To Die for - Sandra Byrd

THE BOOK:

What would you sacrifice for your best friend?

Would you die for her? 

To Die For is the story of Meg Wyatt, pledged forever as the best friend to Anne Boleyn since their childhoods on neighboring manors in Kent. When Anne’s star begins to ascend, of course she takes her best friend Meg along for the ride. Life in the court of Henry VIII is thrilling at first, but as Anne’s favor rises and falls, so does Meg’s. And though she’s pledged her loyalty to Anne no matter what the test, Meg just might lose her greatest love—and her own life—because of it.

Meg's childhood flirtation with a boy on a neighboring estate turns to true love early on. When he is called to follow the Lord and be a priest she turns her back on both the man and his God. Slowly, though, both woo her back through the heady times of the English reformation. In the midst of it, Meg finds her place in history, her own calling to the Lord that she must follow, too, with consequences of her own. Each character in the book is tested to figure out what love really means, and what, in this life, is worth dying for.

Though much of Meg’s story is fictionalized, it is drawn from known facts. The Wyatt family and the Boleyn family were neighbors and friends, and perhaps even distant cousins. Meg’s brother, Thomas Wyatt, wooed Anne Boleyn and ultimately came very close to the axe blade for it. Two Wyatt sisters attended Anne at her death, and at her death, she gave one of them her jeweled prayer book—Meg.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Beautiful. Heartbreaking.

Those are two words that came to mind when I closed the book after reading the last chapter. Wow, what a beautifully tragic story To Die For is! I'd read, briefly, about the Boleyn sisters and, like many others, thought they were two scheming women who seduced the king to get the crown. But Sandra Byrd shows us that oftentimes, there is a lot more going on than meets the eye. ;-) 

Through the eyes of Meg, Ann Boleyn dearest friend, we see that while Anne might not have made all the right choices in life, she was driven by true love for King Henry (who, in my opinion, did NOT deserve it!) and a desire to see reformation in England.

I was in tears during the last few chapters, that’s how moving this story was. Anne and Meg's strong friendship was beautiful to watch throughout the course of the book, and tragic to witness just how true they were to each other. Even to the very end.

Because of some of the historical events that take place within the book (people sleeping together, Henry's mistress’, etc), the book may not be appropriate for younger readers. But that is really up to the individual and, really, Sandra kept it as clean and factual as possible. In scenes that could have been sensual and heated, she kept them clean and straightforward. I really appreciated that.

This is the first book I've read by Sandra, but I promise it won't be my last! And the Tudor era was so interesting! Sandra wrote with so much life in To Die For, that I was easily sucked into Meg’s world. I will definitely be reading the other books in Sandra Byrd's Ladies in Waiting Tudor series.

I reviewed this book for the author. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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Remembering You - Tricia Goyer

THE BOOK:

Television producer Ava Ellington cannot refuse her grandfather's last wish--that she accompany him to Europe on a tour of World War II battle sites. Ava has little interest in historical battles, but this may be her last chance to break down the barriers that have grown up between them, and she sets off, camera in hand, ready to record and report on their journey. She and Grandpa Jack are greeted in Paris by Paul, her grandpa's best friend, and his grandson Dennis. The Dennis who just happens to be Ava's first love. 

History comes alive as the group travels across Europe--from the romantic sights of Paris to the bleak battlefields of Belgium to the Austrian labor camp these men liberated so many years before--and Ava sees a side of her grandfather she's never known before. As he shares his memories of those bitter days on the battlefield, she begins to understand how his experiences in the war made him the man he is today. 

Throughout the journey, Ava and Dennis are drawn together in ways neither of them expected. Can their memories of the past lead to a bright new future?

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

Tricia Goyer knows how to write fiction on World War II. Remembering You takes a different approach to the war, in that it’s not a historical. Set in modern times, Ava Ellington journeys with her ‘Grandpa Jake’ back through France, Germany, and Austria as he relives his experiences during the war. A trip that first began as a way to help reestablish both her job and her relationship with her grandfather, this journey down memory lane soon becomes so much more for Ava.

Ava was easy to get to know. While I didn’t always agree with her “business first” approach to things, I enjoyed watching her fight it. Slowly, as the trip progressed, she began to see that spending time with her grandfather—really getting to know him and the man he was during the war—was far more important than getting ‘good footage’. Dennis was a bit harder to understand, his angry behavior often seemed kinda out of place and unexplained. But his care for those around him, and his undying love for Ava, was sweet.

I completely enjoyed this journey down memory lane. Each interview that Grandpa Jack or Grand-Paul did for Ava seemed to real and filled with vivid detail and emotion. Remembering You is a story that needs to be savored. I think veterans from the war would appreciate the time and love that Tricia Goyer has put into this book! Historical fans who enjoy books centered around WWII will enjoy this very unique approach to reliving the war—In a way that we all can relate to today.

I reviewed this book for Litfuse. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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Died in the Wool - Elizabeth Ludwig & Janelle Mowery

THE BOOK:

"Everyone knows about the,

shall we say, animosity between you two."

Hoping to procure much-needed funds to by computers for her beloved library, Monah Trenary is battle for monies donated to the city of Pine Mills. When a rival for the revenue ends up dead, Monah is one of the prime suspects. Could she have killed for computers?

Pine Mills police detective Mike Brockman is dismayed when he finds evidence that monkshood and Monah appear to be a lethal combination. As bodies begin piling up, Monah and proven sleuth Casey Alexander step up their own investigation. Will they clear the librarians name before she's booked for murder?

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

Who doesn’t enjoy a book you can cozy up with in bed and try to solve the mystery alongside the characters? I know I sure do, though I don’t get to read many of them. So I was eager to give Died in the Wool a try. A librarian whose competitors for funds from the city are turning up dead—what’s not to like?

In Died in the Wool, Monah Trenary suddenly finds her quiet life as the town librarian thrown into upheaval when she discovered a dead body in the bathroom. Fingers naturally point her way. Unwilling to let anyone use her as a scapegoat, Monah—along with her faithful sidekick and fellow amateur sleuth, Casey—begin investigating.

And just so happens that Monah’s boyfriend, Mike, is a detective. With these three on the case…bad guys better get out of the way! It was lots of fun to follow both Monah and Mike as they investigate into the murder in their own way. Their romance was sweet, and I felt for Monah when she became a suspect and had to be questioned by Mike. How awful to think the guy your dating thinks you’re capable of murder!

Elizabeth Ludwig and Janelle Mowery have crafted together another intriguing, twisting mystery in the second installment to the Massachusetts Mayhem Mysteries series. Fans of this series will be thrilled to see previous characters make an appearance, as well as discover new ones. With this lovely cast of characters and a complex plot, Died in the Wool is sure to keep you guessing the entire time.

I reviewed this book for the authors. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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A Lasting Impression - Tamera Alexander

THE BOOK:

A fake. 

A forger. 

More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price?

 Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.

The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.

Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Wow. Words seem so inadequate to express just how rich this book is—both in historical details and the romantic tension. I can't remember exactly, but it's been a while since a book touched me so emotionally; I was fighting tears at times. But therein is the beauty of Tamera Alexander's new release, A Lasting Impression—her writing touches to the heart.

And the writing! Tamera's style was beautiful and brought to life the Belmont mansion as seen through Claire's eyes. The depth and realistic qualities she gives each and every character in this book was amazing. Claire was such an amazing person and I grew so close to her over the course of the novel. I was sad when I read the last page and had to say good bye to her and dear, fun-loving Sutton. She'd had such a sad life before coming to Belmont, and had many things to overcome. But I enjoyed watching her meet, and overcome, every challenge.

The Christian elements in the book were wonderful. Tamera wove it seamlessly into the plot and did it so gradually; it felt more realistic and believable than many other books I've read. And not in a preachy way, either. Claire's gradual, but very sincere, search for salvation and redemption was so touching—and when the Lord finally opened her eyes...I felt like crying for joy. How beautiful!

There have been some very good historical fictions published this year, but few have really stood out from the others and made it to my ‘favorites’ shelf for 2011. But A Lasting Impression has done just that—sitting proudly beside my copies of The Doctor's Lady and The Measure of Katie Calloway. Cracking open the cover to this book is like stepping back in time to the wonderful world of high-society and fine art that decorated the halls of Belmont mansion.

I reviewed this book for Bethany House via Litfuse. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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Shadow in Serenity - Terri Blackstock

THE BOOK:

Carny Sullivan grew up in the zany world of a traveling carnival. Quaint and peaceful Serenity, Texas, has given her a home, a life, and a child. 

Logan Brisco is the smoothest, slickest, handsomest man Serenity, Texas has ever seen. But Carny Sullivan knows a con artist when she sees one---and she's seen plenty, starting with her father. As far as Carny Sullivan can tell, she's the only one in town who has his number. Because from his Italian shoes to his movie-actor smile, Logan has the rest of the town snowed. 

Carny is determined to reveal Brisco's selfish intentions before his promise to the townspeople for a cut in a giant amusement park sucks Serenity dry. Yet, as much as she hates his winning ways, there is a man behind that suave smile, a man who may win her heart against her will. 

Shadow in Serenity is a modern-day Music Man, penned by a Christy Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

This is my first step into Terri Blackstock’s work and, while it wasn’t as edge-of-your-seat suspenseful that I was expecting, it was an engaging story that kept me reading. I thought it was neat that Terri rewrote Shadow in Serenity (original published for the general market) with a Christian message woven in. And she did it so seamlessly—even when I read, at the end, how she’d added the Christian elements, I almost found it hard to imagine the book without them. 

Terri goes deep with her two main characters, Carny and Logan. More especially with Logan, in my opinion. He has such a complex past and watching him slowly change throughout the course of the book was wonderful. Carny also was a fun character, but she was a bit hard to get to know for the first half of the book. Both characters come together beautifully, though, by the end of the story in a very sweet romance.

I didn’t think I would like the whole “Can’t con a con artist” theme, but surprised myself by getting very “into” the story. Probably due to Terri’s writing style. It captured my attention and I found the book a very easy read. I will admit that, towards the end when Carny leaves Serenity to revisit her childhood, I had trouble staying “in” the story. It seemed like everything was moving along so well…and then Carny skips town for a week to reminisce her childhood. Kinda threw me out of the book and, I confess, I skipped through that part.

From what I hear from my friends who are fans of Terri’s books, this isn’t her best work. So the fact that, while it wasn’t her best, it still was able to capture my attention speaks volumes about the author. I am certainly looking forward to trying more books by Terri in the future!

I reviewed this book for Zondervan via Shelby at Shelton Interactive. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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Dry as Rain - Gina Holmes

THE BOOK:

Behind every broken vow

lies a broken heart.

When Eric and Kyra Yoshida first met, they thought their love would last forever. But like many marriages, theirs has gradually crumbled, one thoughtless comment and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal pushes them beyond reconciliation. Though Eric longs to reunite with Kyra, the only woman he has truly loved, he has no idea how to repair the damage that’s been done.

Then a car accident erases part of Kyra’s memory—including her separation from Eric—and a glimmer of hope rises from the wreckage. Is this a precious opportunity for the fresh start Eric has longed for? Does he even deserve the chance to find forgiveness and win back Kyra’s heart . . . or will the truth blow up in his face, shattering their last hope for happiness? A richly engaging story of betrayal and redemption, Dry as Rain illuminates with striking emotional intensity the surprising truth of what it means to forgive.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ***

Hearing a lot of praises for Gina Holmes’ debut novel, Crossing Oceans, I was really excited to get the opportunity to review her next release, Dry as Rain. While the writing and depth of emotions in this book was amazing, something about the story as a whole rubbed me wrong. Even now that I finished it, I cannot name exactly what it is I did not like about it.

Eric and Kyra marriage is down the tubes and their son, Benji, is suddenly faced with a midlife crisis. The book is set in first person, from Eric’s point of view, thus giving me a very unique view of the story. While I understood Eric was far from perfect and enjoyed watching him grow throughout the story, I had a hard time liking him. The way he handled things and what he did had me on the verge of being depressed!

Because part of their broken marriage is because of an affair Eric had with a (much younger) coworker, I wouldn’t recommend Dry as Rain for teens. But it isn’t really directed toward younger readers anyway.

So, while I didn’t find Dry as Rain as captivating a read as I had hoped, I would suggest reading more reviews before coming to a conclusion. This book just didn’t work for me—but it might for you.

Gina Holmes’ writing was wonderful and writing in such a way, it was almost an effortless read! Seriously, I found myself flying easily through the pages; just taking the story in. I can now understand how she became a bestselling author with her debut novel!

I reviewed this book for Tyndale House Publishing. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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Deep Trouble - Mary Connealy

THE BOOK:

Aimless and Wandering...

Gabe Lasley abandoned his ranch in Wyoming because of his strong feelings for a married woman, wanting only to be left alone. Then he finds a treasure hunter stranded on a mountaintop cave and offers to help her.

Fearless and Fixated...

A determined Shannon Dysart is on a quest to prove her father's research isn't the word of a madman and that he really did find treasure in the Wild West. Then she finds herself stranded, with an aimless wanderer her only way out.

Now the unlikely pair is out to find the city of gold...together...with trouble hot on their trail. When a band of villains threaten to steal Shannon's map, will she be able to see past the gold that colors her ever decision, and will Gabe accept his surprising need to protect a woman who doesn't seem to have a lick of common sense? Or will they discover that a true treasure rooted in love and faith has been within their reach all along.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

This is only the second book I’ve read by Mary Conneally, and I admit I wasn’t crazy about the first one I read. But, I am happy to say I really enjoyed Deep Trouble. With the feel of National Treasure (on the hunt for a lost city of gold that everyone else laughs at), Mary spins her own tale in the wilds of the west with a colorful cast of characters—city girl Shannon, rugged cowboy Gabe, upstart preacher Ford, gold-hungry Lurene, sinister Cutter...and so many more!

With everything ingenuously woven around the search for a lost city of gold, this story takes off easily from the beginning and hardly slows till the last page. Mary Connealy’s talent for writing drew me in and immersed me into these characters lives. 

While I thought Shannon was a bit too stubborn in her search for the city, I loved watching her change and grow, right alongside Gabe. The lesson that there are things more important than gold and riches was well displayed throughout the plot.

Shannon and Gabe’s near-marriage was quiet humorous! And throughout the book, Mary adds little touches that made me chuckle and kept me reading. There was quite a bit of sensual touching and kissing going on between these two, especially for so short an acquaintance. But that’s just me and, really, my only slight-problem in this fun, rollickin’ adventure. This western, treasure-hunting romance is sure to please Mary Connealy fans everywhere.

I reviewed this book for the publishers, Barbour Books. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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Lethal Remedy - Richard Mabry

THE BOOK:

What happens when the race to stop a lethal bacteria 
becomes a race to stop a killer?

Dr. Sara Miles’ teenage patient is on the brink of death from an overwhelming, highly resistant infection with Staph luciferus, known to doctors as “the killer.” Only an experimental antibiotic, developed and administered by Sara’s ex-husband can save the girl's life.

But potentially lethal effects from the drug send Sara and her colleague, Dr. Rip Pearson, on a hunt for hidden critical data that will let them reverse the effects before it’s too late. What is the missing puzzle piece? And who is hiding it?

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

While I know next to nothing when it comes to the medical industry, every so often I do enjoy picking up a medical suspense or mystery. Doctor Richard Mabry brings to readers the fourth and final book in the Prescription for Trouble series. While I have only read one other in the series (book 3, Diagnosis Death), I was looking forward to more by this author who is, obviously, very knowledgeable in this area.

There were a lot of characters in this book. Moreso then in his previous book. The first few chapters I was a bit confused as I tried to remember all the different characters and, as the story progressed, what their motives were. Sarah and Rip were two characters I really got to like but, as a result of all the added characters, I didn’t get to know them as well as I had liked.

The whole suspenseful plot surrounding the wonder-drug, Jandramycin, was really good and kept me reading. I think the ‘mysterious person’ behind the plot to take down Jandra was almost kept too mysterious. At the end, when all was revealed, I was surprised—but not in the way I usually am surprised when the bad guy is discovered. It was just…different, I guess.

In all, Lethal Remedy was a nice, mildly suspenseful read. The scenes were all relatively short, and I found myself easily flying through the pages, making this an easy read. The ending felt a bit rushed and quickly wrapped up. I would’ve liked to have read more on where Sara’s relationship with Rip and Mark went. But, all in all, Lethal Remedy is a great conclusion to the Prescription for Trouble series. Richard knows his stuff when it comes to medicine!

I reviewed this book for FIRST Wild Card Tour. Special thanks to Julie Dowd (Abingdon Press) for sending me a review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done. 

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