Litfuse Blog Tour and Review: Heiress

 Heiress

by Susan May Warren

Published 2011

Summerside Press

368 Pages

ISBN: 1609362187

Historical fiction

About the book:

They can buy anything they want—fame, power, beauty, even loyalty.

 

But they can’t buy love.

 

The beautiful and wealthy heiress daughters of August Price can buy everything their hearts desire. But what if their desire is to be loved, without an enormous price tag attached? When one sister betrays another for the sake of love, will she find happiness? And what happens when the other sets out across the still untamed frontier to find it—will she discover she’s left it behind in the glamorous world of the New  York gilded society? What price will each woman pay for being an heiress?

 

Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, two women discover that being an heiress just might cost them everything they love.

 

 My Review:

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive.”  That quote kept resonating through my mind as I read this book.  In Heiress, Susan May Warren transports the reader into the Gilded Age and a plot that is full of emotion – betrayal, anger, guilt, heartache and redemption.  I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but it immediately grasped my attention and didn’t let go until the very end.

 

The story of Jinx and Esme is a complex tale that dragged my emotions from chapter to chapter.  This book was hard to put at times, but at a certain point, I’d hit an emotional wall and would be forced to stop reading because I couldn’t handle anymore drama.  The heartache that these characters endure and overcome is what makes this book so great!   Also, I was also fascinated by the time period of this book and the angle that Susan approached it from.  Many historical fictions books in this era focus on the “clean/safe” side of the period – the debutantes, the extravagant balls,  the beautiful gowns, or the courting of a young lady; while Susan looks at the “gritty/dirty” topics – the corruption, the deceit, and the hurt.  Though I did enjoy this book, I was a bit surprised that the faith element really didn’t come into play until the last 1/4 of the book.  It isn’t until the final section of the book, when we see the characters reunite with one another and finally understand their blessings, and that they are loved by God. 

 

Susan May Warren is one of those authors that I would read ANY book from!  She’s incredibly talented and always entertaining from her whimsical and comical stories, to her suspenseful one and now to her dramatic books.  I’m anxious to see what the next book in this series, Baroness, will be like.  Many thanks to Litfuse for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this blog tour!  I received this book  from them in return for my honest review.   Sara’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

 

About Susan:

Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband a reactive in their local church.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!  She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com,a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)  A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com.

Win an opulent Gilded Age Prize Pack fit for an Heiress from Susan May Warren!

Susan May Warren is thrilled to announce the release of her latest historical book, Heiress!

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

Heiress, a richly complex historical romance, is the first in Susan's three book Daughters of Fortune series. In honor of Heiress’ debut, Susan is hosting a FABULOUS Gilded Age Giveaway and giving away an opulent prize pack fit for an heiress!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $100 gift certificate to ModCloth.com
• A sleek silver iPod™ Shuffle
• A beautiful strand of Pearls
• Titanic DVD
• Speakeasy Compilation Music CD from Starbucks™
• Heiress by Susan May Warren

Click one of the icons below to enter. But do so soon - this giveaway ends 10/5/11. The winner will be announced Thursday, October 6 on Susan’s blog.

Book Review: Wolfsbane + GIVEAWAY

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present you with my book review for my most anticipated book release of 2011.  This book is #3 in the Discarded Heroes series, by Ronie Kendig, and if you recall my review of book #2, Digitalis, you know that there was quite the expectation that this one needed to live up to.  So, let's get on with it, shall we?

Wolfsbane

by Ronie Kendig

Published July 2011

Barbour Publishing, Inc.

320 pages

ISBN: 1602607842

Fiction

From the Publisher:
Embark upon a danger-laden mission within the pages of Ronie Kendig's riveting Wolfsbane. Demolitions expert Danielle Roark thought escaping from a brutal Venezuelan general was a challenge. Now she's charged with espionage and returned to the jungle where a new nightmare begins. Will Dani survive or become just another political pawn destined to be lost forever? Former Green Beret Canyon Metcalfe is disgusted with the suits on Capitol Hill. Still wrestling with the memories of a mission gone bad, he and Nightshade launch a mission to find Dani. Can Canyon rescue Dani, armed with nothing but raw courage?

My Review:
Wow!  That seems to be what I say whenever I finish one of Ronie Kendig's books.  I'm not even sure where to begin this one...but simply put: this book ROCKED my world!  Ronie continues to amaze me with her depth of characters and plot, her heartfelt writing and her ever present message of faith.  She just keeps getting better and better.

In the previous books, Canyon is known as "the quiet and easy-going one", yet there were so many things that caught me by surprise in this book as we get to know him.  My favorite scene is when the Nightshade team has returned from their failed mission.  Canyon is in the hospital and he realizes that Dani isn’t with them.  He’s struggling to overcome his addiction, he’s riddled with guilt and he basically goes crazy.  He starts a fight with Max (never a good idea) and breaks down in tears with the weight of the world on his shoulders.  The emotion in this book was off the charts!  Ronie has a talent for making her heroes SO, SO flawed and SO real, yet in the end, they always realize that God is in control and loves them. 

Ronie possesses the unique skill of capturing the readers attention and provided a vivid background.  I adore how she can transport the reader from a family get-together in the backyard, to being stuck in a Hummer during a mudslide in Venezula, to a secluded hotel room and even to a tense court room hearing.   I really feel like I’m there and apart of the story.  Plus, probably what I loved most about this book is that her characters deal with “real” issues and make “real” mistakes.  This isn’t your typical walk-in-the-park,  boy-meets-girl/they-fall-in-love, Christian Fiction.  This book brings up suicide, sex slavery, addiction and premarital sex.  That's raising the bar, and Ronie nailed it!

After Digitalis, I didn’t think this would happen…but Wolfsbane is my new favorite of the series!  I highly recommend it.  Go out and buy this book now.  Or if you live near me, come over and I’ll let you borrow it!  January 2012 cannot get here quick enough and I can’t even being to imagine how awesome Firethorn is going to be.  Many thanks to Ronie Kendig for providing me with a signed copy of this book (I won a giveaway!  Whoop, whoop!)  Sara’s Rating: 6 out of 5 stars…yea, this one was that good too!

The GIVEAWAY:

I was extremely lucky to win the whole Discarded Heroes series by Ronie Kendig; however, I already owned copies of Nightshade and Digitalis, so....I've decided to give them away!!  I’ll be randomly selecting one lucky reader to win these two fabulous books.  Here's what you need to do!

To enter (main entry) -

Leave a comment telling me why you love Ronie Kendig's books or if you haven't read any yet, why you are looking forward to reading them. Don't forget to include your email address!

For ONE bonus entry - Head over to Twitter and tweet the following statement:

"@saraboff is giving away copies of @roniekendig's Nightshade & Digitalis and I want to win!  http://goo.gl/2Sras”

Then, leave a comment telling me you’ve done so.

For ONE more bonus entry -

Head over to Ronie's website, RonieKendig.com, and leave a comment telling me what your favorite thing about it is!  It could be anything - the blog, the font, her bio - anything.  I personally like the different page titles, but let me know what you think is cool.

Good luck!

**Contest closes for entries July 16, 2011, 11:59pm PST. Winner will be chosen using random.org on July 17 and notified via the email address left in their comment. If I do not hear back from the winner after 48 hours, another name will be drawn....cause if you snooze, you lose!

Litfuse Blog Tour and Review: Missions of Mercy

Thanks to the fabulous people at Litfuse Publicity, I’ve been given the chance to review not just one book…but three!  Exciting, right?  So, here we go:

The Mercy of Missions series by Susan May Warren:

Three heroes, all on missions of mercy, who discover that God not only saves us from evil, but from the darkness inside.

Point of No Return: An American boy and a warlord's engaged daughter have disappeared-together-in an Eastern European border country. Only one man can find them in time to prevent an international meltdown-Chet Stryker. But Chet is taken aback when he realizes the boy is the nephew of Mae Lund, Chet's former flame. When Mae insists on rescuing her relative herself, Chet knows he has to protect her from the enemy on their trail. Yet can he protect himself from falling for Mae again?

Mission: Out of Control: Brody "Wick" Wickham is a former Green Beret turned security agent-with a 100 percent mission success rate. No way is his new assignment changing that. Even if it's protecting a diva American rock star while she's on tour in Europe. Except Veronica "Vonya" Wagner isn't just a beautiful celebrity used to having her way-she's the daughter of a U.S. Senator. And she's hiding a dangerous secret. When Wick discovers what's at stake, how far over the line will he go to keep them both alive?

Undercover Pursuit: The only way to get security agent Luke Dekker to a wedding? An undercover mission as groomsman. He'll bust the groom, a drug cartel heir, before anyone can say "I do." Then Luke can escape all this love and romance nonsense-and the too pretty bridesmaid/agent assigned as his "fiancée" for the weekend. Until Luke discovers that sweet, vulnerable Scarlett Hanson isn't his contact. Isn't an agent.  Isn't trained for the high-stakes mission now trapping them both. And worse, Luke's falling for her-which is not part of the assignment.

My Review:

I adore Susan May Warren!  She’s one of the best romantic suspense authors that I’ve read.  Susan has an excellent way of transporting the reader into the settings and filling them with the conflict, emotion and heart of the characters; plus, always including the love of God into the story.

Of the three, Point of No Return was my favorite.  Why?  Because it was the perfect combination of high action suspense, faith and romance.  Plus, how can you not love a strong willed female lead like Mae?  She’s a hot shot helicopter pilot, after all.  It doesn’t gets much cooler than that. :)  I also feel that this was the most action-packed of the three.  Mae is trying to save her nephew, Chet is trying to save her, all in a country where he is public enemy #1.  Throw in a couple of explosions, a daughter that Chet never knew he had, an understanding of God’s love and forgiveness for both Mae and Chet, followed up by an intense final battle scene… I loved it!  Sara’s Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

Mission Out of Control picks up the series not too long after the first book ends and it follows Wick on an outside job, while Chet is on his honeymoon.  I love Wick, but in all honestly, I didn’t like Vonya as much as the other female leads in this series.  She was just a bit too crazy for my tastes, but I did like how she “fit” Wick’s personality and they balance each other out.  The suspense in this book was enjoyable and it was fun to try to figure out who was behind everything.  Sara’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars!

Undercover Pursuit didn’t have as much suspense as the first two books, but I found it very entertaining and it’s my second favorite of the series.  I loved the plot concept of “mistaken identities” from both Luke and Scarlett, and then, following them as they try to figure out what to do about it.  Also, this book has a strong faith element.  Luke is struggling to realize that he can be forgiven by God for his past mistakes, while Scarlett is trying to realize that she is worth something in Gods eyes and not just a shadow of her sister.  Lastly, I loved how the whole Stryker team shows up near the end to “save the day” and I loved the epilogue.  If you’ve read my reviews before, then you know that I’m a sucker for a happy ending. :)  Sara’s Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

Susan May Warren has yet to disappoint me.  I thoroughly enjoyed all these books and many thanks to Litfuse for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this blog tour!  I received the 3 books in the Missions of Mercy series from them in return for my honest review. 

About Susan:

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press.  A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.  A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you! She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

For more about Susan and her other books, please visit www.susanmaywarren.com.

To celebrate the series, Susan is giving away a Missions of Mercy Prize Pack worth over $200! One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new FLIP HD Camera

* The entire Missions of Mercy series

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. You may enter once per email, facebook, and twitter. The contest ends on May 31st. Tell your friends! Winner will be announced on June 1st at the Litfuse Publicity site and at Susan May Warren's website. (While you're there, check out her rockin' new website!)

Book Review: Save the Date

 

Save the Date

by Jenny B. Jones

Copyright 2011

Thomas Nelson

307 pages

Fiction

From the Publisher:
When Alex and Lucy pick out wedding invitations, they wonder if they can be printed in vanishing ink.

Former NFL star Alex Sinclair is a man who has it all--except the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancée in return for the money she desperately needs. Bound to a man who isn't quite what he seems, Lucy will find her heart on the line--and maybe even her life. When God asks Alex and Lucy to scrap their playbook and follow his rules, will they finally say, "I do"?

My Review:

This book was just too cute!  I had heard great things about Jenny B. Jones and had high expectations before I even received this book to review, but let me tell you…it met everyone single one. 

There were so many things that I loved about this book!  First, I really enjoyed the plot of an engagement for convenience and how the reader gets to see the relationship between Lucy and Alex blossom from “pretend and for show” to something meaningful, real and sweet.  Plus, I liked the faith element and how the characters had to grow in their faith in God, in order to overcome their past and create a relationship for their future.  But perhaps what I enjoyed the most was how funny this book was.  From Lucy and her Lord of the Rings obsession, to Clare and her assistant Julian, to the witty dialogue between the main characters.  There were moments where I was giggling to myself and others were I was laughing out loud.  This book was overall a super, cute story with memorable moments and characters and I loved it.

Funny?  Yep.  Sweet?  Very.  Romantic?  Oh yea.  And entertaining?  Definitely! I’d recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light-hearted and fun read that will leave you with warm-fuzzies inside and a smile on your face.

Many thanks to Booksneeze for sending me this complimentary copy for my review! Sara’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Litfuse Blog Tour and Review: Rhythm of Secrets by Patti Lacy

The Rhythm of Secrets
by Patti Lacy
Published January 31st, 2011
Kregel Publications 
320 pages
ISBN: 9780825426742
Fiction/Historical

 About the book: Since 1955, Sheila Franklin, a talented musician, has perfectly performed the role of devout pastor’s wife, locking away her past as Sheba Alexander and Sylvia Allen. Her carefully constructed façade crumbles with a single phone call from a young Marine named Samuel, the illegitimate son she secretly put up for adoption. Samuel begs Sheila to use her government contacts to get his fiancé, Mali, a Thai prostitute, into America. A dangerous mixture of love and guilt spurs her to help her only child even though it devastates her husband Edward and exposes her questionable past. After a quarrel with Edward, Sheila and Samuel board a C-130 for Thailand and then search Bangkok’s steamy streets for a Madonna-faced prostitute. The two whisk Mali from a brothel but are seized by a warlord who considers Mali his “number one girl.” In a teak “ghost house,” Sheila discovers God’s grace and gains the freedom she needs to find her own identity—Sheila, Sylvia, and Sheba. A framed story, this novel has roots in the bohemian 1940s New Orleans French Quarter and spans three decades, including the turbulent Vietnam era.

My Review:

The Rhythm of Secrets was the first book I’ve read by Patti Lacy and I am thoroughly impressed!  Mrs. Lacy was able to transport me back to places such as 1940’s New Orleans, a summery beach in Mississippi, a home for unwed mothers and even to a brothel in Thailand, during the Vietnam war.  And let me tell you, what an emotional, wild and grace-filled ride, it was!

In all honesty, I didn’t think that I would like this book very much; however, I was immediately captured by the flash back story line of Shelia’s present day and her childhood.  I couldn’t wait to hear her story and understand why she gave up Samuel, but I also wanted to find out what would happen now that he was back in her life.  Also, I enjoyed how this book dealt with “real” issues of era.  Racism, alcohol, prostitution, and a baby out of wedlock are all brought up in this book and they were were handled tastefully and realistically.  Lastly, Mrs. Lacy has a beautiful writing style.  It is rich with descriptions and at times, I felt like I actually was Sheba grieving the loss of her parents, or Sylvia fighting to keep her baby, or even Shelia struggling to understand God’s love for her. 

The only downside to this book (and this is really stretching for a downside) was that there was SO much going on and it was  always intense!  After following along all the ups and downs of Shelia’s emotional journey, I felt like I should have been on page 400, but when I looked down, it was surprising to find that I was only on page 200. 

Overall, I’m so glad that I read this book!  Shelia is such a strong and brave character, who perseveres and gets the life that she deserves at the end. It’s an entertaining story that will make you think with all its plot twists and turns, and make you smile with an overwhelming message of forgiveness. Sara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Many thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for sending me this complimentary review copy in exchange for posting my honest review! 

Patti Lacy is celebrating the release of her latest book with a NOOK Giveaway, blog tour and Book Club Party! Follow the blog tour and read the reviews! Patti and her publisher, Kregel Publications, are giving away a NOOK prize package worth over $150 to one lucky winner!!!!

Enter the Nook eReader Giveaway and you could win:

• A brand new Nook eReader with Wi-Fi
• $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on February 16th at Patti's Rhythm of Secrets Facebook Party.

Book Review: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

by Donita K. Paul

Copyright 2010
WaterBrook Press
240 pages
ISBN: 0307458997

Fiction

 

From the Publisher:

 

In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad's (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick and the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

 

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they've decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers' best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

 

My Review:

This book was a perfect holiday read with a light-hearted plot filled with family, romance and a little bit of magic.  Once I started this book, I was immediately transported into the magical setting and before I knew it, I had finished the book with a warm heart and a smile of my face.

 

The plot of this book is a mix of a Hallmark movie, Harry Potter and a Christian romance.  I loved the "magical" elements that kept happening through the story, such as the street appearing/disappearing, the ticket that was meant for Cora, the sisters and their dress shop and of course, the Wizard Ball.  The only downside was that issues within Cora's family were mentioned many times, but there was no resolution to them.  I guess that the reader is just supposed to be get wrapped up in the magic of the story and the fairy-tale-ending, but I felt like I was left hanging by not finding out that Cora's family resolved their problems.

 

I'm a complete sucker for a happy ending and this novella did not disappoint.  I'd recommend it to anyone who's looking for a sweet, feel-good book, especially when Christmas rolls around. 

 

Many thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book to review!  Sara's Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Hatteras Girl

Hatteras Girl

by Alice Wisler 
Copyright 2010 
Bethany House Publishers 
320 pages 
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0732-7
Fiction

From the Publisher:

Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it—not to mention its outrageous price tag.

When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?

My Review:

This book was a cute and light read, but I found it to be rather average.  The author did a great job of creating the setting and describing the beachy community in North Carolina.  Also, I enjoyed following Jackie along on her dream to own a bed and breakfast, but I felt like there were a few random stops along the way.  The stops added to the quirkiness of the book and there were many aspects that made me smile such as: Jackie’s family always trying to set her up on dates, her colorful array of hats, her mom’s broken English, her dealings with Minnie’s son, Zane and Buck at the Sunnyside Grille.

I was a bit disappointed that Davis turned out to be such a “bad guy,” but I liked how everything turned out for the best in the end.  Overall, this was a “happy” read and your typical, clean chick lit. 

Many thanks to Bethany House Publishing for sending me this free book to review!  Sara’s rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Amy Inspired

 Amy Inspired 

by Bethany Pierce 
Copyright 2010 
Bethany House Publishers 
320 pages 
ISBN: 0764208500 
Fiction

From the Publisher:

With rejections piling up, she could use just a   little inspiration...

Amy Gallagher, aspiring writer, has an unabashed obsession with words. She gave up a steady, albeit unexciting, job to pursue a life of writing. However, two years and one master's degree later, she finds herself almost exactly right back where she started. Discouraged by the growing pile of rejections from publishers and afraid that she has settled, Amy knows something has to change.

Then she meets the mysterious, attractive, and unavailable Eli. Amy finds herself struggling to walk the fine line between friendship and something more with Eli, even as she tries to cope with the feeling that her friends and family are moving on without her. When the unexpected begins pouring in, Amy doubts the love and fulfillment she seeks will ever come her way. Forced to take a close look at who she has become, the state of her faith, and her aspirations for her life, she must make a choice: play it safe yet again or finally find the courage to follow her dreams.

My Review:

This book was interesting.  It was different in ways that I haven’t quite decided are good or a bad, and as with other reviewers, I’m slightly confused as how to review/rate it. 

There were parts of the book that were entertaining and even certain moments where I was laughing at loud at the situation or witty thoughts of the main character, Amy.  Yet, there were also moments of randomness (a student who has a crush on Amy, her mom’s makeup business, the Cheetos bag), which left me confused as to how it all fit into the story.  Also, though the description mentions a possible romantic interest in Eli (which does happen), I felt that the main relationship in the story was between Amy and her roommate, Zoe, as they deal with the struggles of their writing careers, men and their families.

The story seemed to drag bit, but the last few chapters saved this book for me.  Maybe I’m a sucker for a happy ending, but I really liked how Amy and Eli met up again and how the title of the book came into play within the story.  Overall, this was decent book. 

Many thanks to Bethany House Publishing for sending me this free book to review!  Sara’s rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Book Review: A Rush of Wings

A Rush of Wings

by Kristen Heitzmann

Copyright 2003 (repackaged 2010)

Bethany House Publishers

384 pages

ISBN:978-0-7642-0845-4

Fiction

From the Publisher:

Though her panic is real, Noelle St. Claire is uncertain what danger she is fleeing. Fragmented images and slivers of memory have driven her to abandon her wealthy, sheltered life in New York for the hope of a haven—remote and safe.

Noelle's arrival at the Rocky Mountain horse ranch owned by Rick Spencer and his brother Morgan causes more than a little stir. Beautiful, vulnerable, yet strangely secretive, Noelle is an enigma the two contrasting brothers seek to unlock. But as their attentions breach the wall she hides behind, the past becomes a menacing threat from which Noelle can no longer hide.

My Review:

This is the first book I’ve read by Kristen Heitzmann and I’m glad to say that I won’t be my last!  Suspense is one of my favorite genres and when you add a bit of romance into the mix, I’m hooked.  This book has a fast paced and intense plot which is what kept drawing me to this book chapter after chapter.

Heitzmann did an excellent job of building suspense by only revealing bits of Noelle’s traumatic childhood past at a time.  As I read the book, I had my ideas about what happened to Noelle, but things made a surprised turn as the end approached.  The issues in this book such as kidnapping, rape and a violent ex-fiancé where rather intense, but I felt like they were presented tastefully and were a valid part of the plot.  While the amount of suspense kept the story moving, the romance was just enough to balance out.  I found the love triangle between Rick, Morgan and Noelle to be entertaining, especially since the brothers are complete opposites.  Though I was rooting for Rick from the beginning, it was nice to see Morgan grown up a bit near the end and do what was right.  Lastly, there was the element of God within the story.  Throughout the majority of the book, Noelle is struggling with believing in God and is surprised by how Rick places all his trust in God.  Towards the end of the story, Noelle realizes what is preventing her from having a relationship with God and finally is able to overcome her traumatic past, while looking forward to a future with Rick.

I’m glad that I got to read this book and I plan on reading the sequel, The Still of the Night.  Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for sending me this free book to review!  Sara’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Digitalis

Remember back in August when I said that I would be occasionally reviewing books?  Well, here is another one and I foresee more in the near future!  This book is #2 in the Discarded Heroes series, by Ronie Kendig.  If you decide to read it, I’d strongly recommend that you read the first book, Nightshade, beforehand, so that you know the background of the characters (plus, because it too was just a great book!).  Now, without further ado…

Digitalis

by Ronie Kendig

Published January 2011

Barbour Publishing, Inc.

320 pages

ISBN: 1602607834

Fiction

From the Publisher:

Former Marine sniper Colton "Cowboy" Neeley is recovering from a life of bad choices. Piper Blum, daughter of dissident Yakov Rosenblum, is in hiding--from life and the assassins gunning for her family. When she begs Colton to help extract her father from Israel, Colton petitions the group Nightshade to consider the mission. The team agrees, and soon they're deep six--straight into the Holy Land for a snatch-n-grab of Yakov. Will Colton and Piper make the treacherous trek out of hostile territory and into safety with their love--and lives--intact?

My Review:

Wow!  I fell in love with the men of Nightshade in the first book of this series and I was really looking forward to reading about the hunky cowboy's, Colton Neely, story. This book did not disappoint at all. It was everything I thought it would be and more. Action, suspense, drama, romance. I loved, loved, loved it.

In the first book, Colton seems to have everything in control, as he helps Max overcome his anger and PTSD. However, within the first few pages of this book, we learn that Cowboy has struggles of his own that he's keeping locked up inside. He's dealing with the death of his sister, raising his little daughter, being a member of Nightshade, all while having debilitating flashbacks. This book was intense. At times, I found myself a bit shocked at Cowboy's behavior towards the team and to Piper. But I loved how the Nightshade team rallied back and supported Cowboy to no end and how Piper didn't let his actions overshadow their love for each other.

Ronie Kendig has an excellent writing style and as with her other books, I found myself instantly sucked into the story. I love how when reading her books, I feel like I'm actually there either underwater in an ocean dive, in the jungle with the Nightshade team, or hiding in a vacant house in Israel. There is so much action and intensity in her books that before I know it, it is late at night and I'm over 150 pages into the book! Plus, Kendig always has a natural way of incorporating the love of God for her flawed heroes, and of us, within all her books.

I'd highly recommend this book! I cannot wait for the other books in this series and to get to know the other members of Nightshade. I was able to read this book through the wonderful website, NetGalley.com.  Sara’s Rating: 6 out of 5 stars…yea, it was that good!

Book Review: Flight to Heaven

Hi friends!  I’d like to introduce a new feature to the blog: the book review.  I like to read.  Actually, I really like to read.  It’s enjoyable for me.  I always say, “It’s like watching a movie in your head.”  Jeremy makes fun of me sometimes, but that’s okay. 

Within the past six months or so, I’ve discovered book blogs (isn’t it amazing how many different blogs there are our there?).  Apparently, publishing companies sometimes send readers books to review and promote!  Why didn’t I ever know this?  Well last month, I received my very first book to review and I’m really excited to share my review with you all.  I hope that I’ll be able to do some more book reviews in the future!

A few notes before we begin:

1.  I had such a hard time reading this book.  Not because it wasn’t good…but because I kept leaving it places!  We went to Las Vegas and I left it in my backpack…which I left in our hotel room and it took us a week to get it back.  Then, the next weekend, I went to California and I left it in my car, which was in Arizona.  Ugh!  Maybe with the next book I review, I’ll tie a string to it and put the other end around my wrist, so I won’t have this problem.

2.  As most of you know, I graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and I now work there.  I studied Aviation Safety and I talk about aviation to perspective studies all day long.  Though I don’t proclaim myself to be an aviation nerd, I do enjoy it and when I saw that this book was available to review, I was very intrigued.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, I present, my first official book review:

Flight to Heaven
by Dale Black
Copyright 2010
Bethany House Publishers
192 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0794-5
Non-Fiction

From the Publisher:

Imagine getting a glimpse of heaven, a preview of life in God's presence. Could life here ever be the same?

Capt. Dale Black has flown as a commercial pilot all over the world, but one flight changed his life forever--an amazing journey to heaven and back.

The only survivor of a horrific plane crash, Dale was hovering between life and death when he had a wondrous experience of heaven. What he saw, what he heard, and what he learned there continues to ripple through his life and touch others.

Against all odds, Dale miraculously recovered from his injuries and learned to fly again. Now, with his life as a testament, he shares his inspiring story--offering hope and encouragement for those dealing with serious injuries or the loss of a loved one, and those looking for assurance about this life and the next.

My Review:

This was a great book!  I’ll admit that I was a bit disappointed to begin with because I assumed that Dale was the lone survivor of a commercial airliner crash, as opposed to a smaller aircraft (again, I studied aviation safety in college, that stuff just interests me); however, I found myself quickly caught up in the Dale’s story.   It is hard to to imagine that he survived a crash that the FAA classified as “non-survivable;” but not only did he survive, he overcame his injuries and continued on to become a commercial pilot.  

Dale’s journey to Heaven made him a changed man.  The plane crash literally broke him and he had to rely on his faith in God numerous times during the healing process.  I loved that his goal was to fly over the crash sight, by himself, as the pilot in command, by the one-year anniversary of the crash.  There were moments of difficulty and frustration when things weren’t going to Dale’s plan, but finally when he put all his trust in God, miraculous things started to happen.

Dale’s story is full of courage, emotion and faith, and I found myself teary eyed at parts.  I’m very glad that I was given the opportunity to read it.  Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for sending me this free book to review!  Sara’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars.