ARMS OF FREEDOM by Kathleen Neely, Reviewed by Nicole Cook #ReleaseDay

“These walls hold secrets.”

In Arms of Freedom, author Kathleen Neely has penned an incredible dual timeline novel that fans of both post-Civil War historical fiction during the Reconstruction period and contemporary fiction will immensely enjoy. The novel intertwines the historical storyline with the present as a young bi-racial girl’s journal from the 1800s turns into a search for family history and answers about the past. This powerful and emotional story demonstrates the strength and determination of the human spirit during the time of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Reconstruction period, and the rise of the KKK.

I enjoyed the present-day storyline as much as the historical storyline, which is often not the case for me when reading dual timeline novels. The light romance developing in the present-day storyline made my romance-loving heart happy. The faith threads weaved throughout the novel are inspiring to readers. Arms of Freedom is highly recommended for fans of time slip novels, historical fiction, and women’s contemporary fiction with light romantic threads. Such a wonderful novel!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
With each page of the age-old journals, Annie discovers all that unites her with a woman who once lived in her farmhouse. One lived with wealth and one with poverty, but both knew captivity. Both longed to be free.

Miriam yearns to escape her life as a super model. She drops the pseudonym and uses the name she gave up years ago—Annie Gentry. Then she alters her appearance and moves to rural South Carolina to care for her grandmother. Can she live a simple life without recognition? Can she hide a net worth valued in the millions? Love is nowhere in her plans until she meets a man who wants nothing more than Annie Gentry and the simple life he lives.

Charlotte lived in the same farmhouse in the tumultuous 1860’s. The Civil War was over, but for a bi-racial girl, freedom remained elusive. She coveted a life where she wouldn’t bring shame to her family. A life where she could make a difference. As she experiences hope, will it be wrested from her?

The journals stop abruptly with a climactic event, leaving Annie to search for information. What happened to Charlotte? Did her life make a difference? Did she ever find freedom?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathleen Neely is the author of THE STREET SINGER, BEAUTY FOR ASHES, THE LEAST OF THESE, and IN SEARCH OF TRUE NORTH. She is a former elementary teacher. Following her years in the classroom, she moved into administration, serving as an elementary principal. Kathleen is an alumnus of Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and Regent University in Virginia.

Among her writing accomplishments, Kathleen won second place in a short story contest through ACFWVA for “The Missing Piece” and an honorable mention for her story “The Dance.” Both were published in a Christmas anthology. Her novel, THE LEAST OF THESE, was awarded first place in the 2015 Fresh Voices contest through Almost an Author. She has numerous devotions published through Christian Devotions. She continues to speak to students about writing. Kathleen is a member of American of Christian Fiction Writers.

She resides in South Carolina with her husband, two cats, and one dog. She enjoys time with family, visiting her two grandsons, traveling, and reading. You can contact her at www.KathleenNeely.com.

Buy ARMS OF FREEDOM in digital ebook at Amazon

 

LABYRINTH OF LIES by Irene Hannon, Reviewed by Nicole Cook and Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

NICOLE'S REVIEW:
Labyrinth of Lies, the second book in Irene Hannon’s Triple Threat series, is filled with fascinating plot twists and well-written characters that readers can easily relate to. The novel focuses on police detective Cate Reilly and DEA agent Zeke Sloan, who have a previous history together, so the romantic aspect of the storyline is very believable and develops at a reasonable pace. Their story takes an interesting turn as their paths intersect while working two separate undercover cases at the same girls’ boarding school. The series features a trio of strong, confident sisters who are highly supportive of each other, but this novel can easily be read as a standalone.

Ever since I discovered her books, Irene Hannon quickly became one of my very favorite romantic suspense authors. Labyrinth of Lies captured my attention and kept me riveted to the characters and the storyline for the entire novel. Even though I enjoyed Point of Danger, book one of the series, Labyrinth of Lies is my favorite of the series so far. You definitely won’t want to miss this book!

Labyrinth of Lies is highly recommended for fans of romantic suspense, and especially readers who enjoy books by authors such as Dani Pettrey, Lynn H. Blackburn, Rachel Dylan, and Lynette Eason.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine. Light faith thread. 

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Any Irene Hannon novel is a suspenseful delight. Since I lived in the St. Louis suburbs for 20 years, I always take a trip down memory lane as I read each book and look for familiar places. This time it was Hanks Cheesecake which I drove past it on my way to work. Nathaniel Bakery is near where I lived and was on my shopping route and Tony’s was in downtown Clayton where I went to the bank and library. Nostalgic to say the least.

Cate Reilly, a County Detective, reluctantly goes undercover as a student in a posh school for girls on the western outskirts of the City. When she meets up with Zeke Sloan, also undercover for DEA, things get interesting. Cate and Zeke have a history and their parting 8 years ago was very hurtful, so this case could make or break their tenuous relationship. How are they going to work together to solve their cases of a missing teen couple and a possible drug ring? Are their cases even connected?

As the story unfolds, and they ferret out the bad guys, the tension ramps up and unpredictable things happen.

Ms. Hannon is very adept at crafting taut, believable characters in settings that I recognize. As always, the culprits get dealt with, the romance heats up and faith lessons are learned. I enjoyed the relationship Cate had with her sisters and the new friend she made in Kayla.

A great follow up to Point of Danger. Can’t wait to read book #3.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 5 Stars and a Strong faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Danger awaits on a covert mission where few are who they seem to be

When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath its veneer of polish and wealth, Ivy Hill Academy harbors dark--and deadly--secrets. But the biggest shock of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.

Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly.

But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?

Revell Publishing, October 2021

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and hardcover:

Buy Labyrinth of Lies at Amazon

Buy Labyrinth of Lies at Christianbook.com

Buy Labyrinth of Lies at Baker Book House

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including the long-running Hope Harbor series, as well as Labyrinth of Lies, Point of Danger and the Code of Honor, Private Justice, and Men of Valor suspense series, among others. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include National Readers' Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers' Choice, Booksellers' Best, Carol, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement Award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

A VIEW MOST GLORIOUS by Regina Scott, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

“White tufts of clouds lay like sheep in the valley below. Rivers wound silver through the hills on their way to the blue waters of Puget Sound.”

Ms. Scott brings the beauty of Mt. Rainier to the page in a tale of a determined woman.

Cora wants to do something extraordinary in the name of Women’s Voting Rights. She also does not want to marry the disreputable man that her mother has chosen for her. If she makes the difficult climb to the summit of Mt. Rainier, she will not have to marry Cash Kincaid.

Nathan Hardee is a mystery. He was once part of Tacoma society but now just longs to escape bad memories by living high in the mountains. He agrees to guide Cora and her stepfather Winston on the climb.

The characters come to life and some favorites are Winston, the stepfather who has Cora’s best interests at heart and supports her. And Waldo, friend and mentor to Nathan and a bit of a matchmaker.

There are dangers to be found, not to mention an interfering mother and an unwelcome suitor. But there is also beauty of creation and a time to rely on God. Cora: “Thank you, Lord, for all this, for allowing me to see, to feel. It is truly a view most glorious.”

This is my favorite from this series American Wonders.
*I won this book from Library Thing. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 5 stars and a strong faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
Reluctant socialite Coraline Baxter longs to live a life of significance and leave her mark on the world. When her local suffragette group asks her to climb Mount Rainier to raise awareness of their cause, she jumps at the chance, even though she has absolutely no climbing experience. If she can do it, any woman can do it. And after her mother issues an ultimatum--that Cora marry the man of her mother's choosing if she is not successful--Cora must do it. But she can't do it alone.

Noted mountain guide Nathan Hardee initially refuses to help Cora, but has a change of heart when he sees what is at stake. He knows enough about the man Cora's mother has chosen to know that the headstrong young woman should have nothing to do with him, much less marry him.

Climbing Rainier will require all of Cora's fortitude and will lead her and Nathan to rediscover their faith in God and humanity. These two oners make unlikely partners in righting a wrong and may just discover that only together is the view most glorious.

Revell Publishing, October, 2021

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy A View Most Glorious at Amazon

Buy A View Most Glorious at Christianbook.com

Buy A View Most Glorious at Baker Book House

 

THE HEART OF SPLENDID LAKE by Amy Clipston, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"How are you going to manage everything without him?"

It was a valid question and one that she was been asking herself; day and night, night and day. Running the family's lovely lakeside resort alongside her father had been a dream come true, without him, it had turned into a nightmare of epic proportion. However, one thing was crystal clear; Brianna Porter wasn't selling her family's legacy to the first classy, well-dressed, big city real estate investor that came along . . . even if Scott Gibson seemed nice, easy to talk to, and continually showing up when she needed him. Besides, she wore someone else's ring on her finger.

"He'd traveled the world over the years, but nothing was quite as picturesque as Splendid Lake."

Scott Gibson was certain that he could turn the Porter's slightly outdated but beautifully situated lake resort property into something special. But putting it mildly, he and Brianna had gotten off to a rocky start . . . and that was before her already tragic circumstances had take another turn for the worse. Prickly one minute, and overwhelmed the next, Scott couldn't help but empathize; she had a lot on her plate. With her two sisters living out of town and her fiance working two jobs, it appeared that Scott was in the right place at the right time on more than one occasion. But he couldn't . . . and wouldn't . . . come in between an engaged couple; on purpose at least.

A clean, light love triangle that delved deep in places, yet exhibited few inspirational elements to validate the hope within. Graciously, the story remains a good reminder that a person's heart can communicate things that his/her head isn't always ready to accept. . . but should, and must. Enjoy sitting on the pier with Scott and Brianna, speaking with or without words (. .  . and don't be surprised if you become motivated to find the nearest lake!)
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars.

See Kim's Review

BackCover Blurb:
Bestselling author Amy Clipston transports readers to a picturesque lakeside town in this heartwarming contemporary romance.

Brianna is the youngest of the three Porter sisters and the only one who chose to stay in the small town of Splendid Lake, North Carolina. She followed in her father’s footsteps and became an expert boat mechanic, helping him run their small resort with cabin rentals, a convenience store, and a marina.

When Brianna’s father unexpectedly dies, Brianna is steeped in grief and guilt—then left alone to clean up the mess. To make matters worse, a constant stream of real estate brokers begins marching through her property, offering to buy the family land. In particular, she keeps running into handsome real estate mogul Scott Gibson.

As Brianna struggles to keep it all together, Scott finds his way into her heart. And as the two fight against their feelings, they just might find themselves forging a surprising and exciting new love at Splendid Lake.

Thomas Nelson Publishing, September, 2021
Available in digital ebook, paperback, library binding, and audiobook:
Buy The Heart of Splendid Lake at Amazon
Buy The Heart of Splendid Lake at Christianbook.com
Buy The Heart of Splendid Lake at Baker Book House