Silence in the Dark by Patricia Bradley

About the Book
Two years ago, Bailey Adams broke off her engagement to Danny Maxwell and fled Logan Point for the mission field in Chihuahua, Mexico. Now she's about to return home to the States, but there's just one problem. After Bailey meets with the uncle of one of the mission children in the city, she barely escapes a sudden danger. Now she's on the run--she just doesn't know from whom. To make matters worse, people who help her along the way find themselves in danger too--including Danny. Who is after her? Will they ever let up? And in the midst of the chaos, can Bailey keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?

With lean, fast-paced prose that keeps readers turning the pages, Patricia Bradley pens a superb story of suspense and second chances.

My Thoughts
I've been enjoying this series thus far and was excited to read this one. Sadly it didn't quite live up to my expectations. It started out pretty well, I enjoyed the characters and the action was pretty gripping from the very start. But as the book went on there were several times where I was pulled out of the story for various reasons such as corny lines and things playing out in a way that just seemed a little convenient and unnatural. That being said, it wasn't bad enough to make me stop reading and there were lots of good moments mixed in with the ones that didn't sit right with me. There wasn't as much romance in this book but since the characters had been previously engaged the feelings were already there they just had to get past the things preventing their relationship. I liked that characters from the previous books showed up in this one so we could see where their lives were.
So while this book wasn't quite as well done as the others in this series it was still an enjoyable read and this series is worth your time if you like romantic suspense!

Meet the Author
Patricia Bradley is the author of Shadows of the Past, A Promise to Protect, and Gone without a Trace. Bradley has been a finalist for the Genesis Award, winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award, and winner of a Touched by Love Award. Bradley is a published short story writer and cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.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.

Friday Memes 5/27

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Have you ever started a meme that became popular and is still in existence?

My Answer:

Nope

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."

Elizabeth King held her fingers against the ivory keys, refusing to stir as the final chord faded and silence descended on the parlor. Were God ever to speak to her, she imagined it would be in the precious instant after a last note died away and before an audience responded.
Through the Shadows by Karen Barnett

My Thoughts
Beautiful

Her One and Only by Becky Wade

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?

My Thoughts
I can't believe this is the last Porter family novel we are going to get! But if it has to be the last at least the series ended with a bang!
Dru has kinda been a mystery since the beginning and it was really cool to finally get inside her head. On the exterior she's as tough as nails but she also has a soft side and she will do whatever necessary to protect those around her.
Gray had a rough childhood and at first glance he seemed like a typical cocky sports star but once you peeled back the layers you found a really great guy who turned out to be exactly what Dru needed! I loved watching their relationship play out from the very start and was very happy with where they ended up!
The hunt for Gray's stalker kept me on my toes the whole time and I didn't figure it out until the characters did. I also really enjoyed getting to catch up with the other Porter siblings and see how their lives were turning out.
So yeah this was an amazing ending to a wonderful series that I highly recommend!

Meet the Author
Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and an INSPY Award. Learn more at www.beckywade.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.

Meet Dru Porter, former Marine, expert markswoman, and black belt—who also happens to be assigned as a bodyguard to star NFL tight end Gray Fowler. Don't miss the final Porter family novel by Becky Wade, Her One and Only. Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, and Dru is determined to find his stalker. Every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.

Join Becky in celebrating the release of Her One and Only by entering to win her Porter prize pack and $100 cash card giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Her One and Only
• A $100 cash card
• Follow Your Heart tote bag
• 24 oz Tervis Wonder Woman Tumbler
• The Blind Side DVD
• Necklace with star charm
• Porter Family navy jersey

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on May 31st. The winner will be announced June 1st on the Litfuse blog.

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

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.

My Thoughts
Every time I pick up a Sarah Sundin book I know I'm going to be swept away to my favorite time period in a unique and beautiful way. I absolutely love reading any stories set during WWII but Sarah's are a cut above the rest! She writes so vividly that I feel like I'm right there and she also draws her readers in emotionally in a very beautiful way.
After meeting Arch and reading a little about Lillian in the first book of this series, I absolutely could not wait for their story. At first glance they might seem like a mismatched couple but the more you got to know them it was glaringly obvious that they were perfect for each other. Unlike every other girl Arch had dated, Lillian didn't care about his money. She saw the real Arch and that was who she fell in love with. And when Arch looked at Lillian he didn't see her prosthetic but instead saw the beautiful, kind, and brave woman she was despite her injury. Both were wary due to being hurt in previous relationships and it was beautiful to watch their walls come down as they learned to trust each other.
I loved the whole drug ring aspect. It's not really something you think about happening in that time and it was interesting to figure out how they did it. The mystery of it all kept me guessing until the very end with many twists that I didn't see coming at all.
It was awesome to catch up with Jim and Mary and fun to get to know Dan and Quintessa (who are the main characters of book three) a little more.
So in case it isn't already obvious, I absolutely adored this book! It made me laugh, brought tears to my eyes, and had me on the edge of my seat not wanting to put it down!

Meet the Author
Sarah Sundin is the author of Through Waters Deep, as well as Wings of the Nightingale and the Wings of Glory series. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force. Sarah lives in California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

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.

In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin's new book, Anchor in the Storm. 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 Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

Celebrate the release of Sarah's Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
• Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
• Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
• 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
• Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
• "Hope Anchors the Soul" journal
• Set of two nautical tea towels

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah's blog.

Waiting on Wednesday #213: An Elegant Facade

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:

An Elegant Facade by Kristi Ann Hunter
Bethany House-July 5, 2016

About the Book

Lady Georgina Hawthorne has worked tirelessly to seal her place as the Incomparable for her debut season. At her first London ball, she hopes to snag the attention of an earl.
With money and business connections, but without impeccable bloodlines, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. When he first encounters the fashionable Lady Georgina, he's irritated by his attraction to a woman who concerns herself only with status and appearance.
What Colin doesn't know is that Georgina's desperate social aspirations are driven by the shameful secret she harbors. Association with Colin McCrae is not part of Georgina's plan, but as their paths continue to cross, they both must decide if the realization of their dreams is worth the sacrifices they must make.

Why I Want It

I absolutely adored this author's debut and I can't wait to read this one!!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #225

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

Loved loved loved this book though I'm sad to see this series end!

What I am currently reading:

This book is pretty good so far, some ehh moments but overall enjoyable.

What I hope to read this week:

Looking forward to these two!

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 5/20

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Do you keep a blog roll list?

My Answer:

I have one on the sidebar of my blog but I haven't updated it in years so I don't think it can be classified as "keeping" one.

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."

Ten-year-old Bailey Adams huddled with the Carver twins on Cassie's bed. They'd given up pretending Cassie and Jem's parents weren't arguing or that their dad wasn't drunk. Bailey avoided their eyes knowing how embarrassed they were.
Silence in the Dark by Patricia Bradley 

My Thoughts
Kind of a sad beginning, especially with what happened next in this prologue.

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

About the Book
A lonely wedding chapel built as a tribute to lost love just might hold the long-awaited secret to hope and reconciliation.
For sixty years, the wedding chapel has stood silent and empty. Retired football hall-of-famer Jimmy “Coach” Westbrook built the chapel by hand, stone by stone, for his beautiful and beloved Collette Greer, whom he lost so many years ago. The chapel is a sanctuary for his memories, a monument to true love, and a testament to his survival of the deepest pain and loss.
Photographer Taylor Branson left her hometown of Heart’s Bend, Tennessee, to make a new life for herself in New York. She had lots to run away from, not least of all a family history of broken promises and broken dreams. Love catches Taylor off guard when she falls for Jack Forester, a successful advertising executive, and their whirlwind romance leads to an elopement—then to second guesses. Jack, in spite of his very real love for Taylor, is battling his own demons and struggles to show her his true self and the depths of his love for her.

Taking a photography assignment in Heart’s Bend, Taylor is thrown back into a past of family secrets buried deep beneath the sands of time. When Taylor and Coach’s journeys collide, they each rediscover the heartbeat of their own dreams as they learn that the love they long to hold is well worth the wait.

My Thoughts
I loved this book! It was absolutely beautifully written and I was totally swept away! There were two love stories woven together throughout the book and while I was more partial to Jimmy and Collette's story I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed Taylor and Jack's almost as much. I was highly invested in both stories and I couldn't put the book down wanting to see how they each played out. This author knows to play with your emotions and she does it with great skill. She had me smiling, almost brought tears to my eyes, and left me sighing with happiness! I'm sorry this review is short but I waited a little too long to write this and I don't want to spoil anything so I will just leave you with the knowledge that this book is amazing and a recommendation to read it and discover that for yourself!

Meet the Author
Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and two pets and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at rachelhauck.com Facebook: rachelhauck Twitter: @RachelHauck

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 #212: Courageous

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:

Courageous by Dina L. Sleiman
Bethany House-July 5, 2016

About the Book

Inspired by the vision of the Young Lady Sapphira, Rosalind of Ipsworth joins a group of men, women, and children as a defender of the cross, seeking to free captives from prisons near Tripoli. She gladly gives herself to the cause, as she's haunted by a tragic mistake and no longer deserves such joys as marriage and family might bring.
Sir Randel Penigree was reared to serve in the church, but dreams of protecting the innocent as a knight. Joining a crusade to escape humiliation at home, he finds himself drawn to Rosalind as they partner to train and protect a group of young adolescents. When they face political machinations, danger, and an unknown enemy bent on their destruction, they are forced to reconsider their priorities and the very nature of the God they serve.

Why I Want It

I have absolutely loved this author's first two books and I cannot wait to read Rosalind's story!

Top Ten Books That I Purchased on a Whim

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

These are ten books that I really had no reason for buying, just found them on sale and decided to give them a shot. Some of these I've read, some I haven't.

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

Wake by Amanda Hocking

Savannnah from Savannah by Denise Hildreth

Sweet Baklava by Debbie Mayne

Merciless by Robin Parrish

My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Under the Cajun Moon by Mindy Starns Clark

Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #224 & Bout of Books 16 Wrap-Up

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

This is probably the least I've ever read during a read-a-thon. But considering that I wasn't feeling the best all week, had to work six days and had plans all but one of those six evenings, and spent Sunday at church and visiting with out of state family, I'm just happy I got this much read! I had already started Anchor in the Storm and I got about a hundred pages through another books so my page total was 972! I absolutely adored every single one of these books, they were amazing!

What I am currently reading:

Loving this one! Sad to see this series end but it's going out with a bang!

What I hope to read this week:

Not sure if I'll get to this one this week but it's next on my list!

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!

Bout of Books 16 Day 4 Update

Books I Read Today: 

Her One and Only by Becky Wade (112 pgs)
Three Wishes by Lisa T. Bergren (79 pgs)

Books I Finished Today: 

Her One and Only by Becky Wade

Pages Read Today: 191

Total Books Finished: 2

Total Pages Read: 634

My Thoughts on Day 4:
Pretty happy with what I got read today though like always I wish it could have been more.

Friday Memes 5/13

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Is there a reason why you choose Blogger over WordPress or a different platform?

My Answer:

It was what my sister started the blog on and I've kept it there since it's familiar for me!

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."

"It's all yours. The apartment. The restaurant. She left it all to you."
I stared at him.  I knew I was doing little more than blinking, but so many words came to my head at once...yet none seemed to add up to complete sentences.
Three Wishes by Lisa T. Bergren 

My Thoughts
Wonderful beginning, subtly draws you into the story from the very start!

Bout of Books 16: Day 3 Update & Day 4 Challenge

Books I Read Today: 

Her One and Only by Becky Wade (129)

Books I Finished Today: 0

Pages Read Today: 129

Total Books Finished: 1

Total Pages Read: 443

My Thoughts on Day 3:
I really wanted to get more read today but I got called into my part time job after my full time job so I didn't have as much time as I'd hoped.


If You Like This, Try This Challenge

If you like dystopian, try The Safe Lands series by Jill Williamson

Bout of Books Day 2 Update & Day 3 Challenge

Books I Read Today: 

Her One and Only by Becky Wade (145 pages)

Books I Finished Today: 0

Pages Read Today: 145 pages

Total Books Finished: 1

Total Pages Read: 314

My Thoughts on Day 2:
Was hoping to get more read but considering that I was busy non-stop all day I should just be happy that I got this much read!

5 Favorites Challenge
Everybody loves sharing favorites and now we're giving you free rein to do just that. Pick the topic of your choice and share your 5 favorite books that fit. Topics could be a favorite genre, a favorite trope, book boyfriends, or ANYTHING. There's no limit to where you can take this!

Favorite Family Sagas

Daughters of Boston & Winds of Change (O'Conner Family) by Julie Lessman
Walker Family Series by Melissa Tagg
The Christiansen Family Series by Susan May Warren
Alaskan Courage (McKenna Family) by Dani Pettrey
Porter Family Series by Becky Wade

Waiting on Wednesday #211: The Ringmaster's Wife

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:

The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron
Thomas Nelson-June 7, 2016

About the Book

An ounce of courage.
A leap of faith.
Together, they propel two young women to chase a new life—one that’s reimagined from what they might have become.
In turn-of-the-century America, a young girl dreams of a world that stretches beyond the confi nes of a quiet life on the family farm. With little more than her wit and a cigar box of treasures, Mable steps away from all she knows, seeking the limitless marvels of the Chicago World’s Fair. There, a chance encounter triggers her destiny—a life with a famed showman by the name of John Ringling.
A quarter of a century later, Lady Rosamund Easling boards a ship to America as a last adventure before her arranged marriage. There, the twenties are roaring, and the rich and famous gather at opulent, Gatsby-esque parties. The Jazz Age has arrived, and with it, the golden era of the American circus, whose queen is none other than the enigmatic Mable Ringling.
When Rosamund’s path crosses with Mable’s and the Ringlings’ glittering world, she makes the life-altering decision to leave behind a comfortable future of estates and propriety, choosing instead the nomadic life of a trick rider in the Ringling Brothers’ circus.
A novel that is at once captivating, deeply poignant, and swirling with exquisite historical details of a bygone world, The Ringmaster’s Wife will escort readers into the center ring, with its bright lights, exotic animals, and a dazzling performance that can only be described as the Greatest Show on Earth!

Why I Want It

I have loved this author's previous two novels and I cannot wait to read this one. It is a piece of history that is usually showcased in novels and I am very interested to see how it plays out!

Bout of Books 16: Day 1 Update & Day 2 Challenge

Books I Read Today: 

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin (169 pgs)

Books I Finished Today: 

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

Pages Read Today: 169

Total Books Finished: 1

Total Pages Read: 169

My Thoughts on Day 1
Today was pretty good, got a decent bit read despite my crazy day!


Show Off Your Shelves Photo Challenge

I've added a lot of books (filled up that half shelf and started on the last one) since I took these pics but I'm not going to really have a chance to grab any pics today so this will have to do!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #223

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

Didn't get anything finished this week. I started P&P and Zombies but it wasn't really for me and my week was pretty busy especially the weekend which was non-stop!

What I am currently reading:

Full confession by the time I got around to getting this post up I'd already finished this book but it's what I was in the middle of at the start of this week. I absolutely adored every second of this book!

What I hope to read this week:

It's read-a-thon time again and these are some of my options for 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!

Friday Memes 5/6

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Why did you start your blog?

My Answer:

Not sure exactly why my sister started this blog to begin with, but I took it over to review books and connect with other readers.

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."

Lillian Avery's dream couldn't have come true at a worse time. In the pale afternoon sun slating through the kitchen window, Dad sat at the table building a model ship while humming "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand," and Mom gathered kitchen gadgets.
Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

My Thoughts
Love that first sentence! 

Waiting on Wednesday #210: No Other Will Do

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:

No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House-June 7, 2016

About the Book

Men are optional. That's the credo Emma Chandler's suffragette aunts preached and why she started a successful women's colony in Harper's Station, Texas. But when an unknown assailant tries repeatedly to drive them out, Emma admits they might need a man after all. A man who can fight--and she knows just the one.
Malachi Shaw finally earned the respect he craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma's plea arrives, he bolts to Harper's Station to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she's not a girl any longer. She's a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn't deserve.
As the danger intensifies, old feelings grow and deepen, but Emma and Mal will need more than love to survive.

Why I Want It

I love Karen's books and this one sounds like it will be another fabulous read!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #222

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

Enjoyed this one!

What I am currently reading:

Started this one but not sure if I'm going to finish. I've heard good things about the movie and I try to read books before I watch the movies they're based on but I may take a pass on this one. 

What I hope to read this week:

CAN'T WAIT TO READ 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!