This Road We Traveled - A Book Review

Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon - even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party. After all, family ties are stronger than fear.

Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings.  The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope.  With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid.  What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life and the greater part she had to play in history.

Ever since I was a young girl I have enjoyed reading about the Oregon trail.  I absolutely loved This Road We Traveled by Jane Kirkpatrick.  She has taken my favorite historic time period and written a beautiful story of love, hope and faith.  The journey continues beyond the trail and there is plenty of adventure to be told once they arrive in Oregon.

There is so much history in this book and so much I did not realize about this time period.  This was one of those books that left me thinking about it well after I finished the last page.  If you are a history lover this book is definitely for you!  I think you will be very pleased, as you read about how it was like from a woman's prospective.

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

The Raven - A Book Review

As part of his street performances, a deceptions specialist who goes by the name The raven picks his audience's pockets while they watch.  It's harmless fun until he decides to keep the wallet of a prominent politician, hoping for a few extra bucks.  When he finds compromising photos of the councilman and his "personal assistants", The Raven hatches a plan to blackmail the man.  However, he quickly finds himself in over his head with the the Ukrainian Mafia and mired in a life threatening plot code named "Nevermore".

Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must scramble to sort out the clues to rescue The Raven from a wild card bent on revenge.

Sometimes you connect with a book and sometimes you don't.  This was one of the latter times for me.  I really struggled with reading this and just did not enjoy it.  I have recently become a fan of suspense novels and I really had high hopes for this one.  I am not a fan of first person narrative and a great deal of the book was written this way.  It seems like I always have a hard time connecting with books that are written this way.  It's just my own personal hangup.

The book just seemed busy and confusing at times to me.  It was the first book I read from author Mike Nappa.  Some times you just do not click with an author.  This was one of those times for me.


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

A Love Transformed by Tracie Peterson

When her husband, Adolph, dies suddenly, Clara Vesper is stunned.  Not grief-stricken, as their marriage had never been a love match, but staggered by what might become of her and her children.  For years she designed the sapphire jewelry that made her husband's company a fortune, but she has little money in her own name and soon discovers that she has inherited nothing.  Fearing the welfare of her two small children, she decides to take them to her aunt and uncle's ranch in Montana, the only place she has ever been happy.

but much has changed since she last visited the Montana ranch, both for Clara and for those she was forced to leave behind.  And when dangerous secrets from her late husband's past threaten everyone she loves, Clara must fight to remain where she can fulfill her dreams.

From the very first page I thoroughly enjoyed A Love Transformed.  It's been a while since I read a book that I didn't want to put down. This book is the third of the Sapphire Brides series, but there is not need to read them in order as each book features a different character.

I love reading historical fiction books and this one was very well written.  The character's were well developed and Clara's determination to care for her children was admirable.  There were a few twists in the book that kept me intrigued!   I would highly recommend this book as well as the other books in this series.

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

Catching Heat by Janice Cantore

Twenty-seven years after the deaths of Detective Abby Hart's parents, she's desperate to find the proof that will put the mastermind - the governor's wife - behind bars.  When she joins a newly formed task force and teams up with PI Luke Murphy, Abby is sent to San Luis Obispo to work the cold case of a murdered college student.  Realizing their investigations will bring them near the town where California's first lady, Alyssa Rollins, grew up, Abby decides to do a little digging of her own into the Triple Seven fire.

Luke is eager to help Abby Close the books on a case they both have personal stakes in.  But as she uncovers long-held secrets, Abby stumbles into an explosive situations, and Luke fears that her obsession may prove deadly.

Catching Heat is the third and final book in the Cold Case Justice series.  I would recommend reading the books in order.  I didn't and I definitely felt like I was missing something.  It took me a little longer to connect with the characters as well.  Once I got deeper into the book, I did enjoy it.  I just wish I would have read the entire series.

Janice Cantore is an excellent writer and being a former police officer adds to her great ability of writing suspense novels. I was not very familiar with this author before this book, but I will definitely be keeping my eye out for her work from now on.  Next time I'll just be sure to start from the beginning.

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

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.

Fraying at the Edge - A Book Review

When it comes to Amish fiction Cindy Woodsmall is my favorite author.  I have read all of her books and she never disappoints!  Her newest series,The Amish of Summer Grove, is my favorite yet. I have been patiently waiting for Fraying at the Edge ever since I finished Ties That Bind last September.  I was so happy to get it and I was not disappointed. The only negative thing I have to say about it is that here I am waiting again for the next book!

If you love Amish fiction I cannot recommend this series enough!  Actually all of Cindy Woodsmalls novels.  They are all great! 

The Old Order Amish life Ariana Brenneman loved vanished virtually overnight with the discovery that she was switched at birth twenty years ago. Now she’s immersed in the Englischer world, getting to know her mother and under the authority of her biological father, an atheist intellectual with resolute plans to expand Ariana’s worldview. Only Quill Schlabach, a childhood friend living Englisch, can help steady Ariana’s tilting ground between the two worlds, but can she trust him after so many betrayals?
 
At the same time, Skylar Nash is forced to choose rehab or spend several months with her true relatives, the large Brenneman family and their seemingly backward life—no electricity, no technology, no fun. What the young woman can’t leave behind is her addiction to illegal prescription drugs and deep emptiness from the belief that she doesn’t belong in either family.
 
New ties are binding Ariana and Skylar to the lives they were meant to have. Can they find the wisdom and strength they’ll need to follow God’s threads into unexpected futures?
***This book was provided to me by bloggingforbooks.com in exchange for my honest review.

To Follow Her Heart - A Book Review

To Follow Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino is the third book in The Southold Chronicles series.  I did not read the previous books and I think it is a fine stand alone book, however, I think that it would give you a better connection with some of the characters if you read the series in order.  I enjoyed the book enough to go back and read the other ones in the series.

I really enjoy historical fiction and this book is a reminder as to why.  So beautifully written, full of history and romance, all my favorites.  It is set in the 1600's and this is a time period that I have not read a lot of stories from and I enjoyed that most of all.

It is 1661 and Patience Terry is devastated to learn that captain Jeremy Horton's ship has been shipwrecked off the coast of Barbados.  There were no survivors.  She had hoped that Jeremy would someday give up the sea and settle down with her in Southold, Long Island.

Unaware his memorial service is being planned, Jeremy sails aboard a British warship with secret orders to attack New Amsterdam and claim it for the British Crown.  When he make his surprise return to Southold and to an overjoyed Patience it's not quite the happily ever after his beloved and hoped for.

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