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Book Review: Bitter Pill

26 Aug

THINGS WERE GOING ALONG JUST FINE

UNTIL THE MIRACLE FOULED THEM UP

“Brother” Bob Bannister is content with his life and his itinerant healing ministry, until one night he finds that the woman who walks off the stage under her own power isn’t one of his shills. At that point, doubts begin to intrude on his previously untroubled existence.

Dr. Abby Davis is tired of her family practice and at odds with God. Dealing with critically ill and dying patients has crushed her spirit to the point she’s ready to quit. But she soon realizes that there’s more to healing than ministering to the physical body.

Scott Anderson was the oldest graduate of his seminary class. Then again, most of them hadn’t turned away from a medical practice, hoping to atone for past mistakes (including his wife’s death) by ministering to men’s souls. Now he hopes he hasn’t made a colossal mistake in switching careers.

Each of these individuals becomes linked to the other, and each finds that God has a purpose for them—but, as it often does, the lesson comes with discomfort.

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical suspense with heart”. He is the author of ten published novels, three novellas, and a non-fiction book. His novels have garnered critical acclaim and been finalists for ACFW’s Carol Award, both the Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year and Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Inspirational Readers Choice, and the Selah Award. He is a proud member of the ACFW, the International Thriller Writers, the Christian Authors Network, the FHL chapter of the RWA, and Novelists Inc.

You can connect with Richard on the Internet at his blog page and Facebook fan page, as well as Twitter and Goodreads.

My Impressions:

Richard Mabry is known for suspense-filled medical drama with a strong faith message. In his newest novella, Bitter Pill, there is a mystery to be solved, but it is the faith journeys of the three main characters that take center stage. Bob Bannister is a faith-healer who puts on a show in the small town of Goldman. Dr. Abby Davis is a family practioner who cares for her patients emotional health as well as physical. And Scott Anderson is a surgeon-turned-associate pastor who struggles with his faith. All three are impacted by senior pastor Ed Farmer, a man who faces life with wisdom, wit, and grace. His example and legacy is the catalyst for big changes in all three lives.

Bitter Pill is a very short read, yet it is one that will make you think about who or what you put your trust in. The characters are not as well-developed as they would have been in a full-length novel, yet they certainly rang true in their struggles. I loved Ed Farmer, the pastor who connects the three mains. His character is inspiring, yet extremely down-to-earth and utterly believable. While there is a mystery with definite life and death impact, it is not as large a part of the story as I would have liked. It was rather neatly and quickly wrapped up — almost as an afterthought. But that didn’t spoil the book for me — I was focused on the growth of each character.

While a bit of a departure for Richard Mabry, Bitter Pill is a good choice if you are looking for a very quick read. I really enjoyed it.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE. (It’s FREE for Kindle Unlimited!)

(I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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Audiobook Mini-Review: The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes

22 Aug

1914. Joanna Blalock’s keen mind and incredible insight lead her to become a highly-skilled nurse, one of the few professions that allow her to use her finely-tuned brain. But when she and her ten-year-old son witness a man fall to his death, apparently by suicide, they are visited by the elderly Dr. John Watson and his charming, handsome son, Dr. John Watson Jr. Impressed by her forensic skills, they invite her to become the third member of their investigative team.

Caught up in a Holmesian mystery that spans from hidden treasure to the Second Afghan War of 1878-1880, Joanna and her companions must devise an ingenious plan to catch a murderer in the act while dodging familiar culprits, Scotland Yard, and members of the British aristocracy. Unbeknownst to her, Joanna harbors a mystery of her own. The product of a one-time assignation between the now dead Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler, the only woman to ever outwit the famous detective, Joanna has unwittingly inherited her parents’ deductive genius.

Leonard Goldberg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Joanna Blalock medical thrillers. His novels have been translated into a dozen languages and were selections of the Book of the Month Club, French and Czech book clubs, and The Mystery Guild. They were featured as People’s “Page-Turner of the Week” and at the International Book Fair. After a long career affiliated with the UCLA Medical Center as a Clinical Professor of Medicine, he now lives on an island off the coast of Charleston, SC.

My Impressions:

I joined a FB book discussion group to expand my reading horizons and to connect with a wider group of people who love a good story. The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes by Leonard Goldberg was the chosen book. Now, I had never heard of this book, but who doesn’t like a mystery, especially if it features Sherlock even in a passing way? My husband, the real Conan Doyle fan, joined me in listening to the audiobook, and that was definitely an added bonus — discussing books with other book nerds and my husband! I enjoyed the historical references, the shout-outs to the original Holmes’ stories, and the puzzling case. My favorite thing, though, was the characterization of Joanna Blalock and the Dr. Watsons, both junior and senior. Their interactions were a treat as they worked together to uncover the why and how of the death of a member of the British aristocracy. I haven’t read any of Conan Doyle’s novels (my knowledge comes from watching the BBC series with Jeremy Brett), but my hubs has.  While he didn’t find the complex deductions that are a hallmark of the originals, he did enjoy The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes, as did I. In fact, book 2 was downloaded immediately following the conclusion of book 1.

We recommend The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes for those who like a thinking-man’s mystery. The novel is not CF, but is definitely clean — no language or adult situations. The narrator was spot-on in his pacing and accents. All in all this was a very enjoyable listening experience!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: The Killing Tide

19 Aug

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter — and Finn’s boss’s sister — Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she’s back, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award finalist, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award.

From her early years eagerly reading Nancy Drew mysteries, to paging through Agatha Christie novels or watching on-the-edge-of-her-seat adventure movies, Dani has always enjoyed mystery and suspense. She considers herself blessed to be able to write the kind of stories she loves–full of plot twists and peril, love, and longing for hope and redemption. Her greatest joy as an author is sharing the stories God lays on her heart. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, click here.

 

My Impressions:

The Killing Tide, the first book in Dani Pettrey’s new romantic suspense series, is just what fans of Pettrey have come to expect — fast-paced action, complex characters, an ensemble cast, and spark-filled romance. From the opening chapter to the last page, the reader is fully engaged in this twisting, turning novel. I never knew what to expect as the author kept me and the characters on edge. This one is definitely a recommended read!

The North Carolina coast is the setting of The Killing Tide. Many of the characters are members of a US Coast Guard investigative team that participates in ocean rescues, retrieval dives, and investigations of criminal cases. Among the investigators is Finn Walker who is enlisted to keep journalist Gabby Rowley safe following an attempted hit by a drug dealer. Gabby is good at her job, and soon inserts herself into the CGIS investigations. She is not, however, good at keeping out of trouble! 😉 Finn and Gabby have a past and unresolved relationship issues, and their chemistry is still firmly in place. Fans of romantic suspense will love their interactions and the tough spots in which they find themselves. The cases being investigated seem unrelated, but soon a common thread emerges. I liked the ways the group worked together to piece the puzzle together. I also liked that I was kept guessing and was surprised by just whodunit. The faith element in The Killing Tide is strong. Main characters Gabby and Finn are believers, yet have struggles common to the Christian life — guilt, feelings of not being good enough, and superimposing desires over God’s will. The two encourage each other to silence the accusing voices in their heads and find God’s truth and purposes.

The Killing Tide is a great start to the Coastal Guardians series. I can’t wait for more!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Children’s Corner — Great And Small Prayers for Babies

15 Aug

Thank You, God, for great and small animal friends!

Join these adorable animal pairs in a board book that’s meant for little hands to hold and explore. Each spread features a large animal and his little friend, who is hiding under the flap. A short thank-You prayer on each spread models simple thankfulness, and the text includes animal sounds to make the reading even more fun.

Six pairs of great-and-small friends to meet, six chunky flaps to lift and discover, and six simple prayers to pray— all to delight little hands and hearts.

To purchase, click HERE.

My Impressions:

I am going to be a grandmother for the first time in a few months. Woo hoo! So I am on the look out for books to share with my grand-blessing. Great And Small Prayers for Babies is a wonderful book for the smallest of children. Its sturdy board book construction will take any over-reading 😉 , while its sweet illustrations, simple rhyme, and multiple surprises will delight a toddler. I loved the contrasts that appear within the pages — a great way to engage young readers. I can’t wait to read this one with my grandchild!

Recommended.

Audience: toddlers.

(Thanks to B&H Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Audiobook Mini-Review: The King

12 Aug

FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers has matched wits with some of the most violent serial killers in history — and one of them has never forgiven him….
 
Patrick Bowers has pursued the nation’s fiercest serial killers — and now one elusive foe is back for revenge.

Settling into a new post at the FBI academy, Patrick and his fiancée, Lien-hua Jiang, are planning their future together with his stepdaughter, Tessa.

But just when his life seems normal, a demon from the past returns to draw him down a dark road he hoped had closed forever. Forced into a desperate hunt to save the two women he loves most, Patrick is in a race against time to stop an international conspiracy from becoming the most widespread act of terrorism in U.S. history.

Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base.

Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game.” And RT Book Reviews promises, “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.”

Equipped with a unique Master’s Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe.

Steven’s groundbreaking book on the art of fiction writing, STORY TRUMPS STRUCTURE, won a Storytelling World award. Widely-recognized for his story crafting expertise, he has twice served as a Master CraftFest instructor at ThrillerFest, North America’s premier training event for suspense writers.

Respected by some of the top thriller writers in the world, Steven deftly weaves intense stories of psychological suspense with deep philosophical insights. As critically-acclaimed novelist Ann Tatlock put it, “Steven James gives us a captivating look at the fine line between good and evil in the human heart.”

My Impressions:

The King is the fifth installment in The Bowers Files series, and while some series lose a reader’s interest the longer they go, Steven James manages to keep his readers thrilled, shocked, and on the edge of their seats book after book. This edgy Christian thriller is full of action, suspense, and a deep look into the criminal mind. Another winner by James.

The King has everything that long time fans of James have come to expect — complex characters, suspense-filled drama, and thoughtful insights into the human psyche. In this novel, the author really puts his characters through their paces, emotionally and physically. There are some cringe-worthy scenes that are not for the faint of heart. My husband, also a big fan of the series, said “poor Lien-hua!”.  LOL! If you are loved by Patrick Bowers, you have a target on your back. While the twists and turns of the cases Bowers is investigating keep the pages turning, I especially liked the philosophical conundrum that is explored — just what makes man a beast? Patrick also gets hit by Tessa as she confronts him about his lack of spiritual guidance in her life. That is an especially great argument that will make you think.

As always, one main storyline is completed, while another continues — more shiver-y reading to come.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review: Daughters of Northern Shores

8 Aug

 

About The Book

Book: Daughters of Northern Shores

Author: Joanne Bischof

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: March 12, 2019

Aven Norgaard understands courage. Orphaned within an Irish workhouse, then widowed at just nineteen, she voyaged to America where she was wooed and wed by Thor Norgaard, a Deaf man in rural Appalachia. That the Lord saw her along the winding journey and that Aven now carries Thor’s child are blessings beyond measure. Yet while Thor holds her heart, it is his younger brother and rival who haunts her memories. Haakon—whose selfish choices shattered her trust in him.

Having fled the Norgaard orchard after trying to take Aven as his own, Haakon sails on the North Atlantic ice trade, where his soul is plagued with regrets that distance cannot heal. Not even the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s pursued can ease the torment. When the winds bear him home after four years away, Haakon finds the family on the brink of tragedy. A decades-old feud with the neighboring farm has wrenched them into the fiercest confrontation on Blackbird Mountain since the Civil War. Haakon’s cunning and strength hold the power to seal many fates, including Thor’s—which is already imperiled due to a grave illness brought to him at the first prick of warfare.

Now Haakon faces the hardest choice of his life. One that shapes a battlefield where pride must be broken enough to be restored, and where a prodigal son may finally know the healing peace of surrender and the boundless gift of forgiveness. And when it comes to the woman he left behind in Norway, he just might discover that while his heart belongs to a daughter of the north, she’s been awaiting him on shores more distant than the land he’s fighting for.

Click here to grab your copy!

About The Author

Joanne Bischof is an ACFW Carol Award and ECPA Christy Award-winning author. She writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. She was honored to receive the San Diego Christian Writers Guild Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon conference. Joanne’s 2016 novel, The Lady and the Lionheart, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from RT Book Reviews, among other critical acclaim. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her three children. Visit her online at JoanneBischof.com; Facebook: Author, JoanneBischof; Instagram: @JoanneBischof.

More from Joanne

One of the questions I receive most often is “How do you get it all done?” As a single, homeschooling mom, I’ve long-since learned that there would be easier ways to have a day job than being an author, but God has been gracious in providing abundantly in so many areas. Here are four that I am most thankful for as I look back over the last few years, including this season of writing Sons of Blackbird Mountain and Daughters of Northern Shores.

Togetherness

Now, most authors would agree that “togetherness” isn’t exactly conducive to quality writing time – especially when kids are involved! And while I do need quiet focus to be able to work through a scene or chapter, what I’ve been thankful for is the chance to share story and research discoveries with my children. It’s created more unity around the stories. Instead of needing to usher the kids away, isolating them from the novels I’m writing, I’m able to invite them into them. For the Blackbird Mountain series, I walked them through the Pinterest boards, showing them the different characters. Then we did a history unit on Vikings since that’s the Norgaard Family’s background. We had a blast and it helped make “the story that Mom was working on”, something that they were more aware of and interested in. For my current work-in-progress, we just recently finished an all new history unit including visits to a few local museums and stories that the kids wrote on their own!

Patience

I used to want to write, write, write all the time. And often, that’s what I did! Well, I still would love to write as often as I can, but God has been teaching me something oh-so-important: patience. As part of this, I set aside certain parts of the week for writing office hours. These slots of writing time typically occur on Tuesday evenings, and include a few additional 1 ½ hours slots during the week, once homeschooling is done. In this manner, I am able to carve out some quiet writing time while still making sure the kids are having a great and productive day. But for any writer or working mom, we can agree . . . that’s not a lot of time when added up! In God’s wonderful provision, though, He seems to extend much richness to those little snatches of time. They might not be many, but they are mighty! It’s been a prayer of mine for several years now, that by keeping my writing below these other priorities, that God would help me fill in the cracks of time and energy—and He has been so faithful to supply. I still have my moments when I feel frazzled, especially when deadlines are near, and that’s why I am thankful for this next lesson that God has been teaching me . . .

Communication

The thing about living with a writer, is that you often find them staring at a computer screen. That doesn’t look all that productive, does it? But what we’re doing on the other side of that screen is weaving a story-world of plot, characters, purpose, and heart. Typing words onto the page that we hope will touch lives, digging through old articles for research, or jotting down messy plotting notes that we pray will somehow amount to a story one day. By communicating with my kids (like sharing with them about the story and characters) I’m able to help them see what I’m doing and why. And since kids can be rambunctious and full of life (and questions, and needs for snacking, and ideas, and messes . . . *wink*) and since this writer works well with quiet, I have a little chalkboard that I hang on my doorknob when it’s one of my “office hour” slots. I jot down my start time and end time for that 1 ½ hour block, add a heart or smiley face, and often make note of what our next task will be like preparing a meal or doing an activity together. Then I shut my door and the little sign dangling from the knob outside helps the kids remember what I’m up to. It reminds them that I won’t be tucked away for long, but that I do need to focus for a little while. They’re always allowed to come knocking if a need arises, but for the most part, they’re happy on these afternoons with their own projects. When the hour or so is up, we reconvene and go back about our day, usually slipping into something fun that we do together. By having these slots of time in the week, and by communicating carefully with them in a way they can understand, it helps to bring us all what we need.

Grace

There are days when I blow it, and days when I need a lot of grace. Maybe I’ve spilled iced tea on one of the research books (don’t worry, this is a hypothetical example 😉 ) or maybe I didn’t save a scene properly, or just feel stuck and exhausted with a plot thread. These days can certainly tamper with the harmony, which begins with my heart and the need to remember the reason for why I write these stories: for God’s glory. When I begin to lose my calm, or grow frustrated or weary with the challenges afoot, I know it’s time to circle back to what it’s all for. It’s for the readers, it’s for my children, it’s for my joy, and most of all, it’s for God’s glory. By me being harried or stressed, very little of this is being accomplished! God has used the writing process to speak to my heart in ways that have reminded me of what I can surrender, and more and more of the ways that I can look to HIM for guidance. The lessons aren’t always easy, but through each season, and through each book, I have come to see more and more all the ways to be thankful.

 

My Impressions:

Fans of Joanne Bischof’s Sons of Blackbird Mountain will not be disappointed in the return visit to the Norgaard family farm in Daughters of Northern Shores. The first book in the 2-volume series left us with Thor and Aven married, the Sorrel family on the run, and Haakon, the youngest Norgaard brother, hopping a ship to destinations unknown. Don’t worry, there is much, much more of the story left to told, and as always, Bischof does it with beautiful prose that sets the scene and reveals the fears, sorrows, hopes, and dreams of her characters. This book is another winner!

Bischof is an accomplished storyteller. Readers can almost smell and taste the world she creates. They certainly can see the vivid settings of ship and land, especially the Appalachian apple farm worked by the Norgaards. I loved the historical elements that spoke of authenticity and diligent research on the part of the author. Four years have passed between the two books and much has changed, but the author fills in the gaps so naturally that the reader gets caught up with the lives of favorite characters right away. And those characters . . . . I loved Aven and Thor from book 1, but I was immediately drawn to Haakon in Daughters of Northern Shores. His 4 years of travel, hard work, and contemplation do much to develop this prodigal son from selfish young man to one who is ready to ask forgiveness and face the consequences of his actions. Lost trust leads to lost relationships, and this novel highlights how much one person’s actions can affect others. But this is also a story of forgiveness and restoration.

Daughters of Northern Shores is a wonderful conclusion to the series. I was sorry to leave the Norgaards when the final page was turned. Please be aware that you must read this series in order, otherwise you will miss out on the full reading pleasure. I promise you will not be sorry!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Blog Stops

Retrospective Spines, August 6

Just the Write Escape, August 6

KarenSueHadley , August 7

Batya’s Bits, August 7

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 8

By The Book, August 8

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 9

Adventures of a travelers wife, August 9

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, August 10

Betti Mace, August 10

Connie’s History Classroom, August 11

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, August 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 12

Moments, August 12

Simple Harvest Reads, August 13

Connect in Fiction , August 13

For the Love of Literature, August 13

Aryn The Libraryan 📚 , August 14

Through the Fire Blogs, August 14

Bigreadersite , August 15

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, August 15

Daysong Reflections, August 16

Living Life Free In christ, August 16

A Reader’s Brain, August 17

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Inklings and notions , August 18

janicesbookreviews, August 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 19

LifeofLiterature, August 19

As He Leads is Joy, August 19

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Book Review: The Bridge Between

5 Aug

Louisa Coultrie Halloway has returned home as caretaker for the family home on Edisto Island, but years before she left this world behind. Now she flounders to find her place. When Liam Whiting, a local professor studying tidal creek preservation, invites Lou to join his research team, she welcomes the opportunity for purpose.

David, her ex-husband, has followed Lou and their children to Edisto. As he finds his footing in this new life, their once strained relationship eases into a familiar rhythm — and he hopes for more.

But the past still has a hold on them all, especially in the presence of Grace Watson, whose son intends to marry Lou and David’s daughter. Somehow, Grace and Lou must let the past of a shared love settle between them.

In this idyllic setting, relationships deepen and shift. And once more, Lou finds herself caught between the life she’s chosen — and the love that might be meant to be.

Award-winning writer, Lindsey P. Brackett just writes life — blogs, columns, articles, and stories — in the midst of motherhood. A blogger since 2010, she has published articles and short stories in a variety of print and online publications. She writes a popular bimonthly column for several local newspapers in which she meditates on small town southern life.

Her love of family ties and southern places prompted her first novel, Still Waters, a Lowcountry story about the power of family and forgiveness. Thanks to her four kids, in her home you’ll find wet towels, lost library books, and strong coffee.

Connect with her at http://www.lindseypbrackett.com, where she just writes life, on Facebook as Lindsey P. Brackett, on Twitter @lindsbrac, or Instagram @lindseypbrackett.

 

My Impressions:

Lindsey Brackett is definitely an author to watch and read! My book club read her debut novel, Still Waters, last year and loved it. It was a great blend of Southern, romance, and women’s fiction that appealed to the varying ages of my group. So when Brackett released a book that takes the reader back to Edisto Island, I knew I needed to make the trip. The Bridge Between has some of the same elements of the first book in the series — wonderful setting, characters that capture your heart, and emotional issues that resonate with the reader — yet it has a more mature feeling. And that is a good thing! The characters are not twenty-somethings, but have a few years on them and the baggage to go along with a longer life. And while I believe The Bridge Between will still appeal to all ages, I found more common ground with the characters that filled the pages. This one is definitely a recommended read.

Lou is back in her childhood home after years of being away. She returned to Edisto with triplet middle school-aged boys, a ton of regrets, lost dreams, and some bitterness she can’t seem to let go of. Her life is definitely not what she thought it would look like when she left. Things have changed on the island as well, but familiar people and landmarks make her come to terms with events and choices from the past. Add wedding plans for her older daughter, an ex-huband who won’t go away, and reminders of what could have been, and you have a complex novel of life and love. As I said, the main characters — Lou, David, and Grace — are a bit older than many you see in contemporary fiction. They have insight from the many mistakes made along the way. I liked that they didn’t have it all together (very realistic), yet they didn’t settle for what had always been. The Bridge Between is a novel of beginnings and endings and beginning again. Its portrayal of marriage is refreshing. Often books end with the mains heading into the sunset for their HEA. This novel looks at what is on the other side when the newness and the excitement dissipate and hurt feelings and rash actions and words take over. I won’t spoil the ending for you, but I think you will love how Brackett brings all things together.

The Bridge Between starts where Still Waters leaves off and can be read as a standalone. But why would you want to? LOL! Pick up both and settle in for a glorious trip to the world of Edisto Island.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Book Review + Giveaway! — Fragments of Fear

1 Aug

About The Book

Book: Fragments of Fear

Author: Carrie Stuart Parks

Genre: Suspense

Release date: July 23, 2019

From award-winning author Carrie Stuart Parks comes a new novel with danger that reaches from a New Mexico Anasazi archaeological dig to micro- and nano-chip technology.

Evelyn Yvonne McTavish — Tavish to her friends — had her almost perfect world in Albuquerque, New Mexico, come to a crashing end with the suicide of her fiancé. As she struggles to put her life back together and make a living from her art, she’s given the news that her dog is about to be destroyed at the dog pound. Except she doesn’t own a dog. The shelter is adamant that the microchip embedded in the canine-with her name and address-makes it hers.

Tavish recognizes the dog as one owned by an archaeologist named Pat Caron because she did a commissioned drawing of the two of them months earlier. The simple solution is to return the dog to his owner, but she arrives only to discover Caron’s murdered body.

After meeting undercover FBI agent Sawyer Price the mystery deepens as more people start disappearing and Tavish becomes a target as well. Her only solution is to find the links between microchip technology, an Anasazi site in the desert, her fiancé’s death, a late-night radio show, and the dog. And the clock is ticking.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About The Author

Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy finalist as well as a Carol Award-winning author. She has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law-enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho.

More from Carrie

Using Art to Solve Crime: Techniques Used by Forensic Artists

Since 1981, I’ve been a forensic artist—an amazing feat since I’m only . . .um. . . well, younger than that. In those years, I’ve seen some shifts and trends, but some things have never changed. Despite the overwhelming prevalence of computers in almost every other field, they have never been able to replace a trained forensic artist. Artists have an amazing toolbox of techniques we use to gather the information we need to help solve crime.

  1. The pencil. Any forensic artist worth her weight in graphite knows the power of the lowly pencil and a sketchpad. Law enforcement would love a photographic image of the suspect, but all we have to work with is memory…and memory is faulty. The more the image looks perfect, the more imperfect it is for helping to identify a suspect. We want the drawing to just suggest a likeness and eliminate those not similar.
  2. Now that we brought up the subject of memory, a forensic artist needs to understand how memory works. The average witness will remember between four and five facial features. When they describe the person they saw, they will do so from their strongest memory to their weakest memory, from most important to least important. We listen carefully to the order of facial features.
  3. Whole vs Parts. We don’t look at faces as individual parts, although a particularly outstanding nose or Marty Feldman eyes might catch our attention. We will remember the face as a whole, with the proportions of the face an unacknowledged part of that. Forensic artist prefer to use reference photographs where the whole face is viewed.

Want more? Check out the rest of my article at The Strand Magazine

 

My Impressions:

I am a big fan of Carrie Stuart Parks. She always delivers great high-octane suspense! Her latest novel, Fragments of Fear, starts out fast and the action never lets up. I really liked main character, Tavish. She is wounded and quirky, with no real sense of who she really is. But throughout her ordeal she gains wisdom, confidence, and control of her life. She also grows spiritually, although she does has a long way to go in finding out Who she really believes in. If you love dogs, you will love the very present character of Marley — I loved her interactions and responses with Tavish. The third person point of view gives the reader insight into Tavish, as well as FBI agent/love interest, Sawyer Price. Yes, there are sparks that accompany the suspense. There is also a good bit of humor mixed in, giving Fragments of Fear almost a cozy mystery feel. But only almost — the bad guys are very bad. The New Mexico setting is vivid — I felt I was right there with Tavish.

I found Fragments of Fear to be a very quick read. I just couldn’t wait to find out whodunit! I am betting you won’t be able to put it down either.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 23

All-of-a-kind Mom, July 23

Blogging With Carol, July 23

A Reader’s Brain, July 23

A Baker’s Perspective, July 24

The Avid Reader, July 24

CarpeDiem, July 24

Fiction Aficionado, July 25

Christian Bookaholic, July 25

Godly Book Reviews, July 25

Through the Fire Blogs, July 26

Livin’ Lit, July 26

The Becca Files, July 26

Inklings and notions , July 26

Real World Bible Study, July 27

Cathe Swanson, July 27

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 27

For Him and My Family, July 28

Lights in a Dark World, July 28

Retrospective Spines, July 28

Bigreadersite, July 29

Simple Harvest Reads, July 29 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Mary Hake, July 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Acdemy, July 30

Blossoms and Blessings, July 30

EmpowerMoms, July 30

Aryn The Libraryan, July 31

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 31

For the Love of Literature, July 31

Inspired by fiction, August 1

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 1

By The Book, August 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 2

Remembrancy, August 2

amandainpa, August 2

Pause for Tales, August 3

For the Love of Books, August 3

Just Your Average reviews, August 3

Hallie Reads, August 4

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 4

Daysong Reflections, August 4

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, August 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 5

Texas Book-aholic, August 5

janicesbookreviews, August 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away a grand prize of her book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/e592/fragments-of-fear-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Children’s Corner — The Wonder That Is You

29 Jul

Every parent dreams of embracing their new child, and when that dream comes true, it’s as if all of creation rejoices with them. In the tradition of Nancy Tillman’s On The Night You Were Born and Emily Winfield Martin’s The Wonderful Things You Will Be comes The Wonder That Is You by critically-acclaimed author Glenys Nellist. This heartwarming picture book beautifully captures the universal love and joy parents feel as they celebrate the arrival of a new child. A perfect gift for baby showers, baptisms, adoptions, birthdays, or any time you want to tell your little one how much they are loved.

It felt as if the world stood still
The day my dream came true,
And all creation paused to see
The wonder that is you.
 
I thought I heard the trees clap hands
And as their leaves unfurled,
They whispered softly in the breeze,
Welcome to our world.

 

To purchase, click HERE.

 

Glenys Nellist (in her own words):

Although I live in Michigan, USA, I was born and raised in a little village in northern England.

I grew up in a big old house, with two wonderful parents and seven siblings. My dad was the one who introduced me to the gospel. My mum was the one who encouraged me to work with children.

And at primary school, my teacher was the one who urged me to write. One day a week, I was one of the lucky few withdrawn from the classroom to sit in big, comfy armchairs in the teachers’ lounge. There, in front of a roaring log fire, with pencil and paper at the ready, I would write.

Four long decades later, I would find myself living across the pond, married to a wonderful man, mum to four children and three daughters-in-law, and grandma to three bouncing boys and one gorgeous girl. And as if all that wasn’t blessing enough, I somehow became an author, despite giving up on my first book half way through.

And if you would have told me then, that this book would one day become a series, that I would begin a second series, and a third… I never would have believed you. The only possible explanation is that our great God is able to do immeasurably more than all I could ever ask or possibly imagine.

And to God, alone, be the glory.

My Impressions:

In her latest children’s book, Glenys Nellist captures the awe, excitement, and love that accompanies the birth of a new baby. The rhyming verse and the beautifully detailed illustrations in The Wonder That Is You vividly relate the unique creation that is every child. My family is welcoming a new member in a few months, and I think this book will become a favorite in the new arrival’s library. One of my favorite things is that the mother/baby pictures are very diverse, making this book perfect for every family. So if you are looking for a gift for parents-to-be or a new baby, you definitely need to check this one out.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: children and families

(Thanks to Zondervan for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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Audiobook Mini-Review: Sabotaged

25 Jul

Finally Returned Home, Reef Mckenna Finds His Beloved Alaska Facing Its Greatest Threat

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now, working together as search-and-rescue for Alaska’s arduous Iditarod race, a growing attraction seems to be forcing aside old arguments. Then Reef catches Kirra sneaking from camp in the middle of the night.

Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life–but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

 

Dani Pettrey is a wife, mom, grandma, and the author of the Chesapeake Valor series, and the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award nomination, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others.

She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves—the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson.

TO CONNECT WITH DANI: website,  facebook,  twitter,  pinterest,  instagram, goodreads

 

My Impressions:

I continued my Alaskan vacation once I got home by listening to Sabotaged, the final book in Dani Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series. If you are a fan of this series, you will be pleased to know that Pettrey finishes it off with appearances by all the McKenna clan and their significant others. The book starts out fast, and the suspense never lets up. Featured characters Reef and Kirra have their hands full with threats and attacks by unknown assailants. Although eco-terrorists seem to be the main threat, there could be hidden agendas as well. Reef and Kirra criss-cross the state making this book a true Alaskan adventure. From Anchorage to Fairbanks to Seward to Nome and along the Iditarod Trail, the two track down clues of her abducted cousin and renegade uncle. Suspense is a big part of Sabotaged, but romance is central as well, as Reef and his long time nemesis Kirra discover they have a lot in common. Sparks certainly fly between the two. Specific to the audiobook — I found it easy to listen to and get lost in.

If you are looking for romantic suspense, Pettrey is a go-to author. Begin at book 1 in the series, though, because each McKenna’s story is revealed and built upon from book to book. With 5 volumes, you are in for some great hours of binge-reading!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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