End Game by Rachel Dylan ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Elite members of the US military are being murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, and all the evidence points to a Navy SEAL, but things aren't adding up. FBI Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Agent Marco Agostini are in a race against time to expose the true culprits behind the heinous crimes in this Washington cover-up.

A fast paced read filled with non-stop action, bringing together the best of the best to bring a killer to justice. Multiple people from various branches and agencies team up to find answers, and fight for the truth.

Bailey is courageous and quick on her feet, she leans on her faith to get her through. She is good under pressure, and is dedicated to her job.

Marco is a straightforward man, devoted to his job serving others. He is very outgoing and a natural leader, open and a good friend. I liked how he inspires others, encouraging them in their work, and taking action when the situation calls for it. I admired his strong convictions about his faith, and how he lives his beliefs.

Overall, a fantastic read from beginning to end! I couldn't put it down, and didn't want to. Fantastic characters, well developed, and realistic, with a riveting plot. A great start to what is sure to be an amazing series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Her Rocky Mountain Hope by Mindy Obenhaus ~ Just Read Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Her Rocky Mountain Hope by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Her Rocky Mountain Hope
Author: Mindy Obenhaus
Series: Rocky Mountain Heroes #5
Publisher: Love Inspired
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Release Date: January 21, 2020

Learning to trust can be the greatest adventure.

She’s always played it safe… Can he reach her guarded heart?

Ready to open his camp for young cancer patients, Daniel Stephens must impress foundation overseer Blythe McDonald to ensure she approves funding for next year. But the cautious former cancer patient was once let down by a similar program, and she’ll leave no stone unturned in her evaluation. Can he convince her his camp is worthy of the money…and that he’s worthy of her love?

Review:
Daniel Stephens has always had an adventurous spirit, he has a passion for helping others with cancer make memories and get away from hospital rooms, which he started doing after the death of his mother. He has taken a leap of faith in purchasing a kids camp, but in order to get his dream off of the ground he needs to convince Blythe McDonald that he is a good bet. I admired Daniel's passion for what he does, giving cancer patients memorable experiences and a place for kids to be children. I liked how he leaned on his faith in the endeavor, and how he has a heart to serve others.

Blythe survived cancer as a child, and is skeptical of Daniel's project. She's always been cautious, and doesn't like to take risks, struggling with fear and trust. When a companion falls ill, Blythe volunteers to fill in, and she gets to experience the camp in a whole new way. I loved how the camp brought out a more relaxed side of Blythe, she is also very good at thinking on her feet,she and Daniel make a great team, complimenting each other well.

I loved revisiting the Stephens family one final time in this heartwarming tale of faith and family. Daniel likes to try new things and live his life out of the ordinary, helping others to do the same. I admired how Daniel shares his faith, and has a passion for helping others.

Great storytelling and well developed characters that you can cheer for throughout. Very enjoyable, I didn't want to put it down. I thought there was great interaction between Blythe and Daniel, and I liked how they got to know each other and work together. A very satisfying read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy Obenhaus, is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She’s a multi-published author of contemporary Christian romance, and lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, one sassy pup, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel.

CONNECT WITH MINDY: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Bookbub

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Her Rocky Mountain Hope and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 27, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on February 3, 2020. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz ~ Review

My Review:

Tessa Swan was born and raised in the wilderness alongside five brothers, working hard to make a life for themselves, each day fraught with the threat of an Indian attack. The return of Lenape Indian captive and Tessa's childhood friend, Keturah, brings a whirlwind of change in the form of Colonel Clay Tygart.

Clay was taken as a young child by the Lenape, and then returned to his Quaker kin, he is a man who casts two shadows, walking the thin line between two cultures. He is captivated by Tessa's plain spoken ways, encouraged by her faith, but can he ask a woman to walk beside him in the treacherous limbo between two worlds?

A captivating read that paints a realistic picture of frontier life, the loneliness, wariness, and the close bonds of family. I liked Tessa from the start, a young woman who has only known the dangers of the wilderness, yet longs for a glimpse of finer things. She is sincere, and straightforward, taking initiative when she sees a task needing done. I admired her honesty and compassion for others.

Clay is a man shaped by his upbringing, both by the Lenape and the Quakers. His heart is with both sides of the conflict, he is a natural leader, and a man who draws respect wherever he goes. The line he walks is a hard one, and he struggles with reconciling it with his faith.

A memorable read that transported me into the early days of America, realistically showing the struggles of living in the wilderness, with aspects of isolation and fear. I loved the strong themes of friendship, family, and faith throughout. Utterly riveting, and near impossible to put down!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Final Word by John MacArthur ~ Review

My Review:

A concise, accessible read about the importance of God's word in our Christian lives, for worship, repentance, and learning.

Well written, and scripturally sound, this book talks about why we should stand firm on the word of God, accepting it as God's revelation to us the church that we should revere, never adding or subtracting from it. Each point is backed by multiple Scripture references, and there is an appendix with even more references organized accessibly.

In this concise book, Dr. MacArthur shows how the Bible is important for our Christian walk, to convict us and help us grow in our desire to live out our faith in a way that glorifies God. Easy to read, it digs deep, and isn't burdened with being overly conversational or fluffy. Highly recommend this worthy read, as it is a terrific reminder of how central God's word is to our faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An Unlikely Amish Match by Vannetta Chapman ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Susannah Beiler strikes a deal with the bad boy in their community to stage a fake relationship. But as she gets to know him, she sees that he's more than a wild rebel, but can he accept her as she is once he learns her secret?

Micah is sent to his Indiana relatives for 6 months after misbehaving, is the baby of a family of girls, and he isn't ready to settle down just yet. He enjoys his pick up truck, and having his fun. He is intrigued by Susannah's proposition and is willing to play along.

Susannah has face her own fair share of storms, which have caused to her mature. She dreams of being like the other girls in the community her age, but knows that can never be.

There were so many great characters in this book, I loved her siblings, and also her father and how he dispenses good measured advice. A fun, enjoyable read from beginning to end, and in a way a sort of coming of age tale. I thought that the characters were realistic and well done, this was a fun, sweet romance, with great character development and depth. Highly enjoyable!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Wrangler's Last Chance by Jessica Keller ~ Review

Lucie's Review:
Carter Kelly has a wandering spirit, working short term jobs here and there while he saves money, and runs from his past.

Shannon has been a bit out of place and uncertain where her place is after her brothers returned to Red Dog Ranch and have taken over control. She's recovering from the fall out of a toxic relationship, and throwing herself into the planning of a fundraiser to help at risk youth.

Carter and Shannon have been hurt in the past, but can they give love a second chance?

Carter comes to Red Dog Ranch looking for a place to work and forget about his past, he finds friends and mentors in an older couple who encourage him, and are like parents to him. He is a natural with the teens, and despite his wandering ways, he is also committed to his work.

Shannon has a positive energy about her, despite her past and she relies on her faith to see her through. She is outgoing and quickly befriends the begrudging Carter.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, with great characters. I liked how it addressed a situation where someone had been hurt by the church, and how it affected their faith moving forward, as that is a very real thing that happens. Engaging with an easy to follow plot, I loved Carter's friends and how they encouraged him in his faith and were there when he needed them. Heartwarming and enjoyable.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Brooke Adams is a former military psychiatrist , who barely escaped an explosion with her life. She is setting into civilian life, when her past comes back to haunt her and a killer on her trail.

Asher James has worked his way up in the military into the special forces through old fashioned hard work, doing dangerous things that few could imagine, but he's been having trouble sleeping at night. So he goes to Brooke, because he remembers her from a mission in Afghanistan.

Together can they help each other, and stop the killers before it's too late?

Fast-paced, suspenseful new series from Lynette Eason. I didn't want to put in down and read it all in just two sittings. Asher is a very brave man who has faced down fear on many levels, I liked how he wanted to help Brooke and took it upon himself to help protect her.

Brooke has leaned on her faith through all the traumatic experiences that she has been through, she is passionate about her work, and wants her work to be meaningful. I admired her resilience and how she encouraged others to turn to their faith as well.

There was great relationship building throughout, Brooke and Asher had a unique understanding of each other because of their similar past experiences. There were many well developed side characters and a lot going on. I didn't want to put it down, as the pieces all fell satisfyingly into place. There was such a well balanced blend of relationship building, suspense, mystery, romance and faith. This fantastic read will not disappoint!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden ~ Review

My Review:

Kate Norton and Trevor McDonough were school rivals, always completing for the best marks. Kate loses her one chance at a full ride college scholarship to Trevor, and then they go their separate ways.

Eight years later, and now widowed Kate is enlisted by Dr. Trevor Kendall, who is none other than her schoolhood nemesis, to work alongside him in his quest to eradicate Tuberculosis. Kate is surprised to find that working with Trevor is rewarding and meaningful, but will secrets from his past or her fears keep them from finally finding common ground.

Trevor considers it his calling to work to find a cure for Tuberculosis, I admired his passion for what he does, as well as his selflessness and strong principals. He has his secrets, and a wry, matter-o-fact sense of humor. I think in the end he was probably my favorite character, because the more that I understood about him the more everything made sense.

Kate is intelligent and hardworking, with a compassionate heart for others, with a heavy load of responsibility on her shoulders. I liked her spirit and how she isn't afraid to challenge Trevor to look at things differently, and to ask him uncomfortable questions.

I love how Ms. Camden brings tail end of the 19th Century to life, showing the brutal effects of Tuberculosis and the ways that it was treated in the past. Excellently researched, this fantastic book drew me in from the very start. Full of innovation, mystery, secrets, romance and fantastic heroes to cheer for. Highly enjoyable read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A gothic romance, set on the mysterious shores of Cornwall.

Julia Twethewey accepts the invitation of her cousin to visit Cornwall, and is swept into the local politics and cutthroat world of mining. There are rumors of mysterious occurrences, as things begin to disappear, Julia wonders just what she has gotten herself into. She finds a friend in a neighboring mine owner's son, Isaac, who is kind hearted to a fault, but is it too soon for her recently broken heart? 

Isaac is the younger son of a priminant mine owner, with a passion for fair treatment for the miners. He and his twin brother have worked alongside each other for years, Matthew is the face of the business, while Isaac does much of the legwork of the family business. I admired his strong work ethic and his care for others.

There is a lot going on in this book with the  eeries goings on at the house, business politics of mining in Cornwall, as well as family drama, and obstacle-filled romance. I admired both Isaac and Julia, their friendship grew naturally over the course of the book, and how they supported each other through the trials that they faced. Highly enjoyable, with surprise twists along the way, with great tension between the characters as their various relationships are navigated.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A battle for survival against the elements, brings Orion Starr face to face with a familiar face as they fight to get off of Denali alive.

Orion returns home from his time in Afghanistan injured after a failed mission to his home in Alaska. When a group of climbers goes missing--a  group that includes a former ally, Orion agrees to join the rescue team to go up after them. Orion has never wanted to go up the mountain, because he respects it's dangerous beauty and is still recovering from injuries he received while on duty. His anger has kept him from taking good opportunities to live up to his potential, and I really loved how he had a faithful and encouraging friend in Hamilton.

Jenny has a passion for climbing, and struggles to come to terms with the guilt that she carries. The mountain is unpredictable and Murphy's Law seems to be out in full force. I admired her determination and dedication to leading her friends to safety.

The first in a brand new series by Susan May Warren, sure to thrill, with her signature Easter eggs from previous novels--I love seeing some familiar faces. Filled with dangers around every corner, sometimes it was hard to read because it just seemed like these people couldn't catch a break. There was a lot going on, as well as a well built back story. Strong characters, who must beat the odds in order to survive. Full of action and adventure!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White ~ Just Read Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

  Title: On Wings of Devotion
Series: The Codebreakers #2
Author: Roseanna M. White
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: January 7, 2020

Against Every Warning, She's Drawn Ever Closer to the Man Known as "Black Heart" 

All of England thinks Major Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved.

As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed "Black Heart," she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing--and some of her own to do as well. 

With Camden's court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the cross hairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope--and to each other--if they want to survive.

Review:

Former pilot Phillip Camden's reputation has gone down in flames with relentless speculation that he led his squadron to their deaths. He has been re-appointed to the codebreaking division, and the threats he receives daily only drive the knife of regret deeper.

Heiress Arabelle Denler is a trained nurse, engaged to a man who says he cannot love her, she watches with all the other nurses as Cam walks by everyday. Cam sees her kind heart, and appoints himself her protector.

Meanwhile a troublemaker from Cam's past is trying to resurrect the drama that besmirched his good name, and drag it all into a public trial.

I loved how supportive Ara and Cam are of each other, as they are both very aware of their own personal shortcomings. Instead they build each other up and help each other overcome the past. Ara helps Cam to see that he doesn't have to live in the past, and that he can laugh again and move past what happened. I liked how Cam admires Ara's kindness, positivity, and faith.

There was a lot going on in this book with the war on, and the codebreakers working together. As well as a lot of character development and growth with Ara and Cam's friendship, all the drama going on with her relationships, as well as his past and family. I really liked how thoughtful Cam was, and how he and Ara find a true friend in each other.

I wasn't sure how much I would like this book since the previous book in the series completely blew me away, but the author absolutely delivered with this excellent gem, filled with faith, high stakes, romance and redemption. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Christianbook 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

CONNECT WITH ROSEANNA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a On Wings of Devotion inspired prize pack including a Recreation RFC Pilot Wings pin, a mini globe, Cadbury Chocolate, Caddie the Cocker Spaniel (handmade by Roseanna), and One Seat and Tea Package for an Online Tea Party Book Club with Roseanna (Winner's choice of scheduled dates. Includes treats, loose-leaf tea, and book club goodies. A $25 value! For more information, visit http://www.roseannamwhite.com/tea-party-book-club/.)!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 7, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 14, 2020. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy ~ Review

My Review:

In a world where memories are currency, power, and weaponry, your past can be bought or stolen, and nightmares implanted.

Etta Lark is a gifted young woman who would do anything to save her mother, who is in a coma. She is her mother's only hope,  yet her intricate past and rare gift makes her the target of Madame, a power-hungry megalomaniac. She is ruggedly independent, removing herself as much as she can from the caste system of sorts that rules the realms. I admired her courage, and her devotion to her friends.

This story operates with multiple flashbacks, and a heavy backstory that helps the reader keep up, yet the whole time I was reading this book I kept thinking, "I would have read a whole book about that!" There is a lot going on in this book, especially for its length of just over 300 pages, which plenty of twists, reveals, secrets, and good world building. Multiple times while reading this book I wondered if it might have been better as a series, with more room to expand upon the world that they operated in, as well as fleshing out many of the intriguing characters and relationships, without relying so heavily on flashbacks. The main reasons I believe it would have been a  great series, are because the notion of memories being used in this way, with the associated gifts is a pretty big premise, also there are many prominent characters who are alive only in memories, and Etta's time in the Shadows sounds like it could have been a book in itself.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but in the end I really liked it. It is great for fans of Defy or Graceling but more clean in content, though the stakes are still high. As a result of this book's shorter, single volume length I think that the punch of some of the more shocking reveals was lost, as I wasn't as hungry for it, and in the end there were so many reveals that some challenges seemed in my mind too easily solved. I'm sorry if this all sounds so negative, but what I am really saying is that I liked it, and I wanted more!

Overall, very entertaining, with many surprising plot twists, and reveals. Hard to put down with a full cast of characters, though I did feel like many of the concepts were really good there just wasn't enough time to expand on it and appreciate it all. Etta is determined and independent, a strong sympathetic character. An entertaining read, with intriguing fantasy concepts, filled with action and hard to put down.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke ~ Review

My Review: 

A compellingly hope-filled heartbreaking story of two couples during WWII, and one child that links their lives inextricably.

Sophie is a British woman living in Poland and working in the library while her husband fights with his country. The war forces her to change her identity, as she is drawn into the events of wartorn Warsaw.

Young Jewish couple Rosa and Itzhak come to Warsaw to care for Rosa's mother, but find themselves trapped there as the birth of their long awaited firstborn draws nearer.

A poignant, heartbreaking read based on true events suffered by thousands in Poland during World War II, this story tells of two families, living mere miles apart in Warsaw as it is torn apart by the war. It also honors the brave men and women, Jew and Gentile who risked their lives to help others, like the courageous Irena Sendler.

In the beginning it took a while to get fully immersed into the book, as it bounces between Sophie, Rosa, and Itzhak. But once the threads slowly started to come together and the stakes were raised, I couldn't put this book down. Ms. Gohlke always writes stunningly real books, well researched, that also cut to the heart, and this one is no different, telling the heartbreaking realities that were faced by many in the Jewish Ghetto and work camps.

There were moments when it was hard to read, because of the reality of the atrocities that thousands of people faced at the hand of other human beings. Yet through it all there was hope, small and flickering, but hope nonetheless. I was inspired by so many of the characters and what they risked, and my heart went out ot both Sophie and Itzhak over the heartbreaking decisions that they faced. Highly recommend this poignant, emotional journey, based loosely on true stories, with characters that will capture your heart.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

You can buy the book from the publisher's website here: https://www.tyndale.com/p/the-medallion/9781496429667

Secret Mountain Hideout by Terri Reed ~ Review

Lucie's Review: 

After witnessing a murder, Ashley Willis uprooted her life moving from town to town, but when her past comes looking for her, she's prepared to run once again.

Deputy Sheriff Chase Williams is determined to get to the bottom of Ashley's case, and won't let her run again.

Can they stop the killer before it's too late?

Ashley feels bad that so many people are in danger because of what she saw, she wants it all to be over and not be a victim of circumstance anymore. I admired how she faced her past, and allowed her newfound friends to help her get justice. Though the whole experience has been terrible, she has also grown in her faith.

Chase grew up in the big city, with a big last name, he moved to Colorado because he wants to genuinely make a difference and get away from his family influence. I admired his drive to make his own way in the world, and help Ashley find peace at last.

Overall, an entertaining read with great characters along the way, I especially liked Lucinda and how she counsels Chase to not give up and how she welcomes Ashley. Good pacing, and action packed twists!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.