Saturday, January 29, 2011

The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past. — Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.
Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.
Beautifully written, The Search is a skillfully woven story that takes readers through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Fans both old and new will find themselves immersed in this heartwarming--and surprising--tale of young love, forgiveness, and coming to grips with the past.
My Thoughts:
I absolutely adored this book! Bertha Reihl has decided it is time for her son and granddaughter to come home to Stoney Ridge. They left 15 years ago when a tragic accident changed both their lives forever, but neither understand exactly the extent of the changes that were made. Lainey O'Toole made a split second decision when she was 10 that had farther reaching effects than she ever imagined. Now, Bess is to spend the summer with her grandmother and all the secrets are about to explode, whether they want them to or not.
My absolute favorite character in this book was Bertha. She is a take charge lady that doesn't know the meaning of the word 'no'. She bosses everyone from her worker Billy to the sheriff! Very crafty and conniving all of which she has tried to instill into her granddaughter Bess. Bess is completely taken with Billy and sometimes it seems mutual but he had decided to marry someone else, at least he thinks he has! All of the characters were wonderfully real. I could actually smell the roses she describes and I love how she shows God has a hand in every aspect of our lives.
Absolutely a 5/5. I am going to get the rest of the books in this series and I can't wait to read them!
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, January 28, 2011

My Immortal Assassin by Carolyn Jewel Giveaway

Product Description:
TEMPTED BY REVENGE...
Grayson Spencer is hellbent on killing the dark mage who destroyed her life. But when her attempt fails, she is forced to turn to Durian, a feared demon and expert assassin. Newly armed with powerful magic she's barely able to control, she'll do whatever it takes to complete her mission--even surrender to a dangerous fiend whose eyes promise unimaginable pleasure.
BOUND BY DESIRE...
Sworn to protect all mages, Durian can't let Gray threaten the uneasy peace among demons, humans, and mages. So he proposes a deal: He'll train Gray to master her gift if she'll bind herself magically to him, submitting to his control. As Gray's powers intensify, so too does Durian's hunger for this fierce, irresistible woman. When the dark mage makes a final play for Gray, will the passion she and Durian share be the key to their survival or the seed of their destruction?


Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have 3 copies to Giveaway!!! Here are the rules.

  • You must be a follower to participate
  • Leave Me a Comment on THIS post with your e-mail (no e-mail you can't win)
  • US & Canadian Residents only
  • No PO Boxes
  • Hachette Book Group will be sending the copies to the winners
  • You have 24 hours to respond if you are contacted as a winner, if you miss the deadline, a new winner will be chosen and contacted.
  • Contest is open until February 10, 2011
  • Winners will be chosen using a randomizer
  • Directly from Hachette: Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

My Immortal Assassin by Carolyn Jewel

Product Description:
TEMPTED BY REVENGE...
Grayson Spencer is hellbent on killing the dark mage who destroyed her life. But when her attempt fails, she is forced to turn to Durian, a feared demon and expert assassin. Newly armed with powerful magic she's barely able to control, she'll do whatever it takes to complete her mission--even surrender to a dangerous fiend whose eyes promise unimaginable pleasure.
BOUND BY DESIRE...
Sworn to protect all mages, Durian can't let Gray threaten the uneasy peace among demons, humans, and mages. So he proposes a deal: He'll train Gray to master her gift if she'll bind herself magically to him, submitting to his control. As Gray's powers intensify, so too does Durian's hunger for this fierce, irresistible woman. When the dark mage makes a final play for Gray, will the passion she and Durian share be the key to their survival or the seed of their destruction?



My Thoughts:
This was an entertaining book. I didn't realize at the beginning that it was part of a series but I didn't have any trouble with the story line. Gray is endowed with magic when someone she loved was murdered. Durian saves Gray's life, when he is supposed to kill her, and then teaches her how to use her magic. They have to work together to fight the evil mage and hopefully avenge Titgran's murder.
I enjoyed the interaction between Gray and Durian. The extra characters, I assume several are from the earlier two books in the series, added to the story quite well. I look forward to reading their stories. A couple of the scenes were uncomfortable but not unexpected.
This book was a 3/5. It was a good read and I look forward to more from this author, but it had some very uncomfortable scenes for me.

Thank you to Hachette Books for the review copy of this book. I recieved this book in excahnge for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Guestblogger Kiki Howell

Good morning all! Please help me in welcoming Kiki to my blog today! It is great to have you here!!!


A destiny unfulfilled is an affront against the universe.” ~Anonymous Greek Philosopher

This is one of my favorite quotes. I found it a few years back when I was reading The Secret by Rhonda Byrnes along with many other of the authors that appeared in the book. I am a huge believer in this ‘secret’ which isn’t much of a ‘secret’ anymore! And, one of the greatest things I have learned from it is to be grateful and how this one thing can change your life.

“In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Have you ever made a gratitude list? It is a wonderful exercise. One thing I have learned from my studies into the law of attraction is to get your mind set correctly, and gratitude seems to be a great way to go about this. I challenge you, make a gratitude list and see how happy you feel. And, I don’t mean one with three things on it like your husband, your kids and your car. I mean a long, nitty gritty one, of just about everything in this life you have been blessed with no matter how small.

Okay, here goes, my kind-of stream-of-consciousness gratitude list, you know like those writing exercise you had to do in school where you just write everything that comes into your head – only this time the theme is gratitude!

My husband, my boys, my car, LOL, laughter, joking, funny movies watched as a family, movies that give me that good cry, the Practical Magic movie, paranormal romance books, Teresa Medeiros, Hannah Howell, Annette Blair, inspiration, writing, my computer, creativity, my own writing published, good reviews, dancing, yoga, music, Nickelback, Pink, old 80’s hits, Def Leppard, Guns and Roses, Bon Jovi, MP3 players, old records, Stevie Nicks, James Taylor, Steven Howell – listening to my husband sing, singing while I bake, the radio to sing to when I drive, Hemi-Sync music, dogs and sweepers, long bathes, long sweaters – the ones that go to your calves (carpet dusters they used to be called), snow, snowmen, hot chocolate, mochas, twilight on the snow, the moon, Feng Shui, candles, water, lake, oceans, fountains with candles, knitting, the click of the knitting needles, all the beautiful yarns to choose from, knitting magazines, pizza, cheeseburgers and chocolate cake, recipe books, trips to Borders, extended family gatherings, old friends, new friends, Facebook for both – to keep in touch, emails, nail polish, perms, the smell of vanilla, my fireplace in my writing room, creativity, passion…

Okay, you get my point! Try it. I know it can lift you out of a bad mood and increase a good one. I like to do this at night as I am tucked in all cozy and then once my list is done, I fall off to sleep dreaming of the things I want in this life: safety and happiness for those I love - I see my family achieving their goals in life, big smile on their face- then I envision me getting mine. Of course, I have gotten a lot of mine already, a testament to the fact this works.

So, while I am in a grateful kind of good mood and all, I am going to give away a few books. First, leave me a comment listing just a couple of the non-obvious things you are grateful for that you came up with in your list. It’s Thursday, so I will give you the week. Then come Friday, Feb. 4th, I will randomly choose a winner who will get a PDF copy of Torn Asunder and one other book from my backlist, their choice. So, make sure you leave your email in case you win. After that, anyone who commented on this post will be eligible for a buy one get one free deal. If you decide to purchase Torn Asunder, just forward me the receipt with the words, “Ashley’s Bookshelf Commenter” in the subject line to howell.kiki@gmail.com. Give me the name of the book from my backlist you want to read, and I will send you the PDF for free. All books are listed at my website, http://www.kikihowell.com

Have An Attitude of Gratitude,
Kiki


Torn Asunder

Kiki Howell spins a wonderful tale of passion, magic, betrayal, and a love that conquers all. Enjoy." ~NY Times Bestselling Author, Hannah Howell

Blurb: Aubrey Griffen is a witch whose true reasons for coming to London soon fall to the wayside when she catches the eye of Edmund Bryant, the Marquess of Dalysbury. He seduces her into a whirlwind romance until the lies and threats of his mother force her to flee to Triaill Brimuir, a secret island of her ancestors off the coast of Ireland. Edmund goes after her only to be hit by Aubrey’s confusion and anger when she magically transforms him into an elemental beast of her own creation.

However, it is when Edmund’s lust mysteriously turns him back into a man that the couple are forced to deal with a family secret and untold of powers. Now, Edmund must learn to shift himself into the beast in order to save her in a battle of black verses white magic.

Fraught with scenes of explicit intimacy, romantic spells and mystical shapeshifting, Torn Asunder is a unique blending of the age of manners with sexual magic.

Genres: Historical (Regency), Paranormal (Witches & Shifters), Erotic, Romantic Suspense
Adult Content Warnings: Explicit Graphic Language, Violence

You can purchase Torn asunder in eBook and Trade Paperback online at retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, All Romance Ebooks, Smashwords, and Excessica Publishing .Author Website http://www.kikihowell.com/

Praise for Torn Asunder:
Kiki Howell I feel has a major hit on her hands with Torn Asunder. I was so glued to this book that I was up til 4AM reading it, and mind you, I had to be up at 7AM to see my kiddies off to school....lol. I was just so captivated… In between all the chaos our couple must endure is the most breath taking love story. Their hearts and minds are linked for all time by an unforeseen connection that real couples only dream of. On a scale of 1-10 I give this book a 10 and encourage everyone 18 and over to get a copy of this book and fall under Aubrey and Emund's spell. It is so worth the ride. ~5 out of 5 Stars, Review by Raquel Vega-Grieder for Sinfully Tasty Reads

“Torn Asunder is what a Regency novel should be. Prior to this book, I have never had a historical romance keep my interest for more than a chapter or two. Kiki Howell has written a historical novel that sings. Her love for the time period is reflected in every part of the story, from the vivid characters to the clear imagery of her settings. I give Torn Asunder five of five hearts.” ~D. Alexx Miller, Book Reviewer for Romance in the Backseat

EXCERPT:
The roses, elegant in their refinement, fell from one another with little grace as she undid the paper around them. Staggering back a few steps until her back met with the wall, she slid down to the floor letting the wrapping and flowers fall where they may. Aubrey wrapped her arms tightly around her midsection. Her chest ached more with each beat of her heart as she swallowed hard, blinked away the mistiness over her eyes, and remembered.
It had been the beginning of the season, a bit over a fortnight ago, when she first encountered Edmund Bryant, the Marquess of Dalysbury. Although she rolled her eyes still at the title, she felt impelled to live through it all again--through the days of fantasy in which she had allowed herself to participate. Love at first sight didn't always give way to rational thinking. It did, however, make possible even the wavering delusions of believing impossible dreams could come true. She had just come to London to live with Lord and Lady Sanderly, her cousins who had paid for her travels under the guise of giving a poor relation of marriageable age a chance to find a good husband.
Whereas, the truth of the matter was, she was a relation who had shown a great aptitude for learning of the magical powers she had inherited. The good Lord and Lady, while holding the public title of Earl and Countess, were actually descendants of one of the notorious Pendle witches. They were to teach her to harness and utilize her innate talents in secret while flaunting her about from various parties and balls in the public eye.
She recalled with a weak smile the first ball Lord and Lady Sanderly had thrown to immerse her into proper society. At the time, she had consciously gripped her hands before her waist to resist fidgeting while trying hard to fix to memory all of the titles of those to whom she was being introduced. Her level of discomfort had increased, however, as an unsettled awareness of someone in the room, a haunting premonition of sorts, had made her heart race and her mouth dry. She had paid mind to ignore the successive shivers which rushed the length of her spine until they pooled as heat in her tightening stomach.
Reminded she was holding her breath only when forced to speak, her ribs had begun to ache. When a chill more pervasive that any she had ever known even in the drafty county cottage she had been raised in permeated her shoulders, she had turned in the direction of the source, and her eyes had met with a man standing just across the room looking back at her. She had immediately felt challenged to not look away from the gaze of his dark eyes. They radiated a raw energy unlike anything she had ever encountered before even among those with her own esoteric abilities.
A connection was made. Her heart beat at a frantic, uneven pace like a horse racing over shoddy roads. At the same time, a vague forewarning had made her break out in a glistening of sweat while she fought the urge to escape as well the need to move toward the man. She had given merit to her reactions based only on the fact she had captured the glance of an aristocratic gentleman with a lady in a lavish satin gown on his arm of obviously higher circumstances.
Engrossed in his fine manners, she watched as his hand removed the one holding onto him from his arm with a slight nod of his head. The lady in return had given him a slight curtsy but glorious smile before turning back to her other acquaintances which Aubrey recognized to be a duke and duchess she had recently met. His tempestuous form fit in posh attire spun on the heel of his expensive footwear to find her again with his haunted and hungry eyes. He seemed an odd mix of rugged and refined. She had felt the thrill and danger of being pursued by a beast which lurked inside of the man.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Delirious by Daniel Palmer Giveaway Winner!

There were 13 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

Congratulations Karen! You won the autographed copy of Daniel's book Delirious. I'll send you an email now to get your mailing info!

1.4. Karen
2.13. avalonne83
3.12. Linda Kish
4.5. IvaliceAlliance
5.6. Audrey
6.7. LisaR/Alterlisa
7.8. Carol M
8.10. Taffy
9.11. Trena
10.1. Katie
11.3. Zoe
12.9. Marjorie
13.2. PoCoKat
Timestamp: 2011-01-26 19:36:51 UTC

Monday, January 24, 2011

Katie Sadias ebook Winner!!!

And the winner is Shadowofwonder47! Congratulations I will now send your email to Katie so she can send you the book!

There were 2 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1.2. Shadowofwonder47
2.1. Katie
Timestamp: 2011-01-24 20:23:23 UTC

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Delirious by Daniel Palmer Review & Giveaway!

Product Description
One day, Charlie Giles is an up-and-coming electronics superstar. The next, he's a prime homicide suspect as his former employers are picked off one by one. Charlie watches his life unravel as his company and inventions are wrenched from his control, and his family is decimated. With nowhere else to turn, he enlists his schizophrenic brother to uncover the dark family secrets that lie at the heart of the unfolding terror. "Delirious" is a mind-bending story where the line between what is real and what is imagined twists and turns...an addictive literary puzzle that every reader will want to solve.

My Thoughts:
This was an interesting book. Charlie is a man in charge of his life. He has order, power and control of everything around him….or so he thinks. Through a series of events he seems to set in motion himself, his world begins to crumble! He loses his job, begins to question his sanity and suddenly becomes guardian of his brother who is schizophrenic and needs supervision. He has to figure out how or if someone is setting him up before even worse things happen….like someone is killed!
I loved the fact you had no idea if the things happening and changing Charlie’s life were of his own doing or someone setting him up. The author did a wonderful job of keeping you guessing and just when you think you have it all figured out, something happens to completely change your mind! I think my favorite character in the book was actually Charlie’s brother, Joe. He is schizophrenic and possibly the most normal person in the book. The surprises were great, plenty of twists and a whole cast of intriguing characters.
I rate this book a 4/5. A very thought provoking read that will keep you guessing until the last page!

Thank you to Bostick for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

GIVEAWAY!!!
Now here is the great news....the author sent me an autographed ARC of this book to giveaway to one of my followers!
The release date for his book is January 25 so the giveaway will run to that date. I will mail the copy directly to the winner who will be chosen the morning of Jan 26 and notified for their mailing info. Leave me a comment with your email address and you are entered! Good luck all!!!

Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

Product Description:
A voyage of discovery, two remarkable women, and an extraordinary time and place enrich bestselling author Tracy Chevalier's new novel.
On the windswept, fossil-strewn beaches of the English coast, poor and uneducated Mary Anning learns that she has a unique gift: "the eye" to spot fossils no one else can see. When she uncovers an unusual fossilized skeleton in the cliffs near her home, she sets the religious community on edge, the townspeople to gossip, and the scientific world alight. After enduring bitter cold, thunderstorms, and landslips, her challenges only grow when she falls in love with an impossible man.
Mary soon finds an unlikely champion in prickly Elizabeth Philpot, a middle-class spinster who shares her passion for scouring the beaches. Their relationship strikes a delicate balance between fierce loyalty, mutual appreciation, and barely suppressed envy, but ultimately turns out to be their greatest asset.



My Thoughts:
Ok is how I would classify this book. Elizabeth Philpot only in her twenties and already a spinster. When her brother gets married, she is sent to Lyme Regis to live along with her sisters. Elizabeth is finding it hard to entertain herself until she finds a fossil and Mary Anning. The two women become friends and fossil 'hunters'. The story develops over many years and tells the tale of how the two women's relationship and profession developed....at least in the writers mind!
The author definitely did her research for this book! I liked how the women weren't thought of as scientists because they were women. Their relationship was quite interesting and it made you wonder about the real women, if they were anything like this, I would like to think they were!
I rate it a 3/5. It was an ok book, but not one I would put on my keeper shelf.

Thank you to FSB Associates for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Sins of a Highland Devil Giveaway

Book Description:
The first book in the Highland Warriors trilogy, in which three heroes make a pact to insure that a rival clan does not take over their Glen of Many Legends. At the same time, three women plot to marry these heroes to ensure peace. — In SINS OF A HIGHLAND DEVIL, James Cameron is concerned when the King's decree states all three neighboring clans must have a battle to... more » the death in order to lay official claim to the scared Glen of Many Legends. James attempts to make a pact with the heads of the other clans to fight this decree. But he ends up fighting his own fierce desire when coming head-to-head with Lady Catriona of the opposing MacDonald clan, who has her own plan for peace.





Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have 3 copies to Giveaway!!! Here are the rules.

  • You must be a follower to participate
  • Leave Me a Comment on THIS post with your e-mail (no e-mail you can't win)
  • US & Canadian Residents only
  • No PO Boxes
  • Hachette Book Group will be sending the copies to the winners
  • You have 24 hours to respond if you are contacted as a winner, if you miss the deadline, a new winner will be chosen and contacted.
  • Contest is open until February 1, 2011
  • Winners will be chosen using a randomizer
  • Directly from Hachette: Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail.

Sins of a Highland Devil by Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Book Description:
The first book in the Highland Warriors trilogy, in which three heroes make a pact to insure that a rival clan does not take over their Glen of Many Legends. At the same time, three women plot to marry these heroes to ensure peace. — In SINS OF A HIGHLAND DEVIL, James Cameron is concerned when the King's decree states all three neighboring clans must have a battle to...the death in order to lay official claim to the scared Glen of Many Legends. James attempts to make a pact with the heads of the other clans to fight this decree. But he ends up fighting his own fierce desire when coming head-to-head with Lady Catriona of the opposing MacDonald clan, who has her own plan for peace

My Thoughts:
I think I've found a new must read series! Catriona is the sister of the leader of the MacDonald clan and has always had a fascination for the leader of the Cameron clan. The only problem is the Cameron, MacDonald, and Mackintosh clans are sworn enemies! The death of one woman changes the fate of all three clans. With this woman's death, each clan believes they are to inherit the Glen of Many Legends and the King decrees they must fight to the death and the last man standing will inherit the Glen and the rest of the clans will have to leave. Catriona and James are attracted to each other but enemies and the new decree demands they stay apart, but what if three women get together to plan against the King?
I loved the descriptive writing through this whole book. I can actually see the Glen of Many Legends in my mind! Catriona was such a strong, spirited woman and I love how she interacted with James. They had such a strong attraction that both tried to deny but it was impossible. The scheming of the women to undermine the men's stubbornness was just perfect.
I rate this a 5/5. It was a great read and I can't wait for the next in the series.

Thank you to hachette for the review copy of this book. I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Murder by Another Name by Jo Stone

Product Description:
This captivating murder mystery depicts the exposure of a breast implant manufacturer whose products have caused the development of cancer in patients. As she is leaving her lover/client/friend Dr. Dan MacNamara , Sherri Barker, a detail person for PolySurgical Specialties, a manufacturer of polyurethane coated breast implants, is killed by a car bomb. Dr. MacNamara happens to be the plastic surgeon who inserted PSS breast implants into Pamela Lawson, who is awaiting a liver transplant for liver cancer. Her attorney, Janet Stephenson, has filed a product's liability suit against PSS and Dr. MacNamara is a key witness for PSS. Ms Barker, however, had just delivered to him secret internal studies which showed that all animals tested by PSS developed liver cancer. PSS and its cohort, Conway Chemical, have set out to kill Dr. MacNamara, and Janet Stephenson's two expert witnesses, biomaterials scientists from Canada. Meanwhile, a television network reporter and an FDA investigator are preparing a special on the PSS implants, which airs just before the Lawson v. PSS trial. The investigation and intrigue related to the murder continue right up to the Lawson v. PSS trial, and coordinate with the criminal investigation and grand jury indictment of the principals at PSS and Conway and their murderous lackeys.
A native of Colorado, Jo Stone is an attorney who has tried many silicone gel breast implant cases and has been involved in all of the excitement surrounding the complicated preparation and trial of those cases. This wife and mother of four is also a college professor who has taught English literature, Humanities, Business and Law courses throughout her legal career Jo attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where she earned my B.A. and M.A. in English literature and Juris Doctorate degrees.


My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good book. Pamela is waiting for her case to go to trial while she is waiting on a liver transplant and just fighting to stay alive. The company that caused her cancer and whom she is suing is PSS. They made the breast implants that have been proven to cause cancer, but will go to great lengths to keep the secret....even murder!
This book has deception, suspense, murder and lots more. I liked how determined Pamela's attorney, Janet Stephenson is through the whole book. The courtroom scenes were realistic and you feel empathy for Pamela and her horrible situation. It is quite a large book but the pages pass quickly!
I rate this a 3/5. It was a good book, but a one time read.



Thank you to bostick for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, January 10, 2011

The Curly Wolf by M.R. Kayser

Product Description:
The settlers in the Redbud Valley are peaceable, God-fearing folk who try to follow the golden rule, but they've been pushed too far by the mayor of Blue Stone, who wants their land and seemingly has the law on his side. Just as the nesters are banding together to resist the land grab, Blue Stone's newest deputy rides through their valley. Before they realize the sleepy-eyed youngster called Arizona is a veteran gunfighter hired to bulldoze them off their claims, he has already broken bread with them, danced with their daughters...and stolen the heart of one. Young Theresa Gutierrez believes Arizona is more than a curly wolf with a quick trigger finger and a stone-cold heart, but her parents and neighbors have good reason to believe otherwise. What everyone agrees upon is that, in the brewing range war, the Arizona Kid is liable to be right smack in the midst of the killing.

My thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Arizona is an unbelievably good gun hand. He is traveling from job to job as a 'deputy' who runs squatters off their lands or really whatever the boss tells him to do. He is good at killin' and hasn't ever considered what he did 'wrong' but when he meets the group of 'squatters' in Redbud valley he starts to have second thoughts. His fellow deputies see no problem with what they are doing and take it a step further, enjoying the killing. Arizona feels loyalty to both sides of this struggle and isn't sure he can confront either!
The characters in this book were wonderfully developed. Arizona was of course my favorite, he is a young gunfighter that has never known any way of survival except gun play. On the outside he seems so sure of himself and confident in everything, but inside he is a confused boy/man. I love that the author brings in several strong Christian men to set an example for Arizona and the other boys in the story. He also shows how people will use others to their advantage no matter what the detriment to the 'used' people. They will lie, tell you what you want to hear, and befriend you just to get your help. Theresa is a girl who is confused by her feelings for Arizona. She has been raised a Christian and yet is drawn to this man who seems to have no morals, but she is wondering if her love is what God is going to use to turn him around. There are some horrible things that happen through the book but it is in there to set an example not for 'gore'.
I rate this book a 5/5. It is a good western story with a Christian message.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Final Deceit by PI Barrington

Product Description:
Trapped in the rubble that once was the auditorium of The New Creation cult, Las Vegas Homicide Detectives Payce Halligan and Gavin McAllister struggle to make it out alive as police, politicians and the powerful head of the cult follow their own agendas of murder, revenge and insanity.


My Thoughts:
I've been waiting on this book for what seems like forever and it didn't disappoint! Final Deceit picks up right where Miraculous Deception ends, with the explosion. Payce, Gavin, Nick, Amy, Logan and several others are buried in the explosion...some alive, some dead. Charlie, the police chief, and John the mayor of Vegas are at odds over if it is a rescue or a recovery mission to get to the people buried. Either way, someone keeps sabotaging the rescue/recovery efforts and everyone down there's chances of survival!
I still like all the characters in this book! You learn more about each of them and why they are the way they are, so the character development is still going on. Payce is somewhat torn between Logan and Gavin she trusts both but they completely dislike each other. The surprises through the book are numerous and shocking. A wonderful ending to an intriguing trilogy!
My ranking for this book will be a bit odd....if you have read the previous two 5/5 you have to read this one! If you haven't a 3/5 because you will be lost as to why everything is happening and who the players are but it is still an enjoyable story.


Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Flight of Shadows by Sigmund Brouwer

Book Description:
Her genetic secret could change humanity forever.
Her DNA grants her the ultimate power.
But all she wants is to disappear.
Looming buildings rise into the sky of a near-future America, shadowing the desperate poverty of the soovie parks, death doctors, and fear bombs. In this world of walled cities, where status matters most, Caitlyn Brown is desperate to remain invisible, wrongly believing what she needs to hide is the deformity on her back. The powerful want her for so much more.
She’s forced to take flight again, relying on the help of Razor, a street-smart illusionist she can’t trust. Her only hope is to reach friends already tracked by government.
With a twisted bounty hunter in full pursuit, she and Razor begin to learn the unthinkable about her past and the unique gifts of her DNA. It leads Caitlyn to a choice between the two men who love her, and whether to keep her freedom or sacrifice herself to change human destiny.
In this lightning-fast chase through an all-too-plausible future, best-selling author Sigmund Brouwer is at his best. Flight of Shadows is a terrifying ride into the heart of compelling moral questions about science and society.

My Thoughts:
This was an interesting book. I didn't realize this was a sequel but I didn't feel the need to have read Broken Angel first. Though I do want to read it now! Caitlyn Brown is trying to stay under the radar, but is being chased by men who know her value....or rather the value of her DNA. Her friends are trying to meet up with her. She forms a relationship with Razor and he helps her to understand what happened and why...but that may not save her life.
I immediately felt drawn to Caitlyn. You just wanted to root for her in her flight and hold your breath to see if she'll make it or not. Razor was probably my favorite character, he kept things interesting and lively. I like how the author has multiple story lines but they all come together in the end. This book is a very fast paced, suspenseful read that grabs your attention from page one! It also makes you think of the repercussions of genetic research.
This is a solid 4/5. You have to like futuristic/scifi to enjoy it, but I definitely did!

Thank you to Waterbrook for providing the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.