Sunday, June 29, 2014

" Wren's Nest" by Deanne Durrett

Book Description

 November 29, 2013
During a late-night thunderstorm, Joe Chandler open his cottage door to a young man hovering over his sister. They’re drenched and shivering, and she’s in labor. Joe, a retired cop, assists the birth. As the newborn gasps his first breath, Joe vows to protect the child and his mother from whatever drove them to his door.
Joe soon learns that Sherman promised to protect his sister while her husband is deployed. Now, they’re on the run after a surrogate mother disappeared and an unscrupulous lawyer altered his files to name Loren (Wren) as the surrogate. A ruthless gangster with hired thugs is in pursuit of the child he mistakenly believes to be his grandson. While Joe and his team of retired cops guard Loren and her baby, Sherman teams up with Blake Adams (the Phoenix Connection) to intercept the hired thugs as they follow a trail that leads straight to Joe’s cottage (Wren’s nest). If you like a story of high tension with strong family ties and warm relationships, I think you'll enjoy WREN’S NEST.

My Review: 
" Wren's Nest" by Deanne Durrett is positively a five star book. I was hooked from the first sentence!  Of course I know the book was about keeping a newborn baby safe, I love babies and I like to read Christian/inspirational novels, so I knew this would be a winner. 

Joe Chandler answers the knock on the door and is immediately thrown into a mystery!  He tries to keep his house guests a secret but his neighbor discovers the secret and she is thrown into the mystery! 

I did not figured out the hero of this story till I was almost finished reading it! I bet this hero will fool you also, but once the story tells the hero, it was obvious, of course, that is what makes a great story! 

Since this book was loaned to me from a friend,I did not read the first book, but  I definitely plan to  as well as any subsequent books. This book works absolutely fine as a stand alone, but I am now so interest in these characters and want  to know more about them.  

This book is full of twists and turns! It is a book about friendship and trust!  There is also a hint of romance but it isn't developed in this book, hoping maybe it will be in a later book. 

I would recommend  this book to anyone that likes a good mystery with a happy ending !

(The picture and the following info is from Amazon!)




Deanne Durrett Biography

Born in Oklahoma, I grew up on a farm six miles from the town where I went to school. I expected to marry my high school sweetheart after graduation. That was the way of things in small farming communities back then. My mother, however, had different idea. By the time I realized what she was up to, I was enrolled in college and unpacking my bags at Southwestern State. Thanks to Mom, I met the man of my dreams, and after his graduation, my college guy and I set out to build a life together.
In our early years, Dan's job kept us on the move, traveling from the Canadian border to the Gulf, and from the Mississippi to the Rockies. Although I didn't know I wanted to be a writer until I was one, I started packing away memories and experience in a cerebral idea file for future use.
Years later, when the opportunity came my way to write a weekly newspaper column, I said to myself, "I can do that." The next week when I saw my work in print, it was love at first sight. I've been writing ever since. That was 1970.
I wrote the newspaper column for two and a half years, OJT while learning my craft. Highlights published my first story for children in 1972, and after that, I wrote for newspapers and magazines until I sold my first book in 1985.
By this time, our children were grown and married. But, while Dan and I were still adjusting to our empty nest, our son's marriage dissolved and he came home with a four-month-old baby. I thought I was ready to write full time, but God planned for me to take time to help our son and granddaughter while I gained some more life experience.(I recently discovered that this is called a "divine appointment.")
During the next few years, I found I could write nonfiction in stolen moments, but storywriting (fiction) would have to wait until I had hours of quiet for thinking and writing. In the next few years I published 20 nonfiction books for the library/educational market and co-authored two memoirs for grown-up readers.
After completing my obligations for the last nonfiction contract, I decided to go back to my first love, Christian romance. And so, here I am, surrounded by peace and quiet with lots of time to think and write. My time has come to follow my dream and my calling. I'm claiming the title of storywriter and my first book, THE ROGUE TRUST, is available on Kindle.
If you'd like to know more about me, please visit my Website: http://www.deannedurrett.com or my blog, ORDINARY DAYS, http://ordinarydays.deannedurrett.com/

From the Author

This is my second Christian/inspirational novel. The first, Rogue Trust is Becca's romantic tale. The second, Wren's Nest is Joe Chandler's story involving crime prevention and suspense. These stories came into my imagination closely linked with related characters and located in the same fictitious town, Myrtle Hill, Oklahoma. I wanted to write about a community of people where anything might happen on an ordinary day. Could be romantic, could be mysterious, and could be suspenseful. But very soon, my writer-self and my reader-self were in conflict. Writer-self wanted a series about the community mentioned above. Reader-self wants to know what to expect when she opens a book. And so, I divided the characters in Myrtle according to the genre of their tales. Ordinary Days in Myrtle Hill is romance. And Wren's nest is the beginning of a suspenseful series, The Phoenix Connection.

I think the next best thing to reading a good book is writing one. So I let my characters tell me their story and I enjoy sharing their experience as I write the chapters. I plan to let them tell their stories, each in their own way. The main characters share a strong faith and believe they are God's boots on the ground. They sometimes call themselves earth angels. They simply mean that when they are in the right place, at the right time, they are ready to serve. They are ordinary people until "something" makes them special. Sometimes their lives are filled with romance, sometimes mystery, and sometimes suspense... but they're always God's boots on the ground.

About the Author

Deanne Durrett is the author of 23 nonfiction books for kids and adults. She's returning to her first writing love, Christian/inspiratinal fiction. She considers herself a storywriter more than a journalist, and hopes her readers will enjoy her stories about people in the right place, at the right time, willing to do God's will to serve others. (God's boots on the ground.)

"Future Savior Book One: Conception" by Jennifer Hartz

Book Overview: 

"I do not think it is a question of where, but when." These were the words, Charis, the Prophet, left Christina's mother with when Christina disappeared from Meric... before she was ever born.

Christina Vaughn has a pretty normal -- albeit lonely -- life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Until one day she's transported to the fantastical land of Meric. Within her first tweny minutes in this crazy place she's been attacked by man-eating Vaipes, learned her father was a power wielding Guardian, and discovered that the silvery-blue eyes intriguing her for her whole life belong to her Watcher, Shaw.
Oh yeah... and she's the prophesied Savior who's supposed to save Meric from a war-mongering tyrant who can manipulate people's thoughts and control their minds.
Christina's question isn't where or when... it's how. How can she save the people of Meric when she can't even keep herself from falling in love?
My Review:
I am giving"Future Savior Book One: Conception" by Jennifer Hartz five stars!  I must say that I am really surprised that I am because I don't usually like fantasy but the more I read this book the more I really liked it. The ending really makes me want to read book two in this series.
I have to be honest and also say I did have my doubts when I first started reading this, whether I would even be finishing it or not.  The first event in the story was just too far out of my imagination. I mean how can a four month fetus be removed from it's mother's womb and replaced into another woman body, but it happened in this story! 

 Christina is a high school Physical Education and Health teacher who is suddenly transported  to Meric and learns that most think she is the savior and who will bring peace to the land and defeat Leticia, the evil Guardian. 

This book has references to the one True God, who Shaw believes in. Christina is falling in love with Shaw. Does Shaw love her also, or is he just keeping his promise to her father and mother to protect her?  He has been her protector for thirty years, she just didn't know!

The story except for the event I have already mentioned is easily followed and the characters are  described so well it's almost like you are there watching the scenes unfolding before your eyes!

The ending leaves this reader wanting to know more about these characters!

This book has war and evil and happiness and sadness.  I really cannot wait to read the next book 

"Future Savior Book Two: Ressurection" which is waiting on my kindle.


I was given an ebook copy by the author for my honest opinion!

About Jennifer: 

 Jennifer attempted to write her first novel, an epic tale featuring fairies losing their magic wands to evil trolls, when she was six years old. She has been a fan of fantasy and sci-fi ever since. From the land of Mordor to a galaxy far, far away, Jennifer loves it all. 

Born in Pittsburgh, but currently living in North Carolina with her amazing husband and beautiful son, Jennifer spends her days writing, reading, and dreaming up her next fantasy. Other than reading the Bible, Jennifer loves to read and write Speculative Fiction with romantic storylines and exciting twists. 
To learn more about Jennifer and her crazy writing adventures, please visit the following web hotspots:  
Twitter: @JenniferLHartz
Facebook: Jennifer Hartz

Friday, June 20, 2014

"The Shamrock Case (Amelia Moore Detective Series) (Volume 2)" by Linda Weaver Clarke


Overview

Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, specializes in missing persons. Her cases have taken her to some very interesting places and put her in some dangerous situations, but she always solves the case. With the help of Rick Bonito, her new partner, her business is flourishing.
When Amelia is hired to search for her client’s grandparents, the case takes them to Ireland. Kate must learn about her heritage. Who are her grandparents and could they still be alive after all these years? Why did her parents leave Ireland suddenly and move to America? Is there more to this case than meets the eye?
An explanation from Linda Weaver Clarke
Some  people have asked me what a cozy mystery is and why it's different from a regular mystery. So here is the explanation:
What is a “cozy” mystery? It should be a G-rated story with no swearing or sex. It has many twists and turns and must have very likeable characters so that it can be turned into a seriesA cozy mystery focuses on the plot and characters, and the main character is usually an intelligent woman.

About the Author
Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching people to write their family history and autobiography. She has traveled to seventeen states and given over 400 workshops. She is the mother of six daughters and has several grandchildren. Clarke is also the author of six historical sweet romances, a mystery/adventure series, a new cozy mystery series, and a children’s book. All her books are family friendly.
My Review:
"The Shamrock Case" by Linda Weaver Clarke gets five stars from me. It is the second in the Amelia Moore Detective Series. I liked this book but it wasn't as exciting as the first in the series, if you want to read my review of the "The Bali Mystery" here is the link: http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com/2014/06/bali-mystery-amelia-moore-detective.html
In "The Shamrock Case" Amelia and Rick travel to Ireland and though they are working they get to mark more items off their bucket list. And their romance takes a new twist.
Their client Kate learns that she is adopted and wants to finds her grandparents and learn the truth of who she really is and why her parents moved to America.
This book is full of details about the land and food of Ireland! Some of the scenes descriptions were so full I could almost picture them in my mind!
It was fun to travel with Amelia and Rick as they traveled from place to place to find Kate's grandparents and other relatives and to find out about the past! It was also fun to vacation in Ireland with them!
There was a secret that Amelia thought she figured out but she wouldn't tell Rick tell she was sure. She wouldn't find out till the end of the book. This story makes this reader believe in " Fairytales and Happy Endings" I know you are saying what?  Read the book and then you will know what I mean and believe too" !
The author included a dictionary of some Irish terms at the back of the books!  The author also explains what she wrote about finding Kate's heritage.
I am eagerly awaiting the third story in this series "The Missing Heir" .This story is going to take us to Mexico!  But before I can travel to Mexico, other stories are waiting for me. ( a little humor, hope you all don't mind, lol)
TFTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Barnes and noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shamrock-case-linda-weaver-clarke/1119559230?ean=9781499537574

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shamrock-Amelia-Detective-Series-Volume/dp/1499537573/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401992336&sr=8-1&keywords=the+shamrock+case+linda+weaver+clarke

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

"The Price Of Silence : A Contemporary Teen Romance Novel" by Staci Stallings

"The Price Of Silence : A Contemporary Teen Romance Novel" by Staci Stallings is a five star novel times two. All I can really said is "Wow"!  This novel is classified in the teen romance genre, but I believe adults as well as teens will enjoy this story. 

I was really engrossed in this story from the first chapter and just had to finish the book as fast as I could ( of course real life prevented me from reading as much as I wanted to this week) because I had to get to the ending!  It was worth the rush reading!  This book is full of heart wrenching moments and tears, yes this book has a scene that made the tears fall, the emotion was so real! I hope that doesn't discourage you from reading this wonderful story! You won't regret the time you took to read this book!

A word of caution though, this book does contain scenes of bullying. In fact this book is about bullying but it is also a clean romance. It is classified as a contemporary teen romance, which it is, but I felt the book was more about bullying. The romance and the bullying mixed together made the story seem more alive!

Author Bio: 

A stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci's stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That's what keeps Staci writing and you reading.

My Review:
Robyn Lockhart just knew she was going to have a 
hard time at the new school! After all it was in the middle of the year and the school was so much bigger than her last one! But she had no idea, how right she was! 

She is befriended by a girl on the school newspaper and is convinced to become part of the staff and then the trouble starts! The bully doesn't want her reporting the truth! But will Robyn do the right thing and report it or will she be silenced?

Is Sean really the troublemaker or could he be the one her heart really wants him to be?

I think the message ( Robyn's last newspaper report of the year) at the end of the book is a lesson we all need to learn about bullying. This book was loaned to me by a friend but I am seriously thinking about spending the $2.99 and buying it myself and letting my granddaughters read it, they are 10 and 12, so they can learn the impact of being silent when there is a need to speak up!

Again I say we all need to read this book!

Ok, I am no longer thinking about buying this book, I DID BUY IT! 

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

" The Bali Mystery: Amelia Moore Detective Series" by Linda Weaver Clarke













An explanation from Linda Weaver Clarke:

I'm excited about this new book because it's my first "cozy mystery." Some people have asked me what a cozy mystery is and why it's different from a regular mystery. So here is the explanation:

What is a “cozy” mystery? It should be a G-rated story with no swearing or sex. It has many twists and turns and must have very likeable characters so that it can be turned into a seriesA cozy mystery focuses on the plot and characters, and the main character is usually an intelligent woman.

BOOK DESCRIPTION
Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, specializes in missing persons. Her cases have taken her to some very interesting places and put her in some dangerous situations, but she always solves the case. With the help of Rick Bonito, her sometime partner, her business is flourishing. When Mrs. Brody hires Amelia and Rick to find her missing brother, they find themselves in Bali, Indonesia. They are mystified why her brother quit his job, put his home up for sale, and ran off to this mysterious and exotic island without telling a soul.


  • File Size: 645 KB
  • Print Length: 154 pages
  • Publisher: Red Mountain Shadows Publishing (April 20, 2014)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00JU2W4ZS
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled 
  • X-Ray:
  • Lending: Enabled
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #752,742 Paid in Kindle Store 

MY REVIEW!

" The Bali Mystery: Amelia Moore Detective Series" by Linda Weaver Clarke is definitely a five stars  novel!

I couldn't stop thinking about Amelia and Rick, (her partner in her solving the mystery). I wanted them to solve this mystery and for the story to turn out well!

Amelia and Rick are in Bali, Indonesia. They are there to solve a case but Rick finds time to cross items off his bucket list, like swimming with the dolphins! I added this to my review because I wanted to show that even through this is a mystery, there are moments that makes you wish you were the characters in this story!

There was twists and turns in this novel that had me thinking, " Oh no, just away and this cannot be happening"!

Who are the guys in suits that keep one step ahead of Amelia and Rick? 

Rick is falling for Amelia, but Amelia insists that their relationship be only business.

I would recommend this book to all readers that like a little romance ( the romance might be between Rick and Amelia, or maybe the missing brother they are hired to find) and mystery together,

This book isn't the type of mystery that keeps you up at night after reading it but it leaves you with a feeling that good does overcome evil! 

I don't know if this book is considered Christian fiction but it does have some characters visiting temples and one character is reading The New Testament but with saying that I believe Christian will like this book also unless they don't like kissing in the books they read!

I was given an ebook copy by the author for my honest review.

http://www.amazon.com/Bali-Mystery-Amelia-Moore-Detective-ebook/dp/B00JU2W4ZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402407710&sr=8-1&keywords=THE+BALI+MYSTERY 

Sunday, June 8, 2014

"Rebranded" by TL Bliss and Kisha Rivera

There comes a time in our life when we have to let go and let God. 
Having a friend and mentor to help you along the way can make a 
difference in how you handle whatever life throws at you. 

"Life, With a Little Help From Your Friends" is the concept behind 
this story. Friendship changing the lives of those who have harbored  feelings, when forgiveness was the answer and what eventually helped each person continue with the life they were intended to live. 

Want to become Rebranded? Read how friends and strangers help 
each other become branded in a life of Christ.
MY REVIEW:

Rebranded" by TL Bliss and Kisha Rivera is a five star short story. The only thing I dislike is that it's too short, only 40 pages.

These forty pages is rich with a story line that reaches deep inside your soul and makes you want the best for each character.  I was pulled into the story from the first line. I loved it and I could see the action happening in my mind as the scenes unfolded. It was just like real life happening before me.

This is a story of forgiveness and how the main characters had to learn to accept forgiveness from themselves and Jesus, and how to give forgiveness to others.

I loved the ending! I really didn't see it happening that way!  I really would have liked to see more of that story line but maybe the authors will write a sequel. (hint).

I cannot give anymore about what the book is about except to tell you to read what the book is about at the top of this post. I believe this book is a great book for older children as well as adults!

I was given a pdf file by the author for an honest review!




Friday, June 6, 2014

" The Outcast" by Jolina Petersheim

" The Outcast" by Jolina Petersheim  is a wonderful book! This book gets 5 stars from me.

I loved this book! I have to be honest and say at first I didn't because of the Amish words used ( not all of them just some I had no idea , and the book only had a few Amish words ) but after the slow start I loved it! This book was one that was chosen for one of the online book clubs I am in and so I had to read it and I have to say I am glad I did! It is a retelling of 'The Scarlet Letter" but an Amish version!

This is Jolina Petersheim debut novel, and I am really impressed! This is a book of real love and forgiveness between family members and yes, it is a book about dishonesty. I read the book in one afternoon, partially because I waited to the last day before the discussion and once I started it I couldn't put it down. I even shared quotes from this book on my Facebook wall!

I have never read the "Scarlet Letter" but I want to now after reading this! I am also putting her next novel "The Midwife on my To Be Read List.


AUTHOR BIO

Jolina Petersheim is the bestselling author of The Midwife and The Outcast, which Library Journal called "outstanding . . . fresh and inspirational" in a starred review and named one of the best books of 2013. She holds degrees in English and communication arts from the University of the Cumberlands, and her writing has been featured in venues as varied as radio programs, nonfiction books, and numerous online and print publications. Her blog is syndicated with The Tennessean's "On Nashville" blog roll, and she also blogs weekly with nine other bestselling authors at Southern Belle View. Jolina and her husband share the same unique Amish and Mennonite heritage that originated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, but now live in the mountains of Tennessee with their young daughter. Follow Jolina and her blog at jolinapetersheim.com.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

"Ryan's Father" by June Foster

"Ryan Father" by June Foster is a five star book! I have loved all of her books, as they are based on characters who has real problems her readers can relate too! This book is about a subject that many don't want to talk about or think about, homosexuality.  June Foster has written a beautiful story that deals with this honesty and yes it is a Christian book and it is a clean romance!

This book hooked me from the first sentence, there was an earthquake at Starbucks! That's what is so great about this story, it isn't about a earthquake, but the earthquake pulls you in. Ryan is a schoolteacher and in this earthquake he meets a nurse! It's your typical love story, Right!

Well, this isn't your average love story because Ryan has homosexuality thoughts about his best friend. Both of these guys are Christian and the friend has no idea of Ryan's thoughts.

This story is beautifully written and really makes the reader understand Ryan and his struggles and the thoughts and actions of the other characters in this book!

Ryan also works a summer job and has problems there as well, and Sandy's dad, the nurse, is against Ryan because he isn't rich enough! Sandy has her own secrets as well, why is she afraid of the dark?

This novel is full of  heartaches and forgiveness and it makes you think before you are quick to judge others!

I won't tell you that Ryan's story ends well or not, you MUST read this story yourself to FIND OUT, but I will tell you that you won't feel like you wasted your time after reading it and I think the characters will stay with you long after you close the book!

I was given a ebook copy of this book for my honest review!


Author's Bio 

June Foster is a retired teacher who travels full time with her husband in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She grew up in El Paso, Texas but moved to the magnificent northwest after she retired from teaching. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba labtop in 2010 as she and her husband sailed along the interstate. Now June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing.