Never Miss by Melissa Koslin // Review

Review:

A tension fraught, fast paced read, former CIA sniper Kadance Tolle is in hiding from her past and the people who would have her use her sharp eye for evil. After rescuing Lyndon Vaile from the people after him and his research that proves biological warfare, they find themselves fighting for their lives and to stay one step ahead of those who would stop them at any cost. 

A fantastic action filled read which is all too timely in a post pandemic world. Lyndon is an analytical wonder with a photographic memory, I admired him for his strong faith, and loved his slight eccentricity. He has a brilliant mind with a slew of masters degrees to prove it, he could do anything with his amazing mind, but he remains humble with a genuine thirst for finding the answers to his questions. 

Kadance get's by with her sharpshooting skills, she is good at playing a variety of roles, but lets very few see the real her. I loved her adorable cat, Mac, who adds plenty of cute moments and humor to the story. 

Overall, this was an amazing debut, with a suspense read that manages to stay away from feeling stereotypical I loved the unique but engaging characters, as well as the twisting plot that had me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read whatever Ms. Koslin writes next!

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

Rising Danger by Jerusha Agen // JustRead Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Rising Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Rising Danger
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: May 25, 2021
Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

It’s up to a K-9 handler and her canine partner to stop a bomber before it’s too late. 

Someone’s planting explosives on dams in the Twin Cities, and Bristol Bachmann and her bomb-sniffing dog must move quickly to find them before everything ends up underwater. That means relying on the dams’ supervisor—an ex-boyfriend Bristol never thought she’d see again. Hopefully Remington Jones has grown up from the rakish charmer she knew in her academy days. Because lives now depend entirely on them… 

It’s an environmental terrorist who wants the dams gone, and his bid to set the waters free has lethal consequences. When he sees Bristol and her K-9 working to stop him, he sets his sights on them. Can they evade him in a lethal game of cat and mouse and protect the cities from devastating destruction before the clock runs out?

Review:

An environmental terrorist bent on freeing the rivers at all costs is on the loose, planting bombs within prominent dams in the Minneapolis area. It's up to Bristol and her bomb sniffing K-9, along with former flame Remington Jones, to stop the bomber before it's too late. 

Bristol is part of an elite group of female K9 handlers called in to assist the police. She is cool and collected, says things a they are, I loved her relationship with her dog Toby. Remington has come a long way from his former hard partying ways, and I admired the hardworking and dedicated man he has become, as well as his strong faith. The backstory is used effectively and helps to add depth to the story.

I loved how this book introduces Phoenix and her team, seeming to open the door for more books in the series following some of the other women and their dogs. And Bristol's grandmother is just adorable!

This is a suspenseful adventure, well researched, with strong characters and an engaging plot. I loved learning about the dogs, their abilities, and was intrigued by their handlers. An engaging read, that pulled me in, I can tell that the author put in a lot of research to bring this story to life. Great characters, strong faith, a tension fraught plot, an excellent read for fans of K9 suspense!

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 | IndieBound | BookBub

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies. Find more of Jerusha’s thrilling, fear-fighting stories at JerushaAgen.com.

CONNECT WITH JERUSHA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

---

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Rising Danger by Jerusha Agen!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 26, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 2, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

---

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Crazy for You by Michelle Sass Aleckson // JustRead Tour, Review, and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Crazy for You by Michelle Sass Aleckson presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Crazy for You 
Series: Deep Haven Collection #3
Author: Michelle Sass Aleckson presented by Susan May Warren
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: May 25, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

The problem with being related to everyone in town is that there is no one left to date…until now…but will this outsider survive his family?

Former soldier Veronica “Ronnie” Morales isn’t going to let her kid brother, Tiago, get pulled into the gangs of Minneapolis, so, seeking safety and a fresh start, she heads to sleepy Deep Haven on the north shore of Minnesota. She’s hoping to put down roots as the paramedic for the new Crisis Response Team, but it’s not easy to be the town outsider. 

Fire Chief Peter Dahlquist is a peacemaker—he has to be. After he’s related to both of the Deep Haven dynasties – the Zimmermans and the Dahlquists, Deep Haven’s version of the Hatfields and the McCoys. Worse, Peter is the holdout vote for a landmark project, which also makes him the loneliest guy in town when both sides demand that he pick sides. The only one who seems to understand his plight is the newcomer in town…his pretty, street-tough paramedic. 

When Tiago finds himself caught up in small town shenanigans and the town blames Ronnie for tragedy, Peter is forced to pick sides. But will his choice cost him the home—and the woman—he loves? 

Review:

The new paramedic, Ronnie Morales, and the Fire Chief Peter Dahlquist come face to face when the house of the town hoarder catches on fire. 

Peter has lived his life walking on eggshells working hard not to offend, caught in the middle of a generations long family feud. While Ronnie is decisive, direct, and not always the most diplomatic in the heat of the moment. I admired her passion and go-getter approach to things, even though it wasn't always popular. Peter is a gifted peacemaker, though he struggles to make decisions that don't please everyone. I liked that he is always trying to look at things from every angle, and look for a solution benefitting all, though there are times when that just isn't a realistic option. 

I have come to greatly enjoy this series that invites me to return time and time again to Deep Haven, while getting to know many more of its residents. This story adds another layer to the lore of Deep Haven with the family feud between the Dahlquists and the Zimmermans. I also really liked Nick and Vivian, and hope to see more of them in the future. 

Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read with strong memorable characters, great interaction, and a fun but heartwarming plot. I loved getting to know more of Deep Haven's wonderful residents, in this delightful read. 

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

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

ALSO AVAILABLE

---

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

After growing upon both the east and west coasts, Michelle Sass Aleckson now lives the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and their four kids. She loves rocking out to 80’s music on a Saturday night, playing Balderdash with the fam, and getting lost in good stories. Especially stories that shine grace. And if you’re wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name. Visit her at www.michellealeckson.com.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills. 

CONNECT WITH SUNRISE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | admin@sunrisepublishing.com

---

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Crazy for You ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 25, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 1, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

---

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Paint and Nectar by Ashley Clark // Review

Review: 

Going into this book I didn't know how it could possibly live up to the high expectations I had built up for it after reading The Dress Shop on King Street, but that was before reading Paint and Nectar.

Paint and Nectar is a gorgeously written split-time novel that follows watercolorist Eliza, and William the man hired to forge her art as they grow close.

In the present day, Lucy is gifted her dream home on Charleston's historic Rainbow Row, while Declan is tasked with the mission of buying her home at all costs. As old family secrets are unearthed and an ancient rivalry is revealed, will they be able to let go of the past in order to embrace the future?

This book is nothing short of stunning, with beautiful flowing prose that blends past and present in this gently powerful and poignant story. A stunning sequel that melds entrancingly with the story of the previous novel, while still being a strong standalone. But I promise if you read The Dress Shop on King Street, there is major reader payoff!

Ms. Clark has crafted a cast of wonderful complex characters, it's not often that I find myself invested so equally in each of the characters that a book follows, but this time I was. It was absolutely wonderful to see so many familiar faces from the previous book woven so beautifully into the fabric of the story. 

Overall, a captivating read that digs into Charleston's rich history, brought to life in vivid color through this story of love, loss, betrayal, and second chances. 

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

Abort by C.D. Hulen // Review

About the Book :

It’s easy to tell when someone is dead, but what makes them alive? Is it the memories they keep, or the pain they feel, or the love they share? For Cecilio, the first colony of Proxima B, the answer could bring prosperity or crack the very foundations of society.

After a five-year leave of absence, Commander Mason Wyatt is sent to an antique starship with the chance to earn back his rank and bury his past. All he must do is uphold the answer: life is what Cecilio says it is. But as the starship nears Proxima B, Mason’s past boils to the surface and Cecilio’s answer begins to unravel.

Review:

An intriguing adventure that finds ex-captain Mason Wyatt sent to an antique haven ship to complete a mysterious mission in a bid to regain his rank and reputation after a disastrous mission gone wrong.

The story opens mysteriously, in a purposefully disorienting fashion that reeled me in with all the unanswered questions. It took a while to get used to time jumping and flashbacks, but it worked well in this story, taking time to unpack and see how it was all coming together. I thought that this book did an excellent job of world building by showing different scenes from the past, and avoiding the temptation of info dumping, which I really appreciated.

Mason is a character that has seen many things, and endured much that shaped him into who he is today. His character is juxtaposed with that of the rebel Carter, who in contrast is bright eyed, with a fresh sense of absolutes. I think that this book did a great job of framing the message well, in a innovative way that was compelling, with good tension and high stakes. An adventurous speculative sci-fi read that asks what it means to be alive, with well developed characters, good pacing, and a compelling plot.

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

Purchase @ Amazon

                @ https://www.cdhulen.com/shop

C.D. Hulen is a writer, actor, and the author of the new science fiction novel Abort. A lifelong storyteller, C. D. spent nearly a decade honing his skills in creative writing and now focuses on stories and characters which convey challenging themes relevant to the state of our society. When he is not writing, C. D. Hulen enjoys his family, musical theatre and experiencing the beauty and transformative power of the gospel.  https://www.cdhulen.com/

Jack vs. the Tornado by Amanda Cleary Eastep // Review

Review:

Change is never easy, which is something that Jack knows all too well as his family has made the decision to move off the of the family farm an into town. Jack doesn't want to leave his grandparents, chicken Henrietta, and hayloft fort, though his new life offers new adventures Jack wants nothing more than to return to the farm. But God may have other plans...

The first in a brand new series for middle grade readers, The Tree Street Kids, harkens back to a not so far away simpler time. Set in the 1990's before kids faces were glued to screens and had to play outdoors, this book introduces Jack and his new friends as they work together to help others and develop new friendships. I loved Jack's little sister Midge who is an encyclopedia of animal knowledge, with an adorable sense of humor. Ellison is a bookworm, and loyal friend. And I'm excited to get to know the other kids better in future books. 

This is a wholesome read, with characters that are well developed and grow over the course of the book. I was also very impressed with the strong faith themes throughout the story, as Jack learns to let go of his own plans, and help others unselfishly. I really enjoyed the character of Mr. Bruno who is a kind elderly man whom Jack befriends as they teach each other. 

Overall, this is one of the best new books that I have read for children in a while. It has an engaging story, blended with humor, faith, and likable characters. The conflicts and faith themes flowed naturally within the story, never feeling forced or slapped on. A wonderful read for middle grader readers, as well as a read aloud for the whole family. 

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

One on One by Gary LeVox // Music EP Review and Giveaway

Gary LeVox's ONE ON ONE releases Friday, May 21st and fuses two of his biggest passions - music and faith! 

 

When asked about the role God has played in his musical journey, LeVox said, “I feel like God graced us with a platform where we can not only touch people’s lives through music, but by being men of God offstage too,” explained LeVox. “At those times when we are with fans that are going through something like cancer, it is so wonderful to not only sing for them but to hold their hand and pray with them. I want them to know that they have a friend in me. I’m not just some guy on the stage. I feel like Christ has put me in this position because He knew I could handle the obligation, which often means taking the time to lift someone up in prayer.”

American Songwriter Interview: https://americansongwriter.com/rascal-flatts-lead-singer-gary-levox-makes-solo-debut-with-christian-ep-one-on-one/

Stream ONE ON ONE now and get a copy of this awesome EP at https://garylevox.lnk.to/OneOnOneMI

Review: New from the former front man of Country Music's most popular vocal groups of the 2000's Rascal Flatts, known for smash hits like Bless the Broken Road, What Hurts the Most, and My Wish,  along with multiple other number one hits, and prestigious awards, comes a Christian Contemporary EP, One on One. 

The 5 track EP opens with the upbeat collaboration with Mercy Me, A Little Love, which is a fun way to open the EP though it doesn't dig as deep lyrically as tracks later on. Never Forget finds Gary LeVox rejoicing in the finished work of Christ and its transforming power, along with Jonathan McReynolds. It starts quiet but swells into a choir backed crescendo in the chorus. While I Wait is a duet with his daughter Brittany, about praising and trusting God in the waiting. I think that my favorite song was the collaboration with BRELAND,  All I See, which is an honest prayer about struggling to focus on God through the distractions of the world. And my other favorite was the lead single from this project, The Distance, a hope filled song about the transforming power of the Gospel. The final song on the EP highlights Gary's range well with soaring crescendos and falsetto notes.

Gary's voice transitions perfectly into Christian music, he has a flexible voice that has helped his former band's songs cross genres with multiple hits in the past. This project is short but well done, Gary did an excellent job of compiling and penning tracks for this EP and this project feels like a natural step for Mr. LeVox, with arrangements that highlight the dynamics of his soaring tenor, creating harmonies collaborators and the choir. I listened to this EP about three times before writing this review, and I think that it was a smart choice to make it a shorter but high quality project. I could tell that much care was taken in putting it together and each of the songs is unique, original and well mixed. If Gary LeVox wants to make a career in Christian Music, I think that this EP is excellent evidence that he can tear it up, with high quality songs, and great sensibility. An excellent EP for fans of Rascal Flatts and Christian Contemporary Music!

I received a complimentary code to stream this EP. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

Signed Poster Giveaway! Leave a comment telling me your favorite Rascal Flatts Song is, or who your favorite Christian Music Artist is along with your email address ( youremail at yahoo dot com) for a chance to win! Must leave a comment answering one of the questions--comments containing just an email address will not be entered. 

This giveaway is limited to US winners ONLY. Ends May 28th, 2021.

Many thanks to Capitol Christian Music Group for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in hopes that I would post a review. #GaryLeVoxMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

At Lighthouse Point by Suzanne Woods Fisher // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Book:  At Lighthouse Point

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 4, 2021

Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan–to take Camp Kicking Moose to the next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor’s kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn’t know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands.

As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review: The youngest of the Grayson sisters returns home after studying abroad with big plans to revitalize Camp Kicking Moose. But coming home is far from easy, as Blaine quickly finds out. 

I loved this heartwarming family drama, that delves into the dynamics and the relationships between the various characters, friends and family members. One of my characters was Jean Paul who is an outgoing breath of fresh air, he is passionate about his faith and is excellent at encouraging and supporting others. I loved his selflessness, and how he quickly fits in with Blaine's family. 

I really enjoyed how it follows all three of the sisters as they navigate life's challenges and joys, though I wish that there had been more time spent between Artie and Blaine. The author does an excellent job of bringing this beautiful setting to life, with a full cast of characters and a warm sense of community. A highly enjoyable read with a lot going on, and endearing characters. 

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

About the Author

Award winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected. With more than one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of more than 30 works, ranging from novels to non-fiction books to children’s books. Currently, she lives with her very big family in the East Bay.

 

More from Suzanne

10 Curious Facts about Lighthouses

 

 

People love lighthouses. There’s just something special about those sturdy sentinels with their beacons of light, patiently sweeping the water, their mournful and haunting wail of a foghorn. Longfollow’s poem, The Lighthouse, written in 1850, captured the allure so well:

 

And as the evening darkens, lo! how bright,
Through the deep purple of the twilight air,
Beams forth the sudden radiance of its light,
With strange, unearthly splendor in the glare!

 

“Unearthly splendor.” Wow, doesn’t that hit the nail on the head? A lighthouse, to me, represents a spiritual truth: Someone’s watching out for us, looking out for the dangers ahead, and always glad to welcome us home.

 

 

Here are 10 facts about lighthouses that you might not know:

 

• THE FIRST KNOWN LIGHTHOUSE was Egypt’s Pharos of Alexandria, Egypt, built in the third century B.C. The lighthouse was made from a fire on a platform to warn sailors of the port’s entrance. This lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

 

• THE OLDEST EXISTING LIGHTHOUSE IN THE WORLD is considered to be La Coruna in Spain that dates from ca. 20 B.C. A Roman lighthouse is located on the Cliffs of Dover in the UK that was constructed in 40 A.D.

 

• THE UNITED STATES IS HOME to more lighthouses than any other country.

 

• THE FIRST LIGHTHOUSE IN AMERICA was at Boston on Little Brewster Island (1716). The first keeper was George Worthylake who, sadly, was drowned, along with his wife and daughter, when returning to the island in 1718.

 

• THE TALLEST LIGHTHOUSE is on Cape Hatteras, NC. Built in 1872, it reached 196 feet tall.

 

• THE FIRST WEST COAST LIGHTHOUSE was built on Alcatraz Island in 1854.

 

• DAYMARKS are the painted colors and patterns (diamonds, spirals and stripes) on lighthouse towers to distinguish them from each other.

 

• LIGHTHOUSE KEEPING was one of the first U.S. government jobs available to women, as far back as the 19th century. Most obtained their position when their husband died or became incapacitated.

 

• THE RANGE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE LIGHT produces a light seen 25 miles at sea.

 

• ABOUT 700 LIGHTHOUSES are still in active use in the United States.

 

As I wrote the third book in the ‘Three Sisters island’ series, I just had to give that little charred lighthouse its day in the sun. It had patiently played a role in the first two books, waiting for its turn on center stage. Not only did its setting provide a very unexpected “WHAT? How did that happen?” conclusion to the series, it even stole the headline! The undisputed title: At Lighthouse Point.

 

Do you have a favorite lighthouse? If so, please add your picture in the comments below. Don’t forget to include its location.

 

Thanks for reading! Stay well, stay home, and read.

 

Suzanne

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, May 11

Library Lady's Kid Lit, May 11

Wishful Endings, May 11

The Avid Reader, May 12

Just Writing, May 12

The Write Escape, May 12

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, May 12

By The Book, May 13

HappyWhenReading, May 13

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, May 13

Texas Book-aholic, May 13

Inklings and notions, May 14

Cultivating Us, May 14

Blogging With Carol, May 14

Batya's Bits , May 14

Betti Mace, May 15

Bizwings Blog, May 15

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 15

For Him and My Family, May 15

deb's Book Review, May 16

Jeanette's Thoughts , May 16

HookMeInABook, May 16

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 16

Connie's History Classroom, May 17

Lighthouse-Academy, May 17

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, May 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18

Godly Book Reviews, May 18

Daysong Reflections, May 18

Mary Hake, May 18

Artistic Nobody, May 19 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19

EmpowerMoms, May 19

SusanLovesBooks, May 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 20

Older & Smarter?, May 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 21

Simple Harvest Reads, May 21 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Splashes of Joy, May 21

Blossoms and Blessings, May 21

Through the Fire Blogs, May 22

Vicky Sluiter, May 22

Pause for Tales, May 22

Moments, May 22

She Lives To Read, May 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 23

Labor Not in Vain, May 23

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 24

Life, Love, Writing, May 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 24

Remembrancy, May 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Giveaway HTML:  https://promosimple.com/ps/10bb6/at-lighthouse-point-celebration-tour-giveaway

Is It Any Wonder by Courtney Walsh // Review

Review:

Second chance romance, forgiveness, and faith on the shores of Nantucket Island.

Sharing a birthday, Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers were inseparable for years until tragedy tore them apart. Louisa has worked hard to build her concierge and event planning business, while Cody is back to help the Coast Guard rebuild their fractured image in the community. Can they unravel the secrets of the past to find a new beginning?

 Engaging from the start, I enjoyed this story rich in community, friendship, and faith. This is actually my first time reading a Courtney Walsh book, despite having them recommended to me all the time. The characters are relatable and complex, and I completely adored Miss Maggie, with her big heart for others even when she was going through so much. Cody has a great boss in Chief Duncan, and I loved how he keeps nudging him towards Louisa.

The pacing was well done, with small reveals and clues along the way, keeping me completely engaged with the story and wondering what could have happened. Excellent character interaction, I loved Louisa's best friend, she is a wonderful friend and supportive of Louisa throughout. 

A moving story of second chances and forgiveness, against the backdrop of the idyllic Nantucket Island. Amazing characters, and a compelling storyline. Definitely will be reading more of her books in the future! 

 

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

Dusk's Darkest Shores by Carolyn Miller // I Read with Audra Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the series:

While most stories set in Regency England focus on the rich, the young, and the beautiful, award-winning author Carolyn Miller decided she wanted to give readers something different for a change. Her new Regency Wallflowers series follows the commoners, away from the hustle and bustle of 1810s London, out in the Lake District of England. She tells the stories of women who are slightly older and have few prospects for marriage, women who might be considered “wallflowers.”

About the book:

How can a meek wallflower help a returning war hero whose dreams are plunged into darkness?

Mary Bloomfield has no illusions. Her chances for matrimony have long since passed her by. Still, her circumstances are pleasant enough, especially now that she has found purpose in assisting her father with his medical practice in England's beautiful Lake District. Even without love, it's a peaceful life.

That is until Adam Edgerton returns to the sleepy district. This decorated war hero did not arrive home to acclaim and rest, but to a new battle against the repercussions of an insidious disease. Mary's caring nature cannot stand to see someone suffer--but how can she help this man see any brightness in his future when he's plunged into melancholic darkness, his dreams laid waste by his condition?

Adam wants no charity, but he's also no coward. If this gentle woman can work hard, how can he do less? Together they struggle to find a way forward for him. Frustration and antipathy slowly develop into friendship and esteem. Then a summer storm atop a mountain peak leads to scandal--and both Mary and Adam must search the depths of their closed hearts for answers if they hope to find any future path with happiness at its end.

Best-selling author Carolyn Miller is back with a fresh series that will not only thrill readers eager for more of her work, but bring in new fans looking for beautiful writing, fascinating research, deftly woven love stories, and real faith lived out in the Regency period.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Review: A gripping story of unexpected love, with captivating characters that hooked me from the very beginning. 

Mary assists her father's medical practice running a stillroom and helping the people of the community. I loved that she is a capable, content, and compassionate woman, with a knack for problem solving. Mary has a big heart, and truly cares for the well fare of each of her patients, including Adam.

Adam goes through a lot over the course of the story. I think that his struggles were realistically handled in a way that made him relatable and a strong character. I admired his determination and faith. 

Engaging book with strong likable characters, even ones that I didn't think that I would like at first, grew on me over the course of the book. There are a lot of things going with various characters in the community,  fleshing it out with more wonderful characters. This book had so much to love, with a fantastic plot, characters with stellar natural chemistry, and great interactions. I really appreciated that this book book featured an "older" heroine content with her full and meaningful life. I also loved the adorable dog of Adam's. Probably my favorite of all of Ms. Miller's books so far! Definitely recommend!

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

About the author:

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. She enjoys music, films, gardens, art, travel, and food. Miller’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. 

 

Learn more about Carolyn at www.carolynmillerauthor.com, or find her on Facebook (Carolyn Miller Author), Instagram (@CarolynMillerAuthor), and Twitter (@CarolynMAuthor). 

Enter to win a fun prize pack inspired by the book and its English setting that includes: 

 

- a copy of Dusk’s Darkest Shores

- a canvas bag to carry your latest reads

- a fun pair of Jane Austen socks

- Novel Teas’ English Breakfast tea

- “Drink tea, read books, and be happy” tea spoon

- “Let your faith be bigger than your fear” mug

- Black currant preserves from England

- Wax Lyrical candle from England

   a Rafflecopter giveaway