Thursday, May 30, 2019

The Pages of Her Life by James L. Rubart

About the Book

Book: The Pages of Her Life
Author: James L. Rubart
Genre: Christian fiction – suspense
Release Date: May 21, 2019

Award-winning and bestselling author James L. Rubart explores the way our memories shape us . . . and how they affect our beliefs. Allison Moore has no idea why she got out of her car on that rainy March afternoon and picked up the soaked journal laying on the side of the road. Brought it home. But she did. It was empty. Except for two lines scrawled in the front, too washed out to read. And a Jesus emblem inside the back cover. Something about the journal compels her to start writing in it, capturing thoughts about her newly acquired job that she thought would be heaven, but has turned into hell. Then one day, she finds words in the center of the journal. Words she didn’t write: Mene mene tekel upharsin. After her heart stops hammering, Allison Googles the phrase, and reads the story of Belshazzar’s Feast, where a hand from God writes on the wall, and the king is slain. Fear grips her, certain God is coming after her for what she did twelve years back. What she’s done wrong her whole life. She vows to make things right. Then she discovers more phrases appearing underneath each of her journal entries. Those phrases take her on an emotional roller coaster that forces her to look at everything she believes about her past in a new light, and opens her eyes to a supernatural realm of staggering consequence.

The Pages of her life quote

My Thoughts:
This book took me a while to get into it. I had trouble connecting to the characters. That being said, I did get into it and overall, enjoyed it. Allison and the journal are the main 'focus' of the book, but her family is also a big part of it. The author does a great job making you think and wonder through the book.
Family is important. Life is complicated. Family life is insanely complicated and requires a lot of forgiveness but getting to that point can be difficult. The author shows how different family members view things differently and how everything affects them.
It was a 3/5 for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book via CelebrateLit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Click here to purchase a copy of the book.

About the Author

James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of the best-selling novel Rooms as well as Book of Days, The Chair, Soul’s Gate, Memory’s Door, and Spirit Bridge. He lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. Website: www.jameslrubart.com Twitter: @jameslrubart Facebook: JamesLRubart

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 21

Spoken from the Heart, May 22

Godly Book Reviews, May 23

Genesis 5020, May 23

Bigreadersite, May 24

Simple Harvest Reads, May 24

Through the Fire Blogs, May 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 27

amandainpa, May 27

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 28

Hallie Reads, May 28

Reader’s Cozy Corner, May 29

Reflections From My Bookshelves, May 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 30

Inspired by fiction, May 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 31

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 1

For Him and My Family, June 2

janicesbookreviews, June 2

Maureen’s Musings, June 3

Inklings and notions , June 3

Mary Hake, June 4

Texas Book-aholic, June 4

Retrospective Spines, June 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 5

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, June 6

Blogging With Carol, June 7

Just the Write Escape, June 7

For The Love of Books, June 8

Remembrancy, June 8

All 4 and About Books, June 9

Livin’ Lit, June 9

A Reader’s Brain, June 10

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, James is giving away a finished copy of The Pages of Her Life!!

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/e4f2/the-pages-of-her-life-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Seal Wolf Surrender by Terry Spear

Book Description

For a shifter with no interest in she-wolves...he sure is territorial.

Wolf shifter and former Navy SEAL Brock Greystoke isn't interested in she-wolves. The last one in his life ambushed him with the intent to kill. So when he's tasked with helping his cousin's friend get to a wedding, he has no intention of getting involved with her...

She-wolf Natalie Silverton has inadvertently crossed a group of dangerous criminals, and she's in dire need of a bodyguard. Good thing Brock is there to protect her. At every turn, their work—and play—brings them closer to catching the criminals and to each other, but Brock will have to get them out of this alive if he has any hope of winning Natalie's heart.

My Thoughts:
This book was pretty good. Natalie is happy for her friend and excited to go to her wedding. It will be a quick get away from the busy life she leads in Texas. The flight to Colorado changed her life completely though when she grabbed the wrong bag and stumbled into something she never expected.
Brock is a PI and not looking for a female to settle down with. He is content in his business because females bring nothing but trouble. I love the way he is the one Natalie's friend makes sure takes care of her from the start. Their meeting was intriguing. The whole plot flowed and I enjoyed it for the most part.
It was a 3/5 for me.

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

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Act of Valor by Dana Mentink

About the Book

Book: Act of Valor

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational romantic suspense

Release Date: June 1, 2019

A True Blue K-9 story …When airline employee Violet Griffin encounters several suspicious passengers, she’s thrust into the crosshairs of a drug smuggling operation. NYPD officer Zach Jameson and his drug detection beagle, Eddie, can tell this is no small-time threat. Someone’s gunning for Violet, and after recently losing his brother, Zach refuses to lose her, too…especially now that she’s gone from friend to the woman he’s falling for.

My Thoughts:
This was a good continuation of this story line. Violet works in her parent's diner but also at the airport. When she witnesses something suspicious, and no one is there to help her, she calls her long time friend Zach for help. I loved their relationship. They are best friends so this isn't an instant love relationship story.
Zach is such a strong male lead but he is hurting. They still haven't discovered who murdered his brother. I love the family dynamic in the book. Everyone on the police force is family, even when they aren't related. Even when someone blows up at the others, they shake it off and keep going. Violet is a strong woman but she has met her match with the people who are wanting to kill her. Loved the story from start to finish.
It was a 5/5 for me.

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

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Barbour, and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

Cops and killers and beagles, oh my! It was a ton of fun writing the second book in the new True Blue K-9 Continuity series. First of all, I had the honor of working with some AMAZING authors. (It’s challenging creating a world together and keeping all those details straight!) I had the privilege of following the amazing Lynette Eason, so that’s always a plus! Second, I learned all about the astonishing world of beagles! Those critters are just amazing. For instance, the original beagles were tiny, only 8 inches tall and could be carried in a pocket, which is why they called them Pocket Beagles. I need one of those! The name beagle comes from the French, which is translated “wide throat” or “loudmouth.” This is well earned by Eddie in my story, who will occasionally let loose with the trademark baying. The beagles small size, general friendliness, and ferocious scent drive, make it the perfect dog to sniff around airports and get into compact spaces. Eddie enjoys doing just that with Zach, his handler and best friend. He earns those gourmet treats that Zach bakes up for him. Best of all, Eddie was rescued from death before he became a canine cop star! It’s just awesome when you can twine fact with fiction to come up with a tail wagging suspense story! I hope you enjoy the second installment in the series!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 16

Genesis 5020, May 16

Multifarious, May 17

Through the Fire Blogs, May 17

Lighthouse Academy, May 17

Reading Is My SuperPower, May 18

Blogging With Carol, May 18

Daysong Reflections, May 19

Carla Loves to Read, May 19

Wishful Endings, May 20

EmpowerMoms, May 20

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 20

Remembrancy, May 21

Blossoms and Blessings, May 21

Simple Harvest Reads, May 22 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Hallie Reads, May 22

Among the Reads, May 23

Moments, May 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 24

Just Your Average reviews, May 24

Real World Bible Study, May 25

Pause for Tales, May 25

Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 26

Texas Book-aholic, May 26

Bigreadersite, May 27

janicesbookreviews, May 27

Inklings and notions, May 28

Rev. Rebecca Writes: Read, Write, Pray, May 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize of a print copy of the book, a beagle coloring book, and an 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/e012/act-of-valor-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Lone Star Standoff by Margaret Daley

Book Description

A high-profile trial turns lethal…

The next exciting Lone Star Justice novel

Presiding over the trial of a powerful drug cartel member, Judge Aubrey Madison finds her life threatened, and Texas Ranger Sean McNair isn’t taking any chances. Protecting the widow and her twins comes naturally to Sean—maybe too naturally for a guy who’s convinced he shouldn’t have a family. But he can’t help wishing for a future with Aubrey…if he can keep her alive.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book. Aubrey is a judge presiding over a big trial. I enjoyed the interactions between her and Sean, the Texas Ranger she calls when trouble starts. Sean is trying to find out what happened to his brother while also trying to solve the case of who murdered Aubrey's late husband.
There are several cases that are going but the main focus is keeping Aubrey and her family safe. Her twins are probably my favorite characters. You could just see their little personalities coming through the pages. I enjoyed the suspense, the romance was good, I wasn't thrilled with how it ended but it wrapped everything up nicely.
It was a 4/5 for me.

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

Friday, May 3, 2019

Once Bitten by Trina M. Lee

Book Description:

Alexa O'Brien is a rarity among supernaturals.

A hunter of supernatural rogues, she's a werewolf with unusual but extraordinary power. Power that fiercely draws her to Arys, the intriguing sexy-as-sin vampire who awakens her dark side.

What they create together is dangerous and binding, a unique but massive force that threatens her humanity and tests the love she possesses for someone else.

When Alexa's womanizing former lover and pack Alpha is framed for murder, he turns to her for help. She would like nothing more than to watch karma at work but as the body count rises, long buried secrets are exposed. Alexa is forced to face the painful truth that not everyone is who she thinks they are.

Not even her.

My Thoughts:

I think the narrator did a great job in this book. The book starts off with action and we meet Alexa, a huntress. I loved how she and her partner worked together. Then we meet some other intriguing characters that had me drooling a bit. Alexa has some hot men in her life. Including an arrogant jerk!

I loved all the supernaturals. Vamps and Weres were the main focus here and I think the author did a good job setting up this first book for future books in the series. I'm curious as to how the characters grow and change.

It was a 5/5 for me for the narrator and 3/5 for the book. I will be checking out the future books in the series just to see what happens with these characters.

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

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Gone Too Soon by Melody Carlson

About the Book

Book: Gone Too Soon

Author: Melody Carlson

Genre: Young Adult

Release Date: November 15, 2018

An icy road. A car crash.
A family changed forever.

Hannah Josephson had always been the “perfect” daughter. Kiera couldn’t live up to her before, and she certainly can’t now that her older sister has died in a car accident. But the image she carried resentfully of Hannah is challenged when she finds her dead sister’s diary and begins to read. Apparently Hannah’s final year wasn’t as perfect as everyone thought.

Caught in a pattern of blaming each other, the Josephson family is falling apart. Their father has left, their mother is mixing opiates and alcohol, little sister Maddie has been shipped off to spend the whole summer with their grandmother, and Kiera feels utterly alone with her grief and anger. A summer job helping at a park in a poor section of town provides a friend and a purpose.

But it’s Hannah’s diary that fills her thoughts. For the first time in years, she feels close to the sister she’s lost. But can the knowledge she gleans about her possibly help her patch back together the family that seems determined to implode?

My Thoughts:
I'm not overly certain what I was expecting from this book but I got more. Much more. It is a heartbreaking story to read, but it is wonderful. Maddie isn't the perfect sister, that was Hannah. Hannah was their mother's favorite and it seems the glue that holds their family together because when she dies, everything starts falling apart.
It was heartbreakingly wonderful to read Hannah's diary and see how it affects Maddie. Then in turn, the rest of the family is affected. From her parents splitting to not being the 'chosen' grandchild and more, Maddie feels alone. The author does a wonderful job of helping you feel the emotions. You just have to read this to understand.
It was a 5/5.

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

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.