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

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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

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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

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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

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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,  

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BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 2 March 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – SING IN THE SUNLIGHT by KATHLEEN DENLY

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – SING IN THE SUNLIGHT by KATHLEEN DENLY

 

THE BLURB

Richard Stevens isn’t who he thinks he is. Neither is the woman who now claims his last name.

Disfiguring scars stole Clarinda Humphrey’s singing career, her home, and her family, but she refuses to let her appearance steal her future. While attending The Young Ladies Seminary in 1858 Benicia, California, she finds a man who promises to love and cherish her. Instead he betrays her, leaving her with child, and Clarinda must take drastic measures to ensure her child doesn’t suffer for her foolishness.

Richard Stevens’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected, and when a shocking letter turns even his past into a mystery, he travels to San Francisco in search of guidance. On the way, he encounters a mysterious young woman hiding beneath a veil. That night he experiences a dream that sends him on a quest to find the bride God has chosen for him. He never imagines she’s already told everyone they’re married.

Unwilling to lie, nor accept a marriage of mere convenience, Richard wants the real thing. Yet Clarinda’s not interested in love, only a chance to save her child. Can he help her rise above the pain that runs deeper than her scars to accept a love worth every risk?

THE AUTHOR

Kathleen Denly writes historical romance stories to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. Award winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series, she also shares history tidbits, thoughts on writing, books reviews and more at KathleenDenly.com.

Website | Newsletter | FB Author Page | FB Reader Group

BookBub | Amazon | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

MY REVIEW

I didn’t connect with Eliza Brooks in Ms. Denly’s last book, Waltz in the Wilderness—but I sure related to Clarinda in this story! I never felt the need to hide my disfigurement, but I sure felt like I should be hidden away.

Oh, how I longed for Clarinda to let herself be loved! Page after page I urged her to accept not only Richard’s love and affection for her, but our Savior’s as well.

Richard! Oh, what an image of Christ he gave. Living his conviction to the fullest—almost too good to believe. But doesn’t Father God use each of that way? To display His love?

Two disparate people in the most intimate of relationships. Oh, Ms. Denly, what a conundrum! What a story! What are the odds?

The depth of understanding the author has to her characters, to the nature of a wounded soul, to the painstaking process of healing.  And the patience of our Savior as we resist and buck His tender ministrations.

I read greedily, turning page after page, waiting to see if Clarinda ever received all that our Heavenly Father has to offer.

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, Sing in the Sunlight, Kathleen Denly, Chaparral Hearts, Waltz in the Wilderness

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