A Compelling Countdown to Catastrophe

the-raven-imageDo you enjoy suspense novels that suck you in with the first chapter and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end, guessing at how all the twists and turns will unravel when the truth is finally revealed? “The Raven” by Mike Nappa is just such a book. Published by Revell in 2016, “The Raven” is actually the second book in the “Coffey and Hill” series. While I have not read the previous book (entitled “Annabel Lee”) it did not detract from my enjoyment of this separate-but-connected storyline. Also, while I am not an Edgar Allan Poe aficionado, fans of the famous poet will be delighted by the many intriguing parallels found in the story. Continue reading

This Sequel Doesn’t Meet Expectations

honor-redeemed-imageAfter reading book #1 in the “Keys of Promise” series by Christine Johnson, I had very high expectations for book #2, “Honor Redeemed”. Were those expectations met? Well, not exactly…

“Honor Redeemed” was published by Revell in the later summer of 2016, and is the sequel to “Love’s Rescue” published the year before. Although the hero and heroine of this second story are newly introduced characters, several recurring characters also play important secondary roles. This gives readers a chance to be reacquainted with “old friends”. Continue reading

Much More “Creepy” Than “Cozy”

Murder Comes by Mail image“Murder Comes by Mail” is the anticipated second book in the “Hidden Springs Mystery” series, written by A.H Gabhart and published by Revell. As a continuation this book focuses on the same protagonist, supporting cast members and setting, but a vastly different plot and mystery. Although considered a “cozy mystery”, the darker elements of this book definitely did not feel very “cozy” to me. Yes, there were a few light and humorous moments, but they never lasted long. Continue reading

A Fitting Conclusion to a Fun Series

Every-Bride-Has-Her-Day-by-Janice-ThompsonThe ending to an enjoyable Christian romance series is almost always sigh-worthy, leaving you feeling cozily content with the happily-ever-after ending. In the case of Janice Thompson’s “Brides with Style” series, however, you are also bound to find plenty of lighthearted and laughable moments. Other major highlights include a reunion with all of the quirky but lovable characters you’ve come to know, and the long-awaited (wedding) day you’ve been expecting since the first chapter of the first book. Continue reading

Christian Historical Fiction at Its Best! (Guest review by H.B.E.)

Anchor-in-the-Storm-658x1024I read “Through Waters Deep” very soon after it was released from Revell last year. Seeing how it became one of my MOST favourite books I have EVER read in my ENTIRE life, I guess you could say that I was just a little bit excited for “Anchor in the Storm” to be released. But could this new sequel even come close to reaching the nearly impossible high standards set by the first book in the Waves of Freedom series? Continue reading

Not What I Had Hoped For…

102+The+Magnolia+Duchess+by+Beth+WhiteSometimes you just don’t connect with a book in any way, shape, or form. Unfortunately, this was the case for me with Beth White’s third book in the historical “Gulf Coast Chronicles” series published by Revell, and entitled “The Magnolia Duchess”. Perhaps it was the confusing combat scenes… Maybe it was because the characters were, to put it bluntly, unlikable and annoying… Possibly the entire story being absurd and unbelievable played a big part… But in any case, I DID NOT enjoy this story! Continue reading

A Long-Awaited Invitation – Guest Review by H.B.E.

Brazen-Galley-CL“There are so many moments in life when we choose to silence our intuition, abandon our own voice, and play small, because of that accusing voice inside that whispers, ‘Who do you think you are, anyway?’” We all know that voice. The one that keeps us from being ourselves. The one that tells us to stay quiet. The one that forces us to follow all the rules, and tame our wild side that is aching to be released. Now, imagine being able to break free from that debilitating, condescending, shaming voice. Well, thanks to Leeana Tankersley and her new book “Brazen”, you now have an invaluable tool to help you do just that. Continue reading

Just in Time for Mother’s Day…

61j98q32hjL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_With Mother’s Day swiftly approaching, it is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the women who characterize the word “Mother” for each of us. As a tangible symbol of some of the many facets that mothers everywhere represent, a delightful little gift book has been published by Revell, and written/compiled by Amber C. Haines and Seth Haines, just in time for the special day. Looking like a little handmade scrapbook, the content of “The Mother Letters: Sharing the Laughter, Joy, Struggles, and Hope” is the truly precious part. As the back cover explains: “After Amber Haines had given birth to three boys in three years, her husband Seth realized the day-to-day details and drama of child rearing were overwhelming her. He secretly began collecting letters from other mothers across the world and gave these ‘mother letters’ to her as a gift.” Obviously, this book is the result. Continue reading

A Poetic, Seasonal Journey

Purifoy_RootsandSky“Roots and Sky: A Journey Home in Four Seasons”… In all truth, this title pretty much describes the book perfectly. Written by Christie Purifoy and published by Revell in the spring of 2016, “Roots and Sky” is indeed a “journey home”. Naturally, this journey occurs through the four seasons of a year, beginning with Fall and progressing gently, peacefully, and naturally through Winter, Spring, and Summer. Continue reading

5 Reasons to Read “A Fool and His Monet”!

A Fool and His Monet header“A Fool and His Monet” is a DELIGHTFUL new book written by Sandra Orchard, and published by Revell in the spring of 2016. But don’t just take my word for it, keep reading for 5 reasons why you can’t miss this new release!

1. The storyline is unique. After all, it’s not every day that a new FBI agent must solve a dead-end case with the advice of her special-agent-wannabe Aunt Martha, a protective coworker, a mysterious yet helpful apartment superintendent, and a mother who wishes she would leave her dangerous job and work at a TUMS factory.Orchard_FoolandHisMonet

2. Simply put, the characters are practically REAL people; well drawn, quirky, and compelling, they are often hilarious in their words and mannerisms. Continue reading