Monday, April 13, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #169

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:
Finished my reread of this!

What I am currently reading:
Enjoying Season of Fire and Out of the Storm! I've only read Grace Like Rain from the collection but I loved it! And You're Loved No Matter What has been an amazing read!

What I hope to read this week:
My next two review books!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #167
Top Ten Characters I Wish I Could Check-In With
Waiting on Wednesday #156: The Wood's Edge
Mist of Midnight by Sandra Byrd
Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon

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, April 10, 2015

Friday Memes 4/10

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
Have you ever received a bound galley from a publisher for review? What did you think about it? Were you surprised at anything? 

My Answer:
Yes, I've received several bound galleys for review. I didn't really have any particular thoughts about them and they didn't really surprise me. They were pretty similar to the finished copies.


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 found the ship we want. A merchant vessel with supplies for Catal, the Far North" Chaza'el cast a worried glance back through the maze of crates-three times taller than we were-and then to us again. "One little problem-she's loaded with soldiers."
Remnants: Season of Fire by Lisa T. Bergren

My Thoughts
Pretty good beginning, especially if you've read the first book!

Thursday, April 09, 2015

Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon

About the Book
After seven years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant has hit a wall. Ready for a kinder, gentler life, she takes a job as a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes the resources of her department. A call for assistance brings detective Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL, to her doorstep. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales--and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.
Master storyteller Irene Hannon is back with an exciting new series featuring former special forces operatives now in the thick of the action in civilian life. Hannon is at the top of her game in this can't-put-it-down thriller that will have readers up until the wee hours devouring every page.

My Thoughts
As is always the case with Irene Hannon's suspense novels, I loved this book! I was sucked in from the very first sentence and I wanted to keep reading till I read the last word. Sadly my schedule doesn't allow for that kind of reading but I did devour it as fast as I could.
I don't know why exactly but I've always been fascinated by cold cases so I was extremely excited when I discovered the plot of this book. And even though we learned the identities of those behind the crime early on in the story it didn't detract from the suspense at all and I was still totally hooked trying to figure out how it was all going to play out. I was really impressed by how well the author wrote the villain, she was so cold-hearted it gave me chills.
She also created pretty awesome main characters. Lisa was tough and independent but that didn't keep her from also being kind and caring. It was a brilliant balance which was exactly what was needed for her job. And Mac was a fun mix of strong, considerate, and funny. I especially loved his interactions with his brothers.
It was fun how the romance had to be kept kinda under the surface while Mac and Lisa worked the case but at the same time it was definitely there and I loved watching their feelings develop.
I highly enjoyed this book and I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on book two!

Meet the Author
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers' Choice Award, and a National Readers' Choice Award. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.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.

Wednesday, April 08, 2015

Mist of Midnight by Sandra Byrd

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Mist of Midnight
Howard Books (March 10, 2015)
by
Sandra Byrd

I never received my copy of this book so that's why there is no review accompanying this post!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than forty books. Her adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named by Library Journal as a Best Books Pick for 2011 and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr, was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012. The Tudor series’ end cap, Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I published in April, 2013.

A life-long lover of Victorian Gothic romances, Sandra’s new series, Daughters of Hampshire, weaves elements of that mystical, traditional genre with inspirational and literary threads. Mist of Midnight, the series’ first book, debuts in March, 2015.

Sandra has also published dozens of books for tweens and teens, and is passionate about helping new authors develop their talent and their work toward traditional or independent publication. As such, she has mentored and coached hundreds of new writers and continues to coach dozens to success each year.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the first of a brand-new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands.

Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her...and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca's name, but her home and incomes.

That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father's investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives—does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, will she suffer a similar fate as the first “Rebecca”?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Mist of Midnight, go HERE.

Waiting on Wednesday #156: The Wood's Edge

"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 Wood's Edge by Lori Benton
WaterBrook Press-April 21, 2015

About the Book
At the wood’s edge cultures collide. Can two families survive the impact?  
The 1757 New York frontier is home to the Oneida tribe and to British colonists, yet their feet rarely walk the same paths.  
On the day Fort William Henry falls, Major Reginald Aubrey is beside himself with grief. His son, born that day, has died in the arms of his sleeping wife. When Reginald comes across an Oneida mother with newborn twins, one white, one brown, he makes a choice that will haunt the lives of all involved. He steals the white baby and leaves his own child behind. Reginald’s wife and foundling daughter, Anna, never suspect the truth about the boy they call William, but Reginald is wracked by regret that only intensifies with time, as his secret spreads its devastating ripples.  

When the long buried truth comes to light, can an unlikely friendship forged at the wood’s edge provide a way forward? For a father tormented by fear of judgment, another by lust for vengeance. For a mother still grieving her lost child. For a brother who feels his twin’s absence, another unaware of his twin’s existence. And for Anna, who loves them both—Two Hawks, the mysterious Oneida boy she meets in secret, and William, her brother. As paths long divided collide, how will God direct the feet of those who follow Him?

Why I Want It
I was very impressed with Lori's last novel and I am hoping this one is just as good! It is a very interesting premise that should make this a fascinating read! Also one of my favorite authors said it was amazing so I am sure I will love it!

Tuesday, April 07, 2015

Top Ten Characters I Wish I Could Check-In With

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

#1. The O'Conners from Julie Lessman's O'Conner Family Saga-I will never get tired of this family and I will never not want to check in with them! They are my favorite!

#2. The Novak Brothers from Sarah Sundin's Wings of Glory Series-They are just so absolutely amazing and I would love to see how their lives look a bit down the road!

#3. The Forellis from Lisa T. Bergren's River of Time Series-Yes we got an epilogue but I still would love to read more about them!

#4. The Archer Brothers from Karen Witemeyer's books-I was so happy that we got each of the brothers stories and it would be so much fun to see how they played out!

#5. The O'Malley Family from Dee Henderson's O'Malley Series-I lost track of how many times I read these books and I loved all of the characters so much so obviously it would be awesome to see what their futures held.

#6. The Donovan's from Lori Wick's The Californians-Another series I read several times and would love to read more about them!

#7. The Residents of Gooding Texas from Cathy Marie Hake's books-I loved all of the characters in these books and it'd be fun to see what the town and the people would be like years later!

#8. Bella and Everyone Else from Jenny B. Jones' The Charmed Life Series-This series was hysterical and it would be awesome to see what the characters were like as adults!

#9. Scotty Dawn from Lisa Samson's Hollywood Nobody Series-Scotty was such a fun and unique character and I would love to see what her life became!

#10. The Rawlings Brothers from Lori Wick's Yellow Rose Trilogy-I love them and I'd like to see what their future families were like!

Monday, April 06, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #168

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:
I didn't read much this week since it wasn't a typical week for me. I had a few different days of work, a couple days off that were still a little busy, and then the holidays!

What I am currently reading:
Made a decent amount of progress in Season of Wonder and not much in the other two.

What I hope to read this week:
Still hoping yo get to my next three review books!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #167
Top Ten Books I've Added to My TBR Recently
Waiting on Wednesday #155: Every Bride Needs a Groom
Monthly Reflections #38: March 2015

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, April 03, 2015

Friday Memes 4/3

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
Is there one book you will NEVER forget? 

My Answer:
Julie Lessman's O'Conner series, without a doubt!! That series will always stay with me! So absolutely amazing!


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."

The elder likened the Hour of our Call to a tidal pull,the first birthing pangs of a pregnant mother...but to me it felt like a scream building inside. Excitement and glory, swirling in a ball within my chest. Electrifying. Mobilizing. 
Remnants: Season of Wonder by Lisa T. Bergren

My Thoughts
This is such a beautifully worded beginning!

Thursday, April 02, 2015

Monthly Reflections #38: March 2015

Photobucket

Well March was a busy month for me so I only read 10 books but I did get 9 reviews posted! So while I failed one goal I exceeded the other so I'm going to call this a successful month!

Books I Read
From the Start was hands down, beyond the shadow of a doubt, absolutely my favorite!

Reviews I Wrote:

In April I Hope To:
Read at least 10 books
Post at least 7 reviews

Wednesday, April 01, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #155: Every Bride Needs a Groom

"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:

Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson
Revell-April 21, 2015

About the Books
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town--the very same day Katie wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--catch on to her humiliation if she does?

Why I Want It
This author's books never fail to make me laugh and this one sounds like it will be quite amusing!