JANE BY THE BOOK by Pepper Basham, review by Kim

I don’t like to tell people what to do, but you MUST add Jane by the Book, by the incredible Pepper Basham, to your TBR. Not only add it, but move it straight to the top! Jane by the Book is, in a word, perfect! I literally just finished it and I want to read it again. And I am not a rereader! I loved everything about it! I loved Titus, Jane, meeting up with old friends, Titus, the setting, the mystery, the humor, the romance, and did I mention Titus?! 

So, speaking of Titus, what a great character! He is an author, a dreamer, a little quirky, kind, compassionate, and humorous. He says and does so many heart swooning things for Jane, you just can’t help but love him. And his sense of humor had me laughing out loud more than once! I laughed so much, my husband kept asking me what was so funny and eventually, I think I just became a bit annoying to him! And I will never be able to look at a Corgi without laughing again! 

Jane, on the other hand, is more of a planner, somewhat serious, and a tad reserved. But when you put the two together and Titus begins  breaking her shell, you have perfection! 

There is also a wonderful faith message in this book. I love how Titus talks so easily to Jane about his faith and how he gives her a gift that helps her realize how much God loves her. And this gem of a line, “Help me to trust You, even with my fears.” As a feary (is that a word?) type person, that line really speaks to me. I not only need God’s help giving Him my fears, but also trusting Him with them. 

This novella really packs a punch! It did not feel like a novella. Well, except for when it ended! I so wanted more. I’m rating this one “in a class by itself” and it will for sure be in my top books of 2018!!

BACK COVER BLURB:
Four years ago, Jane Warwick escaped the shame and heartbreak of being jilted at the altar by becoming a housekeeper at the secluded Inn at Simeon Ridge. Predictable and quiet, the inn helps Jane find a place to heal and celebrates her strengths, where she is promoted to head housekeeper. But an unexpected visit to Bath, England, upsets Jane's plans and sends her out of her comfort zone, directly into the harrowing path of historical detective author, Titus Stewart.

The only plans Titus sticks to are family holidays and the ones that send him careening into his story worlds, but when an uptight and nervous innkeeper stumbles into his life - and his latest novel - nonfiction begins to take on a much more interesting gleam.

As the unlikely pair delve into the mystery behind a one-hundred-and-fifty-year-old letter, will they both uncover a romance that stands the test of time

*I was a beta reader for this book and was under no obligation to review it, nor to give a favorable review.


NO CURRENT BUY LINKS FOR JANE BY THE BOOK! We'll keep you posted and share again when this becomes available!

CELEBRATE LIT SUMMER KICK OFF tour #Win #Giveaways

Summer is here! The weather is warm, the beach is waiting, and the pools are full! What a better way to welcome in summer than to have a giveaway for a $50 Amazon card and 30+ books!

THE GIVEAWAY HAS NO ENDED. Congratulations to the winners! Lucy Thompson will receive all the books and her paperback of The Case of the Clobbered Cad is on its way!

ENTER HERE:
http://www.celebratelit.com/summer-kick-off-50-amazon-card-giveaway/

MEET BOOK BLOGGER SYDNEY ANDERSON!

Debra asks: Sydney, how long have you been reviewing and how did you decide on the theme for your blog?

Sydney answers: I first began book review blogging in April of 2015.  So it’s been a little over three years now and it’s been an enjoyable journey. 

I have always enjoyed reading and singing.  When I was in college, I took private voice lessons as well as lots of music classes so I could learn how to teach singing.  Because of my love of books and reading, once I completed my undergraduate degree, I went on to obtain an MLS (Masters of Library Science).  So as far as the theme of my blog goes, I combined two of my favorite loves—singing and books!

D: That's wonderful! Not many of us get to do that.
What’s the best part of being a reviewer?

S:  The best part of being a reviewer is all the reader and author friends I have made along the way.  I love getting to know other readers and discussing books and authors.  And getting to know authors on a personal/friend level is so much fun!

D: What’s the most difficult part of the ‘the job’? 

S: Honestly, right now it's time.  I am a stay-at-home mom of a sweet 17 month old little boy (he is just the sweetest) with little boy #2 coming in early August.  I also work part time for Southern Utah University (SUU) teaching an Information Literacy class.  I enjoy this though.  Additionally, I am part of a group blog, Hoarding Books (https://hoardingbooksblog.wordpress.com/), where we currently host what is called First Line Fridays. This is another fun way to spotlight/promote authors we love.  And last but not least, I have started writing my own stories. J  So between being a mom, teaching, writing, and finding a balance to spend time with my little family, as well as reading and actually creating blog posts and writing reviews can be a bit of a challenge.  But it’s totally worth it!

D: Well, you are busy and will be busier. Congratulations on your growing family! I can't imagine trying to find time to write with two little ones. Even now, it's frustrating for me to find 'the groove' and then have to put the computer aside to attend to something else. I'm intrigued by your other news, too. Best wishes on your writing endeavor!  (I first wrote this endeavour, and couldn't figure out why blogger considered it 'wrong'!)

What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?

S: A book I read recently that I absolutely couldn’t put down was Love in Three Quarter Time by Rachel McMillan.  This was a short and sweet contemporary romance novella that was extremely well written.  A lot of times in novellas because they are so short I feel that the romance goes too quickly and just boom happens.  But in this story McMillan does a fabulous job of investing the readers in her story and her characters and the romance takes place gradually throughout the novella.  This is an excellent read that I would highly recommend!

D: I expect that it's because of Rachel's love of Vienna! And because she's an excellent author, of course. And I agree with you about novellas and that quick 'love' resolution.
What keeps you busy or entertained (beyond reading and reviewing!)?

S: I love spending time with my little family.  Whether it’s a dinner date with my sweet hubby or hiking in the mountains with the baby in the hiking pack.  There’s nothing I’d rather do then spend time with my family!!  I also enjoy spending time with my sisters (I have 5 of them) and parents, grandparents, and cousins, etc., as well as time with my in-laws.  Family time is the absolute best!

And…as much as I love books (and having a home library), I also have a deep love for music and musicals.  I own over 100 musicals on DVD.  That’s how crazy I am about them.  LOL. ;) Some of my favorites that I watch over and over again and would highly recommend are Singing in the Rain, Roberta, Kiss Me Kate, Annie Get Your Gun, The Music Man, Court Jester, I Love Melvin, and I really could go on and on…

D: Oh, me too! But I've never heard of I LOVE MELVIN. (makes a note...)

 
What is your fiction favorite…setting? Place and time? Genre’?

S: I am a HUGE fan of historical fiction.  Any place and any time.  I’ll pick it up and begin a new journey.  But I’d have to say my top favorite historical setting is definitely Regency and of course it has to have some romance!  For some reason that time period has always fascinated me.  And it’s been fun to see this genre take off over the past several years.

D: Yes, I can think of multiple authors who are now known for that era!
What person from history would you most like to text with?

S:  That is a tough one.  I’d have to say either Jane Austen or Queen Victoria.  I love all of Jane Austen’s books and the movies based off her books and just find her to be an interesting person.  As for Queen Victoria, I have always been fascinated with that time period, so when the TV show of Victoria with PBS Masterpiece began, I instantly started watching it and love it.  Queen Victoria is such a fascinating woman and I love learning about her.  I may one day even do enough research to write a book during that time period and have her appear in it.

D: That show is so good that I think Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes could sell me on any old unknown couple too, not just the royals! The way he looks at her...oh. my.
And, of course, many people have come up with faux Jane Austen texts and they've been hilarious.

If you had a rainy afternoon alone to watch a movie what would it be? And what meal would you have delivered if that afternoon included a quiet evening as well? I’m paying with my virtual bank account!

S:  I would put on the musical Singing in the Rain (it’s an all-time favorite that I never get tired of) and I’d order Panda Express.

D: Haha! You're a cheap date, Sydney!
If you could wiggle your nose and be in your dream career, what would it be? Or are you already living it?

S:  A few years ago, while I was going to school, I worked at a small public library.  I absolutely LOVED it there.  It was definitely my dream job.  And the librarian that hired me helped me come to realize that I too wanted to become a librarian.

But as life goes on, my little family has moved several times and I am no longer working at that library, but the plan is when my kids are a little bigger and in school all day to find another fun and exciting job working at a public or school library.

D: It has always sounded like a dream job to me. I wanted to do that for a time while I was in Junior High. I think it was both the smell of books and the 'quiet'!

What piece of advice would you offer authors who are just starting out?

S: Get readers involved with your book from the beginning.  It’s a lot of hard work to write and then promote a book.  Start a street team or influencer team and get readers and bloggers involved in helping spread the word about your book from the beginning.  They play a big role in getting a book into the hands of new readers!

D: (Yes, and thanks Sydney for being on mine - Deb's Dream Team!)
Same for new reviewers...

S: Blogging and reviewing is definitely a full time job. And it can be hard and tiring at times.  But it can be a blast at times too!  Just keep that in mind when you realize you’ve taken on too much and cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel and you’re buried in books!  Be responsible about your deadlines and be dedicated!  And make a schedule for yourself (this can be done in so many different ways: Trello, Google Spreadsheets, Calendar, etc.) so you don’t get overbooked and burned out.

Believe it or not, I'm still on the paper calendar myself... One just for blog posts. One for everything else. Problem is, I use a pen!

Thank you so much for being my guest! I've enjoyed getting to know more about you and I thank you for ALL YOU DO for Christian Fiction Authors and promotion of 'clean reads'!

Okay, readers, here are a lot of ways to TRY and keep up with Sydney. I've used her book tour service and I'll be doing my second Summer Reading Safari with her this year!

Personal Blog: Singing Librarian Books: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/singinglibrarianbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/singlibbooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/singinglibrarianbooks

SLB Tours Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slbtours/

 

CFSRS Blog: http://christianfictionsummerreadingsafari.blogspot.com/

 

Group Blog: Hoarding Books: https://hoardingbooksblog.wordpress.com/





 


And, while you're all here. I'm doing a newsletter promotion in  May, June and July. New subscribers will be eligible for a $25.00 Amazon gift card. Here's the link if you're not already on the list! 


We'd love to hear from you. Please comment and greet Sydney and tell us what you look for in a blog post or review. Have you entered rafflecopters on book tours? Do you follow any of Sydney's social media? You should! the Singing Librarian facebook group is a great place to keep up with new books, reviews, giveaways and other happenings!
 

MY HEART BELONGS IN GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO by Rebecca Jepson, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt

“I will be with you, your troubles to bless.”

"Millie's Resolve"
I’m still befuddled, my heart still racing and my emotions still raw from this story so forgive me if my review makes little sense! It packs a punch that leaves you wanting more of these characters even though it has a very satisfying, if not nail biting ending. Seriously, you’ll be on the edge of your seat like I was in more than a few scenes. Without giving much of anything away, it’s so hard to form a coherent review that still makes the reader long for it; as if they simply can’t live without reading this for themselves!

Millie, what can I say but I love her! Coming into her own after a heartbreak six years ago; from a lowly fisherman’s daughter to respected nurse. Fleeing her past life to start over must have taken great bravery & determination. She’s caring and has a natural knack for making her patients feel at ease, even in the midst of their suffering. I don’t think there’s a stranger she’s met yet, or they wouldn’t be for long after meeting her. But as it happens in some stories, the past catches up to her in human form and she either meets it head-on or shrinks back to the mousy young woman she was.

Ah yes, the older brother John! The one that stole what could have been her happily-ever-after with younger brother Stephen. He feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders after their father died years ago. Making decisions that best suited the family in spite of great pain he inflicted on the young lovers. If it weren’t for his mother’s failing health and the concern for Stephens’s pregnant wife, he would have never sought out or asked for Millie’s help. As for Stephen, well, he has his hands full with his young family and many regrets about the past. Since I don’t wish to spoil it for other readers, that’s all I will say about the story.

Past meets present; cue the tension, conflict and drama as these three lives collide under vastly different circumstances! This has a depth that I didn’t see coming and stole my breath at times. I was so invested that the world around me disappeared. Did someone say romance…oh my…I needed my fainting couch & smelling salts or at the very least a fan blasting ice cold in my face! I was a puddle melted on the floor. What clinched this for me was the strong faith thread. It comes naturally and in all the right places without being overbearing or as some would say, preachy. The characters struggled with their faith in very real ways that we might find our own selves doing. I can’t recommend this enough; I didn’t want it to end! I felt like the author could have made it longer if she wanted to and it still would have not been long enough for me. That’s how good this is!

BACK COVER BLURB: 
Journey now to healing spa town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1888
Where the past and present collide and a woman is on the precipice of unexpected love.

Millie Cooper, fisherman’s-daughter-turned-nurse, flees a painful entanglement with the wealthy Drexel family who summered near her childhood home in Nantucket, only to encounter them again six years later in Glenwood Springs. The serenity of her mountain hideaway in a town with healing springs is disrupted when she faces caring for the elderly mother and the expectant wife of Stephen Drexel, the man she’d once loved—at the request of his brother John, the man who’d kept them apart. Will Millie forgive the wrongs she feels were done to her, or will she come to see them as a blessing in disguise that leads her to greater joys?

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. *

BUY My Heart Belongs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado at Amazon
BUY My Heart Belongs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado at Christianbook.com

SECOND IMPRESSIONS by Pepper Basham, reviewed by Kim

I am so glad I have finally gotten on the awesome Pepper Basham train!! I have read Just The Way You Are, Second Impressions, Facade, and Jane by the Book and loved them all! I also have the rest of her back list waiting patiently in my TBR. I’m really looking forward to digging into those soon! 

When I think about all the books I have read, many heroes stand out, when it comes to heroines, not so many. I guess I’m more heroine picky than hero picky! Anyway, of the books I’ve read of Pepper’s, I have loved her heroes but the awesome thing is, I have also loved her heroines! Eisley, from Just The Way You Are, is one of my favorite female characters ever. Nora, from Second Impressions, is right up there too! Nora is slightly quirky, sweet, smart, humorous, comfortable with herself, and doesn’t hesitate to defend herself or others. You can’t not like her! And Ethan? Well, other than one little hilarious blip (pillow scene!), he is awesome! Oh and what he does for Nora at the end...just perfect! 

In fact, this novella was just about... perfect! I especially loved the humor (pillow scene 😉). Pepper did such a great job of making you feel like you were in Bath, that after reading this novella, I want to read Jane Austin while staying at the Elliott Elizabeth Inn in Bath, England! 

Excellent!!
*I purchased Second Impressions and was under no obligation to review nor provide a favorable review.

BACK COVER BLURB:
He likes streamline. She prefers embellishments. His forte is business. Hers is atmosphere. Will they realize each has what the other needs most to create the perfect romance with a touch of Jane Austen flair?

When a country girl travels to Bath, England to visit Jane Austen country, will a serious businessman ruin her regency-dream?

BUY Second Impressions at Amazon

THE CAPTURED BRIDE by Michelle Griep, reviewed by Trixi Oberembt

Daughters of the Mayflower book 3

"My mother used to tell me there's more love in Christ for us than there can ever be brokenness. Only in turning to Him can you be healed on the inside." ~page 108

This is an exemplary example of why I love Michelle Griep's books; it packs all the emotions one person can feel, gives the reader an adventure edged with danger they won't forget, fills it with characters you come to care about and threads it all with solid reminders of faith. I've read many of her stories and I think this tops even her best (and she's exceptional in the first place)!

Mercy reminds me so much of myself and struggles with being independent on one hand, but craving love on the other all while trying to figure out where the balance is. A fierce warrior woman raised as a daughter of an equally fierce Mohawk chief who's not afraid to look danger in the eye. Elias is a bit of a quandary; is he traitor, French gentleman, thief, or a man after God's own heart? He possesses a genuineness that continues to shine forth throughout the story and was a fun character to try to figure out. This kept my senses heightened with danger licking at my feet as the group ventured deeper in Wyandot territory.  
My heart was invested in watching the story play out and I was hard pressed to put it down with the need to know what happens next. I was happily observing the romance build from the sidelines, and how valiantly Elias protected Mercy in spite of her stubbornness. I think the only complaint I have is, it ended much too abruptly for my taste...all in a good way! Because just like every book I've read by Michelle, I could read a few more chapters and still not want to come to the last page.

This is the best installment of The Daughters of the Mayflower series yet in my opinion! All stand-alone novels, so no worries about missing anything. 

BACK COVER BLURB:

 Mercy Lytton, a scout with keen eyesight raised among the Mohawks, and Elias Dubois, a condemned traitor working both sides of the conflict, must join together to get a shipment of gold safely into British hands.
A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

A War-Torn Countryside Is No Place for a Lady
Mercy Lytton is a lady like none other. Raised amongst the Mohawks, she straddles two cultures, yet each are united in one cause. . .to defeat the French. Born with a rare gift of unusually keen eyesight, she is chosen as a scout to accompany a team of men on a dangerous mission. Yet it is not her life that is threatened. It is her heart.  Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows. At the last minute, he is offered his freedom if he consents to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort—but he is the one they stole it from in the first place. It turns out that the real thief is the beguiling woman, Mercy Lytton, for she steals his every waking thought.   Can love survive divided loyalties in a backcountry wilderness?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep.

More in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (coming August 2018)​
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (coming October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (coming December 2018)

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. *

BUY The Captured Bride at Amazon

BUY The Captured Bride at Christianbook.com

REBEL HEART by Beth White, reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

A Rebel Heart by Beth White is the first in the new Daughtry House series.

I loved the first series Beth authored: The Gulf Coast Chronicles. I have been waiting for her next book. This series moves to just after the Civil War, at Ithaca Plantation outside of Tupelo, Mississippi.

Ithaca Plantation was once a proud lady of the South. Having endured atrocities of the War of Northern Agression, now, in 1870, she is fighting for her life and her owners wish to bring her back to her glory. How can Ithaca regain her grandeur when the remaining descendants are three young ladies who are lacking the funds to do so?

Selah is the eldest Daughtry daughter on her way to a bank seeking to secure funds to keep her family’s plantation from being sold. Levi Riggins, a Yankee, is traveling on the same train. Levi offers a solution to Selah and her family. With the financial backing of a childhood nemesis of the sisters, Schuyler Beaumont, the grand plantation can be turned into a luxury hotel. Can Selah trust Levi? What is the real reason for this Yankee to be involved in this scheme? Can old hurts be mended between Schuyler and the Daughtry daughters?

Beth White is a wonderful storyteller. The plot was very intricate and well thought out. The characters are living out their faith in a critical point in U.S. history. The story shows how part of reconstruction played out but still shows the lingering animosity towards those who would help the recently freed slaves make the transition to paid laborers.

This scene shows the faith and compassion of Selah as she talks to friend and former slave. “Horatia, I think none of us really know for sure how to navigate this life, especially me. But I do know one thing. We’ve got to stick together, and we’ve got to trust God’s Word to be true, or we’re all going under.”

The romance progressed slowly out of necessity. Selah had to let time show her if she could trust Levi. Was what he was proposing for Ithaca in her family’s best interest? Levi has secrets but he is relying on God to show how much to reveal and when to reveal it.

The secondary characters were interesting as well. I especially liked young Wyatt and the girls ‘ cousin ThomasAnn and their Grandmother.

I am looking forward to the next books in the series. There are hints that they will deal with the other sisters.

BACK COVER BLURB:
Five years after the final shot was fired in the War Between the States, Selah Daughtry can barely manage to keep herself, her two younger sisters, and their spinster cousin fed and clothed. With their family's Mississippi plantation swamped by debt and the Big House falling down around them, the only option seems to be giving up their ancestral land.

Pinkerton agent and former Union cavalryman Levi Riggins is investigating a series of robberies and sabotage linked to the impoverished Daughtry plantation. Posing as a hotel management agent for the railroad, he tells Selah he'll help her save her home, but only if it is converted into a hotel. With Selah otherwise engaged with renovations, Levi moves onto the property to "supervise" while he actually attends to his real assignment right under her nose.

Selah isn't sure she entirely trusts the handsome Yankee, but she'd do almost anything to save her home. What she never expected to encounter was his assault on her heart.

Available in paperback, digital ebook and hardcover
BUY A Rebel Heart at Amazon
BUY A Rebel Heart at Christianbook.com


* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

A DEFENSE OF HONOR by Kristi Ann Hunter, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter is a Regency piece set in London and Marlborough in 1816. It is the first of a fascinating new series by Kristi.

Kit FitzGilbert and her friend Daphne are hiding in the countryside after fleeing London society over a decade ago.
Graham, Lord Wharton is bored waiting to become an Earl but wants nothing to do with the frivolous pursuits of most of his peers. In other words, he wants to make a difference.

This novel is anything but boring! Kristi enchants us again with a tale of England’s upper crust in the Regency Era. She is one of my favorite authors.

Kit and Graham meet by chance at a ball. Graham is curious about an elusive lady in green. Perhaps trying to find her will cure his boredom.

Kit has a heart for children and mothers in dire circumstances. But will the mysterious Governess help or hurt Kit and her charges? After coming upon Kit, Daphne and the children while trying to assist his friend in finding his missing sister, Graham finds he has a heart for children, too.

Although this novel has that signature Kristi Hunter humor, this book is different from Kristi’s other books in that it touches on a more serious matter. She deals with attitudes that were prevalent in 1816 and are no less relevant today. She handles them through the faith of her characters. Each is striving to do the right thing. Graham talks to Kit while trying to understand why she does what she does. “ Grace doesn’t work like that, Kit. I know my life’s been pretty easy, and my sins wouldn’t make anyone blush, but I’m not perfect and I’ve read the Bible enough to know that grace doesn’t come because of anything you can do. Jesus didn’t die and rise again so you could crucify yourself with guilt.” Kit begins to question her motives and methods as she goes about helping the less fortunate.
 
There are many spiritual lessons to learn from this book. Among them, as Graham says: “ The most precious gems are forged from pressure. God brings beauty from adversity, when you let Him.”

A Defense of Honor is a beautifully written historical story whose principles can be applied to the present. I was pleasantly surprised at the solution to a very complicated problem.

I would recommend this book to fans of Christian Historical Fiction, who would like to see how a complex issue is handled.





BACK COVER BLURB:
When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend's missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling.

After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. And as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, revealing the truth isn't worth putting him and everyone she loves in danger.

First in a new series available in paperback, digital ebook and hardcover:
BUY A Defense of Honor at Amazon
BUY A Defense of Honor at Christianbook.com

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

A VAST and GRACIOUS TIDE by Lisa Carter. THE JUST READS TOUR with REVIEW, hosted by Karen Klepsteen

Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Vast and Gracious Tide  
Author: Lisa Carter  
Publisher: Gilead  
Release Date: June 12, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense  

A wounded veteran and the police chief's daughter must work together to bring a killer to justice

Caden Wallis lost friends, his girlfriend, and even his leg to the ravages of war. He arrives on the Outer Banks broken and still reeling, struggling to make peace with his new life.

McKenna Dockery has been stuck in limbo since her fiancé died three years ago. Now, when the handsome yet heartbroken Caden arrives at her doorstep, she starts to wonder if there may be hope for her heart after all . . .

But no sooner do they meet than a man is found murdered on McKenna's property--and Caden is the prime suspect. The two must learn to trust each other, or no one will be safe in the tangled web of conspiracy, greed, and deceit lurking in the tidal marshlands of the Outer Banks.  

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Lisa Carter describes her Southern suspense novels as “sweet tea with a slice of murder.” She is the bestselling author of seven romantic suspense novels, four historical novellas, and a contemporary Coast Guard series. Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales and researching her next exotic adventure. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball.

CONNECT WITH LISA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

 

I've read a lot of wonderful redemption stories, but A Vast and Gracious Tide in particular really pulled at my heartstrings. I could feel Caden's inner turmoil at the beginning of the story, his struggle to find a spark of hope and a reason to live. The phantom pains, the survivors' guilt, and the overwhelming sense of loss were all part of Caden's daily life. I know veterans and amputees, and Lisa Carter portrays their struggle accurately and respectfully. 

McKenna was also familiar with loss in her life, although her life circumstances differed greatly from Caden's. Both of them were struggling to move on with their lives and to recognize God's vision for their futures. I have to say that McKenna's determination and persistence with Caden were extremely admirable! He spent a lot of time pushing her away, and she handled it quite well even when angered. As Caden and McKenna slowly unraveled the mystery of the dead body on the beach, I was excited to see how it played out. The way that they drew closer, challenging one another and growing, is so exciting and romantic. I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed all of the action too! 

This was my first chance to read one of Lisa Carter's books, and I'm so glad that I did. I'm excited to look for her other books now! I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Don't miss your chance to enter this great giveaway prize pack! One winner (US only) will receive:

Print copy of A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter
Sea glass jewelry set (see here)
Framed print of Psalm 93:4 (see here)

$65 value

Giveaway will run from midnight June 18, 2018 through 11:59pm July 2, 2018. It is subject to the policies found here.  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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THE HIDDEN SIDE by Heidi Chiavaroli, Reviewed by Kim

This is Heidi’s second book and I am just amazed! I am sure this book will be one of my top reads for 2018. This is a time slip novel and both stories are equally engaging and heartbreaking. The message of finding peace through God, even when life is not what we would hope for or expect, is beautifully done in both stories. 

As soon as I started reading, I was immediately hooked.  Both stories draw you in and you just want to keep reading to find out what happens. My heart actually ached while reading these stories (especially when I realized there could be no normal HEA at the end) and brought me to tears. I am still thinking about the characters. 

This book is so well written, so raw, and so real. I think it will make you put yourself in others shoes before you judge and condemn them and you will definitely have more compassion for others. Amazing!!

BACK COVER BLURB:
New York, 2016
Natalie Abbott offers answers for hurting listeners on her popular radio program. But she struggles to connect with her teenagers, with her daughter in an unhealthy relationship and her son uncommunicative and isolated. When one member of the family commits an unspeakable act, Natalie is forced to uncover who she truly is under the façade of her radio persona.

New York, 1776
Mercy Howard is shocked when her fiancé, Nathan Hale, is arrested and hanged as a spy. When she’s asked to join the revolutionary spy ring in Manhattan, she sees an opportunity to avenge Nathan’s death. But keeping her true loyalties hidden grows increasingly harder as the charming Major John Andre of the King’s Army becomes more to her than a target for intelligence.

Mercy’s journals comfort Natalie from across the centuries as both women struggle with their own secrets and shame, wondering how deep God’s mercy extends.

*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to review nor give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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