The Escape by Lisa Harris ~ Review

Review:

US Marshals Madison and Jonas are transporting two prisoners by plane to a secure location in Denver, but when the plane experiences engine trouble and they are forced to crash land somewhere in between. Upon regaining consciousness, they find that one of the prisoners is dead, but the other has escaped. 

A heart pounding, action packed adventure of survival, and trying to catch a cunning con artist murderer. This is a intense read, filled with suspense, mystery, and great tension. 

Madison and Jonas are acquaintances, and this is their first time working together. Jonas knows that Madison is the perfect partner for this mission, as he trained her years ago and knows that she has sharp instincts, and is great at thinking on her feet. They make a great team, bouncing ideas off of each other, and listening to each other's input. I liked how Jonas stresses safety, how they grow to trust and depend on each other, as well as talk about their share values and beliefs. 

Overall, this was a book that I didn't want to put down! Great characters, and high intensity action. I'm also very happy that this series will continue to follow Madison and Jonas, as they are a great team and have great chemistry. I will be counting the days until book 2 is available! 

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

Twin Daggers by Marcykate Connolly ~ Review

My Review:

This book blew me away.

I wasn't sure what to expect going in, this author is new to me, and I was a little put off by the low average rating on the reviews that I had seen floating around. But let me tell you, this book worked for me. I read it all in one day, which is rare for me these days. 

Aissa and her twin sister Zandria are Magi, and they have been in training their whole lives to take down the Technocrat empire that has oppressed and persecuted their people. Aissa is the more serious and reserved of the sisters, while her sister is impulsive and charming. The story is told through Aissa's eyes, and the closer that she get's the enemy the more she finds everything that she was taught may be a lie. 

This book is fast paced and engaging, with fantastic speculative, fantasy steampunk worldbuilding. I loved uncovering the layers of this fresh and imaginative setting, how it juxtaposes the powers of the Magi against the cold science of the Technocrats, as well as the dark and light sides of both. This book has intrigue, mystery, and many twists along the way, which made me not want to put it down. 

This book was marketed as a Romeo and Juliet re-telling, and while there were shades of forbidden love, sacrifice, and betrayal, as well as two warring peoples, I think that this story takes that inspiration and makes it something completely its own. I also saw that it drew comparison to Marissa Meyer's Renegades Trilogy, to which I wholeheartedly agree. 

Aro is a very intriguing character, he is compassionate and determined. He is willing to make up his own mind, and not just follow what he is told. I loved the layers in his character. Remy is also a very interesting character, a lifelong friend of Aissa and Zandria, he is at times brooding and secretive, and there were times when I didn't know what to think of him. The side characters were not as fleshed out, and even though Zandria was Aissa's twin, I felt that she could have been explored more to give me more than just Aissa's feelings to go on.  

As for content I would say that it is PG-13 for violence, disturbing scenes. There are a few heated kisses, and two characters fall asleep together, but it doesn't go any further than that. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this speculative fantasy, with its excellent worldbuilding, fantastic tension throughout, and strong, likable, and mysterious characters. I loved learning about the world, the differences in culture between the Technocrats and Magi, and as the book progressed, everything started to fall into place, while simultaneously raising more questions, all leading up to the explosive climax that left me wanting more. I will definitely be picking up its sequel when it releases. Can it be August 2021 already?

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

Delayed Justice by Shirlee McCoy ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

When human interest journalist Sasha Eastman is threatened by a man who looks strikingly like her mother's murderer, even though he was caught 20 years ago, Detective Bradley McGregor and his K-9, King, step up to protect her. 

A fast paced K-9 adventure that wraps up the True Blue K-9 Unit: Brooklyn Series. A quick read, filled with action, mystery and adventure. Because I had read the previous books in the series, the parts that were a continuation of the story thread running throughout the series, felt a little repetitive because of recapping. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, with good protagonists, faith, and plenty of action. 

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

Joy to the World by Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt, and Erica Vetsch ~ Review

Review: 

A beautiful collection of three novellas from some of my favorite Regency authors. 

Each of these novellas takes their title from the lyrics of Joy to the World, telling tales of hope, second chances, love, and the True Light of Christmas.

Heaven and Nature Sing is a story of second chances. Both Edith and George have love of music, which initially brought them together years ago. This is a charming holiday tale of second chances, I loved how the author brings to life the Christmas traditions of the times.

 

Far as the Curse is Found, is a story of hope. Dwight and Jenny are both struggling, Jenny is trying to raise her young child alone in less than favorable circumstances, while Dwight wears a mask to cover the scars of war. A beautiful story of love in unexpected places, and hope in the darkest of times. I loved the characters, strong faith, and original take on the genre.

Wonders of His Love was probably my favorite of the collection, as it features a few familiar faces from another series by this author. Cilla and Hamish are from very different worlds, in this heartwarming sweet romance, with fantastic character interaction. Strong faith and great character arcs make this story stand out.

Overall, a must read for fans of Christian Regency fiction, a great gift for yourself or for a loved one. This was a quick read, completely enjoyable, and highly entertaining. Well worth the read!

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

Georgia Ann, English Rose by Elva Cobb Martin ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Book: Georgia Ann, English Rose

Author: Elva Cobb Martin

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: November 17, 2020

Two Charles Town men love Georgia Ann Cooper—Samuel Vargas and his step-brother, Joshua Becket—but only one both attracts and infuriates her. Even though he’s a dangerous budding patriot and a privateer—or more likely pirate—Samuel fills her dreams and waking moments. When he leaves Charles Town for high sea adventure on the legendary Spice Trail, she determines to push him out of her thoughts and her graces. A task made slightly easier when she sets out on her own journey to accompany her father on one of his merchant trips to the Mediterranean.

Samuel Vargas is determined to make his own way in the world, not live in the glow of his parents’ escapades throughout Charles Town and the seas surrounding the Spanish Main. There’s no better place to earn his fortune than the Spice Trail. But the adventure becomes more than he bargained for when he stumbles across a familiar face from Charles Town in Tripoli, and he’s forced to use all his abilities to save the life of the woman he’s been trying to forget.

As their paths intertwine on a journey filled with Barbary pirates, intrigue, and romance, only love and the grace of God can overcome the past and ignite a new beginning for Georgia Ann and Samuel.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

A swashbuckling romantic adventure. 

Slow to start and at times it felt unrealistic, the story picks up steam as the story progresses and the characters grow. I enjoyed the friendships and faith, as 18 year old Georgia Ann matures through he experiences and being put to the test. Samuel is a natural leader, who is driven to do his duty and live his faith, I admired his work ethic and how he is ever working to give Georgia Ann the life that she is accustomed to. 

Overall, this book really comes together as it progresses into a high stakes satisfying ending. I think that it is well researched and I loved the settings of the exotic ports. Georgia has a faithful friend in Bella, who helps her in many a tight spot. Samuel has a fantastic crew, and I admired his endurance facing many unforeseen challenges. There is a lot going on in this story, with strong faith, and a great ending.

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

About the Author

Elva Cobb Martin is a wife, mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband and a mini-dachshund. A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. Connect with her on her web site at http://www.elvamartin.com.

 

More from Elva

Georgia Ann (& the Spice Trade) – Book 2 in my Charleston Brides Series

 

I enjoy researching material to make my novels richer and help readers learn something new while enjoying my Christian historical romances. In Georgia Ann, my hero, Samuel Vargas, sails off to make his fortune in spices we take for granted in our kitchens today. I loved doing the research about this flavorful commodity.

The Spice Islands are actually called the Maluku Islands and they lie in the Indonesian Pacific archipelago, north of Australia and south of Thailand and China.

 

The history of spices reveals a hazardous, exciting tale spread over centuries of daring, courage and greed and many countries and oceans.

 

The spice trade actually drove the world’s economy from the end of the Middle Ages well into modern times. But the economical importance of spices, recorded in the history of Kerala, referred to as “The Spice Garden of India,” goes back as far as 3000 BC which marks the beginning of the spice trade.

Wars have been fought on land and sea and nations have been made wealthy (and at least one annihilated) in the battle for control of the spice trade.

 

Nutmeg and New York

The spice trade brought great riches to Arab, Indian, Venetian, Portuguese, Dutch, and Spanish traders. It once brought death to residents of the Banda Spice Islands over a nutmeg monopoly. In 1603 the Dutch East India Company (known as VOC) ousted the Portuguese control of nutmeg on these islands.

Here’s an interesting tidbit in the history of nutmeg. The English fought the Dutch over control of this spice. England finally handed their island of Rhun over to the Dutch in exchange for a swampy island trading post in North America, an unattractive property known then as New Amsterdam; today as Manhattan Island!

 

The search for cinnamon, ginger, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, turmeric, cassia, in the ancient world gave rise to unbelievable tales. To satisfy the curious, to protect their market, and to discourage competitors the spice-source countries like India and Asia spread fantasy tales of danger, magic, strange animals, and snake-infested glens. Sinbad the Sailor stories grew out of this mindset.

For us in the USA, another most important fact stands out about the Spice Trade, besides it being involved in the trade for Manhattan Island. The Americas were discovered (1492) due to Spain sending Columbus to find a western route to India (from the Atlantic to the Pacific) to reap in the rewards for these valuable spices desired by all Europe.

The danger-fraught routes at that time (1400’s) from Europe were through the Mediterranean and Egypt (Alexandria) overland to the Red Sea and down the Persian Gulf, then sailing over the Indian Ocean to India, and to the Spice Islands.

 

Cloves

A native tradition of the Spice Islands was to plant a clove tree at a child’s birth, symbolically linking the child to the tree’s life.

The clove tree is an evergreen that grows up to twelve feet tall with large glossy leaves and crimson flowers in clusters that when ripe and dried become the cloves like we use in cooking.

 

Today, spices are grown in many countries other than the Spice Islands that have temperate climates.

 

The World’s Three Most Traded Spices Today

Pepper, vanilla, and ginger are spicing up lives and economies. Millions of dollars are earned in sales. Pepper is exported by Viet Nam, India, and China. Vanilla comes from mainly Madagascar, Indonesia, and Mauritius. Main exporters of ginger are China and the Netherlands.

 

And one last spicy tidbit: The United States leads the world in spice consumption and imports.

 

Hope I haven’t bored you, but I love discovering history like this and sowing bits into my novels.

Thanks for stopping by.  And remember when you use cloves again to stick in that ham, or use the powdered form in an apple pie—a lot of “stuff” happened over centuries to get this spice so readily available in your kitchen.

 

Elva Cobb Martin

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 19

Simple Harvest Reads, November 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Inklings and notions, November 20

For Him and My Family, November 21

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

deb’s Book Review, November 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 24

Betti Mace, November 25

Labor Not in Vain , November 25

Daysong Reflections, November 26

Artistic Nobody, November 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Connie’s History Classroom, November 28

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 29

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 2

Connect in Fiction , December 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elva is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/103eb/georgia-ann-english-rose-celebration-tour-giveaway

Watercolors by Lorna Seilstad ~ Review

Review:

Amelia York is a determined, educated young woman, with a degree in Art from the University of Iowa, and a gift for watercolors. She joins a Christian mission group to nurse the injured, and after a terrible accident is determined to bring her paralyzed brother home. 

Escorting her and her brother is lawyer Braedon McCrae, an ex-Confederate soldier, informally trained in medicine. Braedon is a man of strong convictions and honor, still struggling to reconcile the horrors of war and his lack of faith. 

Set right after the end of the Civil War, this book shows the tensions still very much alive on both sides as people adjust to the aftermath of the war. The loss of a loved one, or a loved one returned from war forever changed. Amelia is unconventional for her time, she knows what she wants and is determined to see it through. I loved her devotion to her family, as well as her strong faith. She is encouraging and compassionate towards others, especially her brother John. 

Braedon is a trained lawyer, and informally trained in medicine, he is still struggling to process everything he experienced. I loved his Aunt, and his father who both love her dearly and want him to find the answers that he needs. 

Overall, I was so impressed with the strong, integral to the plot, themes of faith, pain, loss, and hope. At times I thought that the pacing could have been tighter, but overall it worked well. I liked how it showed the tension and prejudices that were present in a country trying to make sense of the aftermath of a Civil War. An engaging story of faith, hope, and finding love. 

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

Dogwood Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels ~ Review

Review: 

Cornelia Gill has grown up on Dogwood Plantation, where her father worked as a foreman. Carter returns home after being injured in the war of 1812, to take charge of the Plantation that will be his legacy. 

Bringing to life a time period that I've not read about very often, this book gives a look into life during that time. This book tells the story through multiple characters, which at times made it hard to follow, as there were a few times that I didn't remember who the particular character was right away. 

Overall, an enjoyable read, that at times could have been tighter, but had solid themes of faith, forgiveness, and second chances. Nell is a very intelligent, hardworking and admirable young woman. A historical romance, against the backdrop of  life in a young America.

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

Besotted by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review:

A satisfying conclusion to this beautiful trilogy of fairy-tale re-tellings.

Kreston doesn't consider himself a serious contender to the throne, as his two elder brothers are the heavy favorites. While serving out his testing in the Inglewood forest he comes across an enchanting beauty, who is captivating in a way unlike every young woman he has ever met before. 

Aurora has lived a sheltered life, hidden away in the Inglewood forest until the moment when she can claim her throne. Kreston is charming, and forbidden, making her long for both more than her quiet life in the forest, and less than the heavy mantle of royalty.

As their time in the forest draws to an end, their bond is tested as they fight for their countries, freedom, and love. 

Recognizably based loosely on Sleeping Beauty, this third and final book in the Fairest Maidens is my favorite of the series. I loved how it creatively re-invents the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty in a way that is fresh, but honors the original story. One of the main reasons I loved this book was because of Kreston's character arc, and how he grows from a young man not taking his Testing very seriously to a man willing to risk his life for what he loves and believes in. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, with its strong, protagonists, the return of familiar faces, fantastic plot and climactic conclusion. Aurora is curious about the outside world, she is kind, and a problem solver. I loved her aunts doting and Chester's gruff protectiveness. A worthy conclusion to this wonderful series!

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

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

An engaging adventure, with captivating characters, that brings to life the early days of Yellowstone National Park. 

Yellowstone is my favorite National Park, so I was thrilled when I found out about this book, I added it to my TBR instantly. And this book does not disappoint, Kate Tremaine is a widow raising a young son, and one of the first hoteliers possessing a lease on the new National Park. She is happy to help the Calvary as they take control, flushing out poachers and troublemakers. I admired how capable and ready to tackle a challenge, Kate is. She is a master at keeping multiple plates spinning, and is an excellent mother to Danny. 

Lt. William Prescott is haunted by his past, but determined to do his job well, but's hard to do when you don't know the lay of the land, so he asks Kate to help him. I loved how this book shows the wild beauty of Yellowstone, through the eyes of both Kate and Will, who make an excellent team. 

Overall, a quick read, I enjoyed every minute of it and was sad to see it end. Danny is an adorable and intelligent child, and I loved every scene with him in it. An entertaining, engaging read with strong themes of forgiveness, faith, family, and new beginnings set against the stunning Wyoming sky. 

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

The Price of Valor by Susan May Warren ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the Global Search and Rescue Series!

I went into this book knowing that I would love it, and I wasn't disappointed. Hamilton Jones has been a supporting cast member, and friend in the previous installments of this series, so I was thrilled to finally get to read his story, which began in the background of the earlier books in the series, or if you go back even farther--he makes an appearance in a companion series also by this author. So to say this was a long time coming would be an understatement. 

I loved amazing characters and strong sense of tension throughout, Ham is determined to do everything he can to give his newfound daughter a home and family. Ham has a lot of experience in a tight situation, and is more than willing to go to great lengths for his daughter and former love. I also really loved how prominently featured many of my favorite characters from previous books are featured, and if you have read as many books by this author as I have, than you will recognize more than a few familiar faces. Ham is a loyal friend and hardworking, he has held onto his faith through many tough things, I I like how he encourages his teammates and friends. 

Overall, a fantastic read and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, with great characters, strong faith and shocking revelations. Nearly impossible to put down, with a very climactic ending. Highly recommend!

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