life, what’s to stop him from stealing your heart?

Hopelessly unlucky in love and a target for tragedy, Joselyn Whyte hardly leads the charmed life you’d expect of an heiress. When she becomes the mark of an arsonist, the last person she expects to ride to her rescue is her nemesis—the man who sealed her fate as a frigid and lonely “Snow Whyte.” 

Firefighter Finn Carson might talk a big game, but behind the swagger and the dimples is a man tormented by a mistake that cost a life. When a force stronger than his stubbornness pulls him off the bench and into a 5-Alarm fire for a miraculous save, Finn decides the key to his redemption lies with the Ice Princess he loathes. But the price to freedom from the guilt and nightmares might be too steep if it means bartering with Joselyn’s father by posing as her boyfriend—her safety and the ruthless billionaire’s Senatorial campaign hanging on the combustible edge of a decade old grudge. 

When secrets from the past resurface, the ruse and reality collide and threaten to thaw their heated rivalry—turning hate into something that terrifies them even more than the cunning predator with a bent sense of justice. Second in The Girl Next Door crime romance series,

New Releases - August 22-27

Dear Readers,

This is the unofficial "lets go camping as summer is over" week.  I know my family used always go camping on the week before Labor day.  Which of course meant a trip to the local bookstore or library to make sure we had enough books to read for either the trip to the campground or if it happened to rain.  Now a days I stay home this week and let the families camp.  But reading, well of course this week is great for it.

Happy Reading,

The Room with The Second Best View - Virginia Smith - #3 Tales from the Goose Creek B&B - Goose Creek is celebrating 150 years.  The buzz is in the air for not only the celebration, but also the wedding of the veterinarian.  Al is fine with it all until Millie surprising him with an idea for the B&B.

When Fall Fades - Amy Leigh Simpson - #1 The Girl Next Door - Sadie Carson has pretty much given up on her dreams.  Working as a hospice nurse she is able to help give others the closure she can't seem to find.  When her elderly neighbor is murdered, Sadie is determined to find out what and who killed him.

From Winter's Ashes - Amy Leigh Simpson -#2 The Girl Next Door - Joselyn Whyte has been labeled "Snow Whyte" by firefighter Finn Carson.  But when her life is threatened by an arsonist, they must join forces and find out who would want to wants her dead.

Mary Chosen of God - Diana Wallis Taylor - Mary is the chosen one. The ordinary girl chosen to raise the Son of God.  Who was she, how did she endure all that God was asking of her?  What can we learn from her walk from the mother of Jesus to one of the early members of a radical new religion.

Quote

Catherine West

Dear Readers,

The Things We Knew by Catherine West is a story about a boy and a girl.  When they start to discover that they may love each other life interrupts and choices are made.  What makes this such a pleasant read is the story of how they find each other again.

Lynette Carlisle grew up in a wonderful family, not a perfect family, but they loved each other.  That is until the night her mother died.  12 year old Lynette watched the rest of her siblings grow up and leave Nantucket to find their way anywhere but at home.  She is left with the pieces.

Even the boy next door who promised always be there for her disappears into the world with no explanation. Nick Cooper was like family, his family life was at best tolerable, at worse... well it just is hard to explain why is father seems to hate him.

Lynette is trying to keep her head above water with a father who is loosing his grip on reality and a house that is falling down around them.  No one seems interested in helping them or believe her when she tells them it is bad.  They all just go one with their lives.

I think that is what is most interesting about this life.  Every one of the characters seems to think that they are living life well, but each one has a flaw.  Each one needs the others and yet they all seem to want to stay apart.  This makes these characters so very real.

Catherine does not make light of any of the baggage she gives her characters.  She doesn't give pat answers to the problems, like if you just believe and pray all your problems will go away.  She makes them struggles, everyday struggles.  Something that is dealt with every time you wake up in the morning until you sleep at night.

If you like books that are not wrapped in a neat little bow at the end with all the problems solved and happily ever after on the doorstep, then I suggest this book.  I found that when the book ended, even though the boy and girl were not married or perfectly happy at the end, I was happy with the conclusion as it left the door open for them to live lives like the rest of us.  Normal, well as normal as we all are.

Happy Reading,

Author Visit - David and Diane Munson

David and Diane Munson

visiting Baker Book House 

Thursday @ 7:00 p.m.

I can't wait to see David and Diane again.  They have been a favorite of mine since introducing themselves to me at the Holland Baker.  Thankfully they were also a regular here in Grand Rapids.

If you like reading action adventure or are just interested in here about a couple who lived on the front lines of the government, join us tomorrow night.  Love to see you there. 

New Release - Disillusioned - Christy Barritt

Disillusioned - Christ Barritt

Nikki Wright is desperate to help her brother, Bobby, who hasn’t been the same since escaping from a detainment camp run by terrorists in Colombia. Rumor has it that he betrayed his navy brothers and conspired with those who held him hostage, and both the press and the military are hounding him for answers. All Nikki wants is to shield her brother so he has time to recover and heal.

But soon they realize the paparazzi are the least of their worries. When a group of men try to abduct Nikki and her brother, Bobby insists that Kade Wheaton, another former SEAL, can keep them out of harm’s way. But can Nikki trust Kade? After all, the man who broke her heart eight years ago is anything but safe…

Hiding out in a farmhouse on the Chesapeake Bay, Nikki finds her loyalties—and the remnants of her long-held faith—tested as she and Kade put aside their differences to keep Bobby’s increasingly erratic behavior under wraps. But when Bobby disappears, Nikki will have to trust Kade completely if she wants to uncover the truth about a rumored conspiracy. Nikki’s life—and the fate of the nation—depends on it

New Releases - August 15 - 20

Dear Readers,

When you read this post I shall be on vacation.  There is something sweet about being able to write a post a couple days ahead.  For some reason and I guess it is so I don't have to worry about it on vacation, it just makes it more satisfying.   Whatever it is, I plan on getting some reading done and I can't wait.

Happy Reading,

A Heart Most Certain - Melissa Jagears -Lydia joins the Teaville Moral Society to help those in need.  She understand what that is like as her family is experiencing it because of her father's debts.  Her first task is to get a donation from the wealthiest man in town - but he turns her down.  Melissa is determined to get a donation no matter how small.

Sewn with Joy - Tricia Goyer/Sherry Gore - #3 The Pinecraft Pie Shop - Joy Miller is ready to be a wife and mother and it seems to be her relationship is leading to that.  Well that is until the TV crews arrive.  They want to film a new series about the Amish and the tension not only threatens the community it threatens Joy and Matthew's relationship.

Until I Love Again - Jerry S. Eicher - #2 The St. Lawrence County Amish - Susanna Miller's rumspringa is not something she wants to talk about.  Things got a bit out of hand and she really just wants to forget about it.  That is until a birthday sign shows up and she knows that her relationship has maybe gone too far.

Disillusioned - Christy Barritt - Nikki Wright is just trying to help her brother.  Ever since escaping the terrorists in Colombia, he has been in hiding.  Rumor has it he helped the terrorist and everyone wants to know his story.  When she finally finds him, they both realize the paparazzi is not their only problem.

Sarah's Orphans - Vannetta Chapman - #3 Plain and Simply Miracles - Sarah Yoder's life in not plain and simple.  She has taken on the raising of her younger siblings after a series of tragedies.  Paul Byler is ready to have a place of his own, a quiet place, but the place he owns is next to Sarah's property and they always seem to need help.

Morgan L. Busse

Dear Readers,

I was enjoying spending time on an author chat on Facebook.  It was fun to interact with not only other readers, but also various authors.  I later found out I had won one of the drawings for a book, how fun and new book!  Tainted by Morgan L. Busse.  I will freely admit this is not a book I would normally read as it is in the steampunk genre.  I will also say  that I am very glad I read it.

Tainted is book #1 in the Soul Chronicles with book #2 due out the spring of 2017.  Which is not soon enough in my humble opinion.

Kat Bloodmayne has always known she needs to keep her emotions in check.  There is a power within her that is released when she has any strong emotional response.  This power can hurt others and she has little to no control over it.  Her greatest desire is to find a cure so she can live a normal happy life.

Bounty Hunter Stephen Gray has a reputation of always finding his man.  But when Kat shows up one morning asking for help Stephen knows there is something very different about her and her request.

A fast-paced action adventure filled with evil scientist, steampunk themes, and fantasy.  I would recommend this book to not just fans of steampunk, but for anyone looking for a good read.  I am looking forward to what happens to Kat and Stephen.

Thank you Morgan to being brave enough to wade into a different genre in the Christian Market.

Happy Reading,

New Release - My Sister's Prayer - Mindy Starns Clark/Leslie Gould

My Sister's Prayer - Mindy Starns Clark/Leslie Gould - #2 Cousins of the Dove

Women of Fearless Devotion Virginia, 1705 Celeste Talbot is usually such a sensible young woman--until she falls for an English soldier reassigned to the Colonies. Leaving her Huguenot family behind, she sets sail for America, only to learn that her younger sister Berta has been kidnapped and forced on board the very same ship. Whom can Celeste trust? The dashing soldier? Or the vigilant carpenter who remains by their side in the perilous New World? 

Virginia, present day Madeline "Maddee" Talbot has her hands full when she agrees to take in her younger sister Nicole following a serious car accident. The young women grew apart when Nicole fell into drug addiction, and Maddee prays this will be the start of a better life for her sister. But as they investigate a trauma from their childhood, Maddee must keep a diligent eye on Nicole--and the shadowy figure watching them from afar. 

From the Christy Award-winning team of Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould, My Sister's Prayer tells an epic tale of two women compelled to protect their sisters, confront their fears, and navigate the muddy waters of betrayal to find true love.

New Releases - August 8 - 13

Dear Readers,

The end of summer releases are starting to roll in.  I am excited for many of the titles and can't wait to get started.  How about you?  Ready for some new books?

Happy Reading,

Without Warning - Lynette Eason - #2 Elite Guardians - Daniel Matthews' has become a target of someone looking to drive him out of business.  But he is not convinced he needs a bodyguard.  A new attack and his niece's urging change his mind.  Now Daniel and Katie Singleton must figure out who has made him a target and why.

A Tapestry of Secrets - Sarah Loudin Thomas - Perla has kept her secret for many years.  But watching her granddaughter struggle with the same problem, she has decided to break her silence.  As she is ready to share her secret, the chance is lost, has Perla waited to long?

My Sister's Prayer - Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould - #2 Cousins of the Dove - Virginia 1704 - Celeste Talbot has fallen in love with a soldier reassigned to the colonies.  She decides to follow him to the Americas, but finds out her sister has been kidnapped and is on the same ship.  Virginia - modern day - Maddee has agreed to take in her sister after a serious car accident.  But as they dig deeper into a childhood trauma, Maddee realizes they are now being watch by a shadowy figure.

A Lesson in Love and Murder - Rachel McMillan - #2 Herringford and Watts Mysteries - Merinda eagerly accepts a case involving Royal Mounted Police, Benny Citrone, runaway niece.  What they don't know it this case will take them from Toronto to Chicago and uncover an attempt to assassinate Theodore Roosevelt.

Flashpoint - Thomas Locke - #2 Fault Lines - Lena is on the verge of a life - transforming windfall.  A mysterious invitation crushes her, but open up a breath taking future.  Reese Clawson is released from prison bent on destroying all who had a hand in her downfall.  Lena and Reese are on a collision course that could not only redefine them, but all of mankind.

Giggles

This made me laugh right out loud.  It must be time to find a good book. 

New Release - Fetching Sweetness - Dana Mentink

New Release - Fetching Sweetness - Dana Mentink

Standing Between Stephanie and Her Dream Is One Hundred Pounds of Lovable Trouble

It should have been so simple for Stephanie Pink: Meet up with Agnes Wharton in a small town in California, retrieve the reclusive author's valuable new manuscript, and be promoted to a full-fledged literary agent.

But Agnes's canine companion, Sweetness, decides to make a break for it before Stephanie can claim her prize. Until Agnes has Sweetness safely back at home in Eagle Cliff, Washington, Stephanie will never set eyes on the manuscript she needs to make her dreams come true.

When Stephanie tracks the runaway mutt to a campground, she meets Rhett Hastings—a man also on the run from a different life and a costly mistake. Rhett agrees to help Stephanie search for the missing dog...thus launching a surprising string of adventures and misadventures.

Coming soon

Dear Readers,

There are some major titles releasing this fall.  Ones that I am looking forward to and a couple I have had the privilege to read already.  With heavy hitters like Lynn Austin-October - Waves of Mercy, Beverly Lewis - September - The Wish, and Charels Martin -October -Long Way Home releasing titles, that makes for a great fall.

You also have the likes of Davis Bunn - Septembet - The Domino Effect, Susan May Warren -October-Wild Montana Skies, and Katherine Reay -November -The Potrait of Emily Price releasing new titles and I begin to wonder when I will find time to read them all.

Then you find out new comers Mike Nappa - October - the Raven and Connilyn Cossette - October - The Shadow of the Storm are continuing series that have proven their writing chops and maybe you make plans to take a leave of absence.

Of course that isn't then end of the good news, you find out that Beth Moore is releasing her first fiction book and this just might be the best fall line up you have ever seen.  Well at least until next year.  Oh did I mention that it is rumored that Francine Rivers has a new fiction book releasing next year?

The book reading life is good.

Happy Readin

New Release - Guide Me Home - Kim Vogel Sawyer

Guide Me Home - Kim Vogel Sawyer 

Working in the massive cave might allow
Rebekah the chance to bring joy back to her family.
But will it claim more than it gives?

After tragedy leaves its mark on Rebekah Hardin’s family, she plans to help her parents and six siblings honor her beloved brother’s memory and alleviate their poverty by working as a guide in the dangerous cave system. Kentucky’s renowned Mammoth Cave presents profitable opportunities in for hardworking, capable men. But Rebekah is determined and if it means presenting herself as a himself, then she’s up to the job.
   
Under the wing of experienced guide Tolly Sanford, “Reb” begins to learn the complexities of the cave and the two are joined by an aspiring young cartographer, Devlin Bale.
   
The university student has traveled to the hill country to map tunnels—not to fall for a girl in disguise. Can the God who designed miles of underground astonishment shape Devlin’s ambitious plans and free Reb from the weight from the past?  

New Releases - August 1 - 6

Dear Readers,

The un-offical end of summer is rapidly approaching.  I am not ready for fall yet.  Well at least not the cooler temps and shorter days.  But the fall colors and a walk in the woods, that I love.  But in the meantime I shall continue to enjoy the summer reading list and slowly pass the dog days of summer.

Happy reading,

When Death Draws Near - Carrie Stuart Parks - #3 Gwen Marcey novels - Gwen Marcey takes a job in Kentucky.  She is tracking a serial rapist.  There are witnesses, but they leave town as fast as they can.  No one is talking.  The police think she quickly solves the case but Gwen is not so sure.  When she continues to follow the clues it leads to a snake handling church.

Where Hope Prevails - Janette Oke/Laurel Oke Logan - #3 Return to the Canadian West - Elizabeth's return to Coal Valley is not all happiness.  Her Mountie has not proposed, but Elizabeth is positive she knows what she will answer when he ask.  What about the kids in school, something is different and she is not sure she can adjust.

Guide Me Home - Kim Vogel Sawyer - Rebekah Hardin wants to honor her beloved brother's memory.  She also wants to help her family.  She takes a job as a guide in Kentucky's Mammoth cave.  Because they only hire men, Rebekah has to disguise herself.  Will she be able to keep her identity a secret, even from handsome cartographer Devlin Bale?

The Artisan's Wife - Judith Miller - #3 Refined by Love - Ainslee life is not going the way she planned.  When her sister elopes Ainslee is left to travel with her brother to learn the ropes, while planning to still sell the company as quickly as possible.  What she didn't count on is Levi Judson who is excited to show off his new designs to help keep the tile company open.

Calvin and Hobbes

My favorite comic.  Even Calvin slowed down to read once and awhile.  

New Release - An Elegant Facade - Kristi Ann Hunter

An Elegant Facade - Kristi Ann Hunter

Lady Georgina Hawthorne has always known she must marry well. After years of tirelessly planning every detail of her debut season, she is poised to be a smashing success and have her choice of eligible gentlemen. 

With money and powerful business connections but no title, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. He intends to marry someday, but when he does it will not be to a shallow woman like Lady Georgina, whose only concerns appear to be status and appearance.

But beneath her flawless exterior, Georgina's social aspirations stem from a shameful secret she is desperately trying to keep hidden--and that Colin is too close to discovering. Drawn to each other despite their mutual intent to avoid association, is the realization of their dreams worth the sacrifices they'll be forced to make?

Carrie Stuart Parks

Dear Readers,

Carrie Stuart Parks' newest release, When Death Draws Near has my favorite thing, a really good mystery.  It also has one of my least favorite things. Snakes.  Thankfully the snakes are what make the story a bit more of an edge of your seat mystery. 

When Death Draws Near is the third in the Gwen Marcey series.  I have enjoyed each of them, not only because of the well thought out mystery, but because I have really enjoyed getting to know the characters that Carrie writes.  Gwen herself is a very interesting character because of her back story.  

Gwen is trying to get back on her feet after her husband left her when he found out she had breast cancer.  Yup quite a low life.  She also has an amazing 12 year old daughter, who has found her way into each of the mysteries. This of course does make them a bit more intense because of the mother angle.  

In this story, Gwen finds herself in Tennessee trying to help find the Hillbilly rapist.  He kidnaps, tortures, and then releases his victims.  Each woman then quickly leaves without providing any help to the police.  They have only one picture from a security camera, but they can't make out details.    

When the case suddenly seems to close, Gwen believes she will be sent home in disgrace.  Then one of the locals, who happens to be a state senator, hires her to help identify the people who belong to the illegal snake handling church.  She just needs to infiltrate them, draw the faces and get out.  What she finds instead of a bunch of crazies that she is told about is a group of caring, loving people, who she is drawn to because they are so accepting of her and her daughter.  Who are the real criminals here? 

The rest of the mystery you are going to have to find out for yourself.   I like how Carrie is good at leading you down one path and yet laying the ground work for the correct answer to the puzzle.  I will admit I did not figure this mystery out until Carrie and Gwen practically hit me over the head with a clue or two.  

This has been a wonderful series to read.  One of the most interesting aspect of the storylines has been Gwen dealing with her after cancer life.  How everything hinges on her past treatment and how every time she goes to the doctor or has a health issue, the first thing question she asks herself is "is the cancer back?"  It just adds so much to the series.  Thank you Carrie for adding that to your books because it does remind us all what it is like to be a cancer survivor.  

Happy Reading,  

Summer Reading list for August

Dear Readers,  

I know it is the second, I wasn't sure which to do first the summer list of the new releases.  I went with the new releases.  Hope that didn't throw off your summer reading.  :-)

Happy Reading, 


The Wedding Chapel – Rachel Hauck - Jimmy "Coach" Westbrook built a wedding chapel for his beloved wife.  Taylor Branson takes a photograph assignment to get away from everything, including her own marriage.  When their two stories collide they may discover their own dreams again.

If I Run – Terri Blackstock – Casey goes on the run after finding her boyfriend murdered.  She knows she will not be given a fair deal with the local police.  Dylan is hired to track her down and bring her back.  The problem is for him, the evidence of her guilt doesn’t add up.

The Inheritance – Michael Phillips - #1 Secrets of the Shetland - When Macgregor Tulloch passes away, everyone assumes that his grand-nephew will inherit the estate, but when no will is found it throws not only the estate into turmoil, but also the people that rely on them for jobs.  Will the true heir ever be found?  And who is this stranger from America that shows up suddenly?

Cold Shot - Dani Pettrey- #1 Chesapeake Valor - Four best friend from college, then one goes missing. Years have passed and Griffin is now a park ranger.  He is hiding from his dark past, but when a body is found in the Civil War park he works at, his past and present collide.

Messenger by Moonlight – Stephanie 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?  

Playing the Part – Jen Turano - - Lucetta's admirer suddenly takes on a threatening tone.  She is whisked away to Abigail Hart's grandson's estate.  He isn't quite what he seems to be and Lucetta can't ignore what is going on.  But will it turn dangerous also? 

The Feathered Bone – Julie Cantrell - Amanda Salassi is a chaperone for her daughter's 6th grade class trip to New Orleans.  When on the girls on the trip goes missing, Amanda spirals into depression and guilt.  Will she ever be able to move past the lost or will it cost her everything?

Lead Me Home – Amy Sorrells - Abandoned by his no-good father and forced to grow up too soon, Noble Burden has set his dreams aside to run the family farm. Meanwhile, James Horton, the pastor of the local church, questions his own calling as he prepares to close the doors for good.

As a severe storm rolls through, threatening their community and very livelihood, both men fear losing what they care about most . . . and reconsider where they truly belong.

Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Gray – Dorothy Love – June Release - A general’s wife and a slave girl forge a friendship that transcends race, culture, and the crucible of Civil War.

Annabel Lee – Mike Nappa - #1 A Coffey and Hill Novel - Annabel Lee's "Uncle" has hidden her in a bunker deep in the Alabama swamp.  Trudi Coffey is hired to find a secret for a Dr. Smith.  She doesn't know that the secret is Annabel Lee.  She just knows she can't trust Dr. Smith and she needs to contact her ex.

A Bachelor Girl’s Guide to Murder – Rachel McMillan - #1 Herringford & Watts Mysteries - 1910 Toronto.  Merinda and Jem are not your typical young girls.  They are not interested in perfecting their domestic skills and finding a husband.  They would rather track down the murderer of young Irish women.

Code 13 – Don Brown - #2 Navy Jag Series - Caroline is getting use to her new job at Code 13.  When her co-worker is gunned down in cold blood, she vows to find his killer.  As she starts to complete what he was working on, it becomes clear she is the next target.

The Calling –Rachel Dekker - #2 A Seer Novel - A series that started with The Calling, continues.  Remko and Carrington launch an all-out assault of the City and all they hold dear.  Spreading the word of hope.  But as they grow stronger the Authority works harder to destroy them.

New Releases - July 25 - 30

Dear Readers,

I don't know about you, but these hot temps we have had this summer makes it easier for me to read instead of doing anything else.  Whether it is inside in the air conditioning or in the shade in my favorite spot in the yard, I really just don't feel like doing anything else.

Happy Reading,

Leaving Independence - Leanne W. Smith - Abigail receives a letter telling her that her husband may not have been killed during the Civil War, he just isn't returning to her.  She joins a wagon train headed along the Oregon Trail to try to find him.  The travel will test her courage and her heart.

The Silver Suitcase - Terrie Todd - It is 1939 and Cornelia makes a choice that will echo through her family for generations.  Benita, Cornelia's granddaughter finds Cornelia's dairy written during that time.  What she finds may provide answers during Benita's time of need.

The Witnesses - Robert Whitlow - Parker is about to get the biggest break of his career, but his grandfather's past may cause it all to derail.  Frank House is haunted by his wartime past.  The secrets threaten not only Parker's career, but the lives of him and his loved ones.

Deadly Encounter - Diann Mills - A peaceful Saturday morning is shattered when Stacy Broussard finds a brutal homicide.  The mystery deepens with what looks like a clear case of terrorism.  Then a string of incidents put Stacy in a tail spin and FBI agent Alex LeBlanc thinking she maybe the target.