BOOK REVIEW: Just Sayin' by Dandi Daley Mackall

Just Sayin' tells the story of an almost-blended family that almost falls apart before it even begins. 11 year-old Cassie Callahan is staying with her grandmother while her mom, Jennifer, recovers from a difficult breakup from her fiance, Trent. Cassie, along with Trent's kids, Nick and Julie, are trying to figure out why their parents' relationship ended so abruptly and searching for a way to bring them back together. Meanwhile, the kids get caught up in a game show that encourages the "art" of insults, and learn along the way that our words have much more power than they think.

In a way that only Dandi can accomplish, this story weaves together, in a contemporary way, an old-time game show, letter writing, outstanding vocabulary, and reminders from God's word that taming our tongue is both difficult and important!

There was something about the idea of this book that reached out to me when I exploring options on the Tyndale site.  It looked interesting and different.  I'd peg this more to a middle grade reader than a young adult reader.  Though as a grown up I really enjoyed it!  It is a fun story about Cassie and Nick and their experiences as their parents don't marry and they finagle their way through the idea of insults and game shows and Cassie's aversion to the phone.  Cassie also spends a little more time at church, a built in approved way to avoid her Moms phone calls, and picks up a few tidbits of helpful knowledge.  And curbs her insult career a tad.

I didn't get the opportunity to read this with the Minions of Mischief but I really really think that both Moo and Munch would enjoy it for vastly different reasons.  It's a little mature, as far as the actual words, for Moo but she would enjoy the relationships cheesiness of the characters.  Munch, on the other hand, would devour it in an afternoon and I think would bury into the insults and the interplay and would greater grasp the 'power of words' thread more so than his younger sister.  Although some of the 'handwriting' in the book was difficult to read (Gram and Ma had such thin tight writing) but I have to wonder if the kids would struggle with that as well since it's cursive.  I know there's been this whole hoopla about cursive and school and whatnot.  My Minions are learning it so that won't be an issue.  But it's something to think about on a larger scale.  And also something to consider as far as limiting accessibility to this book to older middle grade readers who have been exposed to cursive.

The entire story was fanciful and partly so over the top that while it was not realistically believable it was embracing and endearing.  The idea of a famous person writing a couple of kids back?  Or Gram becoming besties with said celebrity?  Or two kids winning spots on a national game show?  Or? Or? ... There were lots of that will never happen moments.  And a beautiful massive red bow tied all around the ending.  It didn't bother me one bit.  I know, I am shocked too!  The author managed to build solid characters with a multilayered story line with letters.  Plain, old, post office delivered, letters.  And she managed to encompass faith for a young person that made sense without feeling preachy or fake or awkward.  The letter to God felt so real.  I highly recommend this book to any middle grade reader, young adult reader, adult reader, senior reader, just a reader.  It's quirky and entertaining and insightful and just there ya go...

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Dandi Daley Mackall 

Dandi Daley Mackall is the award-winning author of over 450 books for children and adults. She visits countless schools, conducts writing assemblies and workshops across the United States, and presents keynote addresses at conferences and young author events. She is also a frequent guest on radio talk shows and has made dozens of appearances on TV. She has won several awards for her writing, including the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children’s Literature, the Edgar Award, and a two-time Mom’s Choice Award winner. Dandi writes from rural Ohio, where she lives with her husband, Joe, their three children, and their horses, dogs, and cats.s.

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SPOTLIGHT: Will Not See by Chautona Havig

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

Book title: Will Not See
Author: Chautona Havig   
Release date: August 29, 2017
Genre: Christian Fiction / contemporary / suspense (light)

When Vikki Jeffries wakes up in a Rockland hotel with no idea of who she is and why she can’t remember… well, anything, the Rockland medical community begins to take a closer look at what may have happened to cause a second case of inexplicable amnesia.

But for Vikki, this is more than a medical anomaly–it’s her life. What is she doing in Rockland, thousands of miles away from her home in Apache Junction, Arizona? Who is she? Why is no one looking for her? Or are they?

Will Not See: Not everything is as it seems.

About the Author

Author of the Amazon bestselling Aggie and Past Forward Series, Chautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave Desert. With dozens of books to her name, Chautona spends most of her time writing, but when she takes the rare break, she can be found reading, sewing, paper crafting, or sleeping and dreaming of finishing the dozens of books swirling in her overly-active imagination at any given moment

 

 

Guest Post from Chautona Havig

The circle of death swirls on the screen and it shifts. The bank balance appears, and with it, my heart sinks. It’s been a tough few months, financially. The bottom line proves it.

My reaction? Inhale. Exhale. “Okay, now we know the worst. We can do something about it.”

My husband, on the other hand, suffers a definite blow. Kevin might not sleep that night. Instead, he’ll mull over what we could have done differently, how we can make changes, if he’s a failure at this thing called life. He’ll pray—for hours.

They say ignorance is bliss. And sometimes, that’s true. It’s also a personality thing, I think. I tend to be a “let me have your worst” kind of gal. But when the negative arrives, I also tend to want to shield Kevin from it all. I don’t know how he can worry so much. He can’t fathom how I can turn it off.

But sometimes those personality things go deeper—into what can be serious faults. It has been said,

“There are none so blind as those who will not see. The most deluded people are those who choose to ignore what they already know.”

Or, in the words of Jeremiah,

“Now hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.”

What does this have to do with not seeing?

As I work on the Sight Unseen series, one recurring theme happens, of course. Memory loss—the removal of all insight into one’s past. You can hear who you were, be informed of what you did and why others think you did it, but you can’t know your own self the way you once did. It’s a fresh slate, and it can be a good thing in some respects.

Those around you can now see the difference between habits and personality traits—true dislikes and those conditioned by life. What might have been a fear once could be gone if the cause of that fear is blotted out.

But even for these fictional characters, truth doesn’t change. In None So Blind, Ella takes her memory loss and uses it as an opportunity to reinvent herself, if you will. And you know what? If you asked her family about it, they’d tell you that it fits her personality. That take-charge, gotta get ’er done attitude Dani may have used in different ways, but both “manifestations” of the woman had those qualities. Sure, Ella’s was tempered by recent experience, but not much.

Vikki Jeffries, is almost the antithesis of Ella in that respect.

The past is in the past. It scares her. Is it because she doesn’t know it? Because she’s frightened by the unknown? We don’t know. But what we do know is anything associated with that past, even the few very personal items she finds, she rejects. It’s as if ignorance of them will protect her from them. Where Ella runs to face her problems, Vikki runs from them.

But despite those differences, I find it interesting that both women did the same thing, basically—just at different times.

Before her “episode,” Ella chose to blind herself to her faults. She knew them. Lived with them daily, but couldn’t face or address them. So, she “refused to see.”

Vikki—we don’t know. But I think the story shows that she couldn’t blind herself to truth before her episode. As much as she might have ached to, she just couldn’t. Now that the opportunity is here, however, she grasps it and if she insists on squeezing her eyes shut indefinitely, it may cost her everything—her life. Her soul.

Philippians 4:8, “…whatever is true.”

They say ignorance is bliss. Well, “they” also say, “Truth hurts.” And sometimes it does. But so do the consequences of that ignorance. I guess the next time the bank balance dips low, I won’t be handling the fallout alone. Then again, one can always pray that it doesn’t dip low! I think we’ll start there.

Blog Stops

August 29: Just Jo’Anne | Carpe Diem
August 30: Seasons of Opportunities | Blogging With Carol | Lots of Helpers
August 31: Genesis 5020 | Reading Is My SuperPower
September 1: Quiet Quilter | Back Porch Reads
September 2: Fiction Aficionado | Book Bites, Bee Sting, & Butterfly Kisses
September 3: A Reader’s Brain | Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
September 4: Bigreadersite | The Scribbler
September 5: The Fizzy Pop Collection | Mommynificent
September 6: Christian Bookaholic | Moments Dipped in Ink | Margaret Kazmierczak
September 7: History, Mystery & Faith | Southern Gal Loves to Read
September 8: Pause for Tales | Avid Reader Book Reviews
September 9: Blossoms and Blessings | Reflections from my Bookshelves
September 10: A Baker’s Perspective | Pursuing Stacie
September 11: His Grace is Sufficient | Reader’s cozy corner

Giveaway

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Duke's Dilemma by Elaine Manders

Edward Dalton, the new Duke of Langsdale, must soon take a wife to ensure the hereditary line. A young war widow seems the perfect choice. She is charming, well respected with impeccable character, and her connections to the Ton’s most important people is an asset he can’t ignore. But Edward is intrigued by another widow. The mysterious, hauntingly beautiful Lady Wayte.

Cassandra Wayte could not be a more unsuitable match. She isn’t received by polite society, and her notorious dealings with London’s underclass is the talk of nobility from White’s patrons to the most fashionable hostesses. It’s even whispered she murdered her elderly husband. But Edward sees a different side of the tragic lady, and he determines to discover the secrets tormenting her. As he peels away the layers of her resistance, he discovers a malevolent adversary stalking Lady Wayte and exposes a level of depravity that shocks even his war-hardened sensibilities. Can he win her trust and her heart? And at what cost to the dukedom?

As Cassandra’s relentless search for her husband’s murderer exposes both her and Edward to unseen dangers, all they can rely on is their love for each other and their faith in God. 

I was a bit worried when I procrastinated a bit on getting this read and realized it was the second in a series and I didn't have time to read the first book.  I started reading and then  quickly read the synopsis of the first book and realized I was safe.  While they are part of a series they appear to be totally stand alone.  I wasn't so certain at first.  But the things I questioned that I was missing were resolved later in the story.  And oh my gravy what a story it was.  I really really liked it.  I'd not read this author before but now I'd really like to get my hands on more of her work.  Her voice is embracing, the story flows so well, and while there were things I felt I didn't understand they were addressed at just the right time in just the right way.  There was nothing much to not like about this book.

Cassandra was the epitome of annoying, trying to save and protect the world.  I loved her for that.  Women of her time weren't in a position to speak up, be knowledgeable, and having any shade in their history was worse than the pox.  But still she persevered through it all.  Even a modern, independent woman with endless opportunities still needs to take a step back from time to time and let someone else step up.  A lesson for the ages.  Edward was just about as annoying.  He was so closed to the gossip and open to every person as an opportunity but then failed to even recognize his outcast-ish neighbor until his sister jumped the wall.  Then he became her personal champion, whether she liked it or not.  

Seriously, the characters were very well developed, the story flowed amazingly well, and I just fell in love (or distaste) where intended.  The faith was spot on and even the verses that were quoted flowed with the story and didn't feel like a toss in.  I think my favorite, and probably the most relevant for any Christian was the idea of replacing negative and triggering mental images with the blood of Christ washing the bad away.  I mean seriously, how did this never come up before.  Literally visualizing Christ washing all the negative away.  Mind blown.  

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Elaine Manders 

Elaine Manders writes wholesome Christian romance and suspense about the bold, capable women of history and the strong, dependable men who love them. She prefers stories that twist and turn and surprise, told by characters of faith. She lives in Central Georgia with a happy bichon-poodle mix. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, crafts, and spending time with her friends, daughter, and grandchildren.

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BOOK REVIEW: Out of Darkness by Erynn Newman

Bride and a widow in the same day, Elisabeth’s prayers are about to be answered . . . if the CIA, international arms dealers, and her best friend don’t stand in the way.

Elisabeth Allen gave her heart to Jesus as a little girl and to Drew Marek as a teenager. When their wedding day finally arrives, it’s the happiest day of her life—until a bomb transforms her dream come true into a living nightmare.

As Best Man at the wedding, Gabriel Di Salvo promises Drew—his best friend and CIA partner—he’ll look after Elisabeth, but he never dreams it will become necessary so soon. As Elisabeth struggles to put the pieces of her life back together without Drew, Gabe becomes her rock, and as they share their grief and begin to heal, their friendship gradually deepens into something more.

Three years later, Gabe and Elisabeth are planning a future together when he receives a shocking call from the one man who can upend his happiness: Drew. Suspecting someone at the CIA is behind his abduction, Drew refuses to come home. Instead, he asks Gabe to bring Elisabeth to him. Now Gabe just has to figure out how to let her go.

Drew and Elisabeth race across Europe, dodging international arms dealers and attempting to reclaim what was stolen from them. But years of captivity and torture have left their mark on Drew. He is no longer the same boy Elisabeth fell in love with, but he is still Elisabeth’s husband, and she is determined to build something new and not allow her relationship with Gabe to come between them.

When their enemies close in and the threat of a terrorist attack escalates, Gabe may be the only person they can trust. Drew, Elisabeth, and Gabe are thrown into a fight for their lives—one that will test their loyalties to God, country . . . and each other. 

Having read the prequel novella I was ready to jump in to this thinking I knew all the characters and had a good grasp on what was going to happen based on the synopsis.  I was wrong.  I mean, don't get me wrong I was partly right but also oh so very wrong.  The characters are all there, plus a few, but there is so much more depth than I imagined.  I did have a great grasp at the plot and even was convinced that at 48% I had it all figured out.  I was wrong.  So very very wrong.  Erynn Newman captures the entire moment of bride to widow, groom to victim, hubby's friend to boyfriend, and oh gravy he's alive.  Yeah.  All those things are huge emotional roller coasters and she owned it. 

There's just a couple things I need to throw in the middle here, you know where I talk about the things that didn't work for me.  I'll start with a word used to refer to a small child early in the book that some might find offensive.  I still here it a lot in the neck of the woods that I live in but that doesn't make it OK.  I understand the character that used it but that still doesn't make it kosher.  It was foul or vulgar or even overtly offensive but it was there and probably most readers won't even realize it.  I'm sorta surprised I did.  Moving on to the love triangle.  I'm not a huge fan of those.  They are hard to pull off successfully, they can be done but it's rare to find a good one.  This story walked the tightrope wobbling to each side.  It didn't work really well but it also didn't fall on it's face.  

I embraced these characters into my life.  I felt their heartaches, terror and triumphs.  I felt the love and confusion.  I have to say that it seemed like it wasn't the traumatic thing I would anticipate to see someone back from the dead, but I've never been there so... I really liked this book.  I mean, come on I never saw the mastermind coming. I thought I did, remember 48%, but it was all a lie.  I didn't fall in love with the love triangle but I did fall in love with the characters.  I also didn't love the neat little red ribbon tied in a bow package of an ending.  It was too neat leaving no stone unturned.  I'd still highly recommend this book to anyone who likes action suspense with a strong faith theme.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.
Goodreads | Amazon

About Erynn Newman

Erynn Newman is a pastor’s kid, raised in churches all over the Eastern Seaboard. As a little girl, she created rich fantasy worlds and imaginary friends that followed her into adulthood, when she realized that meant she was either a crazy person or a writer—or maybe both.
Though she has never worked with the CIA, her DVR contains a veritable Who’s Who of international spies.
She lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her best friend (who is also her husband), a very busy little boy who calls her Mommy, two cats, and a ceaseless parade of characters who are all waiting for their turn to have their stories told.
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Goodreads Monday

Goodreads Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren's Page Turners. To take part, you simply choose a random book from your TBR and show it off. Don’t forget to check out her blog and link back to Lauren’s Page Turners.

Remember when I told you about the download spree I went on when Beth Moore had a bunch of her books on sale?  You don't, well it's been a minute.  Here's another one that I was so excited to get my hands on and then didn't quite follow through on the excitement.  That will change... Just books, so many books!

With half a million copies in print, Praying God’s Word is author Beth Moore’s best-selling release to date. A landmark book among women and men, it continues to serve readers in "tearing down strongholds by captivating our minds with the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Now, the perennial favorite is available in a convenient day-by-day reading format as Beth encourages readers to seek the mind of Christ through fervent daily prayer directly from Scripture.

Pick a book you HAD to have but then never quite made use of it and share in the comments.

BOOK REVIEW: The Alliance by Jolina Petersheim

When Leora Ebersole sees the small plane crash in her Old Order Mennonite community, she has no idea it’s a foreshadowing of things to come. Once the young pilot, Moses Hughes, regains consciousness, they realize his instruments were destroyed by the same power outage that killed the electricity at the community store, where Englischers are stranded with dead cell phones and cars that won’t start.

Moses offers a sobering theory, but no one can know how drastically life is about to change. With the only self-sustaining food supply in the region, the Pacifist community is forced to forge an alliance with the handful of stranded Englischers in an effort to protect not only the food but their very lives.

In the weeks that follow, Leora, Moses, and the community will be tested as never before, requiring them to make decisions they never thought possible. Whom will they help and whom will they turn away? When the community receives news of a new threat, everyone must decide how far they’re willing to go to protect their beliefs and way of life.

I just have to say, no matter what I didn't love about this book, that i love the author's writing style.  I saw the sequel for this book, 'The Divide', available on NetGalley and jumped on it.  I've not read post-apocalyptic fiction from a plain life perspective and the idea intrigued me.  It was an easy hop from getting the next book to having Ma nab this one out of the library for me.  Of course, the recent Jammication, which was supposed to help get me ahead with reading didn't really work so I am still slacking on my reading schedule.  But that's ok.  'The Alliance' starts off like a good end of world book should, but without fanfare and bomb drops.  Just a plane crashing in a field.  Oh, and the few generator run tools that they use in the workshop stop working.  I have to wonder if or when, the end of the world as we know it comes will those of the plain lifestyle even notice?  I mean eventually they would have to but right away?  For this community a stranger fell from the sky, literally, and explained what he thought happened and threw them into it.  Possibly giving them a fighting chance for long-term survival.

There a few things that didn't sight right with me so let's just toss that here in the middle and end on a positive.  OK?  Stranger falls from the sky and everyone just listens to him?  What made him the expert?  They hold their meeting, throw a few rules in for good measure, and then just believe him.  Talking about meeting, the entire book we hear everything from Moses (guy from the sky) and Leora, where they both reference weird love triangle thing going on.  We'll talk about that later.  However, back to issue two, the meeting, everything that happens and decisions that are made throughout the story - I miss out on that.  I get the next hand or two version through the eyes of the main characters but it leaves me wanting so much more from the story.  Why they decided this?  How?  Alternative options considered?  I got nothing because they wouldn't let me in the meetings!  Lastly and certainly not lastly and probably the biggest eh for me is the love triangle.  I've never been a 'fan' of these and they are utterly overly horridly difficult to pull of with any sense of grace or understand-ability.  This one did not make my heart sing for anyone and actually detracted from the story.  It makes me dislike Leora greatly and the guys both come across as toad nuggets (is so a thing!).  All three are painted as petty and childish when there are so much bigger life altering things happening around them.

Those drawbacks above should have dropped this story down in rating but the author's voice, her way with words, makes up for it.  She develops believable characters and engages in unique scenarios.  I wish there was opportunity to get to know them better, especially Moses and his history, but then again who has time to get that in depth during the apocalypse?  Perhaps with the next story I'll know him better?  Perhaps not, either way he's believable and likeable enough to carry me forward.  I'm very excited to get into the next installment of this series in the next couple of days.  If you are looking for something a little different in either Amish/Mennonite fiction or in something dystopian then I really do recommend this book. 

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About Jolina Petersheim 

Jolina Petersheim is the bestselling author of The Alliance, The Divide, The Midwife, and The Outcast, which Library Journal called “outstanding . . . fresh and inspirational” in a starred review and named one of the best books of 2013. That book also became an ECPA, CBA, and Amazon bestseller and was featured in Huffington Post’s Fall Picks, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and the Tennessean. CBA Retailers + Resources called her second book, The Midwife, “an excellent read [that] will be hard to put down,” and Booklist selected The Alliance as one of their Top 10 Inspirational Fiction Titles for 2016. Jolina’s nonfiction writing has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Writer’s Digest, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Today’s Christian Woman. She and her husband share the same unique Amish and Mennonite heritage that originated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but they now live in the mountains of Tennessee with their young daughters.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Whispering of the Willows by Tonya Jewel Blessing

A 1920s' saga of Emerald Ashby coming of age. Set against the superstitions and old time religion in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, author Tonya Jewel Blessing tells a difficult, yet redemptive story of a blossoming young woman who is accompanied by her friends and her foes on a journey towards hope and healing. Love weaves through gut-wrenching circumstances and dismal poverty where Emerald Ashby grows strong despite grievous wrongs committed against her.

Synopsis: Eighth grade Emie is about to learn some hard lessons when a disturbed young man is thrust into her life by her abusive father and enabling mother. The folk faith of the Appalachian community becomes creative, taking a gamble against the local preacher, in their unique form of hospitality. If you like the emotive movie, Nell, or the writing of Chris Fabry's Dogwood, (a Lifetime movie) you will love The Whispering of the Willows.

Trigger Warning:  While this is an amazing story it is not necessarily appropriate for all readers.  It does contain the sexual assault of a teen girl and the aftermath of thereof.  It is dealt with in a manner of faith however that does not lessen the need to offer this warning.

Warnings out of the way lets talk nitty-gritty.

I found it interesting that the very front of the book is an editor's note regarding the idea of this to be read and discussed by mother's and young daughters.  While, in theory this is something important that children and young adults need to have the tools to deal with, I also feel that there is a massive (beyond huge) audience out there that are more at risk that do not have parents/guardians/trusted adults to have these conversations with.  I'm not sure that I personally could blanket recommend this book even though it is handled through faith.

Before I get too deep into this and talk about what I loved about this book I need to mention a couple of little 'other things'.   There were a couple of editing glitches where a much needed 'the' was left out.  Several times the term 'love aunt' was used in reference to Auntie Ada, which read awkwardly.  My final grip, (I know sorry!) was that Emerald and Emie were used  interchangeably, while not that bad but in awkward ways.  The narrator voice would switch back and forth, several paragraphs using Emie then randomly throwing out Emerald.  I can see that in conversation but it was distracting otherwise.  It wasn't like there was need to re identify her, she was the main character.  Oh, that is out of the way.

Emie (Emerald) was a likeable character.  The characters were so well developed that you loved with all your heart, you detested with all your might, and you prayed right along with them as issues and resolutions came to pass.  Naivete was the rule in the holler during this time period.  Even at 14, Emie wasn't exactly sure what was happening but she knew it was bad.  Rudy, at 14, had know since they met that he loved Emie and they were meant to be together; despite what happened.  There is so much more to this story than Emie and Rudy but an entirely community and family to embrace and weave together.  Yes, it's a pretty heavy story.  But even in the darkness there was so much light. 


I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by BookCrash.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

UPDATE:  I have recently heard from the publisher regarding a few of the things that I mentioned above that bothered me.  The term 'love aunt' is being changed for all future books and printings.  Also the issue with Emerald/Emie in the narrator voice has been corrected in 40 different instances.  While these were minor-ish issues I appreciate the openness of the publisher and author to take feedback and make decisions to improve future printings.  So when you purchase your copy these things have already been address.  (08.28.2017)

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About Tonya Jewel Blessing 

Growing up Tonya Blessing spent numerous vacations and holidays in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. Most of her adult life has been spent in full-time ministry with a focus on helping women. She has traveled nationally and internationally as a conference speaker. For a number of years, Tonya and her husband operated a retreat facility in Colorado for pastors and missionaries.
She and her husband currently live in South Africa. They are the directors of Strong Cross Ministries, a non-profit organization that assists local churches in providing humanitarian relief and spiritual reconciliation. She is currently pursuing a degree in pastoral ministries. Tonya has written a number of devotionals geared toward women in ministry. The Whispering of the Willows is her first novel.​

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BOOK REVIEW: Freedom's Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli

Boston, 2015
Two years after nearly losing her life in the Boston Marathon bombing, Annie David is still far from “Boston strong.” Instead she remains isolated and defeated—plagued by guilt over her niece, crippled in the blast, and by an antique ring alongside a hazy hero’s face. But when she learns the identity of her rescuer, will he be the hero she’s imagined? And can the long-past history of the woman behind the ring set her free from the guilt and fears of the present?

Boston, 1770
As a woman alone in a rebellious town, Liberty Caldwell finds herself in a dangerous predicament. When a British lieutenant, Alexander Smythe, comes to her rescue and offers her employment, Liberty accepts. As months go by, Alexander not only begins to share his love of poetry with her, but protects Liberty from the advances of a lecherous captain living in the officers’ house where she works.

Mounting tensions explode in the Boston Massacre, and Liberty’s world is shattered as her brother, with whom she has just reunited, is killed in the fray. Desperate and alone, she returns home, only to be assaulted by the captain. Afraid and furious toward redcoats, Liberty leaves the officers’ home, taking with her a ring that belonged to Alexander.

Two women, separated by centuries, must learn to face their fears. And when they feel they must be strong, they learn that sometimes true strength is found in surrender.

I know I say something like this every time but, good gravy this review is hard to translate from thoughts to words.  I saw this on accident on NetGalley and threw a bunch of hopes, prayers, and wishes that I would be accepted.  The synopsis drew me like a moth to a flame.  The cover didn't hurt either.  I knew that it might not be all that I expected since dual time frames are often hard to pull off successfully.  But I still had to read it!  I'm beyond glad I did since there's only one eh moment for me in the who shebang.

Let's get that eh moment out of the way so I can get back to gushing.  The faith felt awkward.  It is integrated well but it felt like an after thought.  It felt like a toss out to the Christian fiction reviewers that NEED that faith element in every single book they read.  Like I said, it fit with the book but it didn't feel seamless and it didn't focus in like it could have.  Without it, the book still would have been amazing.  I think people forget you don't have to overly write and read it to draw people to Christ.  It wasn't an awkward enough an eh moment to affect the rating, however.  (I've been known to do that.)

On to the good stuff!  Like I said before, dual time books are hard to pull off.  Heidi did so in a way that it meshed together really well, each time frame bouncing off the other to create an amazing story.  What she did with two very well known events was nothing short of engaging.  I needed to know the story of the ring.  I knew the story but I had to ensure that Brad and Annie got to know it too.  I think if it hadn't pieced it together, for them I would have been heartbroken.  But then again, if Liberty hadn't found her happiness again I would have been heartbroken.  I was so invested in these two women.  But now I need to know what secrets Brad and Annie will find in her family tree...hint hint sequel. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.

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About Heidi Chiavaroli 

Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring Boston's Freedom Trail. She writes Women's Fiction and won the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the historical category. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Assult by Bill Myers, Frank Peretti, Angela Hunt and Alton Gansky

Cycle 2 of the Harbingers series continues the story of four gifted strangers brought together to fight a growing darkness.

In Bill Myers's "The Revealing," the team finds themselves in Rome trying to retrieve the mystical spear Hitler once owned--the very spear that pierced Christ's side. This task will take them from hidden chambers inside the Vatican to a mysterious seaside cave with powers they could never expect.

Frank Peretti's "Infestation" unleashes a microscopic evil on the world that deceives, blinds, kills, then spreads. The Harbingers team must confront a monster bent on seducing and destroying mankind.

In "Infiltration" by Angela Hunt, the team is wounded and barely holding together. Forced to split up, they realize their investigations have led them into dangerous waters.

Alton Gansky's "The Fog" unleashes a supernatural mist unlike any other. There are vicious things in the fog that kill whatever they find. One team member realizes that the ultimate sacrifice may have to be made.

'The Assault' picks up where 'The Invitation' left off.  Four stories told from four different view points that all blend and weave together.  the author's refer to them as episodes in a series, much like a sitcom.  I'd forgotten how much paranormal/sci-fi elments there were in this series.  It was a leap from what I've been currently reading and it took a bit to get my head in the game.  The dying animals with no eyes thing is still alive and well in this book as well.  I'm certain it plays into the bigger picture with 'The Gate' (again is back, sorta) but I've not yet been able to piece it all together. We started back out with Brenda, and by extension Daniel, in 'The Revealing'. This story is a followup on a scroll that was found which The Professor sent to an old mentor at the Vatican.  Honest, this story left me feeling a lot confused and a little lost.  It was lacking in plot to the point that the message that was attempting to be conveyed was lost on me.  They dig through a couple of catacombs, end up on a beach with eyes thugs chasing them and end up in an ever changing house that merges with the multiverse.  I think they figured out what they were supposed to with the Spear of Destiny, but I can't be certain since I was predominately lost in the shuffle.

Episode two, 'Infestation', takes up with the Professor and the team back to Florida where the unexplainable deaths all first began.  Being back on firm ground that I recognize helped to kick up the understanding.  This short episode got to the root of, and explained so much of, what has been going on with the animals.  The one thing I'm not loving with the shortened story-lines is the lack of ability to create real depth to the plot. Things feel entirely too easy.  Oh we need this, blam in the nick of time (without much time mind you) we have it.  It's just slightly too tidy in a plot that could easily fill a coliseum.  Moving on to episode three, 'Infiltration',  where we catch up with Andi after they have managed to escape the reemergence of the fungus.  Andi has a lot of things to deal with.  Yes the infiltration is done but there's the emotional scars to deal with.  And of course, getting involved with a delicious looking psychiatrist proves to be disastrous for them all.  This was by far my favorite episode in this book.  With more a focus on the group trying to research The Gate and Andi dealing with life it's the most involved. There's no awkward need for bizarre heroics which makes it easier to follow along.

The final episode, 'The Fog, in the book comes back from Tank's perspective.  This episode was more about emotion and drama than physicality like the others.  There were no exotic locations, no 'chasing' the bad guys.  More the bad guys chasing them.  And there is definitely a sense that someone is directing the teams movements.  Providing them tickets and accommodations and much needed funds.  Tank takes one for the team and I loved this episode through his voice.  The only thing that was truly lacking, I'm sure due to lack of space for additional word count, was a thorough understanding of what he was thinking, doing, feeling and especially seeing.  All told this second installment is just as good as the first and here's to hoping I can get my hands on the next one!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review. 

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About Bill Myers

Bill Myers was born into a Christian home, and although as a child he became bored with Christianity, he decided at the University of Washington quote, to "make God my boss." Ironically, at the University his worst subject was writing. He claims to have prayed, and said that he would be able to do anything for God, except write. Even so, he has become a prominent Christian writer, and has a large amount of successful books and films to his credit.
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About Frank Peretti

Frank Edward Peretti is a New York Times best-selling author of Christian fiction, whose novels primarily focus on the supernatural. To date, his works have sold over 15 million copies worldwide.

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About Angela Elwell Hunt 

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. 
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About Alton Gansky 

Alton Gansky is the author of 30 books--24 of them novels, including the Angel Award winner Terminal Justice and Christy Award finalist A Ship Possessed. A frequent speaker at writing conferences, he holds a BA and MA degrees in biblical studies. Alton and his wife reside in Southern California.

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SPOTLIGHT: The Duke's Dilemma by Elaine Manders

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About the Book

Book title: The Duke’s Dilemma
Author: Elaine Manders
Release date: May 27, 2017
Genre: Historical Romance, subgenre: Regency

Should he wed the perfect match—or the one he loves?

Edward Dalton, the new Duke of Langsdale, must soon take a wife to ensure the hereditary line. A young war widow seems the perfect choice. She is charming, well respected with impeccable character, and her connections to the Ton’s most important people is an asset he can’t ignore. But Edward is intrigued by another widow. The mysterious, hauntingly beautiful Lady Wayte.

Cassandra Wayte could not be a more unsuitable match. She isn’t received by polite society, and her notorious dealings with London’s underclass is the talk of nobility from White’s patrons to the most fashionable hostesses. It’s even whispered she murdered her elderly husband. But Edward sees a different side of the tragic lady, and he determines to discover the secrets tormenting her. As he peels away the layers of her resistance, he discovers a malevolent adversary stalking Lady Wayte and exposes a level of depravity that shocks even his war-hardened sensibilities. Can he win her trust and her heart? And at what cost to the dukedom?

As Cassandra’s relentless search for her husband’s murderer exposes both her and Edward to unseen dangers, all they can rely on is their love for each other and their faith in God.

About the Author

Elaine Manders writes wholesome Christian romance and suspense about the bold, capable women of history and the strong, dependable men who love them. She prefers stories that twist and turn and surprise, told by characters of faith. She lives in Central Georgia with a happy bichon-poodle mix. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, crafts, and spending time with her friends, daughter, and grandchildren.

Guest post from Elaine Manders

Historical romance became my favorite genre back in the seventies and eighties, and one of my favorite settings was Regency England. A Regency can be a romance in the Jane Austin mode or historical romance set during the Regency period. There is a difference, and The Duke’s Dilemma falls into this latter category. Yes, there is some of usual drawing room intrigue in an Austen novel, but The Duke’s Dilemma contains a serious spiritual theme. The plot fitted perfectly into my new series, The Wolf Deceivers.

I wrote the original manuscript nearly twenty years ago as a light, secular romance, but when I revised it to Christian romance, I was delighted to find the inspirational thread deepened the characters. Instead of merely fighting for her reputation while trying to wrest the duke from another woman, Cassandra, the heroine, must fight for her survival. Instead of being another handsome, sardonic nobleman, Edward, the hero, uses his intelligence and grace to protect Cassandra and win her love.

Even the secondary characters captivated me. Little Sarah’s match-making antics suited the Regency theme and provided some levity during the darker moments of the plot. Lady Ashford, Cassandra’s foil, developed a tenacity I had to admire in spite of all her shortcomings. And Sir Harcrumb became a villain I loved to hate.

Though the characters changed a great deal in the retelling, the plot remained basically the same. The only thing I added was a surprise twist at the end—something that has inadvertently become a part of my brand.

Every story is a learning experience for me, and I’m always grateful for how much I learn from my research and from the Holy Spirit. I’ve become more aware of those who deceive, and how vulnerable people, especially young people, are to Satan’s tactics. Also, I’ve unexpectedly come away with a better understanding of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Although this is a new label, we all know it has affected people throughout history.

Yes, The Duke’s Dilemma has taught me much, and I hated to say good-bye to these characters. I love stories that move me during the writing and only ask two things of my books. That they bring enjoyment to my readers and glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus. I hope this one does both.

Blog Stops

August 22: A Baker’s Perspective |Books, Books, and More Books
August 23: Blogging With Carol
August 24: Genesis 5020
August 25: Avid Reader Book Reviews | Have A Wonderful Day
August 26: Jami’s Words | Faery Tales Are Real
August 27: Karen Sue Hadley | Ashley’s Bookshelf
August 28: Remembrancy
August 29: The Fizzy Pop Collection | For the Love of Books
August 30: Locks, Hooks and Books | Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
August 31: Blossoms and Blessings
September 1: Pause for Tales | Caffeinated Reads
September 2: Live. Love. Read.
September 3: Just the Write Escape
September 4: Henry Happens | History, Mystery & Faith

Giveaway

 

BOOK REVIEW: Fatal Trust by Todd M. Johnson

Ian Wells is a young criminal defense attorney struggling to build a Minneapolis law practice he inherited from his father while caring for a mother with Alzheimer's. Nearly at the breaking point, everything changes for Ian when a new client offers a simple case: determine whether three men qualify for over nine million dollars of trust funds. To qualify, none can have been involved in criminal activity for the past twenty years. Ian's fee for a week's work: the unbelievable sum of two hundred thousand dollars.
Ian warily accepts the job--but is quickly dragged deep into a mystery linking the trust with a decades-old criminal enterprise and the greatest unsolved art theft in Minnesota history. As stolen money from the art theft surfaces, Ian finds himself the target of a criminal investigation by Brook Daniels, a prosecutor who is also his closest law school friend. He realizes too late that this simple investigation has spun out of control and now threatens his career, his future, and his life.

I first came across this book in a monthly Bethany House email.  I was distraught and torn because I literally want every single book in that monthly email.  Seriously, it's almost impossible to chose.  But I found my loophole.  I prayerfully pick one and then request the remainders from NetGalley and cross my toes that I get approved for the whole kit and caboodle.  Which, as you can tell because you are reading a review right now, that I was approved!  The fact that this was a legal mystery/thriller was right up my alley.  The fact that it was from a Christian publishing house was like free coffee.  Just a disclaimer, while this book is from a Christian publishing house it is not necessarily a Christian book.  Outside of a couple of verses from 'Amazing Grace' there were no other faith elements.  However, it is a clean book with no language, sexual scenarios and lacked overt violence.

I was excited to dig into the story of Ian, and the backstory he uncovered with this mysterious trust. Let me get the not so positive things out of the way before I tell you why I actually really liked this book.  There were entirely too many characters!  OK, there probably really weren't but for someone who struggles with names (seriously, I'd probably never remember my name but for the fact I've had it way too many decades!) I was frequently confused.  I came so close to grabbing a notebook to write all these people down so I could remember who was who and what they did both past and present.  I almost felt like the intensity wasn't as intense as I had hoped but I'm starting to think that it's just me.  Almost like I'm looking for something that was there but I didn't connect with it.  That I will not hold aganist this amazing story.

This book, on the positive side, had all the good stuff I look for in a mystery and/or thriller.  Characters that that drew me into their conflict, a mystery that I couldn't figure out (this one really did well) OK yes I did figure out a few things but not in a way that in any way detracted from the story but actually helped it.  My gravy there was one (there were several all told) bombshell that actually took me by surprise.  The rest were figured out with story flow the way they should have been.  I LOVE a mystery that I haven't already picked only partway into the book.  Johnson gave me that so...  This book really does flow well, has engage-able characters, and takes the reader on a pretty good roller coaster ride. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley.  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review. 

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About Todd M. Johnson 

Todd M. Johnson has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. Todd’s passion for writing blends well with his legal career, and his novels are drawn closely from his personal experiences as a trial lawyer.
A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, Todd taught for two years as an adjunct professor of International Law and has served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.
Todd lives outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife Cathy. They have two children, Ian and Elizabeth.

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