The Cover Story: Branigan Powers Mystery Book 2 By Deb Richardson-Moore

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:

A bizarre hit-and-run brings Branigan Powers back to the crime-solving beat
A fatal crash involving two college students heading home for the holidays seems like an unfortunate accident. But when the surviving girl wakens, she tells a curious story of the vehicle that forced them off the road--an old-fashioned, 1950s-style hearse.
Reporter Branigan Powers delves into the mystery that takes her to the college campus, and leads her into dangerous fraternity and sorority pledge parties.
Reunited with the homeless Malachi Martin, who is so adept at seeing what isn't there rather than what is, Branigan must uncover what is really going on at the college before other students are put in danger.
This second installment in the author's first cozy mystery series delves into the world of newspapers and life on the streets--both of which the author knows well.

My Thoughts: 

 The Cover Story is the second book in Deb Richardson-Moore's Branigan Powers series and I love it! I had the pleasure of reading the first Branigan Powers book, The Cantaloupe Thief, so when this latest book came out I HAD to read it. This is a Christian Mystery Story and it is fantastic. This story definitely grabs you from the start and doesn't let go until the end. Again Branigan is part of an investigation as a reporter and an Aunt. In this book we meet new characters and also read about favorites from the first book. I loved being part of another Branigan Mystery, right there with her as she digs deeper into this latest situation. I absolutely love the character, Branigan Powers. She is a sensitive, strong woman who does everything in her power to find the truth and report the truth. I could NOT put this book down. I love Deb Richardson-Moore's style of writing, she knows how to write an incredible story that keeps readers at the edge of their seats. This book definitely brought out many emotions, I found myself laughing in parts, crying in some, and holding breath in others. All makings of a great mystery. I recommend reading The Cantaloupe Thief first. I cannot say enough good about this book! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Mystery books, you will not be disappointed in this story or this author. I cannot wait to read more of this series! I definitely give this book and author 5 STARS.

Israel-God's Heart: Landscapes and Legacy By Ron Gafni and Kathleen Barrett

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: 

 Many of us only dream of traveling to the Holy Land. Very few, like Israel's top aerial photographer, Ron Gafni, soar above the craggy mountain ranges of Masada, the salty Dead Sea, and the iconic locations where Jesus walked. "Israel - God's Heart - Landscapes and Legacy," beautifully captures the ancient landscapes of this great nation, as well as presents the legacy of God's Redemption plan for the world.

As you slowly turn the pages, you will find unexpected vantage points, such as the Tower of David surrounded by city lights and fast paced cars. And, a hot air balloon floating over a field of cotton. From a bird's eye view, you will also experience a vibrant, bustling, modern Israel. Biblical references and thoughtful narrative, by Author Kathleen Barrett, intertwines with awe inspiring photography to bring you to the Holy Land time and time again.

My Thoughts: 

Israel- God's Heart is a beautiful book filled with breathtaking photographs of modern day Israel and great narrative about the Holy Land. Between the narrative and the photographs I HAD to read this book. I loved seeing Israel through Ron Gafni and Kathleen Barrett's eyes. I attened private school for 8 years and we studied and learned the maps of the Bible so I found myself drawn in to the differences and just how beautiful the Holy Land is. I have always wanted to see the Holy Land myself and now I am even more drawn to see it. This book helped satisfy this desire to go. The photographs of all of this land really puts you there seeing this incredible landscape. The colors are vibrant, showing the very important pieces in our history, God's artwork. I found the scriptures and descriptions enhancing the photographs. I have read through the book at least 20 times, seeing new things each time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves photographs and wants to see the Holy Land. I give this book 5+ STARS. 

I apologize for the lateness of this review.

The Captain's Daughter: London Beginnings Book 1 By Jennifer Delamere

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

Book Description: 

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater which is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

An injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he’s glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can’t wait to leave behind.

My Thoughts: 

The Captain's Daughter is the first book in Jennifer Delamere's latest series, London Beginnings, and it is fantastic. This is the first book by Jennifer Delamere I have had the pleasure of reading and I can't wait to read more. Jennifer Delamere writes with authority on England especially London during the Victorian Era, India and the Army at that time, the theater, and actors and actresses. I found myself drawn to the cover of this book, it is beautiful and well done. When I read the description I HAD to read it. As a HUGE fan of Christian Historical Fiction this book was a must read for me.  I found Jennifer Delamere's style of writing inviting, the pace of the story was good, and the story kept me engaged from start to finish. The characters in this book were well written and real people dealing with real life during this time. I really enjoyed the characters in this book but I think my favorite was Rosalyn. She is a strong, kind person whose faith is unbreakable. The circumstances she finds herself in she handles with grace. I enjoyed her story. I found myself unable to put this book down. From start to finish I felt like I was there with Rosalyn on her journey.  I have found a new must read author in Jennifer Delamere and cannot wait to read this next book in this series. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction especially during the Victorian Era, you will not be disappointed.  I give this book 5 STARS. 

I want to apologize to Jennifer Delamere and Litfuse Publicity for the lateness of this review.  

The Runaway By Claire Wong

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

Book Description: 

Shortly before her eighteenth birthday, Rhiannon Morgan runs away from the remote Welsh village of Llandymna. Camping out in Dyrys Woods, she starts to make a new life for herself. In the woods she finds space for her active imagination--weaving together the stories she loves and memories of her past, including the mother she lost thirteen years ago.

Back in the village, Rhiannon's disappearance triggers a series of events that uncover the cracks in Llandymna's quiet surface. Relationships become frayed as a young police officer is forced to investigate his neighbors, and the village's elderly storyteller hints at a secret that the older generation has kept for decades. But as painful as the village's past may be, it may hold the key for hope in the present...

Claire Wong's strong debut explores how human relationships develop, how we change as we interact with one another, and the role of folktales and mythology in small communities. 

My Thoughts: 

 The Runaway is Claire Wong's debut novel and I enjoyed it. As my readers know I absolutely love reading new authors so that first drew me to this book, also the cover art and the back cover description really caught my attention. I enjoyed this book and this authors writing. The whole story is definitely different in a good way. Claire Wong writes with authority about Wales, small town hierarchy, teenagers, and surviving in the woods. The village where this story takes place, Llandymna, is a fictional village in the hills of mid-Wales. Small and remote, it has stood there for hundreds of years on the edge of a vast forest. Today, it consists of a church, a primary school, a pub and a local shop, all surrounded by houses and fields. I loved the village and could totally picture it in my mind. I really like Claire Wong's style of writing, she definitely puts her readers right there and her seamless transitions from past to present make for a cohesive story line.  The characters in this story are unique and well written. I can't say that there is one character that I liked more or less. These characters are set in their ways but a 17 year old running away makes them realize the changes that need to be made in their ways and how they leaned on their faith.  I found myself intrigued by this story with its fairy tale like premise. I highly recommend this book to adults and teens alike. I am excited to read more from Claire Wong, she is on my list of authors to read! I give this book 4 STARS.

Local Poet By Paul Trembling

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:

Rob doesn't know Laney Grey. But when she steps out in front of his van and dies on impact, his life will never be the same. He has to know who she was, why she chose to die, and why he had to be part of her death.

To understand her, he must learn to read her poetry. To know her, he must unravel the mysteries of her past. As Laney's dark secret starts to come to light, and authorities get involved, Rob must learn the full truth and quickly.

But truth comes at a cost and someone must pay...will Rob be the one?


"Paul Trembling has spun a tense, haunting, beautiful tale in this literary thriller. The story of Laney Grey and the man who killed her will stay with you for a long time." -Fiona Veitch Smith, CWA shortlisted author of The Jazz Files.

"A note-worthy start to a smashing new series populated by characters you will not soon forget. Action mounts. Dark mysteries deepen...how long can you hold your breath?" -Edna Buchanan, author of the Britt Montero series.

My Thoughts: 

Local Poet is Paul Trembling's latest book and it is very good. This book is the first in a series.  Paul Trembling is a new to me author and I am so glad I had the pleasure of reading it. This book is a Christian Suspense/Mystery Fiction, which I am a huge fan of.  Paul Trembling writes with authority on: London and the areas around it, police procedures, the  RTC (Road Traffic Collision), poetry, and investigating. This book is not a long book but in the 176 pages Paul Trembling writes an intense story that really grabbed me and kept me guessing until the end. I found myself unable to put this book down. The characters in this book are well written and not always what they seem. I found myself drawn to Rob, as this story is told from his perspective. His character goes through a lot and has a tough time when things are not in his control. He definitely goes through a transformation because of this accident and what he finds out about the victim, Laney, and her poetry.  I enjoyed Paul Trembling's writing style, his ability to write so much in a shorter book and transitions between past and present seamlessly. I cannot wait to read the books in this series. At the end of this book there is a snippet from the next book in this series and WOW it definitely has piqued my interest. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Suspense/Mystery stories, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 4.5 STARS.

I would also like to apologize for the lateness of this review to Paul Trembling and Kregel Publications, there is no excuse for the lateness. 

The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race By Mike H. Mizrahi

 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:  


Chattanooga society is turned upside down as a young woman has the audacity to ride a bicycle–in bloomers!
It’s 1895. Anna Gaines, 19, struggles to conquer her insecurities after a horrible fall years ago from her beloved horse, Longstreet. On a visit with her aunt in Brooklyn, she’s drawn to the new pastime of bicycling. But back at home, cycling is a scandalous sport for a proper lady. Southern women did not engage in activities meant for men.
Anna has her eye on Peter Sawyer, president of the Cycling Club. As community outrage grows, an unexpected turn of events pits Anna against Peter in a race between the sexes.
Will Anna prove that women deserve the same right as men to ride “the wheel?” Will she choose to live a quiet, traditional life of a housewife and mother? Or will she pursue college and become one of the “new women” emerging into the twentieth century on the seat of a bicycle? What will become of the spark between Anna and Peter?
Faith, patience, and courage help Anna to become the person she was meant to be.


My Thoughts:   

The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race is the latest book by Mike H. Mizrahi and I think it is great! Mike H. Mizrahi is a new to me author and I am so glad I read it. As a HUGE fan of Christian Historical Fiction, this book really drew my interest. The cover of this book is beautiful and really drew my interest. Mike H. Mazrahi writes with authority about: the United States during 1895 especially the South and New York, life in Chattanooga, the social hierarchy in the South, cycling, women's movement in 1895, racing, and fashion during 1895. I found myself unable to put this book down, from start to finish it grabbed a hold of me and held me until the end. I like Mike H. Mizrahi's writing style, it really put me right there watching the events unfold and his transitions from Chattanooga and New York were seamless.  Even though this is a work of fiction, it had many facts in it and learned a lot about bicycling and the movement for women to be able to ride bicycles with men. I love it when I learn new things while I read. The characters in this book are well written and are real people dealing with real things. I found myself drawn to Anna. She is a kind soul who has had to overcome some big obstacles to get to where she is. As she sees more of the world, she finds something that makes her happy, but finds herself up against society hierarchy to do this. She fights for her beliefs and does her best to try and balance her love of cycling and her love of her family. I found myself laughing in parts, crying in parts, and holding my breath.I have found another must read author after reading this book.  This is a wonderful book and I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed.  I cannot wait to read more from Mike H. Mazrahi. I give this book 5 STARS.
 



 Take a ride through 1895 Chattanooga as it's turned upside down when a young woman has the audacity to ride a bicycle-in bloomers-in Mike H. Mizrahi's new book, The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race! Anna Gaines, 19, struggles to conquer her insecurities after a horrible fall years ago from her beloved horse, Longstreet. On a visit to Brooklyn, she's drawn to the new pastime of bicycling. But back at home, cycling is a scandalous sport for a proper lady. Anna has her eye on Peter Sawyer, president of the Cycling Club. As community outrage grows, an unexpected turn of events pits Anna against Peter in a race between the sexes.

Celebrate the release of Mike's new book by entering to win his $75 Amazon gift card giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race
• A $75 Amazon gift card

Enter today by clicking the banner below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 14. The winner will be announced June 15 on Mike's blog.

Driver Confessional: Volume 1 of The Driver Series By David Winters

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


Book Description: 

Ride share driver Antonio cruises the streets of Washington, D.C. looking for his next fare.
He has an unusual gift for relaxing his customers and stimulating their desire to reveal more than they planned. By the completion of their ride, many feel so comfortable that they confess their sins great and small. Antonio’s faith guides his discussions and points him in new directions. Suddenly, his peaceful world is turned upside down by a mysterious business woman. As she heads to a midnight rendezvous, she confesses more than Antonio can handle. Her story sends him into a world of espionage, international terrorism and danger.


My Thoughts: 

Driver Confessional is the first book in  David Winters new series, The Driver Series, and it is great! This is the first book of David Winters that I have had the pleasure of reading. This book really caught my attention from the images on the cover to the description on the back. As a fan of Christian Mystery/Suspense books I was eager to read this great book. David Winters writes with authority about the streets of Washington D.C., sharing faith with others, international issues, and giving advice to help others. I found myself unable to put this book down. This book is a fast paced, keeping you guessing until the end. The characters in this book are definitely interesting and not always who they seem. I really enjoyed Antonio. He does what he can for others, sharing his faith. I find that so admirable and something to be admired He put himself in harms way to help. I loved this character. I truly enjoyed David Winters writing. His writing made me feel like I was there. Heart pounding suspense, I found myself also laughing in some parts and holding my breath in others. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series! I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense books, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 4 STARS.