"Never Let Go"

The case may be cold, but things are about to heat up
Forensic genealogist Willow Anderson is following in her late grandfather's footsteps in her quest for answers about a baby abducted from a hospital more than twenty years ago. When someone makes an attempt on Willow's life to keep her from discovering the truth, help will come from an unexpected source.

Ex-FBI agent--and Willow's ex-flame--Austin McKade readily offers to protect the woman he never should have let get away. Together they'll follow where the clues lead them, even if it means Austin must face the past he's spent much of his life trying to forget--and put Willow's tender heart at risk.

My Review:
"Never Let Go" is such a great start to this series, I cannot wait for book #2 to come out! This is fast-paced, action-filled and a nice mix of suspense and romance.  Willow is faced with so many decisions professionally with what to do with the business she was running with her late grandfather and if that wasn't enough now she has to face some personal issues, some heart issues when Austin becomes a part of her life once again.  Trying to solve a mystery from so many years ago, and obviously someone wants it to remain unsolved, has Willow more determined and more vigilant.  Both main characters are strong and likeable, it was easy to feel a connection right away with them.  I highly recommend this book for those whom enjoy romantic suspense, you will not be disappointed!

"Unique and intriguing romantic suspense that will have your heart racing. Goddard's fast-paced storytelling combined with emotional depth will keep you guessing until the very end."--Rachel Dylan, bestselling author of the Atlanta Justice series

"From the riveting opening to the satisfying conclusion, Never Let Go is a stellar beginning to what promises to be a thrilling romantic suspense series."--Susan Sleeman, bestselling and award-winning author of the White Knights series

"Fast-paced and suspenseful, Never Let Go lives up to its name. It grabs you by the throat from the first page, takes you through riveting twists and turns, and doesn't let go until a powerhouse ending."--Ronie Kendig, bestselling author of The Tox Files series

*Thanks to the Revell Reads Blogger Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*

"Castle on the Rise"

About the Book

Title: Castle on the Rise  
Author: Kristy Cambron  
Genre: Christian Historical Romance  
Release date: February 5, 2019  
Publisher: HarperCollins  

A storied castle. A band of rebels. A nation chasing a centuries-old dream of freedom. And three women who rise above it all . . . When Laine Forrester travels overseas to attend her best friend’s vineyard wedding, she expects to find the bride on the brink of a fairy tale life. But after a series of unforeseen setbacks, it seems the storybook lives they’d imagined are suddenly ripping apart. With hopes of resurrecting a happy ending, Laine agrees to accompany the newlyweds to the groom’s home in Ireland—never expecting she’d be the one drawn in by its wide-open moors, backroads bordering the Irish Sea, and a mysterious castle that dares to keep its secrets hidden. From the storied streets of Dublin to the shores of the Emerald Isle, Laine is drawn in to the land and its rich history. The castle ruins whisper stories of Issy—a photojournalist battling through the 1916 Easter Rising, and Maeve—the castle’s lady of legend, fighting for survival through the 1798 rebellion that started it all. Spanning more than two centuries, Castle on the Rise unites the legacy of three women who must risk mending the broken places within—for life, love, and the belief that even through the depths of our pain, a masterpiece of a story can emerge.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Kristy Cambron is an award-winning author of Christian fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of Bible studies, including the Verse Mapping Series. She is a passionate storyteller who travels to speak at ministry events across the country, encouraging women to experience a deeper life in the Word through verse mapping. Her work has been named to Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal’s Best Books, RT Reviewers' Choice Awards, and received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations. Kristy holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing, and lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, and can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read. To stay connected, visit www.kristycambron.com.

My Review:
This latest read from Kristy Cambron, "Castle on the Rise," is such a masterpiece!  Kristy has done another incredible job with  this book as she weaves together stories from various generations, melding together history and present day so seamlessly.  I have never been to Ireland, but after reading this, I had a strong desire to go visit.  Laine is such an amazing character (one of many in this story!) and I found her very relatable and loved being on this adventure with her.  The mysterious castle was such a great backdrop to so many secrets and so many lives throughout the centuries and it was so vividly described that I felt as if I was there wandering the halls and uncovering the layers of stories housed within the walls.  If you have not read a book by Kristy, run out and get all of her stories, but most definitely this one as it is a book you do not want to miss! 

Kristy’s Research Trip to Ireland

https://youtu.be/wIlQXEYlQks

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, February 19

Maureen’s Musings, February 19

The Power of Words, February 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 19

Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 20

Livin’ Lit, February 20

Texas Book-aholic, February 20

Fiction Aficionado, February 21

Gensis 5020, February 21

Blogging With Carol, February 21

Bigreadersite, February 21

Just the Write Escape, February 22

As He Leads is Joy, February 22

Just Your Average reviews, February 22

Inspired by fiction, February 23

Connect in Fiction, February 23

Carpe Diem, February 23

Bibliophile Reviews, February 24

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 24

Lis Loves Reading, February 24

A Baker’s Perspective, February 25

Emily Yager, February 25

Moments, February 25

All-of-a-kind Mom, February 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 26

Girls in White Dresses, February 26

Mary Hake, February 26

Simple Harvest Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

The Christian Fiction Girl, February 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 27

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 28

Remembrancy, February 28

Through the Fire Blogs, February 28

Inklings and Notions, February 28

Redeemed Hope Dweller, March 1

My Devotional Thoughts, March 1

Seasons of Opportunities, March 1

Pause for Tales, March 1

Ashley’s Bookshelf, March 2

The Becca Files, March 2

Book by Book, March 2

Living Life Free in Christ, March 2

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 3

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 3

All 4 and About Books, March 3

Southern Gal Loves to Read, March 4

Reader’s Cozy Corner, March 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 4

Janices book reviews, March 4

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristy is giving away a grand prize of one finished copy each of The Lost Castle (book 1) and Castle on the Rise (book 2)!!

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/d9d0/castle-on-the-rise-celebration-tour-giveaway

"Mending Fences"

"Mending Fences" is the most recent book from Suzanne Woods Fisher and it is the first book The Deacon's Family series.  I have enjoyed all of Suzanne's Amish novels and this one is no exception!  It is a unique story line that immediately drew me in as Luke is returning home a changed man and needs to make amends.  Luke has had to deal with struggles and he feels like the hard part is over; however asking for forgiveness and proving he is a changed man is going to be harder than he first anticipated.  Izzy is living the life she has always dreamed of, she has a home and a place to fit in and she has a flair for the work she is doing; however one thing is lacking, her mother.  Luke is shocked to meet up with Lizzy once again and is determined that if and once he can find Izzy's mother his list will be complete.  However, will it?  And we all know there are consequences to every action...
I loved this return to Stoney Ridge and reading more about some of the characters from the previous series as well as meeting so many new ones.  This is a great start to this new series and I cannot wait to see where the characters' stories go and who else we get to meet!

*Thanks to the Revell Reads Blogger Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*

"A Return of Devotion"

A tie to her past is about to land on her doorstep... literally. Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for twelve years. She had everything she needed--loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes on, and the new marquis has an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.

They've spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together?


My Review:

"A Return of Devotion" is book #2 in Kristi Ann Hunter's Haven Manor series and it is a great book and has left me wanting to read book #3.  Daphne and William are both wonderful main characters and  I thoroughly enjoyed their story.  Daphne has such a huge heart and she has been living a secret life for over a decade and the past is soon to catch up with her as well as how she has been living when William shows up at the door.  William knows that there is more meets the eye as things are not adding up and do not just seem quite right, but he just isn't sure just what is the true story yet.  Kristi does a great job with bringing these characters to life, the time period and society practices to life and a riveting story line that keeps you wanting to keep on reading and turning the pages from the very start to the very end.  This story has the themes of forgiveness and hope woven throughout it and it is a sweet read that will leave you wanting more! 

*Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book.* 

"When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams"

 

Book Description from the publisher:
 
Only God can heal our hearts
Life is full of twists and turns. Relationships falter, careers fizzle, health fades. We may be faced with choices we never wanted to make or have situations pushed upon us we never expected. Yet in all of it, God is at our side--even when He feels far away.

Drawing on her extensive research into women of the Old Testament, novelist Jill Eileen Smith turns her pen to what we can learn about trusting God from women like Eve, Noah's wife, Sarai, Hagar, Lot's wife, Rebekah, Rachel, and more. You'll discover what these ancient women did right--and what they did wrong--when faced with dashed expectations and deferred dreams. And you'll come away with the confidence that God loves you and is forming you through your trials into the woman He longs for you to be.


"The women of Genesis are fascinating, yet the narratives are terse. Jill Eileen Smith imagines what may have happened between the lines, and it causes us to ponder. How did the fall affect Adam and Eve's marriage? Why did Lot's wife look back? You'll be both educated and entertained."--Dee Brestin, author of The Friendships of Women and He Calls You Beautiful

"Steady and strong. Relatable and real. . . . This book has incredible heart--a drumbeat of God's enduring love for those we call mothers and daughters, sisters and friends."--Kristy Cambron, bestselling author of the Hidden Masterpiece novels and the Verse Mapping Bible studies


Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, The Loves of King Solomon, and Daughters of the Promised Land. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.

My Review:
I was so excited when I saw that Jill Eileen Smith had written this book, a Christian Living title, as I have read every single novel she has written and have come away with a deeper, and clearer knowledge and understanding of various individuals who are in the Bible.  This new book, "When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams," is an obvious choice to read, because when does life ever go exactly how we have planned?!  We each have our own ideas of how life should be, but God is the one who decides and has our lives all planned out and He is always right there with us.  However, that does not mean that we are not going to experience lows or have moments of feeling alone.  Jill's purpose for this book is to provide us with hope, to remind us that God is in control and He is by our side through it all.  Each chapter is this book focuses on a specific woman from the Bible, some that are well known (Eve), others not so much (Noah's wife).  Jill states the passage from the Bible as to which each chapter is based upon and then the story and the details that really "complete" the story are shared.  Each chapter has a section of applying the story to the world today, to our life right now and also thoughts to ponder and questions to reflect upon.  I really enjoyed each of these chapters as I feel like I have a better understanding of these women and what their lives would have been life, and also I am left feeling hopeful and reminded of God's role in my life.  My two personal favorite chapters were the ones that focus on Noah's wife and Potiphar's wife; two lesser known individuals, but filling such big roles.  I highly recommend this as a book to read on your own or even with a small group.  

*Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book.* 

"The Sky Above Us"

Book Blurb from the publisher:
 
Facing the past may be the most fearsome battle of his life.
Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.

Violet Lindstrom wants to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, arranging entertainment for the men of the 357th and setting up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.

Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near . . . and secrets can't stay buried forever.

My Review:
Sarah Sundin is one of my most favorite historical romance writers, each and every book she writes is so good and it feels as if history is coming alive while reading.  "The Sky Above Us" is book 2 in Sarah's Sunrise at Normandy series and we return to reading about the Paxton family, this time the focus in on Adler.  Adler is not only in the midst of war, but he is also fighting internal battles and Violet is determined she can help him, she can feel it in her heart.  I have to say that Violet is one of my favorite characters in all of Sarah Sundin's books, there's something about her that really tugs on my heart; however so does Adler, so maybe it's how she approaches him and their interactions as well. Adler and Violet are both independent and strong characters, and Violet has a heart for missions and helping others and she is truly following her passion and helping so many during this treacherous time.   This book just puts a whole new perspective on World War II and what war was really like for so many, whether they be in the midst of battle, or trying to keep spirits up.  All the while they are individuals still dealing with things in their personal lives in addition to the daily battles fought each day for the country.  For anyone whom enjoys history, this is a must-read, as it truly brings this historical time period to life and will have you falling in love with the characters and left wanting to read more!

*Thanks to the Revell Reads Blogger Program for the complimentary copy of this book.* 

"Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe"

About the Book

Title: Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe  
Author: Carla Laureano  
Genre: Christian Romance  
Release date: February 5, 2019  
Publisher: Tyndale

Baker and pastry chef Melody Johansson has always believed in finding the positive in every situation, but seven years after she moved to Denver, she can’t deny that she’s stuck in a rut. One relationship after another has ended in disaster, and her classical French training is being wasted on her night job in a mediocre chain bakery. Then the charming and handsome private pilot Justin Keller lands on the doorstep of her workplace in a snowstorm, and Melody feels like it’s a sign that her luck is finally turning around. Justin is intrigued by the lively bohemian baker, but the last thing he’s looking for is a relationship. His own romantic failures have proven that the demands of his job are incompatible with meaningful connections, and he’s already pledged his life savings to a new business venture across the country—an island air charter in Florida with his sister and brother-in-law. Against their better judgment, Melody and Justin find themselves drawn together by their unconventional career choices and shared love of adventure. But when an unexpected windfall provides Melody with the chance to open her dream bakery-café in Denver with her best friend, chef Rachel Bishop, she’s faced with an impossible choice: stay and put down roots with the people and place she’s come to call home . . . or give it all up for the man she loves.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Carla Laureano is the RITA® Award-winning author of contemporary inspirational romance and Celtic fantasy (as C.E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons, where she writes during the day and cooks things at night.

My Review:
"Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe" is such a sweet and refreshing story!  On the very first page I was transported to the bakery kitchen where Melody works, hearing the wind swirling the snow around outside, smelling the yeast and the various kinds of breads mingling together in the air.  Then came the knock at the door and working this shift alone changed for Melody as she let pilot Justin in to use the phone and get warm.   Carla did such a good job at setting the scene, introducing the characters and the internal struggles they are dealing with and showing their hearts and faith.  Melody is working a job that will pay the bills, but her heart isn't in it and while she has faith, she needs to really test that faith and really truly rely on God.  The story line flows nicely and the way Carla writes really brings the entire book to life, the descriptions are so vivid and it made me want to go check out every bakery within a 100 mile radius!  This is such a great book featuring food and faith, the perfect mix!

Guest Post from Carla

“Confessions of An Erstwhile Baker” Like most females, baking is encoded somewhere deep down in my DNA. Call it nature or call it nurture, but at the earliest age, I figured out that the cute boy in my English class would talk to me if it involved chocolate chip cookies. Got my heart broken or had a friend betray me? I grabbed the mixing bowl and went for the brownies (even better if they’re served à la mode.) My friend was having a birthday? I made a cake drowned in pounds of buttercream. I quickly graduated from the boxed mixes to the real thing when I got married and had a kitchen large enough to roll out dough. I would comb magazines for the best recipes and spend my weekends trying them out. I quickly became known for bringing beautifully iced Christmas cookies and delicious homemade cakes to work. Then my husband and I moved our young family from Los Angeles to Denver, a relocation that was about 1000 miles northeast and 5000 feet up. Suddenly, every recipe I’d perfected in the previous eight years failed. Cookies burned to crisps, cakes fell, and don’t get me started on candy making. Gradually, I adapted my recipes (my beloved never-fail Toll House recipe took eight tries to get right) and even became an avid artisan bread-baker. Then disaster. Or at least, what a baker would consider a disaster. After developing chronic health problems, I discovered that among other things, I was sensitive to gluten. The horror! In order to heal, I turned to the paleo diet, which eliminates all grains (there goes most gluten free recipes) and all processed sugars (there goes everything else). I’ve tried baking paleo-style, and while I can now make cakes that even my gluten-fiend family enjoy, it’s just not the same. So what’s a once-obsessive baker do when she can’t eat her creations? She bakes for other people and goes on faith that they actually taste good… considering she can’t taste them herself. It struck me that there was a spiritual lesson in that, and an obvious tie to Brunch at Bittersweet Café, which deals in large part with Melody’s faith journey. There are times when we have no idea if things are working out the way they’re supposed to, in which case we just have to trust the “recipe” and the input of friends and family who love us. Sometimes our instincts tell us when we’re off track, and sometimes we need that outside nudge from our “taste-testers” to put us back on course. In any case, what Melody and I have in common is that we both bake to show our love for the people around us. And the process of baking my favorites, even knowing that I can’t enjoy them myself, can still be a selfless way to show people they’re important to me. Fortunately, macarons, which happen to be made with almond flour, are still on the menu.

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, February 12

Among the Reads, February 12

Lighthouse Academy, February 12

By The Book, February 12

The Power of Words, February 13

As He Leads is Joy, February 13

Cultivating Us, February 13

Blossoms and Blessings, February 13

Fiction Aficionado, February 14

The Lit Addict, February 14

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, February 14

This Chattanooga Mommy Saves, February 14

All-of-a-kind Mom, February 15

Just the Write Escape, February 15

100 Pages per Hour, February 15

Splashes of Joy, February 15

Bibliophile Reviews, February 16

Texas Book-aholic, February 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

C Jane Read, February 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 17

Moments, February 17

Back Porch Reads, February 17

Cordially Barbara, February 18

Genesis 5020, February 18

Simple Harvest Reads, February 18 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 18

Livin’ Lit, February 19

Kat’s Corner Books, February 19

Life with the Tribe, February 19

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 19

Through the Fire Blogs, February 20

Remembrancy, February 20

Vicky Sluiter, February 20

Living Life Free in Christ, February 20

2014 and Beyond!, February 21

Daysong Reflections, February 21

Inklings and Notions, February 21

Pause for Tales, February 21

Cafinated Reads, February 22

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 22

two points of interest, February 22

Ashley’s Bookshelf, February 22

My Devotional Thoughts, February 23

Two Girls and a Book, February 23

The Christian Fiction Girl, February 23

For the love of books, February 23

God is Love, February 24

Book by Book, February 24

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 24

Janices book reviews, February 24

Lukewarm Tea, February 25

Carpe Diem, February 25

A Baker’s Perspective, February 25

Bigreadersite, February 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carla is giving away a grand prize package of a macaron baking mat, a macaron book, and a paperback copy of Brunch at Bittersweet Café!!

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/db0f/brunch-at-bittersweet-cafe-celebration-tour-giveaway

*Thanks to Celebrate Lit for including me on this blog tour and for the complimentary copy of this book.*