The Indomitable Florence Finch by Robert J. Mrazek ~ Biography Review

My Review:

The remarkable true life story of Florence Ingersoll Smith Finch, a hero in the fight for freedom in the Philippines.

Written in an engaging style, evocative of a novel, Florence’s story is told is told in thrilling, raw, gritty detail. I was inspired by her humility and sacrifice for her country and people. There were so many times that she could have cracked or given in, but she stayed strong, with quick wit and iron resolve in the face of torture.

Riveting storytelling, brings Florence’s amazing story to life, as well as that of her friend Carl, as their efforts and endurance of inhumane cruelty are recounted. Highly recommend this incredible biography. 

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

The London Restoration by Rachel McMillan ~ Review

My Review:

An architectural romance set against the tumultuous Second World War.

Brent and Diana Sommerville married just weeks before the war, and what should have been a happy reunion is marred by five weeks that Diana can’t tell him about. Flowing forwards and back in time this story follows Brent and Diana from the first sparks of romance, their marriage, their time apart, and the present, through trenches and churches.

Slow to start, this book builds gradually, as it dissects a marriage and the pieces slowly come together about who is the one dogging their every move. Remarkably well researched, with great attention to detail, this book does a great job of bringing that part of the war to light, highlighting the heroes who gave more than anyone will ever know.

The first half of the book sets up the second half well, and it all builds into a climactic suspense filled ending. Realistic characters give gravity to the situation, and I liked how it draws attention to the realities that many returned to after the war. It was a slow burn for me, I’m glad I kept pushing till the end. 

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

Accidental Target by Theresa Lynn Hall ~ Just Read Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Accidental Target
Author: Theresa Hall
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

On an icy road in the dead of night what she sees might get her killed.

Allison Moore can’t deny what she sees—a lifeless hand sticking out of a tarp in the back of a crashed pickup truck. Seconds later, she’s on the run with a murderer on her heels.

Nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted…except police sergeant Jackson Archer.But with someone set on silencing her, can Jackson keep his promise of protection?

Review: 

No good deed goes unpunished. Or so it seems for Allison Moore, who stops to help a truck that runs itself off the road, and ends up with a murderous gang on her heels. 

Action packed adventure, with one thing after another sending Allison and Jackson scrambling to stay one step ahead. Police Sergeant Jackson Archer is determined to do whatever he can to help keep Allison safe, he's been struggling since the death of his wife, this case may what he needs to help him find his way again. I loved the suspense, and how it kept me guessing how they would find their way out. 

Allison lives her faith, and does her best to stay strong throughout this whole ordeal. I liked that she kept a level head, and was there for Jackson when he needed her.

A high stakes, fast-paced adventure. It was pretty much nonstop action, with great main characters of depth, and I liked Jackson's arc over the course of the book. Engaging, entertaining, and suspenseful!

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

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Accidental Target by Theresa Hall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Theresa Hall is an award-winning author of Christian fiction whose stories include military, law enforcement, and first responder heroes. As a native Texan, she loves to write suspenseful stories that happen in small Texas towns with old fashioned Southern values. She’s also a first-grade teacher who loves to cook, read a good suspense, and binge-watch episodes of Dateline and Discovery ID. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She actively promotes fellow Christian Fiction authors on her blog and can be found online at www.theresalynnhall.com.

CONNECT WITH THERESA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Chocolate Cake cookbook and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight August 10, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on August 17, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Print US only. International winner may receive ebook & egift card at the discretion of the author. 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.

Relative Silence by Carrie Stuart Parks ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Money, privilege, and a picture perfect life isn’t what it seems.

Piper lost her daughter Dove in a tragic accident 15 years ago. Now in the present she is still putting together the pieces of her life, living on her family’s island. Attempts on her life send her looking for answers, with the help of a forensic detective, Tucker, who helps her ask the right questions.

A family drama based thriller, filled with secrets, and deadly ambitions. There was a lot going on and a lot to unpack as secrets are revealed, and tensions are high. I liked how Tucker is a friend to Piper giving her a safe space and person to bounce ideas off of, as well as a voice of faith and reason. This was a difficult read for me, because I didn’t like Piper’s family and how their dynamics play out throughout the course of the book.

I thought that Piper’s love for classic movies was a fun addition, as she compares things to scenarios on film or quotes her favorite movies. And I loved her passion for animals.

In the end, while this book had an engaging plot and a lot of good things going for it, I personally found it to be unsatisfying, plus it was hard to relate their lavish lifestyle. And by the time I had turned the last page down I felt like I still had some questions. So in conclusion this book just wasn’t a good fit for my tastes, I have read other books by this author that I enjoyed, and I will definitely read others by her in the future, but this one just wasn’t for me. 

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

Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson ~ Review

My Review:

A poignant tale of two women in Holland, fighting for the lives of the children as well as their own during the dark days of WWII. 

A dual timeline story that weaves together pieces of the past and present, highlighting the brave men and women who risked everything for the sake of others, and the terrible injustices suffered in Holland during the second World War. 

I procrastinated a bit on this one as dual timelines and holocaust don't always draw my attention right away, but I was blown away by this touching and powerful story. The modern day story tells of Ava Drake, a young woman working for her family's philanthropic foundation as she uncovers the dark secrets of her family's wealth. Meanwhile in the 1940's, we follow Josie and Eliese, two friends reunited by the war, as they experience a fast changing world as their freedoms are lost and they make sacrifices with the hope of doing some lasting good for the sake of the children. I don't usually like bouncing back and forwards in time, but this book made me love it, as I compared present and past trying to piece together the clues as to how it was all connected. 

I loved how this book kept me guessing throughout, and I wasn't completely sure how it would end. This book realistically shows humans at their best and worst, showing the horror of the Nazi occupation in Holland, as well as the unbreakable hope and will to fight for something better. Fantastic characters, that felt tangible, realistically flawed and imperfect.  A masterfully told tale of faith, friendship, and courage. 

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

Love's Mountain Quest by Misty M. Beller ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Love’s Mountain Quest
Author: Misty M Beller
Genre:  Historical romance
Release Date: June 30, 2020

After losing her husband in the Rocky Mountain wilderness, young widow Joanna Watson is struggling to make a new home for her five-year-old son, Samuel, in the little mountain town of Settler’s Fort. When she returns home from work to find Samuel and the woman watching him missing–and the sheriff dead–she enlists a man she prays has enough experience in this rugged country to help.

Isaac Bowen wants nothing more than a quiet, invisible life in these mountains, far away from the bad decisions of his past. But he has a strong suspicion of who’s behind the kidnapping and murder, and if he’s right, he knows all too well the evil they’re
chasing.

As they press on against the elements, Joanna fights to hold on to hope, while Isaac knows a reckoning is coming. They find encouragement in the tentative trust that grows between them, but whether it can withstand the danger and coming confrontation is far from certain in this wild, unpredictable land.

Review:

A connected companion to Hope's Highest Mountain, readers return to the rugged beauty of the Montana mountains.

Joanna Watson sets off on a quest to retrieve her son from a band of ruffians, with the help of loner Isaac Bowen, a man with secrets of his own. Joanna is determined to pull her own weight, as well as protect those in her care. She is very logical and level-headed despite everything that has happened to her, putting her trust in God. Meanwhile, Isaac is used to being in control and being someone that others can depend on, he is used to being alone, and isn't accustomed to depending on someone else. Both Isaac and Joanna are strong faith driven people, they get to know each other better over the course of the story, as they work together, forming a friendship under the Montana sky.

Laura is taken along with Samuel, enduring the cruel treatment of hardened men, as she fights for her life and that of the small boy in her charge. I admired her strength and endurance.

A story of hardship and triumph in the face of adversity, friendship, faith, and determination. There were times when it was hard to read, because more and more bad things kept happening, and I just wanted to say, " Haven't they suffered enough?" But by the end, I appreciated everything that they had gone through, and I felt for them. I think that the author does a great job of showing their strong faith against the challenges of the mountains and man. Fans of the first book will love seeing returning faces in this story, as well as getting to know new characters and their stories.


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

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

After working for 13 years in the corporate world, Misty M. Beller (mistymbeller.com) is now the author of fourteen independently published Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life by writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. She lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, is an active member of ACFW, and teaches regularly at conferences and writing groups on effective book marketing.

More from Misty

The Story Behind the Story: Love’s Mountain Quest

Love’s Mountain Quest was one of the hardest books I’ve ever written, even though I LOVE Isaac and Joanna and their story. What made this book so hard was the fact that I wrote most of the story during my third trimester of pregnancy with our son!

Our little Matthew is our fourth baby (and first boy), so I was VERY heavy with child during the last three months I carried him, and that was the time that I’d scheduled to write Love’s Mountain Quest. Needless to say, the words were not flowing very well. My creativity was as exhausted as the rest of me! I could see Isaac and Joanna’s story in my mind, but showing it for readers using real words was the hard part.
Thankfully, I have an amazing editor at Bethany House (waving at Jen Veilleux!) who helped me massage the first draft, pushing both me and the story to be the very best we could be. Unfortunately for her, the edits for this book were the first bit of writing I did after taking a short maternity leave after the birth, so my brain was still a bit mushy from all the post-partum hormones and lack of sleep a newborn always brings. Jen’s patience through the process was remarkable, yet I so appreciate her determination not to stop until we had the very best book possible.
Our little Matthew just turned one, and Love’s Mountain Quest is finally making its way out into the world. Because of Jen, I’m so excited to share it with you! I can’t wait for you to meet the characters and story I love so much.

Blog Stops

Splashes of Joy, July 30

deb’s Book Review, July 30

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 31

Connect in Fiction, July 31

lakesidelivingsite, July 31

Emily Yager, August 1

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 1

Simple Harvest Reads, August 1 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Inklings and notions, August 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 2

She Lives To Read, August 3

Genesis 5020, August 3

For Him and My Family, August 3

Texas Book-aholic, August 4

Read Review Rejoice, August 4

April Hayman, Author, August 4

Betti Mace, August 5

Blossoms and Blessings, August 5

Life of Literature, August 5

For the Love of Literature, August 6

Adventures of A Travelers Wife, August 6

Daysong Reflections, August 7

Labor Not in Vain, August 7

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 7

Older & Smarter?, August 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 8

Mary Hake, August 8

Through the Fire Blogs, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 9

Just Your Average reviews, August 9

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 10

Blessed & Bookish, August 10

Hallie Reads, August 10

Wishful Endings, August 11

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 11

Lighthouse Academy, August 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Artistic Nobody, August 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Bizwings Blog, August 12

To Everything There Is A Season, August 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize package of Love’s Mountain Quest, Hope’s Highest Mountain, and a bath bomb!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/fe39/love-s-mountain-quest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter ~ Review

My Review:

A delightfully spectacular Regency read set against the horse flesh centric community of Newmarket, it doesn't get any better than this!

This may be my favorite book by Kristi Ann Hunter yet, a thoroughly satisfying Regency read, cleverly weaving threads of social intrigue evocative of the time, with protagonists that I couldn't help but cheer for all the way through. Engaging and nearly impossible to put down, filled with heart and humor along the way. But that's not all, there are HORSES! As if I didn't already have enough reason to love this book, Ms. Hunter goes and plays her trump card by bringing this community driven by a passion for horses to life, making it a turning point at which many of the characters bond over the course of the book. 

I knew that I would love Bianca from the very first page, with her love of horses and eschewing of the social acrobatic games. She is clever, with a quick wit, sincere heart, with the ability to be honest with herself, and gets a task done on her own terms, along with her modern sense of practicality. 

Hudson is determined and genuine, I admired his willingness to confront what he didn't know head-on, and acknowledge his need for help. 

This book is stellar on so many levels, with well crafted characters, and supporting characters, as well as some familiar faces from previous books by this author. The author finds ways to say so much simple interactions. I loved the amazing friendship dynamics in so many of the relationships between characters, many of which I am hoping get their own stories in future books as there is still quite a bit of mystery around them. My vote for the next books in the series is a tie between Aaron Whitworth and Lord Rigby--seems like there could be more to his story too. One of my favorite books this year, I can't stop gushing about it. HIGHLY recommend!

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

Child on His Doorstep by Lee Tobin McClain ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Corbin likes to live a neat, organized life, following his self-imposed rules. When his much younger brother, Mikey, who he did not even know existed is left on his doorstep with a note asking him to take care of the toddler, he find himself with more than he can handle.

Samantha Alcorn comes to the rescue, offering to help with Mikey. As they get to know each other, Corbin finds himself questioning his rules and the hurdles of Samantha's past. Will her secret keep them from being a family. 

A heartwarming read from beginning to end. I loved the charming twist in bringing the protagonists together. I know some people might say that this book is predictable, but I loved the cozy, cuteness, and charm in this book. Mikey is just adorable, he loves big dogs and wants Corbin and Samantha to go everywhere with him. Corbin and Samantha have great chemistry, and I just found this book as a whole so enjoyable, with sold themes of faith and forgiveness.

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

Acceptable Risk by Lynette Eason ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A thrilling companion to Collateral Damage. Sara Denning is an Army journalist taken hostage during an attack on a school in Afghanistan, her capture brings her face to face with Gavin Black, a man she had previously dated and subsequently ghosted. Back home and discharged, she learns of her brother's suicide, and is determined to expose the dark web of lies threatening her family. 

Sara is a skilled journalist, with natural instincts for following the clues. She has a complicated relationship with her father, who is a high ranking general in the military. She is compassionate, independent, and fiercely tenacious, fighting for what is right. 

Gavin doesn't know what went wrong with Sara, but he will do whatever it takes to help her and keep her safe. I like how he is respectful and forthright with Sara, and he's the kind of guy you can't not like. He thinks on his feet, and is a good problem solver. 

While the second in a series, it works well as a stand alone too. Great pacing, plot, and character interaction make this book a stand out. Once I started I didn't want to put it down. Suspenseful, with reveals that kept me on the edge of my seat. Well balanced read, filled with faith, suspense, strong heroes, and well built character arcs. Highly recommend this fantastic read, Lynette Eason hasn't let me down yet!

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

Ready to Trust by Tina Radcliffe ~ Prism Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Ready to Trust

(Hearts of Oklahoma #2)

By Tina Radcliffe

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

July 21, 2020 by Love Inspired

Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.

Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl.

Review:

This books gets off to a great start with a fantastic first chapter, that sets the stage for the rest of the book, with it's engaging hook, and the situation that they find themselves in. 

 I liked how this book brought out the family dynamics of Reece and Claire's upbringings, as well as the dynamics of their past and how it affects their relationship. We also see how Reece and Claire have changed, and I really admired the person that Reece became. Claire is an excellent mother to her young daughter, responsible, and protective. I also liked how Reece is willing to be honest with himself about his past, and takes responsibility for that. 

A second chance romance, full of family, faith, and heart. It was a fast read for me, because it just grabbed me right out of the gate with a quick hook, and I didn't put it down. Zoe is such an adorable little girl, she is so cute! I also really enjoyed Willard, who adds some years of experience and humor to the story. Highly enjoyable and satisfying read, with amazing characters.

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

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Book Depository 

Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Christianbook | Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

Finding the Road Home

(Hearts of Oklahoma #1)

By Tina Radcliffe

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

February 18, 2020 by Love Inspired

Some paths need courage to follow…

Can they find their fresh startwith roadblocks around every corner?

To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Book Depository 

Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Christianbook | Harlequin

And coming in December...

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

Tina Radcliffe is the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award-winning author of inspirational romance. She is an ACFW and Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, and a four time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Tina is the author of fifteen inspirational romances for Harlequin HarperCollins.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a Lily Queen Canvas Totebag (retail value $21.99), a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of READY TO TRUST (US/CAN only)

Ends August 19, 2020

ENTER HERE