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.
Falling for a Real Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 1) by Karen Baney Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 208 pag3
Genre:
Contemporary Christian Western
Romance Publisher:
Desert Life Media Release date: Nov 21, 2023
Format available for review: e-book (BookFunnel download), audiobook (BookFunnel downoad)
Tour dates: Mar 26 to Apr 22
Content Rating:
PG – Some situations might not be suitable for under 16 yrs old. A character accuses another of hiring his “lover” to design a hotel reservation website (even though it wasn’t true). No cursing or graphic descriptions
A city-slicker romance author stays at the ranch, Dalton’s perfect world turns to chaos.
River Sloane’s last workplace romance novel flopped—big time. Now her publisher wants her to write a modern-day cowboy romance, which she has resisted for years. When her publisher sends her to a dude ranch in the middle of nowhere Arizona, she must learn about cowboys and ranching to get her career back on track. One hunky cowboy stirs her heart and unexpectedly becomes her muse.
Will she let herself fall in love with the real cowboy or will she return to the life she left behind? Will Dalton open his heart to a new, lasting love?
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Falling for a Real Cowboy (Vargas Ranch pBook 1) by Karen Baney is another fabulous book that I really enjoyed. With both River and Dalton having their own opinions of romance, neither was interested in finding love. River is only at the ranch because her publisher wants a modern day cowboy romance novel, therefore she needs to stay at the ranch and learn all about it.
I enjoyed the romance taking place in this book between the two major characters. It was sweet watching the two interact with each other. It was also interesting to follow River as she is trying to write her book. Karen Baney has once again created a cast of characters that readers will fall in love with. I love each detailed scene, and it was especially fabulous to spend time on the Arizona ranch. I love stories that speak of ranches, and this one was top notch. If you enjoy sweet cowboy romance stories, you will love Falling for a Real Cowboy. I’m giving this one FIVE STARS!!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she’d left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course—because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.
A trip to Oregon isn’t in Matt Quinn’s plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn’t on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister’s new enterprise on life support.
Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B—if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn . . . and his heart.
About the Author
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work.
More from Irene
In my world, the approach of April signals not only tulips, dogwoods, and daffodils, but a return to my little seaside town of Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast. And this year marks a milestone. Sandcastle Inn is the tenth book set in this charming locale.
When I conceived of this series back in 2013, neither I nor my editor had any idea how long it would run—or that Publishers Weekly would deem my small fictional town “a place of emotional restoration that readers will yearn to visit.”
But visit they have. Hundreds of thousands of copies of the books have been sold worldwide, the novels have been translated into multiple languages, and taco-making artist/town sage Charley Lopez has become an iconic figure.
It’s been an amazing journey—with more books to come.
If you’ve never visited Hope Harbor and are reluctant to dive in at this stage, no worries. Each book stands alone, with a whole new cast of main characters. Each story also begins and ends in each book, with no hanging plot threads from book to book. The town is the unifying element in the series—along with a few secondary characters like Charley, the bantering town clerics from neighboring churches, and the seagull couple Floyd and Gladys, who always seem to be around when romance is in the air.
If you’re new to the series, Sandcastle Inn is a fine jumping-off point. This story features a hero struggling to recoup from a tragic loss and a heroine still reeling from an unplanned career detour. When they join forces to save a floundering inn, challenges ensue…and sparks fly. Because if it’s Hope Harbor, there has to be romance!
The book resonates with multiple other themes too—dealing with grief, moving on, changing direction, mending past relationships, taking a leap of faith. And of course there’s a happy ending.
It’s the kind of book that will put a smile on your lips and hope in your heart.
So I invite you to find a comfy spot, pour a mug or cup of your favorite beverage, and travel with me to Hope Harbor, where hearts heal…and love blooms.
Insider’s Tip: If you ever decide to book a stay at Sandcastle Inn, ask for the seaside room upstairs at the end of the hall that leads to the right. The view is stunning!
To celebrate her tour, Irene is giving away the grand prize package of a full set of the Hope Harbor series (10 books) and a $50 Bookshop.org gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!
One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . .
Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars’ ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.
Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.
When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.
About the Author
Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I usually don’t care for Fairy Tales retellings, but I love Cinderella and I was delightfully surprised with If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer. It is a barrel of fun seeing the differences between the classic fairy tale and the Western twist Witemeyer adds to her story. Sometimes I had to think a bit to figure out the parellels of the story, but that’s OK, it made me love the story even more. The hero and heroine, Asher and Samantha, oh my word! What a perfect couple to play out the scenes in this story. The author does a phenomenal job creating these two characters, as well as all of the supporting characters along the way. The Texas twists and turns against the classic fairytale will have you guessing and wondering where the story is going next. The sweet romance between Asher and Samantha has just the right elements of love. And as always with a Karen Witemeyer story, I love the way she writes faith into the hearts of her characters.
If the Boot Fits is the second book in Witemeyer’s Texas Ever After series, and I can hardly wait to see what this Fabulous author has for her readers in the third book of this series. This book gets Five Stars from me, and oh how I wish I could give it more!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
More from Karen
Character Names and Word Games
One of my favorite parts of writing any book is finding the perfect names for my characters. Names are so important. They carry meaning and expectation. They add historical flavor and help create a picture in the reader’s mind about who that character is. They can also add hidden joy to a story for me as the author that may or may not be realized by the reader.
If the Boot Fits was inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. I give it a fresh western twist and mixed up the plot a bit, but it was important to me to fill this tale with subtle nods to the version I loved as a child. One of the main ways I did this was through the naming of my characters.
I worked hard to create names that would harken back to the original while still carrying meaning of their own. Instead of Cinderella, we have a hero named Asher Ellis—Ash being a synonym of Cinder, and Ellis playing off of Ella. For our heroine, I wanted something to play on the “charming” motif without being too on-the-nose. I ended up selecting Samantha Dearing—Dearing like endearing or charming. Samantha is the feminine version of Samuel which comes into play in the story since her father’s name is Eli. The three key older ladies of the story all of names inspired by royalty, as befits a fairy tale—Regina, Elizabeth, and Victoria. Asher’s step brothers are named Jonathan and Fergus. However, Jonathan goes by Jack, giving a nod to the mice from Disney’s Cinderella, Jaq and Gus. Asher’s horse is named Bruno in honor of the dog who saved Cinderella from the tower room. We have a cattle king with a foreman named Duke as well. Whether readers catch all of these nods or not, they made me as the author smile while writing the story.
Here’s another way to have fun with names and other key story elements. I’ve created a word search for you to enjoy. Have fun!
Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Teen Christian Fiction
Release Date: January 25, 2024
Teenager Paige Abernathy awakens after a severe beating to find that she suffers from amnesia, and that everyone seems to hate her.
She has only flashes of memory until the night a grieving parent attacks her in her hospital room. Paige then remembers her role as creator of an online group where members talk about ways to commit suicide.
After recovering from the beating, Paige embarks on a journey of penance to atone for a disaster born of good intentions. Her odyssey launches her on a mission of mercy and into new danger.
The Samaritan’s Patient is a thought-provoking novel about navigating the treacherous waters of social media.
About the Author
Chevron Ross is a pseudonym for someone unimportant. He is not a writer, but God keeps putting ideas into his head that somehow turn into stories. If you like them, be sure to offer God a prayer of thanks.
More from Chevron
Behind the Scenes
This novel might never have been born had I not seen an interview on PBS with two New York Times writers, Megan Twohey and Gabriel Dance, on December 16, 2021.
These reporters did an extensive investigation into a website on which subscribers discussed committing suicide and shared methods for doing so. Most visitors to the site were thirty or younger. There were 1.2 million messages. At least forty-five suicides in multiple countries were linked to the site.
At the time of this broadcast, I had just completed my second novel, The Seven-Day Resurrection, and was wondering what to do next. The PBS interview was so shocking that I could not stop thinking about it. What motive could a person have for encouraging strangers to kill themselves? What could one possibly gain from such an endeavor? And what could provoke someone to throw away the gift of life at such a youthful age?
Each of my novels has been the result of an inspiration from God. Once He puts an idea into my head, it consumes my imagination until I cannot stop working. As you might imagine from the title, The Samaritan’s Patient is a blend of two stories: the famous parable of Jesus in the Bible, and a young person with good intentions who gets caught up in a social media nightmare.
God did all the work on this book. He created the character of Paige Abernathy and told me how to build the novel around the circumstances of her personal life—her parents, her friends, and most of all, her Christian faith. He also created the crisis that launches her on a journey of new experiences and personal growth.
I am amazed and grateful that God would choose someone so ordinary and unaccomplished as myself to do this work. Each novel God has written through me has been a great personal gift, and a reaffirmation that God has a plan for each of us. I pray that The Samaritan’s Patient will be as great a blessing to its readers as it has been to me.
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
As they took turns pushing each other on the swing that hung from a large tree, the mature—for a five-year-old—Jacob Lantz asked Trini Sutter to marry him. The nine-year-old thoughtfully responded that she’d consider his proposal when they were older.
Nearly two decades later, the Amish farmer returns to the beautiful countryside of Arthur, Illinois, to take the independent owner of The Quilt Room up on her promise. Quiet, handsome Jacob is truly in love with the spirited list maker, and Trini finds herself falling in love with Jacob, but the youngest of eleven has big plans of her own.
Jacob’s long-held aspirations are put to the test when he learns that Trini has been holding a secret. He prays for a turnaround of events; however, when Trini moves away from her tight-knit community, he begins to realize that his dream of them being Mr. and Mrs. most likely won’t happen.
Will Trini forfeit her own well-laid plan for the man of her dreams?
About the Author
Lisa Jones Baker writes Amish Inspirational fiction. She grew up near Arthur, Illinois, and became acquainted with the Plain Faith at an early age when they custom-made and installed her family’s kitchen cabinets. On weekends, she and her parents frequented the quaint Amish town, often the setting of her stories, where they purchased meat, cheese, and home-made baking spices. Now, decades later, she still loves visiting; the town and the people yet intrigue her, and she so appreciate the talent of quilt-making almost as much as she loves horse and buggy rides. But there is much more to this perplexing group than meets the eye; they are extremely disciplined, hard-working, and honest…and they don’t all think alike. For these reasons, writing about them is her passion.
Lisa was fortunate to have been raised in a loving, Christian home by two wonderful parents: a reading specialist mother who plays the piano, and a retired Junior High Principal father who’s also an avid fox hunter. She has a B.A. in French Education and is a former school teacher who loves gardening, cooking, reading, positive thinkers, and every dog she meets. Although a homebody, travel has played a large part of her life. Over three decades of working with the airline industry has landed her on five out of seven continents.
More from Lisa
Secrets fascinate me. They always have. From experience, I know that they’re difficult to keep confidential. And when the wrong person gets hold of what you don’t want out. . .There’s no telling what will happen!
List maker Trini Sutter has decided her future, even though what’s ahead comes with great risk. The owner of The Quilt Room in Arthur, Illinois, relishes being in control of her life. But what she doesn’t expect is for someone to get wind of her deep, dark secret and to leak it to her tight-knit Amish community! Now that the quilter’s confidential plan has become public, will she be able to pull it off? Or will Gott override her “list” with the destiny He has planned for her? Find out in The Quilt Room Secret.
Enjoy this short excerpt:
“Trini, look at me.”
She hesitated. Did she dare? She didn’t know what it was about Jacob that stole her voice. Her breath. Her entire being.
With one gentle motion, he placed his finger underneath her chin. He was so close, the light cinnamon on his breath lingered in the small distance between them. His clothes smelled like outdoors. She could see tiny lines around his eyes. They made him take on an even more manly appearance. His voice was barely more than a whisper. “You feel it too, don’t you?”
The last thing she wanted was any romantic complications that would interfere with her plans to leave. I must not lead Jacob on. I must not lead myself on. What I’m feeling…it’s wrong.
Book Title: The Promise of Unbroken Straw by Ken Steele Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 379 pages Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Yorkshire Publishing Release date: Mar 2024 Tour dates: Mar 26 to Apr 15 Content Rating: PG
Book Description:
Paul’s teachers say he’s distracted, and they’re not wrong. With the demands of a struggling farm, Allied boots in Europe, and secrets surrounding his mother’s death, who can blame him? And the expectations of his father are seemingly unachievable.
When a financial windfall sparks a rags-to-riches transformation, it also sets in motion events that will test young Paul to his core. This coming-of-age story connects Paul’s tumultuous adolescence to his unfulfilled adulthood. Across those decades, he searches for redemption and reconciliation with the ghosts of his past.
Buy the Book: (coming soon!) Amazon~ B&N add to Goodreads
Meet the Author:
A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ken Steele holds degrees in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University and MIT.
The Promise of Unbroken Straw is Ken’s debut novel, a work of historical fiction. He resides in Colorado with his wife of 41 years where his days are filled with pickleball, golf, hiking, and all that the mountains can offer.
Can her dreams for the future–and a budding romance–survive the trouble that comes calling?
Larkspur Nielsen is determined to keep her family homestead running and to fulfill their dream of starting a seed catalog, with or without her siblings’ help. With Isaac McTavish back in town, Lark finds herself at odds with her own heart and her determination to shoulder the burden of carrying her responsibilities alone. But Isaac is set on convincing her that he’s here to stay and she doesn’t have to carry everything by herself.
As a new romance blossoms between Lilac and an old schoolmate and the other Nielsen sisters are busy caring for their families, Lark bears more and more responsibility on the farm. When a long-feared threat returns and Lark approaches the breaking point, the life she has always dreamed of is in danger of disappearing forever.
About the Author
Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of nearly one-hundred books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold more than five million copies. She makes her home in Tehachapi, California.
More from Lauraine
Please provide a brief summary of your new novel, A Season of Harvest.
Lauraine Snelling: With her three sisters all finding their own paths of life and love, Larkspur Nielsen determines to shoulder their family farm and business dream herself and stay single—even if drifter Isaac McTavish, claiming he’s back in town for good, now seeks her heart. When danger from the past comes knocking, Lark must choose whether to insist on going it alone or accept the love and support God—and Isaac—hold out.
Each of the previous books in your current series, Leah’s Garden, follows a different Neilsen sister as the main character. What led you to save Larkspur’s story for the series conclusion?
LS: I’d actually planned Larkspur’s story to be first since she’s the oldest. However, once The Seeds of Change started coming together, Forsythia took over the story! So the first book became hers.
Loyalty plays a key role in A Season of Harvest. Without giving spoilers, can you hint at why loyalty is at the core of the story?
LS: Loyalty threads through the whole series. These sisters are loyal to each other, to their friends, and to everyone they know. Through all the books, they take care of each other so faithfully. Even their initial departure from Ohio stems from drastic action they take to protect each other and their family. Loyalty then streams over into other characters in the series, especially Isaac McTavish, who really grows into loyalty in this book. Even our villain stays loyal to his purpose all the way through.
Which of the four Neilsen sisters do you personally resonate with the most?
LS: Truth be told, I resonate with each of them. But really, I tend to identify with whichever one I’m writing at the moment! 😊
A Season of Harvest returns to a major conflict from the first book in the series, The Seeds of Change. Was it always in your plan to circle back and address that conflict again in the series conclusion?
LS: It wasn’t always in our plan, but as the book came together, it became inevitable. One benefit of a great editor is that they sometimes contribute ideas, and my editor, Jessica Sharpe, pointed out how key it would be for Ringwald to confront Larkspur at the end of the series. As the book went on, it became so important to resolve that conflict, and we kept the villain in the stories just enough to keep readers from forgetting about him.
What do you hope readers learn or take away from this series?
LS: A reminder of how important our families are. The Nielsens stood by each other in so many crises, and that’s what I would hope readers take away—just a reminder of how important your family is and how absolutely critical faith in Christ is. Salton becomes a place of healing, a place for people to recover joy. That we have so many joys and things to learn in this life is a theme that weaves through all my books.
What led you to set these stories in the homesteading period? How was the setting important to the story you wanted to tell?
LS: It’s one of my favorite periods! The homesteading era was such a time of change and adventure. As for why Nebraska, I hadn’t set stories there very much yet. For Kiersti, it was special to join in on The Seeds of Change and get to write about Nebraska homesteaders living in a soddy because her great-grandfather, a son of Danish immigrants, was born in a soddy in Nebraska in the late 1800s.
Is this truly the last your readers will see of the Neilsen sisters and the rest of their community?
LS: As far as we know!
Now that you’ve wrapped up the Leah’s Garden series, what are you working on next?
LS: A series set in 1889 near Decorah, Iowa. Six-year-old Ruth and twenty-one-year-old Amalia are thrown together on a ship crossing over from Norway when their families die of cholera. Ruth’s dying mother gives her daughter into Amalia’s custody, and the two orphans travel to Iowa to take over the family boardinghouse Ruth will inherit. They must battle a greedy relative trying to claim the property and somehow make ends meet for the motley band of orphans who gather under their roof, while finding a way to make this new land home.
To celebrate her tour, Lauraine is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback set of all four books in the Leah’s Garden Series: The Seeds of Change, A Time to Bloom, Fields of Bounty, and A Season of Harvest!! (US Only)
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Book Title: Pajama Party: The Storyby E.C. Jackson
Category: Teen & Adult Fiction (13 to 18 yrs), 241 pages
Genre: Teen & Young Adult Fiction / Teen & Young Adult Christian Fiction
Publisher: E.C. Jackson
Release date: Sep 30, 2017
Format available for review: e-book
(Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF) Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
Book Description:
Most sleepovers are simple. Food, fun, and pillow fights. But sixteen-year-old Karen Duncan has bigger plans for her slumber party. Family troubles have changed her over the past year, and she’s no longer the petty, selfish girl she used to be. Now she’s ready to shake things up with her friends. The guest list comes as a surprise to some and a slap in the face to others. This popular girl has invited some not-so-popular guests. Even more shocking, she’s left out some of the girls she’s hung out with since middle school.
Diane and Evette are outsiders, nervous about being stuck in a house with the same girls who tease them at school.
Kathy, Lisa, and Joann come to the party with the confidence of the in-crowd, but they’re masking inner-turmoil that is bound to surface.
Sandy and Angela are usually the voices of reason…usually. And then there’s Linda, the friend that got away. She may not ever forgive the girls who abandoned her years ago. Karen hopes to change her mind. Her agenda is ambitious, and it could spell disaster. But Karen is convinced God will use this party to spark a new beginning for everyone involved.
This companion book to A Living Hope gives us the inspired story Sadie Cummings wrote for the girls of Shiatown.
*** I will be reviewing the entire 6 book series in the next 2 weeks, so stay tuned!!
Pajama Party by E. C. Jackson is a bit different than most pajama parties. With this party, sixteen-year-old Karen Duncan has bigger and better plans. The usually petty, selfish girl, Karen’s life has changed over the past year. She decides to invite girls that don’t run with the popular crowd, but will this change her ‘popular girl’ status around school? You gotta read the book to see.
I think E. C. Jackson has a very good idea in writing this book. I like Karen and the way God uses her to speak to the other girls. As the girls started to arrive at the pajama party, there was a lot of friction between them, as you can imagine. They are teenage girls, after all.
I really like Karen and praise her for this party idea. I like the way she tries to bring the girls together, despite their status at school. Karen thought God wanted her to make this happen, and she does a wonderful job. As the night continues, and the girls keep talking, some of the attitudes starts to change. They were able to talk about the usual things teenagers talk about, and come to a better understanding of each other. Most of them anyway.
This book and its contents seems really realistic to me. I could almost hear this group of girls as they communicated with each other. Bringing the ugly as well as the more pleasant side of each girl out in the open. If you have a teenage daughter, in high-school, whether they think they are more popular, or they are more shy and one that is not treated so well by these girls that think they are ‘it’, all need to read this book. I hope this changes a lot of attitudes around the school fronts these days. I really enjoyed this book and I am giving it Five Stars.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Meet the Author: E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play “Pajama Party.” Thirty-one years later, she adapted the play into Pajama Party: The Story, a companion book to the second book in the five-book standalone Hope series.
Jackson’s favorite pastime is reading fiction. She enjoys taking the journey along with the characters in the books. That also led to her unorthodox approach to story writing. Her vision for each book she writes is to immerse readers into the storyline so they become connected with each character.
“The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the slogan on her Facebook author page. She feels that if every person reading her books feels connected to the characters, her job is done.
Format available for review: print – softback, e-book (Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
This novel catches your attention in a dramatic opening and holds your attention while you follow the ups and downs of a love story. It is a rarity to find a romance that focuses on the fine tuning of character building and adjustments couples have to make for their relationship to work, particularly while also trying to hold onto faith and personal convictions. There is a place in this day and age for well written literature that goes against the grain of popular media. – review by Catherine Ndhovu
Book Description:
Twenty-one-year-old Neka is a bit of an introvert, she also happens to be stunningly beautiful.
When she discovers her friend James is about to be dumped, she sees the perfect opportunity to escape from her quiet life. Can she summon the courage to leave it all behind?
James Copley comes from a ruthless family. It’s rubbed off.
Years ago, he disengaged from his brother’s smear campaign, but now his father has offered him an ultimatum, “Get married or lose your seat at the table.”
Plotting to stamp his design on the family business, he proposes to a woman, even though he doesn’t love her.
But his carefully laid plans start to unravel when she leaves him on the day she’s due to meet his family.
Could years of planning his comeback vanish with her departure?
A possible solution comes in an unexpected form: Neka. She’s not only a friend, but the daughter of his benefactor. And she’s right there, offering to support him.
But will her support stretch to marriage?
He attempts to win her over to his plan but collides with her powerful father who wants to leverage the situation for his own gain.
In their fight for survival and love, they are forced to face some uncomfortable truths.
Can they overcome thwarted dreams and missed chances to find true love, or does forcing destiny’s hand only lead to misery?
Format available for review: print-softback (USA only); e-book
(Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF) Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
Book Description:
Two men. One wrong choice.
Tempia Wade’s life had jumped the rails.
One fateful night, she believed a stranger’s lie rather than the assurance of a trusted friend. For her lapse in judgment, she paid an agonizing price.
Her now-bankrupt life featured shattered dreams, ruined friendships, and the loss of a promising relationship. Now, two years later, the twenty-three-year-old prayed for a second chance with the man she had fallen for at first sight.
Would Cory Sanders finally overlook her egregious mistake in accepting a next-day date and liaison with another man? Or would she have to truly accept life without him?
Overflow With Hope is the fifth book in this Hope Series by E. C. Jackson. I have thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series. I keep saying the book I am reviewing is my favorite, and I’ll say it again with Overflow With Hope. I love the way Ms. Jackson puts her characters in every day real life issues. I have related to many of her characters, in one way or another.
Tempia Wade life changed when she made some terrible decisions that would change her life forever. I had a hard time trying to like Quince and how he pulled Tempia into his dishonesty. Tempia frustrates me to no end. After everything she’s done, is there any chance Cory Sanders can overlook and forgive Tempia’s horrible choices? Well, this is where you will need to read the book. And if you enjoy good, clean, inspirational story, Overflow With Hope is a great one to read. I found it to be a pretty fast read. From the beginning the story pulls you in and don’t let go. I love when authors writes amazing books such as this. I’m giving this on Five Stars. It’s worth your time reading!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Thank you for reading my review of OVERFLOW WITH HOPE. You can also read my review of the other books in this HOPE series.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also Available for Review:
MY REVIEW FOR
The Living Hope by E. C. Jackson
A LIVING HOPE by E. C. Jacckson
Book Details:
Book Title: A Living Hope : Hope Series, Book 2 by E.C. Jackson
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 286 pages
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Publisher: E.C. Jackson
Release date: July 31, 2016
Format available for review: e-book (Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating: PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
E.C. Jackson weaves a story of imperfect people working through misunderstandings, secrets, traumas, and just plain stubbornness. In other words,her characters are like many of us! She builds complex characters with believable struggles. Happy endings don’t come easily, but must be worked through with prayer, honest communication, and the willingness to step out in faith and do the right things.
This is a worthy successor to Jackson’s earlier novel, A Gateway to Hope.
— review by Hog on Ice: Books and Independent Learning
A Living Hope : Hope Series, Book 2 by E.C. Jackson
Book Description:
It was a match made in heaven. Or so everyone thought. Sadie Mae Cummings is all set to marry her childhood sweetheart, Kyle, when she is assigned to tutor Lincoln, the new college football running back. This sophomore phenomenon has all the girls on campus knocking on his door. But Sadie isn’t interested in his advances.
Lincoln’s overblown ego doesn’t take well to being shunned, and he resolves to make Sadie his own. He pursues her relentlessly, until finally Kyle finds himself shut out of Sadie’s life, with their shared future crumbling around him.
After two years, Sadie’sa relationship with Lincoln ends, and she is left having to put the pieces of her life back together. She desires nothing more than to recapture her relationship with Kyle. He has stayed true to the dreams they had planned together, living the vision even without Sadie by his side.
When she moves back to her hometown, she labors to rekindle their love. But things have changed, and Kyle has moved on. Sadie quickly discovers how hard it is to rebuild burned bridges.
Follow Sadie’s story as she fights for a chance to restore broken dreams. Will love endure?
This inspirational romance by E. C. Jackson is book two of the Hope series and is a standalone book.
Just when she thinks she will marry her chidhood sweetheart, Sadie Mae Cummings is assigned to tutor Lincoln, the new college football running back.
Following Sadie’s life is interesting, and sometimes lard to follow. Her life goes through many ups and downs as she tired to find the life she is searching for. As she decides to move back to her home town after several years away, she meets up with her old fling, Kyle. Unfortunately, he’s moved on. But as times goes, they just might get together again.
I love Jackson’s books and I love the way she does romance. Her books go a little bit deeper perhaps than a lot of books, but they are still inspirational fiction reads. I like the way she shows faith in the Christian lift in such a subtle like that it doesn’t defend, yet it is a delightful way she describes it all. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*********************
REVIEW FOR THE CERTAIN HOPE BY
E. C. JACKSON
Another amazing read from author E. C. Jackson “The Certain Hope.”
Book Details:
Book Title: The Certain Hope
: Hope Series, Book 3 by E.C. Jackson
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 261 pages
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Publisher: E.C. Jackson
Release date: Dec 5, 2018
Format available for review: e-book (Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
The title of this novel is perfectly suitable to its meaning. The Certain Hope is the one of a couple of lonely guys that decided to marry after two weeks of dating. The groom believes that everything will go fine, especially if the bride will do only what he wants. He is control addicted, she is a romantic girl who believes in having met the man of her dreams. Through this behavioral contrast, the author built a great story, focused on the burning topics of marriage, loss and control addiction. In my view, the novel is a little, big literary masterpiece for the underlying meaning that oozes from every chapter. I believe that The Certain Hope deserves to be translated internationally and this thought is my certain hope for the success of this gripping romance novel.— review by Advices books Reviews
Book Description:
Love at first sight. It’s every girl’s dream. But Tara Simpkins is finding out it’s not as easy as it seems. Is this truly the man God sent to be her husband, or is she just desperate to escape her loneliness? The recent loss of both parents has left her reeling, and close friends don’t think she’s in any position to make major life decisions. She and her new-found love are convinced they can live happily ever after in the home of their dreams. His family thinks he’s moving way too fast and might disappoint the kind-hearted woman he’s fallen head over heels for. And then there’s Leah. Leah is supposed to be part of his past, but what if she decides she’s his future? Tara’s match made in Heaven may be over before it truly begins.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE CERTAIN HOPE
The Certain Hope is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Tara Simpkins is having work done on the house after losing both parents and is now along. She really feels alone now, but that’s no reason to fall for one of the guys working on the house. But she was attracted, none the less, but he may not even look at her twice. But we will see.
I like Tara. She has the sweetest personality, and she really likes Luke. But as the story goes on, I begin to see red flags with him and didn’t care for his obnoxious attitude at all. And Tara certainly didn’t need him. Her friends also say the same thing, which pulled Tara in two different ways. I’m not gonna give out more information, so you will need to read the book for yourself.
I have read several books by E. C. Jackson, and I have enjoyed each one. I like the way she writes romance with such feeling, with characters written with layers that tells many flaws, yet with faith in God. I did find this book hard to put down because I wanted to find out what happened with Tara. I’m giving this book Five Stars. If you love clean Christian fiction romance, you will love this book.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
(Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF) Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
Book Description:
Is there hope for this love between friends?
Pamela Hayes is a smart, successful business owner with a supportive family and a thriving bakery. She should be the happiest girl in the world. But she can’t shake the melancholy that accompanies every conversation she has with her best friend, Mark. Pamela doesn’t know how much longer she can hide her true feelings.
Why can’t Mark see how perfect they would be together? She would make a much better girlfriend than the one he currently has. Pamela prays he’ll come to his senses soon and realize he’s with the wrong girl. But when her dream comes true, it isn’t the fantasy she had envisioned.
There is trouble in paradise from the start, and all the red flags she’s been ignoring are starting to threaten her confidence…and her relationship with Mark. She’ll have to rely on family and her faith in God to help her secure the hope she so desperately needs.
In The Confident Hope, E. C. Jackson writes a story of marriage and the problems that come after the I Do! Pamela finally got what she wanted in marrying Mark. But was he her true one and only. I had a problem with Pamela going after Mark like she did, when he really wasn’t avaliable. But I guess that’s how some ladies are. It took me a while to warm up to both of these characters, but they grew on me. Both Mark and Pamela had lots to learn about marriage. They were both so determined to have their way it caused friction in their marriage. I found that lack of communication was also a big part of their problems, and both were to stubborn to acknowledge it.
I do like the way Jackson uses this story to show the twists and turns, ups and downs and all the other differences marriage brings. This would be a great book for anyone, especially a new married couple, or perhaps someone getting married. There are lots of lessons to learn in this book and E. C. Jackson does an excellent job writing this book. It’s one of my favorite in the series. Anyone who enjoys a good clean inspirational books will enjoy this one. I’m giving it Five Stars.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Pajama Party: The Story by E.C. Jackson
Book Details:
Book Title: Pajama Party: The Storyby E.C. Jackson
Category: Teen & Adult Fiction (13 to 18 yrs), 241 pages
Genre: Teen & Young Adult Fiction / Teen & Young Adult Christian Fiction
Publisher: E.C. Jackson
Release date: Sep 30, 2017
Format available for review: e-book
(Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF) Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
Book Description:
Most sleepovers are simple. Food, fun, and pillow fights. But sixteen-year-old Karen Duncan has bigger plans for her slumber party. Family troubles have changed her over the past year, and she’s no longer the petty, selfish girl she used to be. Now she’s ready to shake things up with her friends. The guest list comes as a surprise to some and a slap in the face to others. This popular girl has invited some not-so-popular guests. Even more shocking, she’s left out some of the girls she’s hung out with since middle school.
Diane and Evette are outsiders, nervous about being stuck in a house with the same girls who tease them at school.
Kathy, Lisa, and Joann come to the party with the confidence of the in-crowd, but they’re masking inner-turmoil that is bound to surface.
Sandy and Angela are usually the voices of reason…usually. And then there’s Linda, the friend that got away. She may not ever forgive the girls who abandoned her years ago. Karen hopes to change her mind. Her agenda is ambitious, and it could spell disaster. But Karen is convinced God will use this party to spark a new beginning for everyone involved.
This companion book to A Living Hope gives us the inspired story Sadie Cummings wrote for the girls of Shiatown.
Meet the Author: E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play “Pajama Party.” Thirty-one years later, she adapted the play into Pajama Party: The Story, a companion book to the second book in the five-book standalone Hope series.
Jackson’s favorite pastime is reading fiction. She enjoys taking the journey along with the characters in the books. That also led to her unorthodox approach to story writing. Her vision for each book she writes is to immerse readers into the storyline so they become connected with each character.
“The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the slogan on her Facebook author page. She feels that if every person reading her books feels connected to the characters, her job is done.
Format available for review: print – softback, e-book (Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
This novel catches your attention in a dramatic opening and holds your attention while you follow the ups and downs of a love story. It is a rarity to find a romance that focuses on the fine tuning of character building and adjustments couples have to make for their relationship to work, particularly while also trying to hold onto faith and personal convictions. There is a place in this day and age for well written literature that goes against the grain of popular media. – review by Catherine Ndhovu
Book Description:
Twenty-one-year-old Neka is a bit of an introvert, she also happens to be stunningly beautiful.
When she discovers her friend James is about to be dumped, she sees the perfect opportunity to escape from her quiet life. Can she summon the courage to leave it all behind?
James Copley comes from a ruthless family. It’s rubbed off.
Years ago, he disengaged from his brother’s smear campaign, but now his father has offered him an ultimatum, “Get married or lose your seat at the table.”
Plotting to stamp his design on the family business, he proposes to a woman, even though he doesn’t love her.
But his carefully laid plans start to unravel when she leaves him on the day she’s due to meet his family.
Could years of planning his comeback vanish with her departure?
A possible solution comes in an unexpected form: Neka. She’s not only a friend, but the daughter of his benefactor. And she’s right there, offering to support him.
But will her support stretch to marriage?
He attempts to win her over to his plan but collides with her powerful father who wants to leverage the situation for his own gain.
In their fight for survival and love, they are forced to face some uncomfortable truths.
Can they overcome thwarted dreams and missed chances to find true love, or does forcing destiny’s hand only lead to misery?
Format available for review: print-softback (USA only); e-book
(Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF) Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
Book Description:
Two men. One wrong choice.
Tempia Wade’s life had jumped the rails.
One fateful night, she believed a stranger’s lie rather than the assurance of a trusted friend. For her lapse in judgment, she paid an agonizing price.
Her now-bankrupt life featured shattered dreams, ruined friendships, and the loss of a promising relationship. Now, two years later, the twenty-three-year-old prayed for a second chance with the man she had fallen for at first sight.
Would Cory Sanders finally overlook her egregious mistake in accepting a next-day date and liaison with another man? Or would she have to truly accept life without him?
Book Title: A Living Hope : Hope Series, Book 2 by E.C. Jackson
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 286 pages
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Publisher: E.C. Jackson
Release date: July 31, 2016
Format available for review: e-book (Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating: PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
E.C. Jackson weaves a story of imperfect people working through misunderstandings, secrets, traumas, and just plain stubbornness. In other words,her characters are like many of us! She builds complex characters with believable struggles. Happy endings don’t come easily, but must be worked through with prayer, honest communication, and the willingness to step out in faith and do the right things.
This is a worthy successor to Jackson’s earlier novel, A Gateway to Hope.
— review by Hog on Ice: Books and Independent Learning
A Living Hope : Hope Series, Book 2 by E.C. Jackson
Book Description:
It was a match made in heaven. Or so everyone thought. Sadie Mae Cummings is all set to marry her childhood sweetheart, Kyle, when she is assigned to tutor Lincoln, the new college football running back. This sophomore phenomenon has all the girls on campus knocking on his door. But Sadie isn’t interested in his advances.
Lincoln’s overblown ego doesn’t take well to being shunned, and he resolves to make Sadie his own. He pursues her relentlessly, until finally Kyle finds himself shut out of Sadie’s life, with their shared future crumbling around him.
After two years, Sadie’sa relationship with Lincoln ends, and she is left having to put the pieces of her life back together. She desires nothing more than to recapture her relationship with Kyle. He has stayed true to the dreams they had planned together, living the vision even without Sadie by his side.
When she moves back to her hometown, she labors to rekindle their love. But things have changed, and Kyle has moved on. Sadie quickly discovers how hard it is to rebuild burned bridges.
Follow Sadie’s story as she fights for a chance to restore broken dreams. Will love endure?
This inspirational romance by E. C. Jackson is book two of the Hope series and is a standalone book.
Just when she thinks she will marry her chidhood sweetheart, Sadie Mae Cummings is assigned to tutor Lincoln, the new college football running back.
Following Sadie’s life is interesting, and sometimes lard to follow. Her life goes through many ups and downs as she tired to find the life she is searching for. As she decides to move back to her home town after several years away, she meets up with her old fling, Kyle. Unfortunately, he’s moved on. But as times goes, they just might get together again.
I love Jackson’s books and I love the way she does romance. Her books go a little bit deeper perhaps than a lot of books, but they are still inspirational fiction reads. I like the way she shows faith in the Christian lift in such a subtle like that it doesn’t defend, yet it is a delightful way she describes it all. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*********************
REVIEW FOR THE CERTAIN HOPE BY
E. C. JACKSON
Another amazing read from author E. C. Jackson “The Certain Hope.”
Book Details:
Book Title: The Certain Hope
: Hope Series, Book 3 by E.C. Jackson
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 261 pages
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Publisher: E.C. Jackson
Release date: Dec 5, 2018
Format available for review: e-book (Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
The title of this novel is perfectly suitable to its meaning. The Certain Hope is the one of a couple of lonely guys that decided to marry after two weeks of dating. The groom believes that everything will go fine, especially if the bride will do only what he wants. He is control addicted, she is a romantic girl who believes in having met the man of her dreams. Through this behavioral contrast, the author built a great story, focused on the burning topics of marriage, loss and control addiction. In my view, the novel is a little, big literary masterpiece for the underlying meaning that oozes from every chapter. I believe that The Certain Hope deserves to be translated internationally and this thought is my certain hope for the success of this gripping romance novel.— review by Advices books Reviews
Book Description:
Love at first sight. It’s every girl’s dream. But Tara Simpkins is finding out it’s not as easy as it seems. Is this truly the man God sent to be her husband, or is she just desperate to escape her loneliness? The recent loss of both parents has left her reeling, and close friends don’t think she’s in any position to make major life decisions. She and her new-found love are convinced they can live happily ever after in the home of their dreams. His family thinks he’s moving way too fast and might disappoint the kind-hearted woman he’s fallen head over heels for. And then there’s Leah. Leah is supposed to be part of his past, but what if she decides she’s his future? Tara’s match made in Heaven may be over before it truly begins.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE CERTAIN HOPE
The Certain Hope is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Tara Simpkins is having work done on the house after losing both parents and is now along. She really feels alone now, but that’s no reason to fall for one of the guys working on the house. But she was attracted, none the less, but he may not even look at her twice. But we will see.
I like Tara. She has the sweetest personality, and she really likes Luke. But as the story goes on, I begin to see red flags with him and didn’t care for his obnoxious attitude at all. And Tara certainly didn’t need him. Her friends also say the same thing, which pulled Tara in two different ways. I’m not gonna give out more information, so you will need to read the book for yourself.
I have read several books by E. C. Jackson, and I have enjoyed each one. I like the way she writes romance with such feeling, with characters written with layers that tells many flaws, yet with faith in God. I did find this book hard to put down because I wanted to find out what happened with Tara. I’m giving this book Five Stars. If you love clean Christian fiction romance, you will love this book.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
(Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF) Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
Book Description:
Is there hope for this love between friends?
Pamela Hayes is a smart, successful business owner with a supportive family and a thriving bakery. She should be the happiest girl in the world. But she can’t shake the melancholy that accompanies every conversation she has with her best friend, Mark. Pamela doesn’t know how much longer she can hide her true feelings.
Why can’t Mark see how perfect they would be together? She would make a much better girlfriend than the one he currently has. Pamela prays he’ll come to his senses soon and realize he’s with the wrong girl. But when her dream comes true, it isn’t the fantasy she had envisioned.
There is trouble in paradise from the start, and all the red flags she’s been ignoring are starting to threaten her confidence…and her relationship with Mark. She’ll have to rely on family and her faith in God to help her secure the hope she so desperately needs.
In The Confident Hope, E. C. Jackson writes a story of marriage and the problems that come after the I Do! Pamela finally got what she wanted in marrying Mark. But was he her true one and only. I had a problem with Pamela going after Mark like she did, when he really wasn’t avaliable. But I guess that’s how some ladies are. It took me a while to warm up to both of these characters, but they grew on me. Both Mark and Pamela had lots to learn about marriage. They were both so determined to have their way it caused friction in their marriage. I found that lack of communication was also a big part of their problems, and both were to stubborn to acknowledge it.
I do like the way Jackson uses this story to show the twists and turns, ups and downs and all the other differences marriage brings. This would be a great book for anyone, especially a new married couple, or perhaps someone getting married. There are lots of lessons to learn in this book and E. C. Jackson does an excellent job writing this book. It’s one of my favorite in the series. Anyone who enjoys a good clean inspirational books will enjoy this one. I’m giving it Five Stars.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Pajama Party: The Story by E.C. Jackson
Book Details:
Book Title: Pajama Party: The Storyby E.C. Jackson
Category: Teen & Adult Fiction (13 to 18 yrs), 241 pages
Genre: Teen & Young Adult Fiction / Teen & Young Adult Christian Fiction
Publisher: E.C. Jackson
Release date: Sep 30, 2017
Format available for review: e-book
(Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF) Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
Book Description:
Most sleepovers are simple. Food, fun, and pillow fights. But sixteen-year-old Karen Duncan has bigger plans for her slumber party. Family troubles have changed her over the past year, and she’s no longer the petty, selfish girl she used to be. Now she’s ready to shake things up with her friends. The guest list comes as a surprise to some and a slap in the face to others. This popular girl has invited some not-so-popular guests. Even more shocking, she’s left out some of the girls she’s hung out with since middle school.
Diane and Evette are outsiders, nervous about being stuck in a house with the same girls who tease them at school.
Kathy, Lisa, and Joann come to the party with the confidence of the in-crowd, but they’re masking inner-turmoil that is bound to surface.
Sandy and Angela are usually the voices of reason…usually. And then there’s Linda, the friend that got away. She may not ever forgive the girls who abandoned her years ago. Karen hopes to change her mind. Her agenda is ambitious, and it could spell disaster. But Karen is convinced God will use this party to spark a new beginning for everyone involved.
This companion book to A Living Hope gives us the inspired story Sadie Cummings wrote for the girls of Shiatown.
Meet the Author: E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play “Pajama Party.” Thirty-one years later, she adapted the play into Pajama Party: The Story, a companion book to the second book in the five-book standalone Hope series.
Jackson’s favorite pastime is reading fiction. She enjoys taking the journey along with the characters in the books. That also led to her unorthodox approach to story writing. Her vision for each book she writes is to immerse readers into the storyline so they become connected with each character.
“The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the slogan on her Facebook author page. She feels that if every person reading her books feels connected to the characters, her job is done.
Twenty years ago, several people were murdered in Des Moines, and the only evidence left behind was a snowman ornament hanging ominously on a tree in the victims’ front lawns. With a suspect behind bars, the killings have come to an end–or so everyone thought. But now crimes with a similar MO are happening in a small Iowa town, and a local detective believes the killer is back and ready to strike again.
With little time left on the clock before they have another murder on their hands, private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair must work alongside Tony’s detective father to find evidence that will uncover an evil that has survived far too long. As the danger mounts and the suspect closes in, it will take all they have to catch a killer–before he catches one of them.
Wow! What an exciting read. After reading Nancy Mehl’s first book in this series, Cold Pursuit, I have been waiting to read Cold Threat, and it was an awesome mystery thriller for sure. I was so hooked on reading this book I read late into the night and jumped at any noise I heard.
This story goes back many years when people were murdered in Des Moines, and just maybe the killer is still around, it’s just that Tony’s father can’t convince anyone else, so he ask for Tony and Ryland’s help. Tony and Ryland are fabulous characters created by author Nancy Mehl, as well as so many other characters Mehl created to make up this story. I think this story is pretty fast paced, but then the time line for the killings made the book seem like it was at a slower pace. Either way, this is an awesome book to read.
I enjoyed following Ryland and Tony as they made their way through trying to find the person responsible for so many murders, and why. What motivation did this person have. Mehl created such great details for each scene in the book I felt as if it was playing out in my little community. I have always enjoyed Nancy Mehl’s writing style, just as I read enjoyed it in this book. And I’m telling you folks, she can write some scenes that will have you looking out your windows and locking your doors. And I love it!
If you enjoy reading a fast-paced thriller that will have you biting your nails, you need to read Cold Threat. I think it can be read as a stand alone, but reading Cold Pursuit, book one in this Ryland & St. Clair Book (An FBI Profiler Thriller Romantic Suspense Series) I simply can’t wait for Book three to hit the shelves. I’m giving this book Five Stars and I wish I could give it more!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Author Bio:
Nancy Mehl is the author of more than fifty books, a Parable and ECPA bestseller, and the winner of an ACFW Book of the Year Award, a Carol Award, and the Daphne du Maurier Award. She has also been a finalist for the Christy Award. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson.
Franz Maedler, an officer in the Wehrmacht, loses a leg in Stalingrad and is evacuated just before it becomes impossible to do so. He returns to a desk job with the Army General Staff in Berlin but is deeply conflicted. His father is committed to the Nazi cause, as seems to be his brother Friedrich. Yet his girlfriend Katrin is a devout Christian, as was his now-deceased mother, and his conscience is haunted by things he was a part of on the Eastern Front. He wants to marry Katrin, but she will not agree until he decides who he is and who he follows. Then, unexpectedly, a moment of crisis forces Franz to choose. Will he side with the cross or with the swastika? And what will it cost him?
And now Questions and Answers with the authors
• Why fiction instead of non-fiction?
• Stories are powerful. Our pastor’s most powerful sermons generally begin with the line, “The story is told…” Sometimes it’s the intro to a joke, sometimes a serious story to get us thinking. Jesus taught important lessons in parables. The story makes it memorable and has a way of getting into the heart that non-fiction doesn’t have. (Melinda)
• Most of what I write is actually non-fiction for my work (I am a political science professor). When Melinda and I first got married, we concluded together that it would be a lot of fun to work on a story together. We did not have the idea that led to Faces in the Window until 11 years later, and it was another 13 years before we started writing. Life with three kids was very busy, but we finally did it. She is the real fiction writer, and I came along for the ride. (Andrew)
• Do you like music or silence when you write?
• It depends on the situation. When I’m writing something deeply emotional, I’ll often listen to music that matches whatever emotion I’m trying to convey. Sometimes, music will help me get the flavor of the culture I’m writing about onto the page. If I’m writing a story set in, say, Ireland, I’ll put on one of my Irish folk CDs.
• Almost always silence, unless it is the Christmas season, in which case I will listen to my vinyl records of Christmas carols. (Andrew)
• How did you go about developing the setting(s) for this story?
• We had hoped to travel to Germany to research the setting for this book, but that was in 2020 and of course COVID made it impossible. Instead, we researched heavily. I found old maps of Berlin on the internet. We did lots of historical research in various WW2 texts. We also had a German friend read the story and give us her feedback. When she said that it felt like we had taken her back home, we knew we had been successful with our research. Still, I think we could have made it even better if we’d been able to make the trip we’d planned. (Melinda)
• Also, Melinda spent a year as an exchange student in Germany (though not Berlin), and we have visited a couple of times together, so we had a general sense of the country, and she is fluent in the language. (Andrew)
• Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
• My husband never understood what I meant when I told him the characters had hijacked my story until he actually wrote this novel with me and experienced it for himself. Sometimes they refuse to do what I have planned for them. I’ve learned to follow their lead. When that happens, often it turns out better than what I planned! (Melinda)
• True enough. Melinda had always told me about how her characters would talk with her and take the story in their own direction, but I never really understood until we were writing this book together. Now I do. This is something that doesn’t much happen when one is wring non-fiction about, say, presidential elections. It wouldn’t do for me to tell my co-author “Hey, we need to change the narrative. John McCain told me he won the 2008 election after all.” It happened to us. For the most part, our characters followed our direction, but not always! (Andrew)
• Which scene was most fun to write? Why?
• I think the scene where Klaus Maedler invited his sons to dinner was the most fun to write. My husband and I were in Google Docs together, and we each took some characters and started writing the scene. We had a general idea of what we wanted to do, but the characters took over and it didn’t end up exactly as we’d planned. We had a lot of fun writing dialogue this way! Of course, then we had to go through the scene, choose a POV character, and make sure the POV was consistent throughout. (Melinda)
• Without giving away too much, either the dinner party hosted by Franz’s father, which Melinda talks about above, or Franz and Friedrich conspiring together to trick Franz’s superior into giving them a truck that they need. They both required strong, witty dialogue, and were both pivotal to the story.
Thank you Andrew and Melinda. I enjoyed reading more about you both and I know my viewers will as well. I look forward to what you have for your readers in the future.
About the Authors
Andrew and Melinda Busch were both born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, and were introduced in 1994 by their junior high school math teacher. They married in 1995 and have three grown children. They now live in Rialto, California.
Andrew teaches American government at Claremont McKenna College in southern California. He has authored or co-authored about two dozen books on American politics, government, and public policy. He received his Ph.D. in Government from the University of Virginia. Melinda is a freelance author who has published numerous short stories and children’s books. She received her Master’s degree in education from Concordia University-Portland. Faces in the Window is their first co-authored book.
More from Andrew and Melinda
We came up with the idea for our book after a trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. in 2006, but didn’t start writing it until late 2019. The COVID lock-down gave us a lot of time at home to work on it.
Writing together was fun. Sometimes one of us would draft a section and the other one would revise it and then we would go back and forth until we were satisfied with it. Other times, when there was important dialogue, we would each pick a character, go onto Google Docs, and have the conversation in real time. We had to be sharp, since our characters often found themselves in a tight spot. Though we planned out the story, sometimes the conversations took on a life of their own, and things went in a different direction.
One of us is a poet and an author of children’s books, fantasy stories, and fan fiction, while the other is a professor who has written extensively about American government but has never before dipped his toe into the vasty depths of fiction. Together, we had a great time!
Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley Finally Reach Their Honeymoon Destination Only to Encounter a New Mystery in Need of Solving
Frederick and Grace Percy finally make it to Italy to enjoy a delayed honeymoon a surprise, their friend, Detective Jack Miracle, is also in the city, investigating a series of art heists starting at the house of eccentric millionaire, Laraby Covington. Drawn into a world of boat races, mysterious houses, and parties of the rich and unusual in Venice, Frederick and Grace learn of the existence of the Juliet paintings, (Renaissance paintings feature Shakespeare’s tragic heroine) rumored to hold a secret code to an underground vault of similarly treasured artwork assumed lost over the centuries. As Freddie and Grace are pulled deeper into the mystery and their beloved Detective Jack disappears, can they use their wits and work as a team to find the thieves and Jack before it’s too late.
The Juliet Code is a Freddie and Grace Mystery, sequel to The Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse.
About the Author
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.
More from Pepper
The Ever After
I’ve always loved fairytales.
Especially the romanticized version (#romancewriter).
The wonderful sense of a two people meeting, overcoming obstacles to be together, and then the happily-ever-after?
Well, those are some of my favorite reasons to read and write fiction. However, I didn’t realize the challenge I took on when I agreed to write a second and third book with the main characters staying the same!
You know what I mean?
In most series, the main characters from book one become secondary characters in the consecutive books so that the secondary characters in book one can become the main characters in book 2 (everybody still following along? 🙂)
One of my favorite book series that do this so well is the Amelia Peabody series. I fell in LOVE with Amelia and Emerson in book one, but just loved watching their continued dynamic as a couple grow with each new book. I felt as if I got to know them so much better in their “ever after” while they engaged in all sorts of adventures together.
So…that’s what I hoped to accomplish with Freddie and Grace.
Where The Mistletoe Countess ends with a happily-ever-after, The Cairo Curse and The Juliet Code take over to show us more of the…ever after – my attempt at showing how two main characters continue to grow beyond the end of book one.
I didn’t realize what a daunting feat it would be. Watching two characters meet, fall in love, and show some growth in book 1 was what I was used to doing. But how was I supposed to continue that character growth in consecutive books?
Well, I had to grow myself as a writer to understand how small changes can make lasting differences especially when writing about a beloved couple.
I think The Juliet Code shows a little of that growth – of our Freddie and Grace have not only matured spiritually and, in Grace’s case, experientially, but also as a couple.
Do you have a series that you love where the main characters stay the same?
p Ed
splashesofjoy 