Welcome to my Book Review Blog. My goal is to connect readers with the wonderful and amazing books I am blessed to reveiw. And to introduce you to the talented and wonderful authors responsible for writing these books. May my love for books show through my reviews on this site.
Sometimes we’re placed in the strangest of circumstances for the most important reasons.
After her carefully constructed life crumbles, Liz Carlisle finds herself back on Nantucket, picking up the pieces. With the family estate under renovations, the solitude she craves seems out of reach.
Matthew Stone intends to steer clear of his new tenant. She’s carrying a load of baggage, but as long as she pays the rent, he’ll let her be. He’s got enough to deal with caring for his wayward niece, Mia.
Liz doesn’t have time for teenagers and her track record with men is abysmal, but an unlikely friendship forms between the three.
When her former boyfriend is charged with assault, Liz is called to testify against him. But he knows the darkest secrets of her life—secrets she’d hoped to keep buried forever, and he’s ready to reveal them. Telling the truth is the right thing to do, but it may cost her everything she’s worked so hard for, and all she’s come to love.
Liz Carlisle never imagined she’d be back in this place. Certainly never dreamed she’d actually enjoy the simple act of walking the dogs around the Nantucket neighborhood she’d grown up in. Yet here she was.
Everything was different now. Renovations at Wyldewood, the rambling estate that Liz and her four siblings called home, were well underway. Her brother David and his wife Josslyn were overseeing the work on the house as well as running after their toddler twins, and her sister Lynette was still in Africa, so the task of trekking out with the family’s two labs had fallen to her. Truthfully, any excuse to get away from the noisy house, now more of a construction zone than anything, was most welcome.
She studied the mottled branches above her as she waited for Diggory and Jasper to finish sniffing around the tree’s roots. The leaves were showing off in a dazzling display of golds and reds, a shock of color that would inspire any artist. Not so long ago, Dad would have found joy in capturing the beauty of the scene on paper. These days he showed little interest in art. He showed little interest in anything.
Their father’s slow decline was just one more thing she had no control over.
Liz sighed and breathed in the crisp air. Fall had taken its time this year, but today the salt-kissed island breeze held a chill that hinted of first fires and frosty mornings.
Catherine West is an award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband reside in Bermuda, and have two adult children and one beautiful granddaughter. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award (The Things We Knew). Where Hope Begins released May 2018, and her latest novel, As the Light Fades, releases September 2019.
Tia Morales is used to calling the shots. She’s the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on the set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. Life outside the studio is another matter. If only she could get other people to behave as well as her stars do! When she starts to have feelings for handsome cameraman Jason Harris–with whom she’s been butting heads for months–it’s enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go and take life–and love–as it comes?
Full of the humor and crazy family dynamics Janice Thompson fans have come to love, this colorful story gives you an inside look at Hollywood and a healthy dose of romance.
If you want more of Bella, DJ, Brock Benson, and other favorite characters from Janice Thompson, you’ll love the Backstage Pass series.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!
This is a wonderful ending to a wonderful and fun series that I thoroughly enjoyed. Tia is a fun but determined young lady, well, she was just plain out a control freak. Being the director of the hit TV show Stars Collide wasn’t always easy and it wasn’t always easy to stay in control of things, which is what Tia thrived on.
Mia’s life took an interesting turn when she started falling for cameraman Jason. Does Jason have his work cut out for him trying to calm Tia down enough to enjoy life?
Knowing nothing about behind the scenes of a TV sitcom, I was fascinated buy the inside information I read in Director’s Cut. And I enjoyed getting to know both sides of the characters, the on and off screen. And Janice Thompson pulls the story together beautifully.
In the summertime it’s nice to find books that are a nice light, fast, fun and exciting read to take you away for a few days, and The Director’s Cut is just this read! Grab a copy to read and enjoy for yourself, or to take on vacation so you can have some nice ‘you’ time.
Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
This book was provided by Revel Publishers for me to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
Praise for Janice Thompson
Hello, Hollywood!
“Thompson writes an enjoyable story that will make you want to adopt the Pappas family as your own.”–RT Book Reviews
“I love Janice’s writing and this book is no different. From start to finish, I enjoyed reading more about Athena and her life story. She is a character that I really connect with and enjoy.”– TheNearSightedBookworm.blogspot.com
“Janice provides an upbeat and engaging story and her readers will adore Hello, Hollywood!.”–RelzReviews.com
“Faith, romance, hilarious quotes about Greeks, Zeus the possessed dog, and an entertaining story will have you hungry for more Janice Thompson!”–FiveStarBooksandMore.blogspot.com
“This fun entry in Thompson’s comic Hollywood series (after Stars Collide) features humor, romance, and breezy dialog.”–Library Journal
Stars Collide
“An eclectic mix of the sort of zany characters Thompson is known for adds levity to this modern, star-studded romance. Glimpses into a Hollywood television studio and a series of lively comedic events make for a contemporary low-key inspirational romance that will appeal to readers who enjoyed the setting and humor of Rene Gutteridge’s Occupational Hazards series.”–Booklist
“A fun novel of love, paparazzi, and family, Stars Collide is a read that won’t easily be put down.”–Midwest Book Review
Hello everyone, I am so happy to have Paula Wiseman on my blog today. Paula is a new author for me, and I am excited to have new books and a new author to add to my list.Paula is the author of Contingency and Indemninty and a third book that will be out this fall Precedent. I haven’t read Paula’s books yet, but they or on my list to read in a week or so. Watch for the reviews to come.
Paula will be giving away her books Contingency to the blogger who’s name is chosen on August 1st. Be sure to leave a comment about the interview and don’t forget to leave your email!
Hey Paula, it’s great to have you on my blog today. Thank you so much for being here. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Joy, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here. Thank you so much for having me. I’m a former research chemist, turned homeschooling mom and author. I married a super terrific man, and we have three wonderful kids, a little dog, and a hateful cat.
LOL sorry about your hateful cat Paula!
How long have you been writing?
I am a total word nerd, always writing, reading or teaching something. I’ve written stories since grade school, and wrote a novel in college. That one will probably never see the light of day. My first book, Contingency was an idea that percolated for a couple of years before I started work on it in 2005.
I’m looking forward to Reading Contingency and Indemnity . It is on my soon to read list. We are glad you are giving us more great book choices to read!
What aspects of being a writer do you enjoy the most?
I love creating, especially working out plots and refining characters in a first draft. I have some great friends who are a tremendous help at that stage in the process. We really enjoy batting ideas around, and I’m a much better writer thanks to their help.
I also dearly love hearing from readers. Few things are as satisfying as connecting with someone over a shared story.
Ok bloggers remember this and don’t forget to contact Paula and let her know you support her, and go purchase her books and write a review on them as well!
Tell us one of your favorite Scriptures?
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior
(Isaiah 43:1-3)
I love the tender reassurance and the intensity of God’s love that comes through in these verses.
If my readers pay attention to what comes out of my preacher characters’ mouths, they’ll have a good idea what my other favorites are.
I love books with a healthy Biblical content, we appreciate authors writing books like this. This is a very good scripture to be a favorite too! Thank you for sharing that with us Paula.
How do you find characters for your books? Are the influenced by family and friends?
None of my characters are fictionalized versions of anyone I know, but I do draw heavily from real people. Bobbi is not me, but there is more of me in her than any of my characters, except for coffee drinking. I never drink coffee. Never have. Her boys are loosely based on a good friend’s sons. A lot of Gavin’s dialogue came straight from my husband when we would discuss Contingency. When I drafted my second book, Indemnity, my son was the same age as Jack, so I borrowed some things from him.
I always love this question, to me it is so interesting to find out where these people come from that we read about and love.
What are 4 things about yourself that most people wouldn’t know about ?
*I keep mug full of M&Ms and a tub of bubble gum by my computer. I don’t think I could write without them.
*My favorite season is football season.
*I love the TV show, River Monsters. My son and I rarely miss it.
*I hate spiders and driving in big cities.
This is another favorite question, and thank you for answering! Makes us feel like we know you just a little bit better.
When will your next book be out?
I am editing my third book in the Covenant of Trust Series, Precedent, which releases later this fall.
Awesome, I hope you will come back for another blog visit when this book comes out too!
What are you working on now?
I just contracted a news series, called Foundations, about a father and son trying to find their relationship after the death of the wife/mother. This series has my favorite characters.
In addition, I’m outlining a couple of new projects before the ideas get away.
Sounds like you have a lot of work in progress, which is awesome for us readers. We will do whatever we can to help you promote your new work! Where can our readers find you?
My website iswww.paulawiseman.comand I’m onFacebook. Email works too. paula@paulawiseman.com. Anything else you want to add?
I mentioned my son twice. I better get the girls some press time. My oldest is my chief cheerleader. I usually share my good news with her first, or at least second, just so she can squeal. My youngest is headed off to school this fall, and I’m really going to miss those morning snuggles.
It’s always more difficult on moms that on the child when they start school. I remember those days. How proud you have to be of your children that they cheer you on as a writer!
And I wanted to save this one until last, Tell us a bit about your books and what Inspired you to write them.
My faith is such a huge part of who I am. I wanted to write stories about people dealing with faith issues in the midst of some of life’s most challenging circumstances. Plus, So many people question that Scripture is relevant, that it has the answers for us in this day and age, that it can speak to the deepest cries of our hearts.
I believe God’s word is relevant, it does have the answers for us even in this day and age and it absolutely can speak to the deepest cries of our hearts. I want to demonstrate that.
Thank you so much Paula for speaking God’s Word to us through books. This gives me a real hunger to read your first two books:Contingency and Indemnityand I hope to read and review your brand new book Precedentthat releases later this year.
Folks that’s all today with Paula Wiseman, and I hope you will go out and buy a copy of her books. You can find them both online. I want to thank Paula so much for taking time out of her busy schedule to be with us today. We love and appreciate you Paula!
**I will post a review on my blog when I read them, as well as post to several online bookstores. I encourage you to do the same. And don’t forget to go by Paula’s website HERE and let her know how you like her books. I didn’t know until I started reviewing books just how much time and work is put into a book from the writing thru to the publishing date. I regret that I took advantage of authors and didn’t see the need to let them know how much we appreciate them for bringing us awesome books to read! And the important thing is unsaved people will read books when they may not read their bible and go to church. Books are a wonderful tool to lead our friends and families to Christ.
Ok Folks….comment time. Don’t forget to mention something in the interview, and leave your email address.
Also rating one of by reviews will get you one extra entry, rating both will get you 3 extra entries. Please tell me in your comment how many you rated. thank you!
Click on book to rate reviewClick on book to rate review
Hi everyone, Welcome to by blog and today’s interview with Missy Tippens. I am really glad to have Missy here with us today. I’ve read all of her books except the one she is giving away this week, “A Family For Faith” and I am sure this on is just as awesome as the others. And if you haven’t read her Christmas book “A Forever Christmas” you need to purchase a copy to read this Christmas. I read it every Christmas! Ok enough of me, now on to our interview with Missy
Hi Missy, it’s great to have you on my blog today. Thank you so much for being here. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Thank you for having me, Joy! I’m a pastor’s wife and mother of three—ages 21, 16 and 14. I’m a former microbiologist-turned-stay-at-home mom. I’ve also been an adjunct instructor at our local technical college. Now I spend my days writing.
We are glad you take time to write wonderful books for us to read Missy!
How long have you been writing?
I started my first book in 1995 (when I got my first computer!). It took about 12 years before I sold my first novel.
I didn’t realize the patience of a writer until I started interviewing. I can only imagine how extremely happy you were selling your first book.
What aspects of being a writer do you enjoy the most?
I love working at home (sometimes in my p.j.’s!). I love brainstorming ideas. I love creating new characters. I love…well, writing in general! Oh, and I’d have to say the wonderful letters from readers are my very favorite part. They’re very touching and give me encouragement.
Yes working at home in PJs would be a blessing! And bloggers, contact Missy when you read her books and let her know how you feel about them.
What is your favorite Scripture?
It’s hard to pick just one. 🙂 But here’s one of them:
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I need to review this question, it is hard to pick just one, but I do love this one you chose.
How do you find characters for your books? Are the influenced by family and friends?
I usually try to think up characters who are opposites in some way. I often envision one character to fit my story idea and then try to come up with the match. I’d have to say that no, they’re not usually influenced by family or friends. Although I do sometimes borrow certain traits or experiences. One character I wrote in my last manuscript (coming from Love Inspired in February 2012) has the voice and eyes of an elderly friend of mine. And in A Family for Faith, the experience of the heroine with her son is based on the experience of a friend.
I always want to know how characters are chosen, it’s just interesting to see where the people we read about comes from.
What are 4 things about yourself that most people wouldn’t know about ?
—Well, I would answer that I’m a former microbiologist, but I just told that in your first question. 🙂 I’ll still count it, though.
–I was a majorette in high school.
–I play the oboe. (Or playED, as in past tense! It’s been years.)
–I recently started taking a Zumba class at our church and am having way too much fun with it! 🙂
And thanks for answering this question…..I think everyone gets a kick out of finding out these little things. Zumba classes sound interesting!
When will your next book be out?
A House Full of Hope, from Love Inspired, will be out in February. It takes place in the same town as A Family for Faith, and you’ll see some of the same characters again.
I think you just told us this earlier….and I can’t wait for another Missy book to come out. I always like reading several books about the same characters. Sometimes I just don’t want to let the characters go.
What are you working on now?
I recently sent in a new proposal that I hope to sell and am already working on another proposal idea.
It seems kinda strange that when we are celebrating a new book coming out, you already have several others in the making. But that is how we get the books so close together.
And thank you for being here Missy. I know you have a busy schedule and I appreciate you taking the time to be here for us. And since you are one of my favorite authors, so I am especially excited that you were willing to do an interview with me!
And I wanted to save this one until last, Tell us a bit about A Family for Faith and what Inspired you to write this wonderful book.
A Family for Faith was inspired while I was flying home from a writers’ conference. Across the aisle, and up one row, a dad sat by himself with a young daughter. He was trying to fix the bow in her hair and was not having any luck at all. I just ached for him and his daughter, wondering if there was a mom in the picture. But I was also touched at how gentle and persistent he was, and that he tried so very hard with that silly bow. Right then and there, I knew I had to write a story about a single dad with a daughter who was hitting an age where she really needed a mother figure.
But who on earth would I match this character with? Well, if his daughter really needed a mother, then how about a heroine who didn’t want children? Or, even better, what if she had a child but for some reason thought she wasn’t a good mother? As I started brainstorming ideas, I remembered a close friend of mine who, many years ago, was devastated when she had to give up custody of her children when they chose to live with their dad. I asked her to share with me how she felt at the time and knew I’d found my heroine. So the story was born!
Here’s the back cover blurb:
When Faith Hagin sees widower cop Gabe Reynolds every day in her coffee shop, she can’t help but feel for the struggling single dad. She’s raised a teenager of her own—and sadly, knows what not to do. But thanks to his matchmaking preteen daughter, Chelsea, the whole town’s praying for Gabe to find a wife!
Even though Faith thinks she’s content being just friends, spending time with him and Chelsea starts to feel like a fresh start at having a family. And their love may be the answer to everyone’s prayers.
Gives me chills girl! I have Family of Faith on my list to read, but think I’m gonna have to move it up a bit!! We look forward to your new book in February 2o11 and I hope you will be here again to tell us about it!
And I want to thank you again Missy on behalf of my bloggers as well for being here today. and bloggers, go out and buy Missy’s new book “A Family for Faith” and while your at it, look for “A Forever Christmas” too!
As a matter of fact….you can find all of Missy’s booksHERE ON AMAZON
And if you would like to enter to win Missy’s book “A Family for Faith” just leave a comment about the interview. And leave your email address as well! PLEASE.,…IF YOU DO NOT LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW…YOU WILL NOT BE ENTERED INTO THE DRAWING.
splashesofjoy 