The Ride of Her Life - Lorna Seilstad

THE BOOK:

She's planted firmly on solid ground.

He's ready to sweep her off her feet.

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six-year-old. Widowed for three years, Lilly has decided to leave the home of her intrusive in-laws to stand on her own. However, her in-laws find her new life as a cook at Lake Manawa utterly unsuitable for their grandson. When an argument ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. But Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.

Filled with the sweet romance of summer, The Ride of Her Life will have you laughing out loud and sighing contentedly as you spend the summer of 1906 at Lake Manawa. 

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Once again, I have completely enjoyed Lorna Seilstad's writing! It's hard to believe she is done with these characters—this series! I really enjoyed getting to know Marguerite, Emily, and Lilly throughout the Manawa Summers series. And I’m pretty sure I’ve never had so much fun and laughs while reading a book (especially with the second book, A Great Catch!) Can't wait to see what else this talented (and fun!) author has in store next.

In The Ride of Her Life we go alongside Lilly (who has been in the background of the previous two books) and her young, adorable son, Levi. I really enjoyed getting to know her throughout this book. She seemed like such a complex, quiet character—especially alongside bubbling Marguerite and clumsy Emily! I loved reading about her hard-working, selfless character that makes her willing to work herself to exhaustion to protect and provide for those she loves—namely, Levi.

There weren’t as many laughs in this book, which surprised me a bit. Don’t get me wrong, though—there were several humorous events. Especially when a certain young lady comes to “help” Lilly cook! But even though the “rolling on the flour, laughing out loud” humor wasn’t there as much as in previous books, this book still made for a 5-star read for me!

The Manawa Summers series is a set of books I know I will be revisiting in the near future for a reread. True, it was bittersweet to see this series come to an end, but The Ride of Her Life just made the perfect way to leave these endearing characters. If you want a book that’s filled with laughs, fun-in-the-sun, and romance…this series must be first on your list!

I reviewed this book for Revell. 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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The Anniversary Waltz - Darrel Nelson

THE BOOK:

At their sixtieth anniversary party, Adam Carlson asks his wife, Elizabeth, for their customary waltz. After the dance they gather the family and share their story...

 A story of love and courage overcoming adversity and thriving in the face of overwhelming odds.

It’s the summer of 1946, and Adam has just returned from the war to his home in Reunion, Montana. At a town festival he meets Elizabeth Baxter, a young woman going steady with his former high school rival and now influential banker, Nathan Roberts.

When Adam and Elizabeth share a waltz in a deserted pavilion one evening, their feelings begin to grow and they embark on a journey, and a dance, that will last a lifetime. 

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ***

This book was almost a four stars for me…but because I had to urge myself to continue reading in some places, I decided to give it three stars. Darnell Nelson’s debut romance, The Anniversary Waltz, really is a precious story of family, love, tragedy, and God’s amazing grace worked through the lives of these characters.

The romance was my favorite aspect to the novel—it was so tender and sweet. Sure to please many readers who want a “sigh-worthy” book. Elizabeth is a very sweet character that becomes easy to endear yourself to as the reader. And Adam, in my opinion, seemed like such a swell guy!

I think what kept The Anniversary Waltz from really “clicking” with me was the writing style. Something about it rubbed me wrong, and that kinda kept me from really getting “into” the story. But this might just be me! The story plot was done very well—there were several events that unfolded that I wasn’t expecting. At all! Kudos to Nelson for creating such an engaging and emotional plot.

I really hate to give The Anniversary Waltz 3 stars—especially when I see I am in such a minority. But this book just didn’t click for me all the way. It was a nice-one time read, and I am glad I read it. A very promising debut. I look forward to seeing what else Darrel Nelson writes in the future. 

I reviewed this book for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. Thanks to the publishers, Bethany House, for sending me my 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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Beckon - Tom Pawlik

THE BOOK:

Some things weren't meant to be discovered.

Beneath the town of Beckon, a terror hides, lurking in the darkness.

Waiting.
 
Three people are drawn to the small Wyoming town for very different reasons. Anthropologist Jack Kendrick comes to explore the surrounding caves--the last place his father was seen alive twelve years ago. Police officer Elina Gutierrez follows the trail of her missing cousin from L.A. until it goes cold in the near-deserted town. And George Wilcox, a wealthy businessman, is lured to a lodge on the bluff by the promise of a cure for his wife's illness.

All are looking for answers. But as they draw closer to discovering the town's chilling secret, the real question becomes . . . will any of them make it out alive? 

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Oh. My Word.

Okay, this book officially freaked me out!

Before I say anything else about this book, be forewarned that if you are squeamish about creepy-crawlies (like me!) then this book is going to have an even bigger impact on you! Not in a bad way, mind you…only that you’re probably going to pretty jumpy during the reading of Beckon. I know I sure was! (There is a hilarious story about my run-in with a fly while reading this book…but I’ll forgo telling you, since this IS a review. :-)

I had no clue what I was getting into when I picked up Beckon. The synopsis was very vague and, really, all I knew was that it was a suspense (which is why I decided to give it a try). Boy, is it a suspense alright! It only took a few chapters for the plot to get very suspenseful, and the intense action only continues to mount throughout this 400 page book.

Tom Pawlik has really done a fabulous job on this story plot. A few times the writing felt more like ‘telling’ then ‘showing’, but with all that action and suspense I barely noticed it. I will be honest and say I had my doubts about Beckon. I'd never read anything by Pawlik before and wasn’t sure I would enjoy it. Boy, was I wrong! 

While Beckon does require you to stretch your imagination a little, I don’t think it is totally far-fetched. I mean, aren’t scientists discovering knew animals/species still today?? So, as I said, it’s not a very big stretch. Reminded me a bit of Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti’s books. I will certainly be keeping my eye out for more books by Pawlik in the future. This author has my attention! 

I reviewed this book for Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tours. Special thanks to the publishers, Tyndale, 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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The Pursuit of Lucy Banning - Olivia Newport

THE BOOK:

She has a secret to keep. 

But will she give her heart away?

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago's rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work and squeeze herself into the mold of the well-dressed wife who spends most of her time and money redecorating.

When she meets Will, an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World's Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family's expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?

Get swept away into the lavish world of Chicago's high society as Olivia Newport brings to life an age of glitz and grandeur, stark social contrasts, and one woman who dares to cross class lines for what she believes. 

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ***

I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, so was pleasantly surprised when I found a relaxing, easy-to-read historical romance that sweeps you into the moment. Miss Lucy is maturing in a year where times and customs are changing. College is opening up to women, and Lucy jumps at the opportunity to further her knowledge.

While this book is mainly about Lucy, I was mostly intrigued by Charlotte and her story. I don’t know what the next book in this series will be, but I am hoping it is about Charlotte. While Lucy and Charlotte come from very different backgrounds, they forge a beautiful friendship. Loved watching that spark grow over the course of the book.

There was a lot of history within The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, which I found refreshing and enlightening. The romance left a bit wanting, in my opinion—it seemed to move so quickly and I never really saw a “falling in love over the course of time”. They just were in love. After their first meeting you knew Will and Lucy would marry.

All that said, I found The Pursuit of Lucy Banning a delightful one-time read and a well-done debut. Not sure what else Olivia Newport has in store for her readers, but I am excited to see where this new series goes. 

I reviewed this book for Revell. 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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Submerged - Dani Pettrey

THE BOOK: 

A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.

One single clue. 

Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town . . . until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a small town. She's returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer
has settled in his town and doesn't appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge.

She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he's not the same guy she left behind. Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together? 

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Whoa! What an adventure! I had a feeling that Dani Pettrey would write a romantic suspense that sucked me in from page one and wouldn’t let me go till the very end. And that's exactly what happened! While the suspense and tension wasn't very high in the first half of the book, things DO happen that keeps the reader going…and then I hit that halfway mark and it just took off!

There is quiet a large cast of characters in Submerged. Not only does the reader really get to know Bailey and Cole, but also his other siblings and best friend, Landon. And not just briefly, either—by the end of the novel I had come to care for Piper, Kayden, Gage, and Landon just as much as I did Bailey and Cole. Pettrey did an amazing job weaving so many characters into the plot and still making each person and their struggles unique and memorable. Makes me look forward to the next book even more!

And the writing! Wow, was I impressed. So vivid, sharp, and clean. Takes the reader right into the moment, making the characters come alive. And the way she described Yancey, Alaska and all its charm makes me want to go visit this little town. Very well done!

I would recommend this book more for older teens, since there are a few mature situations this book deals with. One character was known to sleep around in her younger days, and while nothing is described, one character remembers having to listen to the teen boys lewd conversations about their times with her. As I said, nothing too descriptive, but this sordid past plays a big part throughout Submerged.

But, really, Pettrey handled this situation so well and carefully, I was impressed by how clean she kept the book, considering the situation her characters find themselves in. All around, I found Submerged to be a wonderful, awesome read that I know I will pick up again. The characters will remain vividly in my thoughts for a long time to come! Here's a high-five from me, Dani, on writing an awesome romantic suspense!! Loved it!! 

I reviewed this book for the author, thanks to Dani Pettrey for allowing me to be an influencer for her debut. 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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The Widow of Saunders Creek - Tracey Bateman

THE BOOK:

A grief that knows no boundary.
A love without any limit.  
A need that doesn’t end at death. 

Corrie Saunders grew up in a life of privilege. But she gave it all up for Jarrod, her Army husband, a man she knew was a hero when she vowed to spend her life with him. She just didn’t expect her hero to sacrifice his life taking on an Iraqi suicide bomber. 

Six months after Jarrod’s death, Corrie retreats to the family home her husband inherited deep in the Missouri Ozarks. She doesn’t know how to live without Jarrod—she doesn’t want to. By moving to Saunders Creek and living in a house beloved by him, she hopes that somehow her Jarrod will come back to her.

Something about the house suggests maybe he has. Corrie begins to wonder if she can feel Jarrod’s presence.

Jarrod’s cousin Eli is helping Corrie with the house’s restoration and he knows that his dead cousin is not what Corrie senses. Eli, as a believing man and at odds with his mystically-oriented family members, thinks friendly visits from beyond are hogwash.  But he takes spirits with dark intentions seriously. Can he convince Corrie that letting go of Jarrod will lead to finding her footing again— and to the One she can truly put her faith into? 

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ****

What does a young, newly-widowed woman do when she thinks her husband is trying to contact her from the afterlife? That’s the (creepy!) question Corrie Saunders must figure out as she returns to her husband’s childhood home in The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman. There are several spine-chilling scenes with the spirit/demon that “haunts” the house, thus making this a book that will grip your attention.

Corrie isn’t your average heroine, as is shown in the first few chapters when she drinks herself and deals with a full-blown hangover the next morning. This made her first meeting with Eli rather interesting and humorous! The romance between Corrie and Eli was very sweet—and a bit different than the normal, which I liked very much! It wasn’t focused, so much, on the physical attraction (though it was there!) as much as the way they bonded while working together, and their battle against the dark spirits within the house. Very memorable relationship!

The writing was well done, sharp, and brings the story to life. Reading The Widow of Saunders Creek reminded me of the Christy movies and her adventures among the mountain folk with their superstitions and traditions. Just like Christy, Corrie had to adjust to like, get to know the town folk, and meet a few interesting characters. 

I've never read a book that dealt with ghosts, mediums, séances, and the like from a Christian perspective. I ended up really appreciating Bateman at tackling this subject. I loved the way she handled it—showing how, when some people think their relatives might be back from the dead with "unfinished business", it’s really a devil in disguise. Very eye-opening for those interested. I definitely plan to read more by Bateman in the future.

I received this book for Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group via Blogging 4 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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Travelers Rest - Ann Tatlock

THE BOOK:

A YOUNG WOMAN determined to honor her commitment...

AN INJURED SOLDIER convinced life is no longer worth living...

A RETIRED DOCTOR certain it's too late to be forgiven...

Jane Morrow has a dilemma. She's engaged to Seth Ballantine, a member of the National Guard's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and he's returned from Iraq severely wounded. Jane hasn't seen him for nearly a year, and with trepidation, she heads to the VA hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where he is being treated.

Seth isn't happy to see her. He'd asked her not to come. He wants to end the relationship. But Jane loves him, and despite his injury, she's determined to convince him that they can have a life together. Her faith has never been strong, yet she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do.

Beautifully written, Travelers Rest takes readers on a journey through pain and tragedy to a place of hope and redemption. 

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ***

Having only read one other book by Ann Tatlock in the past, I wasn’t quite sure what Travelers Rest would be like. But one thing I knew for sure—it would be moving and emotional. And that is exactly what it turned out to be!

In one day, with one phone call, Jane Morrow’s picturesque “happily ever after” marriage she’s been looking forward to…changes. As Travelers Rest progressed, I grew to really admire Jane and how she didn’t waver in her love toward her fiancé, even though many people encouraged her she had the right to leave.

That said, not many chapters into the book I had a feeling how it all would end. And, while there were a few unexpected happenings in the middle of the book, my hunch proved to be correct. So I wasn’t as surprised by the turn of events within Travelers Rest as I usually like to be when reading a book.

I rode the waves of emotions—both high and very low—with Jane as she visits Seth every day in the hospital, meets extraordinary people, and sifts through her feelings toward her fiancé and life. I don’t think you can read Travelers Rest and not be challenged to think, to not take for granted the simplest things in life—like walking across a room. Travelers Rest is a moving read! 

I reviewed this book for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. Thanks to the publishers, Bethany House, for sending me my 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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Garden of Madness - Tracy Higley

THE BOOK:

The untold story of King Nebuchadnezzar's daughter.

For seven years the Babylonian princess Tiamat has waited for the mad king Nebuchadnezzar to return to his family and to his kingdom. Driven from his throne to live as a beast, he prowls his luxurious Hanging Gardens, secreted away from the world.

Since her treaty marriage at a young age, Tia has lived an opulent yet oppressive life in the palace. But her husband has since died and she relishes her newfound independence. When a nobleman is found murdered in the palace, Tia must discover who is responsible for the macabre death, even if her own freedom is threatened.

As the queen plans to wed Tia to yet another prince, the powerful mage Shadir plots to expose the family's secret and set his own man on the throne. Tia enlists the help of a reluctant Jewish captive, her late husband's brother Pedaiah, who challenges her notions of the gods even as he opens her heart to both truth and love.

In a time when few gave their hearts to Yahweh, Tia must decide if she is willing to risk everything-her possessions, her gods, and her very life-for the Israelites' one God. Madness, sorcery, and sinister plots mingle like an alchemist's deadly potion as Tia chooses whether to risk all to save the kingdom-and her family. 

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Once again Tracy Higley has swept me into a tale of a nearly forgotten time where being a princess wasn’t as care-free as one would think. Filled with palace intrigue and an unsolved murder, Garden of Madness kept my attention riveted to the pages. Be prepared to find yourself instantly charmed by the spirited Tiamat—she is a one-of-a-kind woman!

Something that instantly sets Tiamat apart as a heroine, in my opinion, was her athletic hobbies. At first glance you would think a Babylonian princess would be refined, dignified, and one who spent her days in leisure. But from the very first chapter we see Tiamat running like the wind, and then later leaping over objects and even a bit of boxing. I loved this spirited and active side that made this princess so full of life, vibrant, and unique.

Her progression—from naivety and selfishness to a princess ready to give her all for her family and kingdom—was beautiful to watch. And so well written! I wasn’t as happy with Pedaiah’s change from proud arrogance to humility, but I was glad to see him see the error of his ways. 

Garden of Madness also deals with the dark spirits the mage often communed with. There were a few creepy scenes where a Mage was performing a ritual to send dark spirits and troubling thoughts to a person. My favorite scene, though, was when Pedaiah prays over Tiamat, driving the dark spirits from her. Loved the connection between the characters and the power of Jesus.

From the outside, often we might think life in a palace as a princess would be amazing. But Higley gives the readers an up-close-and-personal look at how stressful life can really be within the palace walls. How complicated! As Garden of Madness progresses and conspiracies arise, one would almost think the palace walls themselves have ears and eyes! I enjoyed this book completely and look forward to more from Higley in the near future!

I reviewed this book for FIRST Wild Card Tour. Special thanks to Ruthie Dean of Thomas Nelson 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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Sisters of the Confederacy - Lauraine Snelling

THE BOOK:

When her sister fights to hold on to the family legacy, Louisa Highwood works tirelessly to save the lives of wounded soldiers. Putting her own safety n the line, she covertly ventures behind enemy lines to procure desperately needed supplies for the army hospital in Richmond, Virginia.

Meanwhile, Jesselynn Highwood and her ragtag band of freed slaves and Thoroughbreds seek refuge along the Oregon Trail, unable to imagine what awaits them.

An exciting tale of courage, adventure, and romance amid the turbulence of the Civil War. 



MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Sisters of the Confederacy starts off right where Daughter of Twin Oaks leaves off. Jesselynn has managed to secure a place in a wagon train headed west with trail guide Wolf. While these two are butting heads, Louisa is trying to do what she can to help the war effort. But with all the bandages she rolls and socks she knits, she still feels she can do more…such as sneak across the border and smuggle much-needed medicine back into the South.

Jesselyn is just as determined and focused as she ever was in the previous book. And she finds her match in stubborn guide Wolf. I loved watching the sparks fly between these two—especially since Wolf thought she was a boy for the greater part of the book. How he finds out she is a girl…wow, was that funny!

As for Louisa, I really felt sorry for her in this book. With the death of someone, she’s kind of like a ship without a sail—she doesn’t know what to do next. She’s kind of left hanging at the end of Sisters of the Confederacy, and I am really looking forward to reading more of her story in the next, and final, installment to this series.

If you enjoyed the first book in this series, you will very much like where Sisters of the Confederacy takes you. I would recommend reading this series in order—as I mentioned, this book picks up right where the first book ends and while the author does give background on what’s happened…it’s nothing like reading them in order! And now, for me, I’m off to get my hands on a copy of The Long Trail Home to finish Jesselynn and Louisa’s story!

I reviewed this book for Bethany House Publishers. Thanks to Jim 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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Daughter of Twin Oaks - Lauraine Snelling

THE BOOK:


Seeking to fulfill the promise she made to her dying father, eighteen-year-old Jesselynn Highwood determines to take her little brother and the family's remaining Thoroughbreds from Twin Oaks plantation in Kentucky to her uncle's farm in Missouri, where they will be safe for the remainder of the Civil War.

Dodging Confederate and Union troops, they ride at night and hide during the day. Finally, after encountering hunger, sickness, and the devastation of war, they arrive in Missouri only to discover the situation there puts them in even greater danger.

But Jesselynn will stop at nothing to save her family, the horses, and whatever remains of Twin Oaks. 


MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Daughter of Twin Oaks was one of the first historical fiction books I read as a young teen, and I loved. When I saw that it was getting reprinted, I knew I had to get them to add to my library of books. After finishing this first book in the Secret Refuge series, it still remains one of my favorite historicals of all time. I am a BIG lover of history and, more specifically, the War Between the States. For such a controversy subject, I thought Lauraine Snelling handles it well, showing both sides of things.

While both the main characters in Daughter of Twin Oaks—Jesselynn and Louisa—have their father and brothers fighting for the Confederacy, Lauraine gives the gritty facts of that war between brothers and shows how, for many people, it didn't matter what uniform they wore. Jesselynn tries to keep her pure-breed horses out of the hands of both armies—North and South—and Louisa is desperate to give aid to any wounded man in uniform—blue or gray.

The writing style drew me into the book, as it felt so real. The expressions, descriptions, and slang that Snelling uses was so “in period”, I was impressed and completely immersed in Jesselynn and Louisa’s world. There was nothing questionable in the book, save for once a black woman has her shirt ripped open by a ruffian with ill intent, but he doesn’t get farther than that. And the romance wasn’t the main drive of the book (which, for all you non-romance readers out there, will appreciate). 

As I said, after rereading Daughter of Twin Oaks, it still remains my favorite historical book set during the 1860s. I would recommend this book to readers of all ages. Especially those who have a love for the War Between the States. 

I reviewed this book for Bethany House Publishers. Thanks to Jim 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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