Bride of a Distant Isle: The Daughters of Hampshire Book #2 By Sandra Byrd

I received this book from Howard Publications for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

 An unforgettable romance set in Victorian England, Bride of A Distant Isle is the engrossing story of Annabel Ashton, who fights to save her family home and her mother's honor while trying to figure out if the man she loves wants her—or just wants to use her to achieve his own ambitions.

Miss Annabel Ashton is a teacher at the Rogers School for Young Ladies in Winchester when she takes a brief visit to her family home, Highcliffe Hall at Milford-on-Sea. She believes her stay will be short but soon learns that she will not be returning to the safety of the school. Instead, she remains at Highcliffe, at the mercy of her cousin, Edward Everedge.

Annabel protests, but as the illegitimate daughter of a woman who died in an insane asylum, she has little say. Edward is running out of money and puts the house up for sale to avoid financial ruin. He insists that Annabel marry, promising her to a sinister, frightening man. But as the house gets packed for sale, it begins to reveal disquieting secrets. Jewelry, artifacts, and portraits mysteriously appear, suggesting that Annabel may be the true heir of Highcliffe.

She has only a few months to prove her legitimacy, perhaps with assistance from the handsome but troubled Maltese Captain Dell’Acqua. But does he have Annabel’s best interests at heart?

And then, a final, most ominous barrier to both her inheritance and her existence appears: a situation neither she nor anyone else could have expected. Will Annabel regain her life and property—and trust her heart—before it’s too late?


My Thoughts: 

Bride of a Distant Isle is the second book in Sandra Byrd's latest series, The Daughters of Hampshire and I love it! I loved the book and this series!  As a fan of historical fiction and a huge fan of Sandra Byrd's writing, I was drawn to this book especially after having read the first book in this series and really enjoying it. In  Bride of a Distant Isle is a Christian Historical Fiction Book with some romance, mystery, and crime.  Sandra Byrd writes with authority about the 1800's, England and the U.S., art, hierarchy, social manners, arranged marriages, illegitimate births, mental health issues of the time, and mental hospitals.  I found myself unable to put this book down, there was so much happening that I didn't want to miss anything! I also took every extra minute I had to read it.  I found all of the characters very interesting in this book but my favorite was Annabel. She was a very, very strong woman who understood her reality and accepted what she had to but did everything in her power to change what she could. All of the characters in this book including Annabel were human and were not perfect. They all had their flaws and their messy lives. I have always enjoyed Sandra Byrd's writing and that has NOT changed. I love reading her books, I feel like I am there watching the events unfold right in front of me. I truly feel transported to that time and place. This story was a pretty serious book but definitely had some moments that made me smile and chuckle but others that made me cry, just ache. I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish and I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed! I cannot wait for the next book in this great series!! I give this book 5 STARS.

The Jazz Files: Poppy Denby Investigates Book 1 By Fiona Veitch Smith

I received this book from Kregel Publications for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

Introducing Poppy Denby, a young journalist in London during the Roaring Twenties, investigating crime in the highest social circles!

In 1920, twenty-two year old Poppy Denby moves from Northumberland to live with her paraplegic aunt in London. Aunt Dot, a suffragette who was injured in battles with the police in 1910, is a feisty and well-connected lady.

Poppy has always dreamed of being a journalist, and quickly lands a position as an editorial assistant at the Daily Globe. Then one of the paper's writers, Bert Isaacs, dies suddenly--and messily. Poppy and her attractive co-worker, photographer Daniel Rokeby begin to wonder if it wasn't a natural death, but murder.

After she writes a sensational exposé, The Globe's editor invites her to dig deeper. Poppy starts sifting through the dead man's files and unearths a major mystery which takes her to France--and into deadly danger.

My Thoughts:

The Jazz Files is the first book in Fiona Veitch Smith's latest series, Poppy Denby Investigates and its fantastic. This is the first book by Fiona Veitch Smith that I have had the pleasure of reading and it left me wanting to read more!  The Jazz Files is a combination of some of my favorite genres, Christian Historical Fiction and Suspense. Fiona Veitch Smith writes with authority on all parts of the newspaper industry, journalism, London in the 1920's, the suffragette movement in London, the war and its effects on soldiers, the prison system, the mental health system,  and the social hierarchy in the 1920's. I found myself taken with this book, from start to finish. I found that I could not put it down once I got going. I enjoyed all of the characters in this book but I absolutely LOVED Poppy Denby. She is a great character with a natural curiosity and instinct to find out the truth. She struggles with what is right and wrong, making choices to honor her beliefs. Poppy loves her Aunt Dot and is motivated by Dot's confidence in her. All of the characters in this book are real, their lives are messy, trouble happens, people get hurt, good people do bad things to try to help, and good can triumph over evil. I enjoyed the writing in this book, Fiona Veitch Smith uses the terms for common items in London in English(UK), other times its English (USA) with a southern touch, and of course the terminology used in the newspaper business. As I read this book I found myself laughing out loud in some parts, crying in some pars, and holding my breath in anticipation in most parts not knowing what would happen. This book had me on the edge of my seat, guessing until the end.  I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction and Suspense, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more of this series and other books from Fiona Veitch Smith.  I give this book 5+ STARS.

If I Run By Terri Blackstock and Great Pre Order and Giveaway

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:


CASEY KNOWS THE TRUTH. BUT IT WON’T SET HER FREE.

Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they’ve failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up.
Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices: the girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.


My Thoughts:


If I Run is Terri Blackstock's newest release and all I can say is WOW!! I have read some of Terri Blackstock's other books and this one is by far the best! I love a good Suspense/mystery book so her books are right in my wheel house. From the first sentence to the last this book had me at the edge of my seat, guessing what would happen. Terri Blackstock writes with authority on police procedure, investigating, technology, traveling in the U.S. using various modes, and crimes. I found all of the characters well written and definitely having different layers to their personalities. I personally enjoyed Dylan Roberts and Casey Cox. Their characters are broken, trying to make sense of life after both seeing so much tragedy in their lives. I enjoyed the interactions they had with one another and other characters in the book. I really felt like I was there with Casey, on the run, trying to figure out what to do. I found myself laughing in some parts, crying in others, and holding my breath in anticipation. As soon as I finished this book I was ready for the next one, the ending was surprising and I can't wait to read the next one. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction and/or Suspense/mystery, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more of Terri Blackstock books! I give this book 5+ STARS.


Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer . . . but her DNA is all over the crime scene, and she's now a fugitive. Don't miss Terri Blackstock's next page-turner, If I Run. Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than Dylan has, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. But as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices. The girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

Join Terri in celebrating her new book with a Fitbit giveaway and a special $4.99 digital pre-order deal!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of If I Run
• A Fitbit One™ or a Fitbit Flex (winner's choice)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on February 16th. The winner will be announced February 17th on the Litfuse blog.

Plus don't miss out on the special $4.99 digital pre-order pricing, now through February 15. Pre-order the book through your favorite e-book retailer; details here.

A River Too Deep By Sydney Tooman Betts

I received this book from Sydney Tooman Betts through Celebrate Lit Blogging program for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description: 

In the spring of 1817, Alcy Callen and her father visit a step-uncle they have long presumed dead; but instead of enjoying a loving reunion, they are plunged into treachery and deceit. Nothing is as they expected and little is what it seems. Even the man who helps her escape is not the reliable suitor he appears. Alcy is caught between gratitude and fear, unable to avoid her rescuer's attentions or understand the responses they stir. Neither can she tell what sort of man he is or what he intends to do with her in the strange place they are going. Will he keep her for himself or will he sell her to the highest bidder? Of one person only is she certain, but will he come for her before it is too late?

My Thoughts:

A River Too Deep is Sydney Tooman Betts first book and it is fantastic. Sydney Tooman Betts is a writer who has written many things but this is her first published book. I personally haven't read anything from her but her writing is great.  As readers of my blog know I am a huge fan of debut authors and Christian Historical Fiction and this book is both!  Sydney Tooman Betts writes with authority about the late 1800's in the U.S. and the world, Native Americans history and traditions, life in small towns and big cities,and the social/class system at the time.  At the beginning I had a little bit of trouble getting into the book but once I got to about chapter 3 I could NOT put it down. The start might have been a little slow but the rest of the book made up for it!! This book kept me guessing until the end. The characters are well written and very interesting. Some of them are NOT who they seem and I really enjoyed watching some of the characters grow and mature. This book is very well written and I enjoyed Sydney Tooman Betts style of writing, especially at the end of each chapter, there is a verse of scripture that really goes with the chapter. She also did a great job mixing fact and fiction, I know that I learned a lot about this time in history from this book.  I really felt like I was there watching all of these events unfold. I found myself holding my breath in parts, scared of  what might happen, smiling at the silly stuff, and crying at the sad stuff. This book has a little bit of everything in it to make it such a great book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction and Native American history. I give this book 5 STARS.

Please check out the link below for a great giveaway!!!

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Live To Air: An Ethan Benson Thriller Book 1 By Jeffrey L. Diamond

I received this book from GreenLeaf Book Group and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

Television, politics, and the Russian mob: Live to Air is a riveting crime thriller, jam-packed with intrigue and unforgettable characters.

Ethan Benson is a charming and principled-if sometimes difficult-television producer in New York City who detests doing crime stories. But that's of no significance to his high-powered boss at the network, and Benson finds himself assigned to investigating a bloody shoot-out in the Meatpacking District, whose old grime and new glitz provide a symbolic background for a sensational murder that has dominated the headlines.

As he pieces together his story, Benson literally covers New York-from Central Park and Fifth Avenue to Little Russia in Brooklyn and Rikers Island in Queens-crossing paths with a fascinating cast of characters on both sides of the law. Unknown to Benson, organized crime may be only one facet of the thrilling investigation. With his wife and son in hiding and his life in danger, Benson draws closer to a resolution that will have explosive results for the criminals-and for some members of New York City's political elite as well.

My Thoughts:

Live To Air is Jeffrey L. Diamond's first book in his Ethan Benson Thriller series and his first book as a mystery writer and frankly, it is FANTASTIC! Jeffrey L. Diamond has been an award winning journalist in television broadcasting for 40 years working on shows like 20/20. His expertise in the inner workings of investigative reporting and news broadcasting shows throughout this book. He also writes with authority about police procedure/investigations, cover ups, organized crime, investigating, and all the technical magic that goes into making TV.  Live To Air is a Suspense/Thriller that blew me away. As readers of my blog know, I typically read and review Christian Fiction but I do read a whole myriad of different types of books both Christian and Secular. Jeffrey L Diamond has been added to my top 10 authors to read. Live To Air grabbed a hold to me from literally the first page until the last one with so many twists it kept me guessing until the end. I loved the characters, good or bad, they are all real people living real lives. I especially liked Ethan Benson. His life is messy to say the least and in the beginning his life seems to be unraveling both personally and professionally but he stumbles onto something much bigger than anyone imagines. The action was spectacular, kept me on the edge of my seat, sometimes I found myself holding my breath. I do want to add that this book does have strong language but don't let that deter you from reading it!! I felt it did add to the overall tone and authenticity of the book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Suspense/Thriller fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the next books in this series, Live To Tape and Live To The Network. I am impatiently waiting for their releases! I give this book 5+STARS.

The Peacock Throne By Lisa Karon Richardson

I received this book from Kregel Publications for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description: 

When Miss Lydia Garrett's guardian is murdered, and the authorities refuse to investigate the odd circumstances, she vows to catch the culprit. The same night the Earl of Danbury is murdered in his bed. Against all odds it appears that the murders are related - and Anthony Douglas, the new Lord Danbury, is bent on revenge. The clues point to the former Earl's first naval command. In 1758 the Earl spirited away and hid the magnificent Peacock Throne at the behest of the Indian royal family. To draw out the murderer, Anthony and Lydia agree that they must locate the throne. However, they are not the only ones interested in the Peacock Throne. Marcus Wiltshire, agent of His Majesty's intelligence services, has received hints that Bonaparte intends to return the throne to India and leverage its mystical significance to foment rebellion and cut England off from her most important trading partner. When the amateur sleuths join forces with the professional agent, the quest for the throne leads them around the globe on an adventure steeped in danger, treachery, and romance.

My Thoughts: 

The Peacock Throne is the newest book by Lisa Karon Richardson and it is great! As a fan of Christian Historical Fiction and Suspense books, I was intrigued by the book. The first thing I noticed about this book was the front cover.  The girl, peacock feather, and the sailing ship made me curious about what this book was about. Lisa Karon Richardson writes with authority on our world in the 1700's especially USA and Europe, military strategies during this time, monarchies, the caste system, proper etiquette, cross country traveling, police procedures, detective work. From the start, The Peacock Throne is action packed and it continues on this steady pace through out the whole book. I was very drawn in from the start and had a very hard time putting this book down. The cast of characters in this book are great, real people in real situations. I especially enjoyed the interactions between Lydia and Anthony Douglas. Two opposite people thrown together by tragedy and a need for answers about the lives and deaths of their loved ones.  They may also find out things about each other and how they are connected by more than just their dead relatives. I really felt like I was there on this adventure with the characters and definitely couldn't put this book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction and Suspense, you will not be disappointed. I look forward to reading more from Lisa Karon Richardson! I give this book 5 STARS.

Marriage on the Mend: Healing Your Marriage After Crisis, Separation, or Divorce By Clint and Penny Bragg

I received this book from Kregel Publications for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

"Every broken marriage has the hope of becoming a saved marriage."
Approximately fifty percent of the couples who sign a marriage license will also sign on the dotted line of a divorce document. In order to turn the tide of this stark statistic, couples who have considered or experienced separation or divorce must be given real tools to reconcile, restore, and rebuild their relationships. "Marriage on the Mend" provides these tools for couples in crisis.
Clint and Penny Bragg know what it means to be that couple. After being divorced for eleven years and living 3,000 miles from each other, they were remarried--but the difficult work of restoration continued long after that second ceremony. The Braggs know that couples who reconcile face a unique set of challenges, including unresolved arguments, poor communication habits, unforgiveness, and betrayed trust. Biblically based materials are required to walk through this treacherous territory toward full healing and restoration.
This practical, realistic book identifies roadblocks that may stall relationship progress, recommends ideas to deepen intimacy, offers solutions to effectively handle past hurts and conflicts, and applies Scripture to every aspect of the process in order to proactively stabilize and safeguard the marriage. At the end of each chapter, the Braggs include a prayer for couples to share to help facilitate healing.
The one thing all broken relationships have in common is that true healing takes time. Using the framework of Nehemiah's effort to restore Jerusalem's walls following the Israelite's exile and captivity, "Marriage on the Mend" provides a clear framework for the restoration of relationships.

My Thoughts: 

Marriage on the Mend: Healing Your Marriage After Crisis, Separation, or Divorce is the first book by Clint and Penny Bragg I have had the pleasure of reading and it is a fantastic book. When I read about this book and the authors, I felt drawn to it. I have been married for 20 years and we have had our ups and downs and we are in a down season so I was very interested in this book.  Clint and Penny Bragg write with authority about all aspects of marriage: the good, the not so good, and the not so pretty. The first thing that struck me as I read, was their total transparency and openness to their readers. What struck me next is that is NOT a how to book.  The Braggs didn't have a magic equation to fix their marriage, they give the readers a framework right from The Bible using Nehemiah's story in his efforts to restore Jerusalem's walls after the Israelite's exile and captivity and also other Scripture to help readers understand.   This book doesn't stop at getting back together. They make it clear that the work doesn't stop, actually most of the work begins after reconciling. Marriage is something that needs constant tending.   I could feel the Bragg's hearts and souls in their writing and their willingness to bring the readers into their private world showing that no one's marriage is perfect. Even though we may not have the same issues this book really grabbed a hold of me and held on long after the last page.  This is one of those books that will stay with me for a very long time as we work on our marriage and it is one of a few books I will be reading again to learn about things that I probably missed in the first read.  This book really brings a lot of emotions out as you read. I found myself laughing in some parts and crying in others, seeing where I have work to do. Clint and Penny Bragg are fantastic writers and I am so thankful for their book.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who is married, no matter what season, it really is relevant. I am excited to read more from The Braggs. I give this book 5+ STARS.

***I apologize to Clint and Penny Bragg and Kregel Publications for the lateness of this review.***