Shattered by Dani Pettrey ~ Litfuse Blog Tour & Review

Astor's Review: The action and suspense never stops!

I had no sooner finished reading Submerged when my daughter placed Shattered in my hands. And in my opinion, Submerged was great, but Shattered was even better, with even more action!

I enjoy how Ms. Pettrey takes time to thoroughly develop her characters without letting the book lose pace, and I was more than happy to read Piper and Landon's story.

Piper and Landon were stellar main characters, and they were so much fun! Those two really knew how to get on each other's nerves! It was fun watching their relationship grow, and how they learned to trust one another.

This author does an excellent job of making her books impossible to put down! There was so much action, and great tension throughout, I loved every minute of it! And now I'm waiting in suspense for the next book in the series!

Overall, a must read for fans of Christian suspense! You will not be disappointed! This book has it all great action, mystery, danger, suspense, faith, romance, and dialogue that draws one to the characters! An excellent read, that I highly recommend!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review! Thank you!

About the Book:

With All the Evidence Against Him, Only a Sister's Trust Can Save Him Now

When her prodigal brother Reef's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.

When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself-and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/hLsy9 

 

Meet Dani:

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom, and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

Visit her website at www.danipettrey.com.

And check out all of the other great stops on this tour! http://litfusegroup.com/author/dpettrey

      

Dani Pettrey is celebrating the release of Shattered with a Nook HD giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party {3/14}. 

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Nook HD
• Submerged and Shattered by Dani Pettrey {Be caught up in this riveting series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 13th. Winner will be announced at the "Shattered" Author Chat Party on 3/14. Connect with Dani for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of Shattered and join Dani on the evening of the March 14th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 14th!

Unlocking the Spell by E.D. Baker ~ Review

My Review: A fairy tale mash up of all the classics, but with a twist!

After freeing her sister Gwen from her cursed sleep, Annie, who happens to have the gift of being immune to magic, is again joining forces with Liam and Beldegard to break the spell holding Beldegard captive in the form of a bear.

This was a fun, clean, fairy tale read, and the second tale of the Wide-Awake Princess (Sister to Sleeping Beauty). I have long been a fan of Ms. Baker's fun fairy tales, especially her previous adventure series about a Frog Princess and her Prince, that will always be fondly remembered in my heart, so I was more than excited to pick up her newest release. I wasn't disappointed!

Unlocking the Spell was a fun lighthearted read, that featured cameos from classic fairy tale characters, like Snow White, Cinderella, The Big Bad Wolf, The Three Little Pigs and many more. For those who are concerned about the magic content, I can only explain it the best way I know how, the magic is not used in dark ways, or im ways that would be unsettling to anyone who is familiar to the original tales. And there wasn't any language, questionable language, or blood, with very mild violence, (princes waving swords around, and an instance of an evil witch trying to kill Snow White with a magic necklace, but Annie and her friends get there in time), or sex (just some mild fairy tale kissing), making this book in my opinion a great clean read :)

Overall, this was a fun book, with quirky twists, with likable characters. I would definitely recommend reading the prequel first, so that the story arch will make a more sense, and also because it's a fun book that you won't want to miss either. I would recommend this book to fans of fairy tales, adventures and Disney movies :)

I received this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Dandelions on the Wind by Mona Hodgson ~ Please Rank My Mother's Review :)

Lucie's Review: A sweet tale of a courtship, with themes of restoration and healing.

When Maren Jensen's mail-order bride arrangement falls through due to her failing eyesight, she finds a home with a widow, Elsa Brantenberg, and her granddaughter, Gabi.
But when Gabi's father unexpectedly returns from the army, Maren and Rutherford might just find that God has a plan for healing their hearts.

I just loved the characters in this story, because they were strong and  likable each in their own way, and learned along the way.
Maren was a very inspiring heroine, in that even though she was losing her sight she was very insightful, she really had to trust and depend on God to guide her. Gabi, was a super cute little girl, and Rutherford was really sweet and took the time to get to know Maren genuinely. Elsa, was a very wise woman, and had a fun saying for practically everything :)

I really loved the character interaction, and how the relationships felt natural. And the story had a great theme, and storyline. I would definitely recommend this sweet novella.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

About this author

MONA HODGSON writes western, historical romance for WaterBrtook Multnomah. She is the author of Two Brides Too Many, Too Rich for a Bride, The Bride Wore Blue, and Twice a Bride in THE SINCLAIR SISTERS OF CRIPPLE CREEK SERIES and THE QUILTED HEART eNovella Series--Dandelions on the Wind, Bending Toward the Sun, and Ripples Along te Shore (February/April/May 2013 releases). Her writing credits also include nearly thirty children’s books, contributions to eleven books for adults, and hundreds of short stories, articles, and poems in newspapers and magazines. One of Mona’s favorite things to do (besides writing or eating dark chocolate) is to speak at women's retreats and schools, and for women’s groups, librarians, and at writers’ conferences...moreMONA HODGSON writes western, historical romance for WaterBrtook Multnomah. She is the author of Two Brides Too Many, Too Rich for a Bride, The Bride Wore Blue, and Twice a Bride in THE SINCLAIR SISTERS OF CRIPPLE CREEK SERIES and THE QUILTED HEART eNovella Series--Dandelions on the Wind, Bending Toward the Sun, and Ripples Along te Shore (February/April/May 2013 releases). Her writing credits also include nearly thirty children’s books, contributions to eleven books for adults, and hundreds of short stories, articles, and poems in newspapers and magazines. One of Mona’s favorite things to do (besides writing or eating dark chocolate) is to speak at women's retreats and schools, and for women’s groups, librarians, and at writers’ conferences throughout the United States and Canada. Mona lives in Arizona with her husband, Bob. Check out www.monahodgson.com to learn more. You can also follow Mona on her blog http://monahodgson.wordpress.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/author.mona.



 

The Survivor by DiAnn Mills ~ Review

Astor's Review: An edge of your seat thriller, that will keep you guessing to the very end!

Tigo is investigating a bombing, while Kariss is working with Dr. Amy Garrett to write her next best-selling novel.
Tigo and Kariss broke up because of broken trust and an unshared faith. But can all of the chaos around them, bring these two back together?

This book was impossible to put down! From the action-packed scenes to the relational tension between Tigo and Kariss, and the plot that kept me guessing, this is by far one of DiAnn Mills' best books yet!

One thing I should probably say, is that I would definitely recommend reading this series in order, because otherwise it will be harder to latch onto where Tigo and Kariss are emotionally and why they broke up in the first place.

The characters were well crafted, and I liked how Tigo struggled in his journey to faith, because it's not easy for everyone and sometimes it's hard because others will look at how Christians are behaving to each other and not look any further. It's sad but true. And Kariss had an independent steak, yet she truly cared.

Overall, this was a thrilling adventure that you won't want to miss, from the mystery, suspense, and romance, to the faith elements. This is a book that would be hard not to love!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

 

Moonlight Masquerade by Ruth Axtell ~ Revell Blog Tour and Review

Lucie's Review:

At first I really didn't know what to think, when I picked this book up.

Lady Celine Wexham is a lady of loyalty, and secrets, who by all outside appearances seems to be an exemplary British subject, she is in the unique position to help her people, by spying for Napoleon.
Rees Phillips is sent by the British Foreign Office to watch Celine, by posing as her unassuming butler.
Can love bridge all divides?

Enter the world of spying, amongst the elegance of the Regency Era, filled with twists and conflicted loyalties. This book was a bit slow to start, because it was hard to figure out what exactly was going on, but looking back I realized that not knowing is part of the adventure and mystery.

Overall, the book really came together in a unique regency adventure full of action and mystery, not to mention romance! I mean it did take awhile to get into, but after that it was very much worth it :)

“Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Hey there!

Wow! It's been a long time since I've written a post like this, just a random hello from me telling y'all what's going on in my life right now. And to be honest mostly I've been working. At the Cracker Barrel. So it does make for less reading time, sadly. You've probably noticed that my family has been helping me out lately! I still finish about 2-3 books a week compared to 4-5, but still it's not bad :D
I'm still a leader with Sparks, and we have been gearing up for the Sparks-O-Rama and my brother is coaching the kids.
This is my senior year, and yeah it's been crazy. I've completed my ACT test and got a good score, but right now I'm debating going to college and living on campus or stretching it out so that I'll be able to work and live at home. But we'll see.
My social life is pretty much dead, but it never was that much to speak of anyways. lol.
I'm still in 4-H and have risen from lowly secretary, to dictat--I mean, President--er-hmm must have been something of a typo there...
My choir did The Sound of Music last Fall, and this semester we are doing some Disney music as well as some popular music, that I hadn't heard until they toild us we'd be singing it this year! That shows you mow much I keep up with what's hot in music ;)

Well this is getting long and somewhat awkward, and I feel sorta weird writing this monologue about myself...So I should probably stop now. So I will.
But if you have anything going on in your life, prayer request or anything, feel free to share!

Ok now I'm done.


 

A Kingsbury Collection: Three Novels in One by Karen Kingsbury ~ Review

My Review:  Three of Ms. Kingsbury's moving tales all in one volume!

This three-in-one volume had some of the most emotionally heartwrenching stories in it that I have ever read from Karen Kingsbury (as I have read only Unlocked and The Bridge at this point). These tales had a seriousness and emotional depth that I hadn't read from Ms. Kingsbury before, and to be honest there were times when I thought the pace was kind of slow, yet I could see how that helped the realistic-ness of the story.

All of these stories were stand-alone, but were linked in the fact that all of the stories centered around newpaper reporters. Yet the stories were diverse and each delved into a different topic, whether be coming to terms with the past and reconnecting with family, or a high profile court case debating the supposed "separation of church and state," which was handled very well.

Overall, it's really hard to go into detail and desrcibe each book individually, without making this post longer than is reasonable. So I will simply say that these are three emotionally deep reads that weren't always my cup of tea, but were great reads either way.


I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!



About the Books: Where Yesterday Lives Ellen Barrett is a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist with an uncertain marriage, a forgotten faith, and haunting memories of her picturesque hometown and the love she left behind. The eldest of five siblings, she longs for the time, long ago, when they were a happy family. Now Ellen’s beloved father is dead, and she returns to her childhood home to make peace–with the people who still live there, with the losses and changes that time has wrought, and with the future God has set before her.

When Joy Came to Stay Maggie Stovall is one of the golden people. She has it all together...at least on the surface. Ben Stovall is a godly husband and successful attorney. He has no idea of the darkness about to overtake his life. Amanda Joy is a child of society–abused, broken, thrown away. But her trust in God is still alive. When Joy Came to Stay is the heart-wrenching story of one woman’s descent into the shadows of depression, her husband’s search for understanding, and a precious child’s unwavering faith.

On Every Side Faith Evans is an up-and-coming newscaster, a woman of honor and integrity who must take a stand against the one man she never imagined would be her enemy. A beloved, hundred-year-old statue of Jesus stands in a small-town park–but some say it’s a clear violation of separation of church and state that must come down. Jordan Riley is a powerful attorney fighting for human rights and against God, but still reckoning with bitter boyhood losses. Amid political intrigue, social injustice, and personal conflicts, will love be enough when the battle rages on every side?


What Readers Are Saying About KAREN KINGSBURY Fiction…
“All–and I do mean all–of Karen Kingsbury’s books have touched my spiritual life in a deep way. I have recommended her books to men and women alike!”
–Debbie, Marana, AZ “Karen Kingsbury’s Christian fiction is the standard by which I judge all Christian fiction.”
–Robin, Fairfax, VA “Karen Kingsbury is our book club’s favorite author. We often discuss how each of her novels not only entertain us, but inspire us to live out our faith in a real, everyday, every moment way.”
–Lynda, Covington, WA “Karen’s books never cease to amaze me. After reading one, I not only feel connected to the characters and the events, I feel I’ve walked in the presence of Christ and He’s spoken mightily to me. I always cry when I finish one…tears of good-bye to the friends I’ve come to love and tears of thankfulness to my heavenly Father. I can’ t wait to read the next one!”
–Linda, Batavia, IL
Story Behind the BookEach of my novels is a piece of my heart. Where Yesterday Lives was my first-ever novel, and as such it is somewhat autobiographical. The childhood story of Ellen Barrett, her love for her parents and siblings, is my story–though her current story and struggles are fictional. On Every Side sheds light on the struggle for religious freedom in today’s climate, something I am passionate about. Finally, When Joy Came to Stay is the story of one woman’s battle against depression and the secrets of her past.

Daniel for Lunch: The Tasty Tale of Daniel and the Lion's Den by Kelly Pulley ~ Review

My Review: Another great kid's books from Mr. Kelly Pulley.

A fun rhyming telling of Daniel and the Lion's Den, that accurately follows the Bible and is accompanied by quirky illustrations.

I loved how Mr. Pulley made the book true to the Bible, yet made it fun and understandable, with simpler terms, for children to understand.

Overall a great short read, about 30 pages along, that teaches the importance of trusting God and doing what is right. A book I'd happily recommend.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
 

The Cowboy Lawman by Brenda Minton ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

After a mission gone wrong in which DEA agent Mia's, is killed, and Mia is injured, Mia goes home to Cooper Creek to recuperate. Slade McKennon is the Sheriff of Cooper Creek, and he is determined to protect his good friend Mia, from the people pursuing her, and wanting to do her harm.

Another great novel from Cooper Creek, every time another of Brenda Minton's books comes out, I just know that I have to read it, because I won't want to miss it, and The Cowboy Lawman was no exception. And definitely did not disappoint one bit!

I loved the characters, Slade was such a great guy, in so many ways that were exhibited through his interactions with Mia, and his son, Caleb. Mia, was a strong character, who had to learn to accept and face her weaknesses. They both had to learn to let go of what they had been, so that they could become something better--together.

Overall, a well written western romance, with a dash of suspense, with wonderful characters, that will make you want to return to Cooper Creek as soon as you can! A hard to put down book with a steller ending that I can't tell you about, but you've totally got to read :)

I received this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Home to Montana by Charlotte Carter ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Alisa is a single mom to Greg and owner of a small-town diner, and when Alisa's mother get's burned one day, Nick Carbini, a trained chef walks into their lives.
Nick struggles to forget the trauma that he experienced while in Afghanistan as well as his troubled past. But with Alisa and Greg by his side will his troubed heart begin to heal?

Charlotte Carter does an excellent job of portraying the struggles that soldiers go through while adjusting to civilian life again, especially after injury. This was such a sweet, and emotional romance, with wonderful characters, and a very special dog named, Rags.

Nick was a great leading man, because he was great with Greg, and was great guy, but he had his share of scars and flaws, that made him pretty much the perfect hero.

Overall, a sweet and heart-tugging read that will have you smiling and crying at the same time, with charming characters that will capture your heart!

I received this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!