BLOGWORDS – Friday 30 April 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-FRIDAY – BOOK REVIEW – BEGOTTEN by LISA T. BERGREN

 

 

BLOGWORDS – Friday 30 April 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-FRIDAY – BOOK REVIEW – BEGOTTEN by LISA T. BERGREN

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-FRIDAY – BOOK REVIEW – BEGOTTEN by LISA T. BERGREN

 

THE BLURB

Their coming was foretold for centuries…
and their gathering threatens to change everything.
A portion of an ancient, beautifully illuminated letter—a letter believed to have been written by Saint Paul—has surfaced. The letter speaks of men and women with profound spiritual gifts and the illuminations bear a striking resemblance to those drawing together in medieval Italy.
Their gathering will strike fear in the heart of a Church dedicated to maintaining their considerable power. But there is another enemy on the hunt for them and he is darker still…

THE AUTHOR

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling author of over fifty novels, children’s books, and nonfiction books. Lisa and her husband Tim reside in Colorado with their three big kids and a white, fluffy dog named Talisker Beatrice.

You can find out more about Lisa & stay up to date by following her…
On the Web: http://www.LisaTawnBergren.com
On Facebook: Lisa Tawn Bergren; River of Time Series
On Twitter: LisaTBergren

 

MY REVIEW

The battle of good versus evil is timeless. This story may be set in Medieval Italy but it could be current day—truly any era since the time of Christ. Or the beginning of time.

The author clearly has a deep understanding of what it is to be a follower of Christ, to walk according to His will. To utilize the gifts God has endowed upon each one of us. As she has done with her writing.

Ms. Bergren works such mysterious moments into her story from the first pages. Coincidences that are not coincidental at all. Events and people that converge at just the right moment—minutes or even seconds sooner or later and the chance would be lost. The outcome different entirely.

The characters in this story embrace their Gifting as any of us would—with doubts and questions, wonder and awe, ultimately embracing it with their whole heart. With an inner knowing, beyond mere confidence, even in facing great spiritual opposition.

The telling is as rich and vibrant and intriguing as any tapestry hanging on the castle walls. Mystery and secrets, the dark enemy lurking about, God working His miracles through His chosen, His select. His begotten.

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Friday, #TRD, Book Review, Begotten, Lisa Tawn Bergren, JustRead Publicity

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 24 April 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – SPILLED MILK by HEATHER DAY GILBERT

 

 

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 24 April 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – SPILLED MILK by HEATHER DAY GILBERT

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – SPILLED MILK by HEATHER DAY GILBERT

 

THE BLURB

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java…and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

The fall flea market has arrived in Macy’s small mountain town, and she’s taking a day off work to check out the local wares. As she and her Great Dane, Coal, wander through the booths, Macy’s more than a little taken aback to discover that her enigmatic tattooed barista, Kylie, is selling antique weapons at the event.
She’s even more shocked when Coal sniffs out a dead body…and the man appears to have been struck down by one of Kylie’s swords.
As rumors begin to circulate, the Barks & Beans Cafe also takes a hit. Customers are reluctant to order their mochas from a murderess. Macy stands by her employee, but even she believes there’s a whole lot more to Kylie’s history than the woman lets on. To make matters worse, Macy’s brother Bo is out of the country, leaving the cafe’s future in her hands.
And then her ex-husband Jake shows up, begging to make amends.
With the past rearing its ugly head, Macy has to ignore Jake’s distractions, appease the angst of her nervous customers, and convince Kylie to trust her, all before an elusive killer strikes again.

THE AUTHOR

HEATHER DAY GILBERT, an ECPA Christy award finalist and Grace award winner, writes contemporary mysteries and Viking historicals. Her novels feature small towns, family relationships, and women who aren’t afraid to protect those they love. Publisher’s Weekly gave Heather’s Viking historical Forest Child a starred review, saying it is “an engaging story depicting timeless human struggles with faith, love, loyalty, and leadership.”
Find Heather on Pinterest (heatherdgilbert), Instagram (@heatherdaygilbert), Twitter (@heatherdgilbert), and Facebook (heatherdaygilbert). You can find all her books at heatherdaygilbert.com

 

MY REVIEW

“Ms. Gilbert’s writing is brilliant, her characters real and fun, her stories a delight to read, and I look forward to the next book in this series, Spilled Milk.” (from my review of Fair Trade, 10 November 2020, https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2020/11/10/blogwords-tuesday-10-november-2020-tuesday-reviews-day-book-review-fair-trade-by-heather-day-gilbert/ )

 

Macy Hatfield has become a good friend by now, practically family. I always enjoy going along for the ride on one of her adventures. Her tenacity, her sense of justice, her knack for reading people. And of course her love of dogs! (Although this reviewer is 100% a cat person.)

Ms. Gilbert twists and weaves so many threads into her stories—I could feel the energy leaping off the page.

Macy encounters first one victim and then another, with strong evidence pointing at her friend, what Macy uncovers is not her friend’s guilt, but a [SPOILER] in Kylie’s past—and in the process, they both uncover a nwew friendship.

Macy follows one clue after another until she comes face to face [SPOILER].

Bo was out of the picture for Macy’s adventure this time. But we meet Jake in this story and all I can say is, what a rat! And as her heart weighs her choices I truly wasn’t sure which fella she would choose. I will say, I agree with her choice!

With just the right balance of tension and humor, mystery and romance, this story keeps the reader guessing. And I gotta say, I did not see that ending coming!

 

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

 

The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order:

Book 1: No Filter
Book 2: Iced Over
Book 3: Fair Trade
Book 4: Spilled Milk
Book 5: Trouble Brewing (coming in October)

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Spilled Milk, Heather Day Gilbert, Barks & Beans Café Cozy Mystery

 

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 27 April 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WATCHER by SARA DAVISON

 

 

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 27 April 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WATCHER by SARA DAVISON

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WATCHER by SARA DAVISON

 

THE BLURB

Someone or something is watching Kathryn Ellison.​

Kathryn thought she had buried memories of That Night for good—until Nick Lawson returns, reigniting her long-suppressed feelings for him. Seeing Nick has always reminded her too much of the horrible night that changed her life. As much as she wants to be with him, she wants even more to forget. When Nick unexpectedly shows up at her family ranch, Kathryn knows it is finally time to let go of the traumatic past that has held her captive for so long.

David Henley is a captive too—of the dark secret involving Kathryn, a secret he’s kept even from his wife. Now the truth is about to be revealed. And when it is, he could be stripped of everything in his life that matters to him.

A storm is brewing in the spiritual realm, and its effects reverberate through the natural world, summoning otherworldly Beings to the ranch. While Kathryn confronts the memories of That Night and struggles to let them go, she is not as alone in her home as she thinks.

As spiritual and temporal forces collide, Kathryn—and everyone she loves—is about to be caught in the crossfire.

** Christian fiction that deals with a sensitive subject.

THE AUTHOR

Sara Davison is the author of the romantic suspense novel, The Watcher, and the romantic suspense series, The Seven Trilogy. She has been a finalist for eight national writing awards, including Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol Award, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a Word and Cascade Award winner. Sara has a degree in English Literature from Queen’s University. She currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children, all of whom she (literally) looks up to. Her favourite way to spend the days (and nights) is drinking coffee and making stuff up. Get to know Sara better at http://www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.

 

 

MY REVIEW

Rarely is a story so poignant, so gripping, so horrific, and yet so eloquent in its telling. With a sprinkling of humor, even. And yet, Ms. Davison has gifted her readers with such a treasure.

Watcher opens the veil to the spirit world, reminding us that even when we can’t (or don’t want to) see God, He is always with us. So, too, are spiritual beings, both heavenly and otherwise.

Most of us have not endured the extreme trauma Kathryn has. But all of us have faced trials. And all of us carry scars and memories, and baggage. All of us struggle to let go, to forgive, to truly walk in all that Father God has for us.

Ms. Davison chronicles Kathryn’s healing—and release—from the event that changed her life, and scarred her spirit. So many elements conspire to restore her to wholeness, or to destroy her completely—very literally a battle of good versus evil. The author doesn’t sugar coat the truth, though she does provide a break in the tension with the voice of the narrator—The Watcher.

Oh! How I wanted to wrap Kathryn in a great hug and make it all go away, make the “boo-boo” better. I yearned for her to find that peace that only comes from God, that full and final healing. I eagerly turned pages, awaiting the moment her victory arrived.

Nick. Near to sainthood, methinks. It’s not many men who would wait as he did, so sure of his love for her. Grace personified.

The threads of this story, the crisscross of the characters’ lives—Kathryn, Nick, Halyna, David, Dylan—for good, for evil, for God’s purpose. Ms. Davison takes her cue from God Himself, and does not take free will from her characters.

A story of forgiveness and one woman’s journey to healing, the impact is deep and weighty, and it will linger with me for a long time.

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Watcher, Sara Davison, JustRead Publicity

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 21 April 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – DUST by EVA MARIE EVERSON

 

 

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 21 April 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – DUST by EVA MARIE EVERSON

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – DUST by EVA MARIE EVERSON

 

THE BLURB

Can an ordinary life leave an extraordinary legacy?
In 1977, when nineteen-year-old Allison Middleton receives a proposal of marriage from Westley Houser, she eagerly accepts, having no idea the secret Westley carries—a secret that will change Allison’s life forever. But Allison rises to the challenge of raising Westley’s toddling daughter as though she were her own.
Over the course of their lifetime together, Allison, Westley, and Michelle form the strong bond of family. As Allison struggles with infertility and finding her way during a time of great change for women, others—some she knows and others whom she never meets—brush and weave against the fabric of her life, leaving her with more questions than answers.
From teen bride to grandmother, Allison’s life chronicles the ups and downs of an ordinary woman’s life to examine the value of what we all leave behind.

THE AUTHOR

First, allow me to clarify that my website is

EvaMarieEversonAuthor.com

(EvaMarieEverson(dot) com is a domain squat.

Now. About me: I was born and reared just outside of Savannah, Georgia in a charming small town, Sylvania, Georgia. Yeah, I have a southern accent. It gets a little more southern every time I cross the Florida/Georgia state line. I believe one must go North to get South of here.

When I’m not writing, I’m editing. When I’m not editing, I’m running Word Weavers International, an international membership group of writers who, using the art of critique, become iron sharpening iron. I am also one of the two directors of Florida Christian Writers Conference. I speak at writers conferences across America and to women’s groups as well as to congregations.
I’m rarely still and I sleep very little.
Life is good.

 

MY REVIEW

“Dust in the wind, All we are is dust in the wind.” Lyrics by Kansas, Point of No Return, © 1977

I remember that song, I remember the despair of it. I believe all of us wonder, seek our purpose in life. And Ms. Everson has written a profound story that asks—and answers—that question. She reaches deep into the soul, and digs deeper still.

It almost reads like “The Life of…” chronicling Allison’s life, both major life events and daily trivialality—and the heartbreak that befalls her.

As the years pass, and people come and go in her life, she asks “that” question. And in the way that God so often does—subtly and without fanfare, almost unnoticeable—He answers.

While Allison’s life may have seemed mundane and ordinary, Ms. Everson’s characters certainly were not. From quirks and habits, strengths and weaknesses, the people in this story are authentic and genuine.

Westley, though, annoyed me to no end, keeping his secret from Allison as he did. Otherwise, he was a great guy, likeable, tender and caring with her.

Ms. Everson is a master at weaving a story that tugs at the reader’s heart, holding you captive.

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Dust, Eva Marie Everson, JustRead Publicity

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 20 April 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – DEEPEST ROOTS OF THE HEART by CHAUTONA HAVIG

 

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 20 April 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – DEEPEST ROOTS OF THE HEART by CHAUTONA HAVIG

 

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – DEEPEST ROOTS OF THE HEART by CHAUTONA HAVIG

 

                                                                             

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book:  Deepest Roots of the Heart

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: January 20, 2015

 

 

THE BLURB

The Carrillos have a history in the valley that stretches as deep as grapevine roots in the soil.

During WWII, Avelino Carrillo spent four harrowing years in the South Pacific with one thought driving his survival: to return to his beloved home in Napa Valley.

The Carrillos have a history in the valley that stretches deep, like grapevine roots in the soil. For a century, they worked the vineyard at their family home, la Casa de los Sueños, until they lost the property to a wealthy land baron. Now, Avelino is determined to reclaim the land and home he loves so much. When he meets Amelia, a young woman who lives at the vineyard with her grandfather, he finds that regaining his birthright isn’t his only struggle—he battles the longing of his heart as well.

Can Avelino overcome the local bigotry and personal demons that face him to create the life he desires?

 

THE AUTHOR

Using story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller.
Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

MORE FROM CHAUTONA

I Fell in Love with California & History in the Same Year

When the second pastor of small churches with private Christian schools was hauled off to jail, the pastor of our little school closed the doors—just in case. Several of us went underground as homeschoolers in a time when homeschooling was something people did when they were missionaries or lived in… Alaska or something.

There I sat at our kitchen table in Ventura, doing my schoolwork at our little kitchen table.  On Wednesday and Sunday nights, I’d take tests in the school office, get my new PACEs (“Packet of Accelerated Christian Education”) and go home to work again. Sometimes, I’d sit up in my room to read the bigger chunks of information—like from my California State History PACEs.

Look, I don’t know if all states have such great history, but California’s fascinated me. I remember coloring the state map, the missions, and the flag—despite it not being required.  I looked for more books about it, and in the process, I fell in love with history.

A couple of years later, my aunt brought heaping bags of books for us to read when we lived out in the middle of nowhere with no electricity or running water.  We were bored.  But she brought books.  In those sacks?  A tiny little paperback. The Legend of Susan Dane.

Although that book had its utterly ridiculous moments, it also sparked something in me.  Between eyerolls of disgust at everyone fawning over Susan Dane’s reputed beauty and over a strapless dress in the last quarter of the 19^th century, it showed a beautiful picture of the lives of the Californios.

That book fanned the flames of my love of history until I burned with curiosity over what was reasonable.  What wasn’t. And how to find out what really happened.

Fast forward a couple of decades, and a character emerged—a Californio who refused to learn ingles for the sake of the immigrants to his country. Don Ruiz Carrillo said, “If I go to their country, I learn their language, but if they come to my country, they should learn mine.”  In short, I took the words I’d heard my own father say all my life and turned it on its head.  I put an American in California before statehood and without means to learn the language.

When señor Carrillo meets the young Americano with red hair and freckles, she tells a heartbreaking story that she manages to convey through pantomime and her attempts to imitate his language. Here, I deviated from my father. While Dad would be kind and helpful in teaching someone his language in his country, señor Carrillo decides that this young woman is more important than his preferences.

That story is still being written—Crushed Dreams.  However, when I realized how I wanted to end the story, I knew I had a problem. The final book in this series will have a bittersweet ending—one with hope and promise, but not technically “happy.”  So, I decided to write a prequel/sequel to the series—a split-time novel where the reader lives the past with the characters of the present. This way, going into the entire series, you know there’s a happy ending, so you can appreciate the heartache and sacrifice that will come in that last book.

Crushed Dreams is slated to release soon, so I’m eager to share the prequel to the Legacy of the Vines series with you.

 

MY REVIEW

The depth, the richness of this story leaves an indelible imprint on the reader’s heart. If news headlines are black and white, Ms. Havig’s story is the paintbrush that puts color to the story.

I love a good dual timeline story, and especially appreciate the way Ms. Havig weaves history into the present.

The attraction between Avelino and Amelia sparked from their first moments and smoldered till they had no fight against it left.

Avelino’s history is poignant and bittersweet, and defines who he is. Amelia’s past is less prominent in the story, but leaves no less impact on her.

I read eagerly, anxious to [SPOILER] brought to justice. I hoped for the happy ending the story promised.

It seemed to this reader that the story ended abruptly. While it came to its natural conclusion, I had questions still when I reached the final pages.

Still, this is a beautiful story of human character and resiliency, a story of love that truly conquers all.

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

            FOUR FEATHERS

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift card & paperback!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10a52/deepest-roots-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

 

BLOG STOPS

lakesidelivingsite, April 13

A Novel Pursuit, April 13

She Lives To Read, April 14

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 16

Artistic Nobody, April 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Rebecca Tews, April 17

Connie’s History Classroom, April 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 19

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, April 19

Texas Book-aholic, April 20

Inklings and notions, April 21

For Him and My Family, April 22

Mary Hake, April 22

deb’s Book Review, April 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 25

CarpeDiem, April 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 26

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Deepest Roots of the Heart, Chautona Havig, Legacy of the Vines, Celebrate Lit Publicity

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 30 March 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – HOPE BETWEEN THE PAGES by PEPPER BASHAM

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – HOPE BETWEEN THE PAGES by PEPPER BASHAM

THE BLURB

Uncover the Story Behind a One-Hundred-Year-Old Love Letter

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Clara Blackwell helps her mother manage a struggling one-hundred-year old family bookshop in Asheville, North Carolina, but the discovery of a forgotten letter opens a mystery of a long-lost romance and undiscovered inheritance which could save its future. Forced to step outside of her predictable world, Clara embarks on an adventure with only the name Oliver as a hint of the man’s identity in her great-great-grandmother’s letter. From the nearby grand estate of the Vanderbilts, to a hamlet in Derbyshire, England, Clara seeks to uncover truth about family and love that may lead to her own unexpected romance.

THE AUTHOR

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with a southern Appalachian flair. Her books have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inpsys, and the ACFW Carol Awards, with The Thorn Healer selected as a 2018 finalist in the RT awards. Both her contemporary and historical romance novels consistently receive high ratings from Romantic Times, with Just the Way You Are as a Top Pick. Most recently she’s introduced readers to Bath, UK through her novellas, Second Impressions and Jane by the Book, and taken readers into the exciting world of WW2 espionage in her novella, Façade. The second novel in The Pleasant Gap series, When You Look at Me, arrives in October and her contribution to Barbour’s wonderful My Heart Belongs series hits the shelves in January 2019 with My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge. Her books are seasoned with her Appalachian heritage and love for family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can get to know Pepper on her website, http://www.pepperdbasham.com, on Facebook, Instagram, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley.

MY REVIEW

I don’t think I’ve read a single Pepper Basham book (and I’ve read almost all of them) that hasn’t just got me in the “feelz.” Not only is Hope Between the Pages no exception, but it takes the “feelz” to a whole ‘nother level! I mean a story about stories? Come on! AND a dual timeline!!! Don’t get much better than that!

Ms. Basham’s Appalachian story-telling heritage and her passion for all things British shines on every page, mingling in a heart-warming and heart-wrenching tale.

I adored both Clara and Sadie—and of course, share their passion for books and reading. I appreciated their dedication to their duties. Their

The author’s understanding of human nature gives her characters a sense of depth and authenticity, stirring empathy in the reader. The twists between generations, the threat over Clara’s head—the utterly swoonable romance! Page after page this story holds the reader, lingering, even, after the final adieu.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Hope Between the Pages, Pepper Basham

BLOGWORDS – Monday 29 March 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – SAILING IN STYLE by DANA MENTINK

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – SAILING IN STYLE by DANA MENTINK

 

 

THE BLURB

Piper Brindle has spent her entire adult life trying to live down the stigma of her family’s checkered history. The one bright spot was Cy Franco, the talented California designer with the surfer-boy looks. She ended up only breaking his heart. Now an acting gig on the historic River King reunites her with the guy she pushed away. She knows she doesn’t deserve him, but how can she pretend she’s immune to Cy’s charms? As her past explodes into her present, Piper knows they can never have a future together. But with their irresistible chemistry drawing them even closer than before, how will she be able to walk away a second time?

THE AUTHOR

Dana Mentink is a national and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author. She’s written more than forty mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, and Poisoned Pen Press. She is honored to have received two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Please visit her on the web at http://www.danamentink.com or find her on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest. Dana hosts monthly contests and giveaways via her Dana Mentink’s Reader Group at www.facebook.com/groups/danamentink/

 

 

MY REVIEW

What a comedy of calamities! How can so many things go wrong in the span of a few days?

But sometimes God throws things our way (or allows things to happen) to nudge us back on the path He has set for us. Ms. Mentink has sure done that with Piper and Cy!!

As both an Interior Designer (by degree) and an actor (by passion) this story was doubly fun for me.

Piper’s enthusiasm for her craft was contagious. Her fear of relationship, though, was beyond aggravating! (Even though I get her reasons.)

Cy—love the names in this story—trying with all his might to untangle his heart from Piper’s.

And the Belles!! What a hoot they were! I knew early on, though, that Flo wasn’t who she seemed. But I didn’t expect the answer to be what it was! Touché, Ms. Mentink. Touché!

I fell deeper and deeper into this story with every page, waiting to see who [SPOILER] and hoping it wasn’t [SPOILER.]

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

FOUR FEATHERS

 

This book was given to me as a gift. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reactions to this book.

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Monday, #TRD, Book Review, Sailing in Style, Dana Mentink, A Love by Design Book, Return to Pelican Inn

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 16 March 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – SALKEHATCHIE SECRET by C. HOPE CLARK

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – SALKEHATCHIE SECRET by C.  HOPE CLARK

 

 

THE BLURB

A dead federal agent and Lowcountry secrets stir up a hornet’s nest. . .
A Carolina Slade and Callie Morgan crossover!
(A stand-alone mystery)

Carolina Slade’s long awaited engagement is put on hold as Senior Special Agent Wayne Largo leads the manhunt for his missing partner—a naïve fresh recruit, who may have jumped the gun on an investigation from Slade’s case load. When the agent is found dead next door to the jurisdiction of friend and Edisto Beach Police Chief Callie Morgan, Slade calls in a favor to add support for Wayne’s investigation. Soon the two women are hip-deep in the secrets, black water swampland, and farms of the Salkehatchie region.

And anyone attempting to uncover those secrets gambles with their life.

THE AUTHOR

Hope Clark thrives on mystery and writes from Lake Murray and Edisto Beach in her beloved South Carolina, alongside her federal agent husband she met on a bribery investigation. Bourbon in hand, water on the horizon, she spins tales of serious, hard-nosed female sleuths.

Hope also motivates writers to step up to their careers and is founder of FundsforWriters.com , awarded 101 Best Websites for Writers by Writer’s Digest Magazine each year for over a decade. Her weekly publications reach 35,000+ readers.

Visit her at:
www.chopeclark.com

www.facebook.com/chopeclark

www.bookbub.com/authors/c-hope-clark

www.goodreads.com/hopeclark

 

 

MY REVIEW

I’ve already come to know and love Police Chief Callie Morgan. In Salkehatchie Secret I’m getting to know Carolina Slade. I love the friendship the two have developed—and I love the two series crossover.

This story, though! Seriously, y’all!!

Newbie Jasmine rubbed me wrong—too sure of herself and cocky. Honestly, I began to wonder if she was investigating or involved…

St. Clair Simmons was a piece of work, and like Jasmine, I couldn’t decide how much he was guilty of…

There’s a regular line-up of suspects and red herrings, and besides the one [SPOILER] that I figured out (and I wasn’t sure so sure of that) identifying the killer—indeed, determining if it was actually murder—was a nearly impossible task.

This reader may have developed a small reader-crush on Special Agent Wayne Largo. His attention to and patience with Slade is hard to come by. And his proposal was heart melting. That the two of them worked the case together threw some serious hurdles in their investigative path, and put their relationship in the hot seat.

And Slade. I admire her determination and dedication, to her job and to the people in her life. I met her briefly in Dying on Edisto, when she first met Callie. I like the way she works and look forward to catching up on all the books in the Carolina Slade series.

Ms. Clark tugs and pulls at her characters, bringing out (beating) both the worst and best in them. She has twisted this story with every page all the way to the totally unexpected ending!

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

FOUR FEATHERS

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Salkehatchie Secret, C. Hope Clark, The Carolina Slade Mysteries

BLOGWORDS – Monday 15 March 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – FATE by NATASHA D. FRAZIER

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – FATE by NATASHA D. FRAZIER

THE BLURB

Melanie Bennett and Detective Brian Morris met over a year ago when he solved her best friend’s murder case, and now Nashville’s annual Christmas festivities have them crossing paths again, could it be fate?
Melanie Bennett has spent the last six months in therapy to erase the self-assigned blame and eradicate the night terrors that plagued her at every attempt to close her eyes after witnessing her best friend’s murder. The Christmas season always had a way of lifting her spirits, and this year is no different. The spark within her to live again couldn’t have come at a better time when she and Detective Brian Morris are reacquainted, but first, she must believe that she deserves happiness.
Will the circumstances of how they met prevent Melanie from taking a chance on love?
Brian was drawn to Melanie when he first laid eyes on her over a year ago; he wanted to ask her out, but the timing was all wrong. Expressing interest in her when she’d just lost her best friend was tacky, but fate dealt him another opportunity when he walked into her hair salon delivering flyers for the annual stuff the cruiser toy drive a year later. Though Brian desires love, will his unresolved issues with his mother get in the way?
Every moment spent with one another can only be described as fate – a power beyond human control. Will this Christmas season bring about the healing and love both Melanie and Brian crave?
Fate is book 2 in the Perfect Time for Love Series (Sweet Christian Romance).

THE AUTHOR

Natasha has penned an award-winning devotional, The Life Your Spirit Craves and a Henri award nominated devotional, Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord’s Presence. Natasha desires to encourage readers to live the life they have been created to live in God. Natasha’s first fiction book, Love, Lies & Consequences, was released on April 21, 2015, and earned The Readers’ Choice Award.
The Love, Lies & Consequences seems to be taking on a life of it’s own as books two and three delve deeper into the lives of the characters and how they deal with life’s issues. Natasha enjoys crafting stories that we can relate to and learn from. Visit Natasha’s website http://www.natashafrazier.com to sign up for her newsletter or to connect.

Natasha is also a motivational speaker, in much like her literary works, who speaks to encourage women to take their lives to the next level, release fear and become the women they have been predestined to be.
Natasha is a member of Higher Dimension Church where she has served as part of the women’s ministry, Virtue, leadership team. Natasha is married to Eddie Frazier and resides in Missouri City with him and their three children, Eden, Ethan and Emilyn.

MY REVIEW

This story opens with a sentence—nightmares and death and best friend—that grabs the reader! Then falls flat. I kept waiting for an explanation of what happened to Natalie, but it never came.

Whatever happened, it was a) apparently crime related—thus the investigation and the presence of Detective Brian Morris—and b) it traumatized Melanie.

Who hasn’t experienced trauma of some kind in their life? I appreciated the author’s sensitivity to Melanie’s caution. The twist with her therapist [SPOILER] was a highlight…

Honestly, I felt like this story read like a diary. A running tab of what was happening from day to day, some scenes even moment to moment. I kept waiting for some action or conflict, but there really wasn’t any.

That said, I enjoyed Brian and Melanie’s romance. With her reticence many guys would have backed off, but Brian didn’t and I applaud him for that.

This story has good “bones” but was bare. Adding some “meat” would have made it so much more engaging.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

THREE FEATHERS

I purchased this book, and offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Monday, #TRD, Book Review, Fate, AUTHOR, Natasha D. Frazier, Perfect Time for Love Series, Kairos, JustRead Publicity

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 9 March 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – STARSTRUCK IN WILLOW FALLS by PAT NICHOLS

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – STARSTRUCK IN WILLOW FALLS by PAT NICHOLS

THE BLURB

Two women whose dreams are about to come true find themselves in a town turned upside down.

As a Hollywood film crew and famous movie stars swoop into Willow Falls to film a full-length motion picture, the small town’s new normal as a popular North Georgia tourist destination is thrown into chaos.

Rachel Streetman fears her life-long dream to act is drifting into oblivion and leaving behind bitter regret. Weeks away from marrying Charlie Bricker, the manager of the town’s new winery, Rachel wonders if auditioning for a role in the movie will boost her lackluster career or open the door to a lifestyle incompatible with the small-town life she has come to accept.

Rachel’s twin sister, Emily Hayes, also has a dream—to be a famous author. But the release of her debut novel is upstaged by the Hollywood invasion. When she and Rachel accept the job as the director’s liaisons, their patience is stretched to the limit by starstruck residents.

Can these two sisters survive the chaos in Willow Falls and still achieve their dreams?

THE AUTHOR

Retired from a twenty-seven-year corporate career, Pat Nichols draws on her experience in seven different management positions working with hundreds of amazing women from all walks of life to create stories about women facing tension-laced challenges and heart-warming triumphs in the pursuit of their dreams. Her debut novel, The Secret of Willow Inn, Willow Falls series book one, released January, 2019. Book two, The Trouble in Willow Falls, releases November 4, 2019 and book three in 2020. Pat received a 2018 NGCWC Georgia Peach Awards for her short story, The Vet and Valentine’s Day, and a 2019 NGCWC Georgia Peach Award for Willow Falls series book three. She received the 2017 CRW Woman of the Year Award and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers International. She has been featured on WATC Television Atlanta Alive and in Voyager Magazine http://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-pat-nichols-author-duluth/

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

MY REVIEW

How much drama can one story have?! Let me count the ways…

By now I feel I know my way around Willow Falls—I’ve read all three books in the series and have fallen in love with the town and its residents. Ms. Nichols dangled the carrot of movie star fame under the residents’ noses and waved the magic wand of rubbing elbows with Hollywood elite in circles above their collective heads. And the reaction of certain individuals was spot on. From wannabe stars to schmoozing with the director to displease townspeople.

The drama and turmoil Ms. Nichols threw her characters! Oh my goodness!

From Rachel’s upcoming wedding to her growing bond with Emily (the good drama) to the chaos the movie crew creates to the untimely appearance of [HUGE SPOILER] this story doesn’t just weave threads together but kinks them like jewelry in a box, snarled and tangled and hopeless.

Ms. Nichols twists and coils the threads, page after page, leaving the reader wondering if the poor people of Willow Falls will ever see the light of day again. Then, with great finesse, the author unravels one debacle after another. And tosses a grand surprise in at the very end!

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Starstruck in Willow Falls, Pat Nichols,