I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
Decades of Loss, an Unsolved Mystery,
and a Rift Spanning Three Generations
Hazel
DeFord is a woman haunted by her past. While berry picking in a
blackberry thicket in 1943, ten-year old Hazel momentarily turns her
back on her three-year old sister Maggie and the young girl disappears.
Almost seventy years later, the mystery remains unsolved and the secret
guilt Hazel carries has alienated her from her daughter Diane, who
can’t understand her mother’s overprotectiveness and near paranoia.
While Diane resents her mother’s inexplicable eccentricities, her
daughter Meghan—a cold case agent—cherishes her grandmother’s lavish
attention and affection.
When a traffic accident forces Meghan
to take a six-week leave-of-absence to recover, all three generations
of DeFord women find themselves unexpectedly under the same roof. Meghan
knows she will have to act as a mediator between the two headstrong and
contentious women. But when they uncover Hazel’s painful secret, will
Meghan also be able to use her investigative prowess to solve the family
mystery.
My Thoughts:
Bringing Maggie Home is the latest book by Kim Vogel Sawyer and it is one of her best! I have read quite a few of Kim Vogel Sawyer's books so I was very excited to have the opportunity to read and review this one. This book has one of my favorite genres, Christian Suspense/Crime Fiction. Kim Vogel Sawyer writes with authority about investigating crime, mystery, life during 1943 and on, missing children, and how one mistake can affect generations in a family. I thoroughly enjoy Kim Vogel Sawyer's style of of writing, she really puts her readers right there in the story with her vivid descriptions. Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of the few authors who can transition from past and present, from different perspectives and voices. From the first page until the last this story grabbed a hold and left me wanting more. Could not put it down!! The characters in this book are real people with struggles. The characters are well written and definitely interesting. I found myself drawn to Meghan. Her desire to help the people she loves and the ability to find the truth. She has a good heart and her faith helps her make her way in the world. She is also very patient especially when it comes to her mother. As I read this book, the themes I read were faith, forgiveness for yourself and others, and love of family. This book brought out many emotions, I found myself smiling in some parts, frustrated in others, and crying in many others. This is a fantastic story by a very talented writer. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense/Crime Fiction and/or Kim Vogel Sawyer, you will NOT be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more from Kim Vogel Sawyer, she is definitely one of my top must read authors.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Rule of Law By Randy Singer
I received this book from the author through Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
What did the president know? And when did she know it?
For the members of SEAL Team Six, it was a rare mission ordered by the president, monitored in real time from the Situation Room. The Houthi rebels in Yemen had captured an American journalist and a member of the Saudi royal family. Their executions were scheduled for Easter Sunday. The SEAL team would break them out.
But when the mission results in spectacular failure, the finger-pointing goes all the way to the top.
Did the president play political games with the lives of U.S. service members?
Paige Chambers, a determined young lawyer, has a very personal reason for wanting to know the answer. The case she files will polarize the nation and test the resiliency of the Constitution. The stakes are huge, the alliances shaky, and she will be left to wonder if the saying on the Supreme Court building still holds true.
Equal justice under law.
It makes a nice motto. But will it work when one of the most powerful people on the planet is also a defendant?
My Thoughts:
Rule of Law is Randy Singer's latest book and it is outstanding. I am a huge fan of Randy Singer and Suspense/Legal Fiction, I absolutely loved this book. Randy Singer writes with authority about our Military especially Navy Seals, the job of the President, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, hierarchy of the world, our legal system, and the laws that protect us. This book truly grabbed my attention and left me wanting more. Randy Singer's style of writing is one of my favorite, he really draws in his readers with details, immersing the reader into this world he has created. I really felt like I was there experiencing the world. The characters are unique and very realistic. Including the President being a woman. I found myself drawn in by Paige Chambers. She is driven by her personal connection to her case. She believes in the justice system and the motto Equal justice under law. She has a heart for the law and helping people find justice regardless of who is involved. This book had me holding my breath from the suspense and action. I was drawn in from the first page and could NOT put it down. I love Randy Singer's books, they do not disappoint! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Suspense/Legal Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.
I would like to apologize to Randy Singer and Litfuse Publicity for the lateness of this review.
Book Description:
What did the president know? And when did she know it?
For the members of SEAL Team Six, it was a rare mission ordered by the president, monitored in real time from the Situation Room. The Houthi rebels in Yemen had captured an American journalist and a member of the Saudi royal family. Their executions were scheduled for Easter Sunday. The SEAL team would break them out.
But when the mission results in spectacular failure, the finger-pointing goes all the way to the top.
Did the president play political games with the lives of U.S. service members?
Paige Chambers, a determined young lawyer, has a very personal reason for wanting to know the answer. The case she files will polarize the nation and test the resiliency of the Constitution. The stakes are huge, the alliances shaky, and she will be left to wonder if the saying on the Supreme Court building still holds true.
Equal justice under law.
It makes a nice motto. But will it work when one of the most powerful people on the planet is also a defendant?
My Thoughts:
Rule of Law is Randy Singer's latest book and it is outstanding. I am a huge fan of Randy Singer and Suspense/Legal Fiction, I absolutely loved this book. Randy Singer writes with authority about our Military especially Navy Seals, the job of the President, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, hierarchy of the world, our legal system, and the laws that protect us. This book truly grabbed my attention and left me wanting more. Randy Singer's style of writing is one of my favorite, he really draws in his readers with details, immersing the reader into this world he has created. I really felt like I was there experiencing the world. The characters are unique and very realistic. Including the President being a woman. I found myself drawn in by Paige Chambers. She is driven by her personal connection to her case. She believes in the justice system and the motto Equal justice under law. She has a heart for the law and helping people find justice regardless of who is involved. This book had me holding my breath from the suspense and action. I was drawn in from the first page and could NOT put it down. I love Randy Singer's books, they do not disappoint! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Suspense/Legal Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.
I would like to apologize to Randy Singer and Litfuse Publicity for the lateness of this review.
The Pretender: A Black Guard in Disguise: Caselli Family Series By Ta'mara Hanscom
I received this book from the author and Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
Set in South Dakota in 1975, where eighteen-year-olds could order 3.2 beer in a bar, and loaded guns were kept under the counter.
Frankie Valli sang “My Eyes Adored You,” and American soldiers returning from Vietnam struggled with their new reality.
It’s within this tumultuous season of American history that Tillie Caselli meets Noah Hansen, and they are never the same again. Their lives were mysteriously intertwined—and had been for many years—yet they had no idea.
From the moment they met, Tillie and Noah wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but a deliberate omission will keep them apart—and that same omission will be responsible for the escape of a murderer, and a bride’s deception.
My Thoughts:
The Pretender: A Black Guard in Disguise is the first book in Ta'mara Hanscom's series, The Caselli Family and it is fantastic. This is the first book in a series of 5 books. As a fan of Christian Historical Fiction I was excited to read this. Ta'mara Hanscom writes with authority on South Dakota and the United States in 1975, the Vietnam War and the affects it had on the soldiers, Italian families and their traditions, photography, drawing, and practicing of Christianity. I fell in love with this story from the start, I could not put this book down and it left me wanting more. I love Ta'mara Hanscom's style of writing especially the pace of the story and the way the words come alive in my mind so that I felt like I was there with Tillie throughout this journey. The characters in this book are well written and very realistic. I really loved Tillie Caselli's character. She is a talented artist and has the ability to see the good in people. She tries hard to follow the Italian traditions her family holds dear. Her faith is strong and she helps others to believe in God. This story really touched me. I felt so many emotions with reading this book. I chuckled in parts, held my breath in parts, and cried in the other parts. This book and author are fantastic and I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.
I would like to apologize to the author and Litfuse Publicity for the lateness of this review.
Book Description:
Set in South Dakota in 1975, where eighteen-year-olds could order 3.2 beer in a bar, and loaded guns were kept under the counter.
Frankie Valli sang “My Eyes Adored You,” and American soldiers returning from Vietnam struggled with their new reality.
It’s within this tumultuous season of American history that Tillie Caselli meets Noah Hansen, and they are never the same again. Their lives were mysteriously intertwined—and had been for many years—yet they had no idea.
From the moment they met, Tillie and Noah wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, but a deliberate omission will keep them apart—and that same omission will be responsible for the escape of a murderer, and a bride’s deception.
My Thoughts:
The Pretender: A Black Guard in Disguise is the first book in Ta'mara Hanscom's series, The Caselli Family and it is fantastic. This is the first book in a series of 5 books. As a fan of Christian Historical Fiction I was excited to read this. Ta'mara Hanscom writes with authority on South Dakota and the United States in 1975, the Vietnam War and the affects it had on the soldiers, Italian families and their traditions, photography, drawing, and practicing of Christianity. I fell in love with this story from the start, I could not put this book down and it left me wanting more. I love Ta'mara Hanscom's style of writing especially the pace of the story and the way the words come alive in my mind so that I felt like I was there with Tillie throughout this journey. The characters in this book are well written and very realistic. I really loved Tillie Caselli's character. She is a talented artist and has the ability to see the good in people. She tries hard to follow the Italian traditions her family holds dear. Her faith is strong and she helps others to believe in God. This story really touched me. I felt so many emotions with reading this book. I chuckled in parts, held my breath in parts, and cried in the other parts. This book and author are fantastic and I cannot wait to read the other books in this series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.
I would like to apologize to the author and Litfuse Publicity for the lateness of this review.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Lydia, Woman of Philipi By Diana Wallis Taylor
I received this book from the author and Celebrate Lit Blogger Program for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
Smart, strong, and a follower of the Jewish God, Lydia has nonetheless always quietly conformed to the expectations of the wealthy Roman society surrounding her. Even though married off at fifteen to a man she dislikes, she is determined to be a faithful wife. But when her husband is killed some years later, Lydia vows never to remarry and returns to her father's house in Thyatira with her twelve-year-old daughter. There, a new life begins to emerge. //
As she is trained in the family dye business, Lydia’s shrewd management quickly creates profit, prestige—and envy. At odds with her jealous brother, who is a staunch Roman and can't understand her obsession with the Jewish religion, Lydia finds herself yet again at the mercy of a patriarchal society. Will fleeing to Philippi be enough to protect herself and those under her care? Will she keep her vow to widowhood when a handsome Greek God-fearer turns out to be more than just an employee? And when she meets a strange man named Paul the apostle by the river one Sabbath day, will Lydia have the courage to once more let her life be dramatically changed—this time forever?
My Thoughts:
Lydia, Woman of Philipi is the latest book by Diana Wallis Taylor and it is FANTASTIC. Having read, Mary Chosen of God, I was excited to read another book by Diana Wallis Taylor. I have to say that both of these books will stay with me for a long time. Diana Wallis Taylor writes with authority on Biblical times, Women of the Bible, different faiths during this time and their God(s), hierarchy, the dye business, and walls Lydia broke through by taking over the family business. From the start, this book grabbed a hold of my and never let go until the end, well it actually left me wanting more. I really love Diana Wallis Taylor's style of writing, the book is just the right pace and as I read I felt like I was there with Lydia throughout her journey. The characters throughout this book are well written and very interesting. I was definitely drawn in by Lydia's strength and perseverance and I also found her father's character to be inspiring. He may have worshiped the Roman gods but he also didn't deny Lydia the opportunity to know the dye business and ultimately gave it to her and ensured that her and her mother were taken care of once he was gone. His true heart is seen through his actions. This book invoked many emotions, I found myself laughing is a few parts and definitely crying out in others. The faith, strength, and perseverance demonstrated in this book inspiring. I love the fact that Diana Wallis Taylor writes about women in the bible, reading their stories really makes them so much more real. I highly recommend this book and this author to anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I have to add that I had to buy other books from this author as I am hooked!! I cannot wait to read them!! I give this book 5 STARS.
Name of book: Lydia
Author: Diana Wallis Taylor
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Release Date: October 3, 2017
Smart, strong, and a follower of the Jewish God, Lydia has nonetheless quietly conformed to the expectations of the wealthy Roman society into which she was born. Her father marries her off at age fifteen to a much older man whom she dislikes. Despite an unpleasant wedding and a marriage that doesn’t improve with age, Lydia remains a dutiful and faithful wife. When her husband is killed, years later, Lydia vows to remain single and returns to her father’s house in Thyatira with her twelve-year-old daughter. There, a new life begins to emerge as she is trained in the family dye business. Lydia displays an aptitude for trade in the male-dominated world of first century commerce. Her brother, who had chosen service in the Roman army rather than work in his father’s business, is at odds with his sister. Jealous of her quiet success as she learns the dye business, he’s especially befuddled by what he considers to be Lydia’s obsession with the Jewish religion. When their father dies, Cassius inherits the family’s home; Lydia inherits the business, and unbeknownst to her brother, a small villa in the city of Philippi. Lydia flees with her mother and daughter to Philippi where she sets up shop. At the mercy of a patriarchal society, Lydia needs a man to serve as the public face for her business. She discovers the right person in the handsome face of Greek man she’d hired — an employee with whom she develops a close friendship. The plot thickens as Lydia meets a strange man named Paul the apostle who is stirring up crowds in town. When Lydia’s brother shows up in Philippi, determined to force her to sell the business, he discovers plenty of fuel to accomplish his goals.
Click here to purchase
Diana Wallis Taylor is best known for her creative stories based on women in the Bible. Thousands have read and enjoyed her books including Mary Chosen of God, Ruth, Mother of Kings, Martha, Journey to the Well, Mary Magdalene, and Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors with the San Diego Library naming her one of 12 “Writers to Watch” in 2017 for Mary, Chosen of God. Her books have received Gold and Silver Medallion Awards for Christian Fiction and she is a San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild “Writer of the Year.” Mary, Chosen of God is a 2017 Christy Award nominee. An inspirational speaker, Diana also leads creative writing and poetry workshops. She lives in San Diego with her husband, Frank. They have six grown children and ten grandchildren
Book Description:
Smart, strong, and a follower of the Jewish God, Lydia has nonetheless always quietly conformed to the expectations of the wealthy Roman society surrounding her. Even though married off at fifteen to a man she dislikes, she is determined to be a faithful wife. But when her husband is killed some years later, Lydia vows never to remarry and returns to her father's house in Thyatira with her twelve-year-old daughter. There, a new life begins to emerge. //
As she is trained in the family dye business, Lydia’s shrewd management quickly creates profit, prestige—and envy. At odds with her jealous brother, who is a staunch Roman and can't understand her obsession with the Jewish religion, Lydia finds herself yet again at the mercy of a patriarchal society. Will fleeing to Philippi be enough to protect herself and those under her care? Will she keep her vow to widowhood when a handsome Greek God-fearer turns out to be more than just an employee? And when she meets a strange man named Paul the apostle by the river one Sabbath day, will Lydia have the courage to once more let her life be dramatically changed—this time forever?
My Thoughts:
Lydia, Woman of Philipi is the latest book by Diana Wallis Taylor and it is FANTASTIC. Having read, Mary Chosen of God, I was excited to read another book by Diana Wallis Taylor. I have to say that both of these books will stay with me for a long time. Diana Wallis Taylor writes with authority on Biblical times, Women of the Bible, different faiths during this time and their God(s), hierarchy, the dye business, and walls Lydia broke through by taking over the family business. From the start, this book grabbed a hold of my and never let go until the end, well it actually left me wanting more. I really love Diana Wallis Taylor's style of writing, the book is just the right pace and as I read I felt like I was there with Lydia throughout her journey. The characters throughout this book are well written and very interesting. I was definitely drawn in by Lydia's strength and perseverance and I also found her father's character to be inspiring. He may have worshiped the Roman gods but he also didn't deny Lydia the opportunity to know the dye business and ultimately gave it to her and ensured that her and her mother were taken care of once he was gone. His true heart is seen through his actions. This book invoked many emotions, I found myself laughing is a few parts and definitely crying out in others. The faith, strength, and perseverance demonstrated in this book inspiring. I love the fact that Diana Wallis Taylor writes about women in the bible, reading their stories really makes them so much more real. I highly recommend this book and this author to anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I have to add that I had to buy other books from this author as I am hooked!! I cannot wait to read them!! I give this book 5 STARS.
About the Book:
Name of book: Lydia
Author: Diana Wallis Taylor
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Release Date: October 3, 2017
Smart, strong, and a follower of the Jewish God, Lydia has nonetheless quietly conformed to the expectations of the wealthy Roman society into which she was born. Her father marries her off at age fifteen to a much older man whom she dislikes. Despite an unpleasant wedding and a marriage that doesn’t improve with age, Lydia remains a dutiful and faithful wife. When her husband is killed, years later, Lydia vows to remain single and returns to her father’s house in Thyatira with her twelve-year-old daughter. There, a new life begins to emerge as she is trained in the family dye business. Lydia displays an aptitude for trade in the male-dominated world of first century commerce. Her brother, who had chosen service in the Roman army rather than work in his father’s business, is at odds with his sister. Jealous of her quiet success as she learns the dye business, he’s especially befuddled by what he considers to be Lydia’s obsession with the Jewish religion. When their father dies, Cassius inherits the family’s home; Lydia inherits the business, and unbeknownst to her brother, a small villa in the city of Philippi. Lydia flees with her mother and daughter to Philippi where she sets up shop. At the mercy of a patriarchal society, Lydia needs a man to serve as the public face for her business. She discovers the right person in the handsome face of Greek man she’d hired — an employee with whom she develops a close friendship. The plot thickens as Lydia meets a strange man named Paul the apostle who is stirring up crowds in town. When Lydia’s brother shows up in Philippi, determined to force her to sell the business, he discovers plenty of fuel to accomplish his goals.
Click here to purchase
About the Author:
Diana Wallis Taylor is best known for her creative stories based on women in the Bible. Thousands have read and enjoyed her books including Mary Chosen of God, Ruth, Mother of Kings, Martha, Journey to the Well, Mary Magdalene, and Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors with the San Diego Library naming her one of 12 “Writers to Watch” in 2017 for Mary, Chosen of God. Her books have received Gold and Silver Medallion Awards for Christian Fiction and she is a San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild “Writer of the Year.” Mary, Chosen of God is a 2017 Christy Award nominee. An inspirational speaker, Diana also leads creative writing and poetry workshops. She lives in San Diego with her husband, Frank. They have six grown children and ten grandchildren
Blog Stops
Blog Stops
A Bakers Perspective, October 3
Carpe Diem, October 3
Moments Dipped in Ink, October 4
Books, Books, and More Books., October 4
By The Book, October 5
A Simply Enchanted Life, October 5
Red Headed Book Lady, October 6
Blogging With Carol, October 6
A Reader’s Brain, October 7
A Greater Yes, October 7
Just the Write Escape, October 8
Simple Harvest Reads, October 8 (Spotlight)
Aryn the Libraryan, October 9
Cordially Barbara, October 9
Pursuing Stacie, October 9
The Fizzy Pop Collection, October 10
Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 10
Zerina Blossom’s Books, October 11
Mary Hake, October 11
Radiant Light, October 12
Singing Librarian Books, October 12
Lights in a Dark World, October 12
margaretkazmierczak, October 13
Pause for Tales, October 13
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 14
Cafinated Reads, October 14
To Everything A Season, October 14
Bigreadersite, October 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15
Henry Happens, October 16
For The Love of Books, October 16
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 16
Giveaway
In honor of her tour, Diana is giving away
Grand Prize Package: Lydia, Woman of Philippi, “Give Thanks” painting on plate by Donna White for The Hearthside Collection, Inc., commemorative Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors coloring book (not in photo).
1st Place Package: Lydia, Woman of Philippi, abba Jerusalem pillar candle, cassia scented, commemorative Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors coloring book (not in photo).
2nd Place Package: Lydia, Woman of Philippi, abba Jerusalem Spikenard candle tin with lid!
Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c173
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The Egyptian Princess: A Story of Hagar By KD Homberg
I received this audiobook for no charge from the author and Celebrate Lit Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review of this audiobook...
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I received this audiobook for no charge from the author and Celebrate Lit Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review of this audiobook...
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I received this book from Celebrate Lit Blogging and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions ex...
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I received this book for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own. Book Descriptio...
