Monday, January 7, 2019

"Truth Seer" by Kay L. Moody -- Book Review by Emily

Emily has agreed to review some YA books so you will see her reviews periodically. If I read the book also, I will post my own review.

About the Book

A world of lies. A cell of terrorists.

When her sister is taken hostage, only the power to see the truth can set both of them free.

Egypt 2121. Imara thinks she has life all figured out.

She doesn’t.

She sees emotions in color and knows when people are lying. But seeing the truth has made her cynical and afraid to trust others. She’s haunted by the memories of her past and wants nothing more than to forget them forever.

Abe is hopeful and reckless. He has no special power, but never lets that hold him back. He wants to make his mark on the world and save everyone he can along the way.

When a terrorist faction appears and kidnaps a group of hostages, Imara and Abe are thrust into an adventure they aren’t prepared to meet. With the lives of the hostages at stake, they’ll do anything it takes to accomplish their goal.

Even if it means digging up the past.

Intrigue, adventure, and deadly catacombs all woven into a thrilling tale. If you like futuristic settings and flawed heroes, you’ll love the fascinating world of Truth Seer.

Emily's Thoughts

Truth Seer is a wonderful book. I enjoyed it very much. It was a little confusing, as we had no idea what was the deal with hilas and other futuristic stuff. But the book was very exciting and I stayed up past midnight reading it. I thought the book was well written.

"Truth Seer" is available in paperback:

Series: Truth Seer Trilogy (Book 1)
Paperback: 338 pages
Publisher: Independently published (June 30, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1983210315
ISBN-13: 978-1983210310
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 2182 KB
Print Length: 340 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Marten Press (July 2, 2018)
Publication Date: July 2, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07DVBGS8P

We got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are our own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for the review.

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

"Until I Met You" by Kimberly Rose Johnson --Book Review

About the Book

Graphic designer, Brandi Prescott hopes to work her way to the top at the Seattle ad agency where she’s employed. She’s dedicated and distraction-free since she’s taking a hiatus from men to focus on her relationship with the Lord and get to know herself without the influence of another person.

Software engineer Ian Parker is in a good place. He loves his job, his social life and the direction his life is going. At least that is the case until one fateful rainy morning when he meets a woman who changes everything. The only problem is, she won’t go out with him because she made a pledge to not date for six months.

Brandi’s six-month pledge ends on Christmas. Will Ian wait or will his scheming to get to know her destroy what might have been?

My Thoughts

This is a prequel to the "Brides of Seattle" series and we get to meet Brandi and Ian as well as Ray and Katie who are in the first book in the series "The Reluctant Groom". I enjoyed reading the story and found it to be well written. I liked Brandi's desire to grow in her relationship with God and put Him first in her life. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

"Until I Met You" is available in Kindle edition:

File Size: 2705 KB
Print Length: 72 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Sweet Rose Press (December 31, 2018)
Publication Date: December 31, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07MB87ZR6

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

"The Sleuth's Dilemma" by Kimberly Rose Johnson -- Book Review

About the Book

Anna loves her job as a high school English teacher until everything goes sideways. The one bright spot in her life is Titus Gains, the school counselor, who is there for her at every turn. Titus’ boss complicates his ordered world when she tasks him with running a meeting that changes everything. How had he not noticed Anna earlier? Someone is out to destroy her, and he can’t let that happen.

As the head of the English department, part of Luke Harms’ job is to make sure everything runs smoothly. Things went haywire when Anna was put in charge of the big writing contest. Entries are missing, Anna appears to be in danger, and her job is on the line. Luke is investigating and wants to make things right for this woman he’s starting to care about.

Can a trio of school officials along with Nancy Daley, the town sleuth, stop the saboteur before it’s too late? And will Anna choose the right man, or lose them both?

My Thoughts

"The Sleuth's Dilemma" is the 2nd book in the Librarian Sleuth series. It would be best to read the first book before reading this one as some of the story line starts in the first book and is expanded upon in this book. I enjoyed getting to see characters that we met in the first book and getting to know some of them even better. Although I did have my suspicions of who was behind the incidents against Anna that turned out to be true, I still enjoyed trying to unravel what was going on and who was doing it. Usually when there are two options of guys for the heroine to love, I have a definite favorite. This time, I wasn't sure who I wanted her to end up with. I think in the end she makes the right decision. I found the book to be well written and flowed well. I look forward to reading more about the librarian sleuth.

About the Author

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

"The Sleuth's Dilemma" is available in Kindle edition:

File Size: 3615 KB
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink (February 1, 2019)
Publication Date: February 1, 2019
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07MHDQ8TR

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

Monday, December 31, 2018

2018 Book List

Here are the books I've read this year:

January:
"Unstuck" by Chris DuPre
"Porch Swing Girl" by Taylor Bennett
"A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill" by Jennifer Beckstrand
"A Song Unheard" by Roseanna M. White
"The Lacemaker" by Laura Frantz
"Rescue Me" by Susan May Warren
"A Matter of Trust" by Susan May Warren
"If Ever I Would Leave You" by Susan May Warren
"Longbow" by Wayne Grant (MG, read aloud to kids)
"Troubled Waters" by Susan May Warren
"Their Daring Hearts" by Sharlene MacLaren
"Liza's Second Chance" by Molly Jebber

February:
"No Small Storm" by Anne Mateer
"This Treacherous Journey" by Misty M. Beller
"Love by the Numbers" by Laura V. Hilton
"21 Days of Love" compiled by Kathy Ide
"Phoebe's Light" by Suzanne Woods Fisher
"The Sea Before Us" by Sarah Sundin
"The Reluctant Groom" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"The Essence of Joy" by Lynn U. Watson

March:
"The Innkeeper's Daughter" by Michelle Griep
"For Love & Honor" by Jody Hedlund
"Becoming Mom Strong" by Heidi St. John
"A Loyal Heart" by Jody Hedlund
"Grace Restored" by Toni Shiloh
"Mermaid's Song" by Darlene Franklin

April:
"The Forgotten Girl" by Heather Chapman
"Warbow" by Wayne Grant (MG, read aloud to the kids)
"Sea Rose Lane" by Irene Hannon
"Sandpiper Cove" by Irene Hannon
"Sons of Thunder" by Susan May Warren
"21 Days of Joy" Compiled by Kathy Ide
"Pelican Point" by Irene Hannon

May:
"The Spirit of Christmas" by Lauraine Henderson
"The Amish Teacher's Gift" by Rachel J. Good
"Together Forever" by Jody Hedlund
"Wildfire" by Gayla K. Hiss
"This Wilderness Journey" by Misty M. Beller
"Quest for Leviathan" by Amanda Tero
"The Captured Bride" by Michelle Griep
"Points Worth" by D.C. Marino

June:
"A Caffeine Conundrum" by Angela Ruth Strong
"Tremors of Doubt" by Lael Harrelson
"Resurrection of Hope" by Tamara Lynn Kraft
"To Claim Her Heart" by Jodie Wolfe
"Dare You" by Carol Moncado
"The Love Letter" by Rachel Hauck
"Good Enough for a Princess" by Carol Moncado
"Fatal Recall" by Carol J. Post
"Enduring Love" by Toni Shiloh
"Along Came a Prince" by Carol Moncado
"The Sleuth's Miscalculation" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"If Only it Were Yesterday" by A.M. Heath

July:
"Minding the Light" by Suzanne Woods Fisher
"Just Let Go" by Courtney Walsh
"Made Like Martha" by Katie M. Reid
"Firestorm" by Laura V. Hilton
"Plain Everyday Heroes" by Laura V. Hilton, Rachel J. Good, & Thomas Nye
"This Freedom Journey" by Misty M. Beller
"Finding Christmas Joy" by Amanda Tero
"The Firefighter's Twins" by Heidi
"The Widow's Plight" by Mary Davis

August:
"A Promise Forged" by Cara Putman
"The Hope Jar" by Wanda Brunsteter
"Ties that Blind" by Chautona Havig
"Chasing Embers" by Rachel Skatvold
"Make Haste Slowly" by Amy K. Rognlie
"Where There's a Will" by Amy K. Rognlie
"The Ransomed Crown" by Wayne Grant (MG, read to the kids)

September:
"Lethal Legacy" by Carol J. Post
"Yesterday's Christmas" by A.M. Heath
"Crack Yourself Up: Jokes for Kids" by Sandy Silverthorne
"A Worthy Rebel" by Jody Hedlund
"Surround Me" by Margarette Gray
"Shadows from the Past" by Ashley Dawn
"The Girl on the Tombstone" by Betty Ruth Weatherby

October:
"Her Hope Discovered" by Cynthia Herron
"A Tale of Two Hearts" by Michelle Griep
"When Your Kid is Hurting" by Kevin Leman
"This Courageous Journey" by Misty M. Beller
"The Sleuth's Dilemma" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"Love's Christmas Blessings" by Laura V. Hilton and Rachel J. Good
"The Light Before Day" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

November:
"Simply Smitten" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
"A Sparkle of Silver" by Liz Johnson
"An Hour Unspent" by Roseanna M. White
"Comfort & Joy" by Alana Terry, Toni Shiloh, Cathe Swanson, & Chautona Havig
"The Amish Midwife's Secret" by Rachel J. Good

December:
"A Bodyguard for Christmas" by Carol J. Post
"I Know the Plans" by Melissa Wardwell
"In the Shadow of Croft Towers" by Abigail Wilson
"Dead Sea Rising" by Jerry B. Jenkins

2018 in Review

Total for the year:

Wrote 10304 words

Sculpted 1 baby

Tatted 31 crosses

Sewed 7 sock monkeys

Knit 2 hats

Exercised an average of 20 days per month

Read in the Bible everyday except 2

Wrote up 8 backlogged book reviews

Month in Review - December

Wrote 0 words

Sculpted 0 babies

Tatted 0 crosses (but did 10 snowflakes and 2 mini baby bonnets)

Sewed 0 sock monkeys

Knit 0 hats (but did 2 pairs of socks)

Exercised 15 days

Read in the Bible 31 days

Wrote up 0 backlogged book reviews

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

"In the Shadow of Croft Towers" by Abigail Wilson -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: In the Shadow of Croft Towers

Author: Abigail Wilson

Genre: Historical fiction, romantic suspense

Release Date: January 15, 2019

From debut author Abigail Wilson comes a mysterious Regency tale of secrets and spies, love and treachery.

Orphaned Sybil Delafield jumps at the opportunity for a position at the mysterious Croft Towers. She believes she was hired to act as companion to a dying woman, but a highway robbery and a hostile welcome from the Chalcroft family cause her to wonder if she was actually hired to help someone spy for France.

An unsolved murder adds intrigue to this already secretive family, and Sybil recognizes Mrs. Chalcroft’s handsome grandson as one of the infamous highwaymen who robbed her. Sybil must determine if this man’s charming smile and earnest eyes speak the truth or if he is simply using her like others in the house. Everyone seems to have something to hide, and Sybil must decide who to trust while also coming to terms with the truth about her own past.

My Thoughts

Once I picked up "In the Shadow of Croft Towers", I did not want to put it back down. The characters and the setting drew me in and kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen. I did deduce some of the mystery, there were twists and surprises I did not see coming, which was nice. There isn't a faith element in the story, but it is a clean romance with a couple of kisses and some hand holding. I found the book to be well written and felt if flowed nicely. I went looking for why I had never read anything by Abigail Wilson and discovered that this was her first book. I was pleased to see that there is another book coming next year and there is a tie in with this book. I can't wait!

About the Author

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children. Connect with Abigail at www.acwilsonbooks.com

Excerpt from the Book

1813

THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE

I often wonder what my life would have been like if I had never learned the truth. I wouldn’t have set off as I did for Croft Towers. I never would have met him.

It’s strange what I remember about the day I left London. The mail coach was late; the weather wretched. The clock had struck midnight long before two strangers and I ducked beneath the postmaster’s outstretched umbrella to board the Royal Mail and rumble across the North Downs.

That difficult journey east marked the beginning of an unseasonably cold autumn. Frigid rain pelted the coach windows. The undercarriage squealed beneath the seats as a metallic scent wound its way between the drafty boards. I gripped the windowsill, wondering if the coachman intended to hit every bump in the road.

“Far to go, miss?”

The woman’s voice startled me. Dressed head to toe in red

satin, she’d endured the last few darkened hours with a handful of smelling salts and a tongue hot for complaints, but she hadn’t spoken to me until now. Not until the first hint of rain-soaked daylight peeked over the horizon.

I lowered my gaze and fiddled with my bonnet ribbons. “Yes, ma’am . . . well, not too much farther, I hope.”