Scorned Justice...Margaret Daley

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Scorned Justice Abingdon Press (April 1, 2013) by Margaret Daley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Margaret Daley is an award winning, multi-published author in the romance genre. One of her romantic suspense books, Hearts on the Line, won the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Contest. Recently she has won the Golden Quill Contest, FHL’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest, Winter Rose Contest, Holt Medallion and the Barclay Gold Contest. She wrote for various secular publishers before the Lord led her to the Christian romance market. She currently writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense books for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired lines, romantic suspense for Abingdon Press and historical romance for Summerside Press. She has sold eighty-three books to date.

Margaret was the president of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization of Christia writers with over 2300 members. She was one of the founding members of the first ACFW local chapter, WIN in Oklahoma. She has taught numerous classes for online groups, ACFW and RWA chapters. She enjoys mentoring other authors.

Until she retired a few years ago, she was a teacher of students with special needs for twenty-seven years and volunteered with Special Olympics as a coach. She currently is on the Outreach committee at her church, working on several projects in her community as well as serving on her church’s vestry.

On a more personal note, she has been married for over forty years to Mike and has one son and four granddaughters. She treasures her time with her family and friends.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody's high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody's help. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case. However, as Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca's help, he compiles evidence which involves cattle rustlers, bribery, and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Scorned Justice, go HERE.

My Thoughts: 

First of all, let me say that I love Margaret Daley and have for a long time. As a former first reader for Harlequin/Steeple Hill I read most of Daley's Love Inspired Suspense's. Until I received Scorned Justice to review I didn't realize she had a new line of books with Abingdon Press. Along with Scorned Justice I received Saving Hope to read. Both books were awesome. They had everything I love in a book, suspense, family drama, a bit of romance, and a handsome man of the law! 

In this series we meet some Texas Rangers that would make any woman feel safe. Daley weaves together a story so tightly wound with suspense and tension that I couldn't put either book down--I read both stories in a two day period. I hope this is a series she keeps going for a while as I can't get enough of these well developed characters.

FYI: The books are complete stand alone stories. You can read them in any order as they are not a continuation series.

Threads of Hope by Christa Allan

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Threads of Hope Abingdon Press (March 1, 2013) by Christa Allan
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A true Southern woman who knows that any cook worth her gumbo always starts with a roux and who never wears white after Labor Day, Christa is a writer of not your usual Christian Fiction. She weaves stories of unscripted grace and redemption with threads of hope, humor, and heart. Christa is the mother of five adult children, a grandmother of three, and a brand new retired teacher. She and her husband Ken live in New Orleans with their three cats and do their best to dodge hurricanes.

And, since she is not fond of writing about herself in third person, she asked her oldest daughter to contribute. Like her mother, Erin is not at a loss for words…

ABOUT THE BOOK

Passed over for promotion and dumped by her boyfriend, Nina O’Malley is further frustrated when her editor assigns her one of the “soft” stories she despises—covering a gala benefit supporting the AIDS Memorial Quilt. More determined than ever to prove she deserves a promotion to the NY office, Nina decides to write a series featuring a local quilting group raising money for AIDs research. At the event, she runs into her high school nemesis: Greg is a widower and the adoptive father of Jazarah, an HIV positive girl from Ethiopia. Unlike Nina, Greg has faith in a loving God, and he trusts in God’s plan for his life. Greg and Nina grow closer, and as Nina interviews the quilt families, she begins to question the choices she has made and her lack of faith. Nina suddenly finds herself facing two possible dreams, two paths for her life.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Threads of Hope, go HERE.

My Thoughts:

I am about half way through this book and should finish it this evening. I'm finding the book to be deeper than I originally expected. Because of the smaller size I pictured this as more of an easy read or gift book; however, the subject matter gives the reader a real story to digest along with challenging us as Christians. I'm enjoying it very much and find that Christa Allan is an author I'll be adding to my favorite list.

The Survivor by Diann Mills

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Survivor Zondervan (March 5, 2013) by DiAnn Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops.

DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills


ABOUT THE BOOK

Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants her story written in a novel. Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and conducts her own research, stepping unaware into a viper's pit of danger. Tigo misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their relationship. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing the killer to justice. As Kariss's new story attracts an onslaught of danger that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find who wants her dead for writing about an unsolved cold-case?

MY THOUGHTS:

Obviously anything by Diann Mills is a winner. Mills is a fantastic writer of suspense with a touch of romance. Her books are always big on details and procedure--all things I love. She always has these great characters like she does in The Survivor with Tigo and Kariss. This book was as great as anything she's ever written and I'm sure if you're a fan of suspense you're going to love this one.

A word of caution: I feel like I keep saying this but I didn't realize this was book two of a series when I said I'd review it. Usually it doesn't bother me too much that there's a first book because most books are stand alone and you aren't missing too much by starting with book two--that is not the case with this book. I felt like I would have enjoyed this book much more if I'd have read book one. There is a continuing relationship from book one that we don't have a great grasp on in book two alone. So go out and grab The Chase by Diann Mills before you read this one. :)

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Survivor, go HERE.

Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Wings of Glass Tyndale House Publishers (March 1, 2013) by Gina Holmes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gina Holmes began her career in 1998, penning articles and short stories. In 2005 she founded the influential literary blog, Novel Journey now called Novel Rocket and she is also the founder of Inspire The Fire.

Her debut, Crossing Oceans, was a Christy and Gold Medallion finalist and winner of the Carol Award, INSPY, and RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice, as well as being a CBA, ECPA, Amazon and PW Religion bestseller. Her sophomore novel, Dry as Rain, was also named a Christy finalist. Her upcoming novel, Wings of Glass will releases this month. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her family in southern Virginia. She works too hard, laughs too loud, and longs to see others heal from their past and discover their God-given purpose.



ABOUT THE BOOK

From the bestselling author of Crossing Oceans comes a heart-rending yet uplifting story of friendship and redemption. On the cusp of womanhood, Penny is swept off her feet by a handsome farmhand with a confident swagger. Though Trent Taylor seems like Prince Charming and offers an escape from her one-stop-sign-town, Penny’s happily ever after lasts no longer than their breakneck courtship. Before the ink even dries on their marriage certificate, he hits her for the first time. It isn’t the last, yet the bruises that can’t be seen are the most painful of all.

When Trent is injured in a welding accident and his paycheck stops, he has no choice but to finally allow Penny to take a job cleaning houses. Here she meets two women from very different worlds who will teach her to live and laugh again, and lend her their backbones just long enough for her to grow her own.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Wings of Glass, go HERE.

My Thoughts:

I love Gina Holmes and think she's one of the best writers of serious women's fiction today; and I especially loved her book, Crossing Oceans. This book, Wings of Glass, was just as well developed and thought out as her others. Again, it deals with issues that are unpleasant at best and challenge the reader with every page. The only negative I have for this book is the use of the first person voice. I typically like first person but throughout this one I kept wishing it was in third person. However, that's just a personal preference and I still found the book to be so well written that I have no problems recommending it to anyone who loves a well written women's fiction book!

Catherine's Pursuit by Lena Nelson Dooley

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Catherine's Pursuit Realms (February 5, 2013) by Lena Nelson Dooley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 675,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers http://www.acfw.com/ and president of the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers. She’s also a member of Christian Authors Network, CROWN Fiction Marketing, and Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.

Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends. Travel is always on her horizon. Cruising, Galveston, the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Mexico. One day it will be Hawaii and Australia, but probably not the same year. Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with fifteen signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins from American Christian Fiction Writers and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award at their national conference. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books. And she loves chocolate, especially dark chocolate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Angus McKenna was forced to give two of his daughters to families in the wagon train, he promised he'd never try to contact them. Catherine made no such pledge. But when she sets out to find her sisters, she doesn't go alone. Angus sends Collin with her. Will they discover the two women---and love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Catherine's Pursuit, go HERE.



My Thoughts:

I have not read the other two books in this series and while I now look forward to picking them up, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Regardless of the fact I now know I would have understood the story a little more had I read the first and second book, I was so quickly drawn into this story that I didn't care. I thought Mrs. Dooley shined in her ability to create romantic tension between Catherine and Collin and by the end of the book I was in love with these characters. A great read for any lover of historical fiction with a good dollop of romance!

Memory of Murder...Ramona Richards

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Memory of Murder Love-Inspired Suspense by Ramona Richards

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from Ramona:

The hardest biographical sketch to write is always your own, whether or not you’re a writer by profession. You can’t decide what to throw in, what to leave out, and whether or not you should list strengths and flaws, or just strengths.

I like writing and telling stories so much that I once tried to live out a few. After getting a master’s in English, I went on to be the seneschale of my local Society for Creative Anachronism. I had a rocky start, but I did get better. (Robin Hood, eat your heart out.)

People often ask members of the SCA, “Are you in a play?” so I thought it would be fun to do that, too. For seven years, I produced and performed in shows staged by Nashville’s Circle Players.

Although I’m single now, I married in 1982 and in 1987 had Rachel. She’s a cutie. Severely disabled, she’s the heroine of many an article for Special Ed Today magazine. Rachel's nurse, Phyllis, is the real life heroine of “An Act of Desperation,” which I sold to Chicken Soup for the Caregiver’s Soul.

I’m not really a complex person, and my dreams are fairly straightforward: sell books, have enough money to pay the bills and travel a bit, and settle into a cottage. In early 2006, I bought the cottage, which is now more or less swamped by books and DVDs. I write at night (I’m a lifelong night owl), and I occasionally escape by scuba diving, hiking, dancing, and going to movies and bookstores.

I’ve gone to the same church since 1993, and I even sing in the choir. It’s a small but awesome church. I’m no angel, although occasionally I play one in the backyard.

I like staying busy. Life is too short not to follow your dreams.

ABOUT THE BOOK

THE SECRETS OF HER PAST COULD IMPERIL HER FUTURE

Lindsey Presley certainly can't imagine why anyone would want her dead-though she knows she wouldn't be alive today if not for the local cop who saved her from two murder attempts. Deputy Jeff Gage has worked difficult cases, but with only Lindsey's fractured memories of a broken past to guide him, this is by far his most challenging.

For Lindsey, fleeing the town she has come to call home is unthinkable. Separately, they are vulnerable, but together, Jeff and Lindsey just may stand a chance of catching a ruthless killer.

MY THOUGHTS:







Ever since I used to review for Harlequin/Steeple Hill I have a soft spot for Love Inspired books and their authors. I know the work that goes into these stories and the effort to make them an enjoyable read for the reader.


Memory for Muder was exactly what I expected from a Love Inspired book. It was well written and developed and an overall enjoyable read. If you like suspense with a touch of romance, you'll love this one. I will warn you that this is the third book in the series and it might make it more enjoyable if you read House of Secrets and Field of Danger first, but it's not going to ruin the story if you haven't read the others.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Memory of Murder, go HERE.

Watch the book video trailer:

Swept Away...Mary Connealy

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Swept Away Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013) by Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Swept Away, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS:
After reading the Kincaid Brides series by Mary Connealy I was pretty excited when given the opportunity to review this book, Swept Away. I love when authors give us a little extra glimpse into their character's lives by doing "spin off" series.

This one was as just like the others by Connealy, it hooked my from page one. I immediately fell for Ruthy and her plight and wanted her to rise above her current situation and rise she did. Then there was Luke Stone...a cowboy any girl could love. Who doesn't love a man that rescues a woman in her darkest hour?

An overall easy read that I would suggest to anyone that loves a good romance with a bit of humor. Looking forward to the next installment in this new series.

Strand of Deception...my review

So I didn't get my book Strand of Deception in time for the CFBA blog tour, but yesterday I cracked it open--and finished it by last night. It was that good. I've not read a lot by Robin Caroll but what I have read has always been good. The premise behind this one was so intriguing I couldn't wait to get started. You can read the basic premise in the CFBA post below.

One thing I realized after I got the book was that it was book three in the series. I have not read books 1 or 2 so there were a few times I felt a little lost as to the backstory but not enough to slow me down. :) I plan to get those other two books as soon as I can now that I'm hooked on these characters.

What I loved most about this book was how well researched and developed it was. I loved feeling like I was learning about DNA science as I read and that the author didn't try to "dumb" it down just to entertain. Overall, I would suggest anyone who loves CSI, Law & Order, or any great suspense to order your copy of Strand of Deception today!

Strand of Deception

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Strands of Deception B&H Books (March 1, 2013) by Robin Caroll   I did not get this book in time to do my own review--check back next week to see what I thought :)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Gina Ford, the daughter of a prominent Tennessee politician, goes missing from the University of Memphis a week after another girl was murdered on the same campus, police call in the FBI. Nick Hagar, married to his job as Special Agent in Charge, is assigned to the case, and when Gina’s body is found, her father demands justice.

Maddie Baxter is the forensic expert running DNA tests from the crime scene. When they come back without a match, Nick asks her to do a familial DNA run that yields a shocking result: the prime suspect is Adam Alexander, the very same guy who broke Maddie’s heart when she was in college.

But do scientific advancements tell the whole story? Strand of Deception offers romance, suspense, and a lively debate about the impact of DNA testing, for better or worse, on the United States justice system.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Strands of Deception, go HERE.

The Icecutter's Daughter

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Icecutter’s Daughter Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013) by Tracie Peterson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.
She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.

My Take:

As a long time reviewer, I’ve read and reviewed my fair share of Tracie Peterson books. The newest one, The Icecutter’s Daughter was all that I would expect from a Peterson book. The heroine, Merrill Krause is typical for one of Tracie’s characters. She’s a strong, caring and passionate woman, who is just flawed enough for us all to relate to her insecurities. In trying to keep the promise she made to her dying mother to care for her father and brother’s, she doesn’t see that love could be in her future too.

Rurik Jorgenson is an honorable Swedish man who until now has honored the path his father chose for him in an arranged engagement. Now that his parents are gone and he gets a request from his uncle to come to Minnesota to help with his uncle's furniture business, Rurik realizes he just might be able to follow his own path, if only his fiancee will let him go.

I enjoyed the similarities between the characters and how they both had similar reasons for putting aside their own hopes for a future. In typical Peterson fashion, she wove a tale of romance, a slight mystery, and tons of conflict. I read this book in one Saturday afternoon and would suggest it to any lovers of romance, women's fiction, and historicals. Tracie Peterson is such a consistent writer you know you're going to get a great book when her name is on the cover.  


ABOUT THE BOOK

As the lone female in a houseful of men, Merrill Krause dedicates her life to caring for her family and their business, as her dying mother asked. Besides, it suits her; she's never felt like she fits what most people expect in a girl--she'd rather work with her father's horses and assist with the ice harvest. And though she's been mostly content up to this point, a part of her wonders if there will ever be anyone who will notice her amid the bevy of brothers determined to protect her from any possible suitors.

When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small Minnesota town to join his uncle's carpentry business, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. The attraction between them begins to build...until Rurik's former fiance shows up with wild claims that bring serious consequences to Rurik.

Can Rurik and Merrill learn to trust God--and each other--when scandal threatens their newfound love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Icecutter’s Daughter, go HERE.