A Fool and His Monet by Sandra Orchard

About the Book
Serena Jones has a passion for recovering lost and stolen art--one that's surpassed only by her zeal to uncover the truth about the art thief who murdered her grandfather. She's joined the FBI Art Crime Team with the secret hope that one of her cases will lead to his killer. Now, despite her mother's pleas to do something safer--like get married--Serena's learning how to go undercover to catch thieves and black market traders.
When a local museum discovers an irreplaceable Monet missing, Jones leaps into action. The clues point in different directions, and her boss orders her to cease investigating her most promising suspect. But determined to solve the case and perhaps discover another clue in her grandfather's murder, she pushes ahead, regardless of the danger.
With spunk, humor, and plenty of heart-stopping moments, Sandra Orchard gives readers an exciting string of cases to crack and a character they'll love to watch solve them.

My Thoughts
I'd seen this author's books around and heard good things from blogging friends so when I saw that she was starting a new series I decided to dive in.
What I found was an entertaining story that had a mix of humor and mystery with a dash of romance thrown in. Serena was a great heroine feisty and able to take care of herself while also kind and attentive to those around her! I liked both of her potential love interests, Tanner the fellow agent, and Nate her apartment building's supervisor. Both were fun and seem to really care about Serena, it'll be interesting to see who she ends up with! Serena's family were amusing, especially her aunt.
The mystery kept taking new turns every time I thought I had it figured out and kept me guessing until the end.
In short this was a very enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to getting more of Serena's story in book two!

Meet the Author
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. Sandra has also received a HOLT Medallion, a Word Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra's books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Waiting on Wednesday #205: Dawn at Emberwilde

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd
Thomas Nelson-May 10, 2016

About the Book

Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.
For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would enable her to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death.
The unexpected arrival of a stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel’s small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.
At her new family’s invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. Perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.
At Emberwilde Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it—in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.

Why I Want It

I've loved every book of this author's and I'm looking forward to this one!

Top Ten of My Most Recent 5-Star Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This topic was pretty easy for me since I've read 18 books this year and all but two of them were five stars (and the other two were four stars)!
P.S. These are in order of date read!

#1. Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund

#2. Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

#3. The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

#4. Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund

#5. The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

#6. With This Ring Novella Collection

#7. You're the One That I Want by Susan May Warren

#8. Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey

#9. A Glimmer of Hope by Julie Lessman

#10. Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg
Haven't technically finished this yet but it is AMAZING and I have to talk about it every chance I can!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #217

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

Didn't get much of any reading done this week but I'm not too sad about that, because I was in NC visiting my best friend and her husband! We basically just hung out at their apartment, watching shows and playing games, did some shopping and ate at some great restaurants! 

What I am currently reading:

I had started A Fool and His Monet and I was enjoying it but then I got my hands on Like Never Before and couldn't resist diving in! I am already in love!!!!!

What I hope to read this week:

Can't wait for this one!

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!

Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Friday Memes 3/25

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

How much of your day is devoted to your blog, and how much is devoted to reading?

My Answer:

I don't spend too much time on my blog each day, maybe 45 mins at most. A little more on days I have to get a review up. Reading really just varies on my schedule for the day.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

I should have listened to my mother.
Stomping down the panic surging up my throat, I gripped the priceless painting. "Yes, we've definitely got a deal," I said repeating the code phrase that should have brought the SWAT team charging into my hotel room.
A Fool and His Monet by Sandra Orchard

My Thoughts
This beginning definitely catches your attention from the start! 

Waiting on Wednesday #204: Anchor in the Storm

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin
Revell-May 3, 2016

About the Book

One Plucky Female Pharmacist + One High-Society Naval Officer = Romance--and Danger
For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he is her brother's best friend.
During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?
Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won't soon forget.

Why I Want It

I adore every one of Sarah's books! I loved Arch in the previous book of this series and I can't wait to see how his and Lillian's relationship plays out!

Top Ten Books I Really Love But Feel Like I Haven't Talked About Enough

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish


#1. Brides of Simpson Creek Series by Laurie Kingery

#2. A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller

#3. Homefront Hero by Allie Pleiter

#4. A Family Forever by Brenda Coulter

#5. Saddler's Legacy Series by Rosslyn Elliott

#6. Waltham Academy Series by Laura Jackson

#7. Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser

#8. Prarie Promises Series by Kelly Eileen Hake

#9. The Ransome Trilogy by Kaye Dacus

#10. Defenders of Hope Series by Amy Wallace

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #216

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

Loved both of these! Can't wait for the third book!

What I am currently reading:

I've only read the first chapter but I'm optimistic!

What I hope to read this week:

I am currently enjoying a much needed vacation at my bestie's house and then non-stop busyness as soon as I get home so I don't anticipate much reading this week!

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!

Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

The Calling by Rachelle Dekker

About the Book
Remko Brant had never been so sure of anything as escaping the Authority City with Carrington Hale. But bravado comes easy when you have nothing to lose. Now a husband, father, and the tactical leader of the Seers, Remko has never had so much at risk.
As he and his team execute increasingly dangerous rescue missions inside the city, they face growing peril from a new enemy. Recently appointed Authority President Damien Gold claims to be guiding a city shaken by rebellion into a peaceful, harmonious future. But appearances can be deceiving. In order to achieve his dangerous ambitions, Gold knows he must do more than catch the rebels―he must destroy the hope their message represents . . . from the inside out.
With dissension in his own camp―and the CityWatch soldiers closing in―Remko feels control slipping through his fingers. To protect those he loves, he must conquer his fears and defeat Gold . . . before one of them becomes his undoing.

My Thoughts
After loving the first book in this series I was excited to dive into this one, and it did not disappoint! While The Choosing was told primarily from Carrington's point of view, the author switched things up and made this book more about Remko. We enter the story eighteen months after the events that took place in The Choosing so there was a little catching up to do but the author did a great job of working it into the story without creating an information dump.
Remko has a lot of responsibility thrust onto his shoulders and he does the best he can but the fear of failing threatens to drown him. It's something we can all relate to (I know I can) and I loved the way the author brought Remko through it all till he realized and accepted that it's only when we let go and surrender to God that we can truly succeed and have peace. His journey to the truth was a hard and painful one but it was only when he was truly broken that he was able to hear the truth of who he was and Whose he was.
There were twists throughout and I never really knew what was going to happen next and the whole book moved along at a rather fast pace! The book ended with more questions than answers and I cannot wait for book three!


Meet the Author
The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She writes full time from her home in Nashville, where she lives with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Friday Memes 3/18

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Has your contact with authors usually been in person, via e-mail, social media, or something else?

My Answer:

It varies by author but usually it's either through email or social media!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Remko sensed panic from the group behind him. It filled the air around his head and pressed against his skull. They were running out of time. He pushed away the pocket of dread threatening to knock his legs out from under him. They couldn't afford to run out of time.
The Calling by Rachelle Dekker

My Thoughts
Love this beginning! Totally sucks you in and makes you keep reading to find out what's going on!

The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

About the Book
Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for―her Choosing ceremony―to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.
But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.
Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.

My Thoughts
To be honest I almost ignored this book. I am not the biggest fan of Ted Dekker so I wasn't sure what to expect from his daughter. Thankfully the premise intrigued me too much and after hearing good things from fellow bloggers I knew that I had to give it a try. I loved it! Rachelle has a beautiful writing style and the dystopian world she created was well thought out and brilliantly executed.
I loved Carrington and Remko's characters (side note: I thought it was interesting how most of the characters first names were names more commonly used as surnames) and really enjoyed getting to know them through the course of this book. I would have liked to have a bit more to their romance since they really didn't have all that many interactions but that was mainly due to the rules of the society in which they lived and there was enough that it didn't seem too far-fetched.
The theme of finding your identity and value in who God says you are rather than who the world tells you to be was beautifully woven throughout the book and really shone through.
The villain was a bit creepy but not in an off-putting way and he was as well written as the rest of the characters. It was rather easy to deduce who he was but that didn't detract from the suspenseful aspect at all.
I honestly loved this book and it had me hooked from the very beginning! I'm actually kinda glad it took me a little while to read this because I didn't have to wait before starting book two! If you like dystopian novels definitely check this book out, you won't be sorry!

Meet the Author
The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She writes full time from her home in Nashville, where she lives with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair.

Waiting on Wednesday #203: Her One and Only

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Her One and Only by Becky Wade
Bethany House-May 3, 2016

About the Book

Gray Fowler, star NFL tight end, is being pursued by a stalker, so his team hires a protection agency to keep Gray under the watch of a bodyguard at all times. When Gray meets Dru Porter, an agent assigned to him, he's indignant. How can an attractive young female half his size possibly protect him?
But Dru's a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt. She's also ferociously determined to uncover the identity of Gray's stalker. And she's just as determined to avoid any kind of romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past. But the closer they get to finding the stalker, the closer they grow to each other. As the danger rises, can Dru and Gray entrust their hearts--and their lives--to one another?

Why I Want It

I have loved every book of this authors especially this series and I can't wait to get Dru's story! She has been such a fun character in the previous books and I know this book is going to be awesome!

Top Ten Books on My Spring TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

#1. Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg

#2. Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

#3. Her One and Only by Becky Wade

#4. The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White

#5. Close to You by Kara Issac

#6. No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

#7. A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton

#8. Married 'til Monday by Denise Hunter

#9. Playing the Part by Jen Turano

#10. From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #215

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

Absolutely nothing, sadly. I was horrendously sick for the first half of the week and for the second half my best friend was in town and I was hanging out with her every chance I had. 

What I am currently reading:

Still working on this one but I'm loving it!

What I hope to read this week:

Need to have this finished by Thursday!

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!

Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Friday Memes 3/11

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Do you believe audio books are the future and why do believe? 

My Answer:

Since I really dislike audio books I really hope not but I also just don't think they will be. Sure they can be convenient at times but not always. 

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Sixteen-year-old Meg felt the hair on the back of her neck prick to attention. She looked around the student parking lot and shivered, even though she'd worked up a good sweat at basketball practice. 
Retribution by Lynette Eason

My Thoughts
Ominous beginning!