Guide Me Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Kim Vogel Sawyer has done it again.  She has captured my heart in Guide Me Home.  I can always guarantee that if Kim Vogel Sawyer writes it I will love it.  She is by far my favorite author.  I love how her novels are rich in faith and love. There are always plenty of events that give a nice steady pace and all of that together leads to a well balanced book.  Within the pages of her books there is always something that speaks to my heart and this book was no exception.

Another thing I really love is historical fiction and when it comes to writing in this genre, this author does her research.  She always includes a note to readers at the end of each book that tells the true facts that the book was based on.  This is a huge perk for a history buff like myself.  Many times after reading the facts I am drawn to do a little research for myself and learn as much as I can about the time period that I just read about.

In Guide Me Home you will read of Rebekah Hardin and how she fights for her family after tragedy hits.  She plans to help her parents and six siblings honor her brother's memory and alleviate their poverty by working as a guide in the dangerous cave system.  Kentucky's renowned Mammoth Cave presents profitable opportunities for hardworking capable men.  But Rebekah is determined and if it means presenting herself and a himself, then she's up for the job.

Under the wing of experienced guide Tolly Sanford.  "Reb" begins to learn the complexities of the cave.  The two are joined by an aspiring young cartographer, Devlin Bale.  The university student has traveled to the hill country to map tunnels - not to fall for a girl in disguise.

Can the God who designed miles of underground astonishment shape Devlin's ambitious plans and free Reb from the wait of her past?

What better way to spend the last days of summer then with a good book!  Go out and grab your copy of Guide Me Home.  You are sure to love it!

***Thanks to bloggingforbooks.com for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

When Death Draws Near - Book Review

When Death Draws Near is the first book I have ever read by author Carrie Stuart Parks, but I'm sure it won't be the last.  From the very first page I was drawn into a captivating story about forensic artist, Gwen.  Gwen has been hired to help with a serial rapist case in a small country town.  It's not long before she is asked to help with a murder case involving a venomous snake handling church.

From the very beginning Gwen feels like something is shady about the police chief and her suspicions about him continue to grow.  When it seems like someone is out to get her she's not sure who she can trust.  On top of everything else, she finds out that her teenage daughter has to come stay with her and the cancer that she though was gone has now returned.

This has been one of the best mysteries I have read in a while.  It kept me guessing until the very end and had me wondering how I didn't see it all along.  If you are a fan of suspense novels this is definitely one you should read.  I guarantee that you won't be sorry.

I can't wait to read more of this authors writings.  If they are anything like this one I know I will love them!

***Thanks to booklookbloggers.com for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Tapestry of Secrets by Sarah Loudin Thomas

For decades, Perla Phillips has hidden the truth of a decision that still fills her with guilt.  But now, seeing her granddaughter, Ells struggle in a similar way, she's prepared to finally open the past to her family, no matter the consequences.  but when the opportunity is snatched from her in a most unexpected manner, will she have waited too long?

Spanning generations, this moving family drama weaves together the interlocking stories of two women as they navigate relationships, family, faith and the choices that will shape their lives.  Heartwarming and nostalgic, the story explores the courage to share the wounds of the past and celebrates the legacy a family passes from one generation to the next.

I became of fan of Sarah Louidin Thomas when I read the first two books in the series Appalachian Blessings.  When I seen she had a new book I knew I had to read it.  What I did not know was that A Tapestry of Secrets was the third book in the Appalachian Blessings series. Not sure how that slipped by me.  The same family is featured and so many unanswered questions get answered in this new novel.  What is great though is that it would still be a great stand alone book.  No need to go back and read the series, but I think you would enjoy those books as well.

This is such a beautifully written story. I think pretty much everyone can relate to in someway.  We all, at times struggle to do the right thing.  There are family dynamics that we can relate too.  Elderly family members getting sick and no longer being able to care for themselves, accepting the choices of others, etc.  There are lots of lessons that you can learn through reading this book and I think you will feel uplifted and encouraged by what you find within the pages.

***Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Without Warning - A Book Review

In the past couple of years I have become quite a fan of Lynette Eason.  I always enjoy her books and her newest novel Without Warning lived up to what I have come to expect.  It is the second book in the Elite Guardians series.

The book grabbed my attention from the first page and kept it until the last.  I enjoy how the author weaves in feelings and developing relationships along with everything that is going on in the case.  It makes the book much more enjoyable and helps the reader connect with the characters as you can see them as real people with families and feelings.

Katie is a partner with the Elite Guardians Protections Agency.  She accidentally stumbles upon her next case by accident.   She spots blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate and discovers that the owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he is not convinced that a bodyguard, and a female at that, is necessary.  A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider.  He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats before the would be killer strikes again.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series and if its anything like the first two books I'm sure I will love it.

***Thank you to Revell Reads for providing a copy of this book to me in exchange for my honest review.