Saturday, September 10, 2022

Review: Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss

About:

A University Student Smuggles Children Out of Amsterdam

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

Helen Smit believed she was called by God to become a teacher. Little does she know that her care for kids will take a drastic turn for survival when the Germans occupy Amsterdam and Jewish children and parents begin to be deported. Now all she can think of is helping all the kids escape before it’s too late.

Erik Misman’s newfound love for Helen is tested when he joins a plot to help move Jewish children to a safe place in the countryside. If danger can foster a closer bond with Helen and save the lives of the little ones, he will do it all. But a German patrol that stumbles upon the farm where they are hiding with three children and a soldier who takes an unexpected interest in Helen, could well destroy their plans for safety and love.

My Thoughts:

Helen and her family and countrymen are living in peace in Amsterdam and have no wish to fight in the war the German's want them too. They have decided to remain neutral like in the first World War. Unfortunately for them, that is not to be. The Germans have invaded and will have totalitarian rule over them and force them to see things their way.

Helen is on the cusp of her lifelong goal. She has been accepted to go to college and become a teacher. Not only that but she has met a young man, Erik, who seems just perfect for her. As they begin their courtship, war has come for them.

This was a story that delves into what do you do when your country has been occupied. When the weak minded are being turned and controlled by fear. There was so many great lines and lessons in this story. Really, a good mirror to look at for our culture today. Many lessons on trusting the Lord no matter what as well. The danger for Helen and Erik and those they love only intensifies, and this is where their faith is tested. This is a good story of doing right no matter what the consequences.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Friday, September 9, 2022

Review: Deception by Patricia Bradley

About:

She refuses to let someone from her past define her future.

But does she really have a choice in the matter?

After being forced to kill an FBI agent gone rogue in self-defense, ISB ranger Madison Thorn is happy to be working in the fraud and cybercrimes division. At least numbers don't lie. So she's less than thrilled when she's drawn into a violent crime investigation in Natchez, Mississippi. She could also do without being forced to work with former-childhood-enemy-turned-infuriatingly-handsome park ranger Clayton Bradshaw.

When a woman who looks just like Madison is attacked on the same night Madison's grandfather is shot, it becomes clear that there is something much bigger going on . . . and that Madison herself is in danger. Madison and Clayton will have to work together--and suppress their growing feelings for one another--if they are to discover the truth before it's too late.

My Thoughts:

Wow, this story was chock full of so much suspense from the very beginning. ISB ranger Madison Thorn is now working in the fraud and cybercrimes division. No more violent crimes for her, especially after her former love and FBI partner tried to kill her and she ended up killing him instead. Now she is brought to the area where her grandfather lives, in Natchez, Mississippi.

Things quickly heat up for Madison when she has an unfortunate, or maybe not so unfortunate run in with ranger Clayton Bradshaw. He's interested, even if she is a bit reluctant. However, too many things are happening that are not only eerie, but they are way too close to Madison. Madison is discovering some family secrets she never knew about, and some maybe she never wanted to know. And toss in all the unfamiliar like what happened to her four years ago and the death threats against her grandfather as he is a judge, there is plenty of suspicious characters.

This was a hard one to put down and do real life. The characters jumped off the pages demanding to know how their story ends and the suspense and secrets really had me hooked. Something is unraveling in Natchez and Clayton and Madison must work together to find out what. This is new favorite by author Bradley.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Patricia Bradley is the author of Standoff, Obsession, and Crosshairs, as well as the Memphis Cold Case novels and Logan Point series. Bradley won an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award in Romantic Suspense, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and a Touched by Love Award; she was a Carol Award finalist; and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Review and Giveaway: Rusty Goes to Water World by Joe Fisher Illustrations by Jaye Boswell

Join Us for This Book Series Tour: Aug 22 to Sep 9, 2022

Book Series Details:

Book Series Title: The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine by Joe Fisher
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 4-8)
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher: Angler Publishing
Release date: May 2017, August 2021
Content Rating: G for children.

Books in the Series:

Book Details:

Book Title: Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine (The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine) by Joe Fisher
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 4-8), 32 pages
Genre:  Children's Fiction
Publisher:  Angler Publishing
Release date: May 2017
Content Rating: G for children.

Book Description:

When the Mayor Himself decides the town of Someport-by-the-Sea needs a new fire engine the Fire Chief picks a shiny, bright red one that has all the latest tools needed to put out fires. The new fire engine becomes the joy of the children in town and the pride of the fireman and townspeople alike.

But after many years the fire engine becomes old and worn until everyone begins to laugh and call it Rusty. Sad and forlorn Rusty is ignored and forgotten. Then during the 4th of July parade in a summer like no other Rusty saves the day in a most surprising and unusual way.

Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine tells the story of a fire engine and the fireman and boy who love him. It is a lighthearted and multi-layered story, richly told, that will appeal to children and adults alike.

Whimsical illustrations create an air of fantasy, drawing children into Rusty’s world while stimulating their imaginations as they follow Rusty’s journey from hero to outcast and back again.

The surprise ending brings the tale to a heart-warming and satisfying conclusion that reveals all things have hidden value that is waiting to be released. Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a classic story of love, loss, transformation and redemption.

BUY THE BOOK:
Joe Fisher Books
Amazon
iBook ~ KOBO
add to goodreads

Review and Giveaway: Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine by Joe Fisher Illustrations by Jaye Boswell

Books in the Series:

Book Description:

Whimsical illustrations create an air of fantasy, drawing children into Rusty’s world while stimulating their imaginations as they follow Rusty’s journey from hero to outcast and back again.

BUY THE BOOK:
Joe Fisher Books
Amazon
iBook ~ KOBO
add to goodreads

My Thoughts:

Everybody likes the new and shiny things, and Rusty the fire engine is much beloved by the town and the mayor when he is purchased. He is so shiny and new that he gets songs sung about him and special treatment at the parade as Rusty, known at this time as Reddy, gets to lead the parade. Despite his newness he is brave and will be useful to the town to fight fires.

But time goes by, Rusty is getting older. He is being pushed to the back of the line now as newer vehicles come along taking his place. Then he starts to get rust, and everyone begins laughing at him who once loved him. Does this mean that he is not brave anymore or useful? This is a children's story of how even though something is old, does not necessarily mean it is no longer any good. Rusty just might be meant for another purpose.

This was a whimsical and sometimes rhyming, storybook that shows the importance of taking care of what you have and showing a deeper lesson that just because something is old, does not mean it is any less useful. Good lessons for all.

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: The Sugar Baron's Governess by Elva Cobb Martin

About the Book

Book: The Sugar Baron’s Governess

Author: Elva Cobb Martin

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: August 23, 2022

She needs a new start…He knows a reckoning is coming.

Banished from Charleston for his misdeeds years earlier, Joshua Becket built a new life on both sides of the law in Jamaica. As sugar plantation owner and member of the governing British Assembly, he’s known and respected on the island. But he guards a secret identity. As swashbuckling Captain Jay, he leads daredevil privateering exploits on his ship, the Eagle, when the mood suits him. Currently, he needs a governess for his young daughter whose mother has passed.

Widowed gentlewoman Abigail Welch accepted the governess position, leaving behind her disintegrated life in Charleston. This new start in Jamaica might finally help her find healing for her broken heart after losing her husband in the Revolution and their infant son to yellow fever.

Joshua’s precocious, undisciplined daughter is the drawing card that brings him and Abigail together like clashing cymbals of disagreement…and fiery attraction. Can love and the miracle power of God give them a new beginning and a happily ever after?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is a story about a son's redemption, even though it had been many years. Joshua Beckett left home angry and jealous, and he was not a very nice man. That story was told in Georgia Rose- English Rose. Now some twenty years later he is still living life the way he wants too, but now he has a daughter who is in sore need of a governess.

He meets Abigail Welch, his governess, when he needs to rescue her. But Joshua has secrets that must be kept, and he needs Abigail to keep quiet. He could let her go, but there is something about this widow that draws him. But is it enough for him to change his lifestyle.

Abigail is trying to a fresh start from her sorrow. Her new employer has gotten under her skin, and she doesn't understand why. There is something that draws her to him. But can he be trusted?

I did not read the book where we are first introduced to Joshua. I will need to rectify that as I always like a good tale where the wayward child comes home again. And it appears that Joshua's father never gave up on him no matter how much time had elapsed.

This was an adventurous story set on the dangerous high seas where pirates abounded and Jamaica where revolution was never too far away. Joshua and Abigail are pulled into the danger and romance of their time and their faith will be tested.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Elva Cobb Martin is a wife, mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband and a mini-dachshund. A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. Connect with her on her web site at https://www.elvamartin.com/ .

More from Elva

I had an amazing thing happen when first beginning The Sugar Baron’s Governess. My precious husband had booked a week for us in a comfortable condo at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to help me concentrate on my plotstorming—without the “do me” call of our vacuum, washing machine, or phone calls when at home. Of course, he likes to fish from a pier while I’m writing

The first morning I sat at the kitchen table overlooking the Atlantic, with my laptop, researching Jamaica and especially the historic Maroon settlement of warriors and escaped slaves in the mountains that could play a part in my story. I was also praying for the Lord to help get a good start on this fourth novel in my series. Should I even be including the fierce Maroons in my plot?

A knock came at the door. I had requested no room service, so I was surprised to be interrupted. When I answered it, a black male employee asked if we needed any cleaning done or fresh linens. I almost gave him a short answer, wanting to get back to my laptop, but my ear discerned a British accent. –Here’s our amazing conversation:

“Where are you from?”

“Jamaica.”

I opened the door wide and invited him in. “That’s most interesting. I’m writing a novel set in Jamaica.”

His eyes widened. “You are?”

“Yes, in fact,” I gestured to my laptop, “I’m right now researching a group of warriors in historic Jamaica, called the Maroons. Know anything about them?”

His mouth fell open. “I’m a descendant of the Maroons.”

I got a tingling chill up my arm. How likely was this kind of thing to happen? He further told me he never worked the 15^th floor but for whatever reason, had been assigned our floor that day. He told me was a Christian, and he shared several things with me about the Maroons and how they finally won their independence and rights the British government of Jamaica had long withheld. At times, because of their desperate existence, they did hurtle down from their mountain strongholds and burn sugar plantations, as history records.

I decided I had a definite confirmation to include the Maroon warriors in my Jamaican story. They are instrumental in convincing my hero Joshua Becket to turn back to God when his life and plantation are sorely threatened. Whoops, there I go giving away some of the story! Hope you enjoy Joshua and Abigail’s exciting, romantic adventure in Jamaica. Can they survive and make it back to Charleston and a happily ever after?

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 23

Texas Book-aholic, August 24

For Him and My Family, August 25

deb’s Book Review, August 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 27

Inklings and notions, August 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 30

Connie’s History Classroom, August 31

Holly’s Book Corner, August 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 1

Betti Mace, September 2

Pause for Tales, September 3

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 4

Beauty in the Binding, September 5 (Author Interview)

Of Blades and Thorns, September 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elva is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/20e11/the-sugar-baron-s-governess-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Twin Murder Mix-Up by Sami A. Abrams

About the Book

Book: Twin Murder Mix-Up

Author: Sami A. Abrams

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: August 23, 2022

A case of mistaken identity…

has lethal results

After capturing a murder on her camera, photographer Amy Baker becomes the next target—but her identical twin is killed instead. Now on the run with her sister’s newborn, Amy has only one person to turn to—Detective Keith Young, her childhood crush. But when they discover Keith is the baby’s father, can he regain Amy’s trust to keep them safe…before the killer strikes again?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Wow, this was a thriller with a lot of raw emotions. Twin sisters Stacey and Amy and neighbor Keith have been best friends for a long time. Then something happens that shames Keith and Stacey, and Amy has no idea. From their one night together, Stacey has a little boy, Carter. She does not say who the father is. But something really horrible happens that will shake Amy's world and eventually Keith's.

Amy is a photographer who has seen something that someone feels she should not have seen. And now she is in danger. But as the title suggests, Stacey is murdered in her place. Now Amy is on the run with baby Carter, not knowing who to trust and trying desperately to get in touch with the man she loves, Keith.

Keith, due to family obligations and shame, has not answered Amy's calls or texts and when he does, he really wishes he did not avoid her for so long. You see, Keith loves Amy and will do pretty much anything for her, hoping she will forgive him for what happened between her twin sister and him. And secrets start coming to light that wallop both of them.

This was a really good high suspense novel. I was not sure who was after Amy, but they were relentless. When the danger is all said and done, will Amy, Keith, and Carter have a future? This was a page turner!

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Sami A. Abrams lives in Northern California, but she’ll always be a Kansas girl at heart. She loves to travel and watch sports. However, most evenings, you’ll find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. She thinks a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

More from Sami

#Authorproblems That’s what the excitement around Keith Young was…a problem—Kinda. Lol!

When I started to hear request for his story, I panicked. Authors don’t want to disappoint their readers. And being new to the published scene…Well, you get the picture. 😊

After the release of Buried Cold Case Secrets, many readers told me they wanted Keith’s story. In fact, the overwhelming response puzzled me. What had I done to create such a buzz about Jason’s partner? And of course, I had to ask why?

The general answer I received…Keith’s a nice guy and the perfect partner.

I have to admit, I got a little nervous since I had already written his story. And I worried if I’d done his character justice?

However, after writing Buried Cold Case Secrets, I knew Keith had to have his own story. He’s such a great guy and needed his happily ever after. So, I dove in and asked, what would happen if he made a huge mistake? Not just a physical one, but a heart one.

By the time I finished, I loved seeing Keith and Amy move past their poor choices and hurt to find acceptance and love. The perfect ending to Keith’s struggles.

All that to say, I hope you love Keith and Amy’s story as much as I do. #TeamKeith

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 27

Bizwings Blog, August 27

The Avid Reader, August 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 28

Christina’s Corner, August 28

Genesis 5020, August 29

Texas Book-aholic, August 29

Inklings and notions, August 30

Through the Fire Blogs, August 30

EmpowerMoms, August 30

Betti Mace, August 31

deb’s Book Review, August 31

For Him and My Family, September 1

Pause for Tales, September 1

The Sacred Line, September 1

She Lives To Read, September 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 3

Britt Reads Fiction, September 3

For the Love of Literature, September 4

Lights in a Dark World, September 4

Paula’s Persuasion, September 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 5

Book Looks by Lisa, September 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 6

Vicarious Living , September 6

Mary Hake, September 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 7

Bigreadersite , September 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 8

Blogging With Carol, September 8

Simple Harvest Reads, September 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Labor Not in Vain, September 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sami is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon card and signed copy of Twin Murder Mix-Up (US only) or eBook for outside the US!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/210ca/twin-murder-mix-up-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Hunter's Rose by Carole Brown

About the Book

Book: Hunter’s Rose

Editor: Carole Brown

Genre: Historical Romantic Suspense

Release date: August, 2022

It’s the late 1800s, and Hunter Carson has married the woman of his dreams and settled on the land he bought. He’s never known God or even much about him. But his tender heart can be touched. His wife—the beautiful and exotic Mexican Rosita DeSantis, is totally in love with him—but something is wrong. Just days after their marriage, why is she crying and touchy? Has she fallen out of love with him already? Or is there something far more serious going on with her?

Rosita’s past is haunting her emotionally. She adores her new husband, but she’ll do anything to keep him from knowing what happened in Mexico before she fled the country. And not because she doesn’t trust him, but she’s worried for his life. Her loving family in Mexico came to accept God into their lives through the ministry of a missionary. But can she hold onto her beliefs through the trials and tests she’ll face when Carlos De Leon insists on forcing her to marry him?

After all, the Mexican Lord—Carlos De Leon—cares nothing for God or any man. His only desire is to obtain what he wants and when. He has a plan and will do anything to accomplish it.

And Rosita will do anything to keep him from succeeding.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Hunter and Rosita are a couple that are very much in love. As their wedding day approaches, someone from Rosita's past has come back to haunt her and take her for himself. Only after they are married, and threats escalate does Rosita confide in her new husband. Hunter is not about to let anyone take the love of his life away or harm her.

I liked this story of a newly married couple navigating not only their new married life, but unusual threats that have sprung up as well. Both Hunter and Rosita make mistakes that they will need to make right, but first they have to survive the onslaught of bad.

I would have liked to have seen Hunter and Rosita working more together, a good part of the book they are separated and dealing with the issues separately. However, I think that just taught them to be more open and willing to work together, that two are stronger than one. This was another good western of three people that came together as a "family" under horrible circumstances. There is quite a cast of characters, some I was not too sure about, and it was good to catch up with others. Looking forward to the next one.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of thirteen full-length, best-selling and award-winning books (with a novella in an anthology), she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

More from Carole

Characters that Walk Off the Page

One of my favorite things when writing a new book, is to create the characters. When I wrote the first book in this series, there were quite a few comments about Hunter and Maria, the cook. Readers wanted to read a book about Hunter—Hunter’s personal story. It was a nice affirmation because I’d already decided that the second book would be about Hunter, his love life and the trouble that created the tension in the book.

Hunter is a fun character. With his father murdered while Hunter was just a child, he very well could have been abandoned to fate. Only another young person’s intervention saved Hunter. He grew up to be a man that was both strong and trustworthy. He’s a bit quick-on-the-trigger (as the saying goes) but he’s also smart, loyal, not a bit stuck on himself, and overwhelmed that a beautiful Mexican girl like Rosita DeSantis could fall in love with him. He has the determination to protect her and the ability to give her pretty much anything she wants—without seeming pompous.

Rosita came from a rich, loving family who adored her, and as an only child was entitled to the family inheritance. Having to abandon that life, she was determined to pursue a different life style even when enduring hardship and fear. Nevertheless, she is a sweet, friendly and a loyal friend to those around her. She knows her own mind, yet is not pushy or obnoxious in her efforts, whether it be love or in scorning the man who insists he wants her back. Rosita is both smart and a real lady.

Carlos De Leon, the villain, on the other hand, is one of those persons who has everything: money, prestige, excellent features and education. Yet he lacks the character to realize that it’s not always possible to have everything you desire. Determined to have what he wants and when, he is not afraid to sacrifice the people who he deems is hindering his quest.

And then, there are the secondary characters: those who support and somehow create interest, not only in themselves but in keeping a reader’s interest in how and when the main characters will respond to them.

Could it be the downright good-looking Jackson, who is quiet and withdrawn, has a story? His support of Hunter, the tell-tell signs of his education, and the absence of any real knowledge of his past encourage the reader to imagine who he really is.

Then there’s Gabrielle Autumn Mayfair, a quiet, rather shy girl who is more of a follower than a leader—until it comes to a man who catches her attention. Her friends worry that she may get hurt, but Gabrielle is more persistent than either of her best friends realize. This blondish-redhead has an endurance that may prove favorable—or it might end in a tragic heartache.

Sully, Old Peete, Nicolas, Susie and Maria—characters that flavor the reading and add some laughter, tension and mixed feelings about their possible hindrance or helpfulness.

Characters—one of the best and most fun parts of a book. I hope you readers will get to know the characters in Hunter’s Rose and love (or hate) them as much as I did when creating the story.