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Audiobook Mini-Review: In The Shadow of Denali

17 Apr

Cassidy Ivanoff and her father, John, work at the new and prestigious Curry Hotel outside Mt. McKinley. While John will be expedition and wilderness exploration guide for the wealthy tourists, Cassidy has signed on as a cook’s assistant. Both are busy as the hotel prepares to welcome the president of the United States on his way to drive in the golden spike to officially complete the railroad.

Allan Brennan travels to the Curry Hotel to be an apprentice of a seasoned Alaska mountain guide. Ever since his father’s death climbing Mt. McKinley, he’s worked to earn enough money to make the trek to the Alaska territory himself. His father’s partner blames their guide for the death of his father, but Allan wants to find the truth for himself. He finds an unlikely ally in Cassidy, and as the two begin to look into the mystery, they suddenly find that things are much less clear, and much more dangerous, than either could ever imagine.

Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than a dozen books. She is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 2,000 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family’s story have garnered national media attention for many years including ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER, The Hour of Power, The Harvest Show, and over 1,000 other TV appearances and radio interviews. She lives and writes in Colorado with her husband of twenty-five years and their two amazing kids.

Find Kim on twitter and facebook:
twitter.com/kimwoodhouse
author fan page Kimberley Woodhouse

 

My Impressions:

Continuing my quest to learn more about Alaska through fiction, I listened to the audiobook edition of  In The Shadow of Denali, the first book in the Heart of Alaska series by Tracie Peterson and Kimberely Woodhouse. I really enjoyed the journey back to the early 1920s when the railroad leading to the new national park was completed. Denali had been renamed Mt. McKinley, and experienced and not-so-experienced outdoorsmen were flocking to see the wonders of the Alaskan wilderness. I loved this glimpse into the history surrounding Denali. I found the historical details interesting, while the adventure and intrigue kept me saying just one chapter more. The descriptions of the beauty of the area has heightened my anticipation to see Alaska for myself. There is also a wonderful romance for fans of the genre. Peterson and Woodhouse weave a faith thread throughout the book that focuses on the reliability of Christ to care and provide, even in the hard times. Main character Cassidy Ivanoff is the catalyst for many of the characters to discover or grow in their faith. Cassidy’s faith is also tested in ways that felt very natural. The book’s plot line is resolved, making it a standalone, but I am eager to return to Denali to see just what awaits some of the other characters that were introduced in book 1.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

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

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Audiobook Mini-Review: Far From Here

15 Apr

How long do you hold on to hope? 

Danica Greene has always hated flying, so it was almost laughable that the boy of her dreams was a pilot. She married him anyway and together, she and Etsell settled into a life where love really did seem to conquer all. Danica is firmly rooted on the ground in Blackhawk, the small town in northern Iowa where they grew up, and the wide slashes of sky that stretch endlessly across the prairie seem more than enough for Etsell.  But when the opportunity to spend three weeks in Alaska helping a pilot friend presents itself, Etsell accepts and their idyllic world is turned upside down. It’s his dream, he reveals, and Danica knows that she can’t stand in the way. Ell is on his last flight before heading home when his plane mysteriously vanishes shortly after takeoff, leaving Danica in a free fall. Etsell is gone, but what exactly does gone mean? Is she a widow? An abandoned wife? Or will Etsell find his way home to her? Danica is forced to search for the truth in her marriage and treks to Alaska to grapple with the unanswerable questions about her husband’s mysterious disappearance. But when she learns that Ell wasn’t flying alone and that a woman is missing, too, the bits and pieces of the careful life that she had constructed for them in Iowa take to the wind. A story of love and loss, and ultimately starting over, Far From Hereexplores the dynamics of intimacy and the potentially devastating consequences of the little white lies we tell the ones we love.

Nicole Baart is the mother of five children from four different countries. The cofounder of a non-profit organization, One Body One Hope, she lives in a small town in Iowa. Her books have been featured in Southern Living, Country Woman, Book Page, Glam, Brit & Co., and on Yahoo Lifestyle, and her latest release, Little Broken Things, was a People Magazine Editor’s Pick. Find out more at NicoleBaart.com.

 

My Impressions:

I am going to Alaska in a few months, so I’m listening to audiobooks that are set in Alaska. Kind of trying to immerse myself in the culture and setting before I get there. I’m also trying to read varying genres to get a wide variety of viewpoints and experiences. So, I found Far From Here by Nicole Baart, a women’s fiction novel which is partially set in Alaska. Let me first say this is not an Alaska novel. A few scenes are set in that state, but the majority of the novel takes place in the main character’s small Iowa town. Alaska is a big symbol, though, for Danica Greene the young woman who is at the center of Far From Here. It is the place where her hopes and dreams of the future vanish. This novel is labeled as Christian fiction (its publisher is a Christian imprint), but it is far different from the traditional offerings found in CF. This novel is edgy, to say the least. The characters’ lives are really messy. They drink, swear, and sleep around (albeit off the page). And while the center of the novel is the disappearance of Danica’s husband, the novel is really about the lies, half-truths, and deceptions we tell others and ourselves. I really liked this book. It was not an easy read — for most of the book despair and depression dominate. But the hope found in the end was well worth all the angst along the way. This book made me think; it would be a great book club selection. Far From Here is told in the first person recollections of Danica and in an objective third person voice. This style allowed the reader to get in the head of the main character, while at the same time understand all that was actually going on. The audiobook employed two readers to great effect.

As I stated, I liked this book. Would I recommend it? Yes, but with a caveat for those who just don’t want to read a book with adult language and situations.

Recommended (with a warning for language and adult situations.)

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

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

 

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Children’s Corner — Easter Is Coming!

11 Apr

Mommy and her little ones are settling in for story time, and this time it’s the biblical story of Easter that she’s telling. As the youngsters hear God’s tale unfold with its sometimes somber notes about sin and death, they are softly and continually reminded, “But Easter is coming!” By the end of the book, the anticipation has built and the children can celebrate the ending and the glory of Easter Sunday.
 
In a time when children’s Easter excitement often focuses on only egg hunts and candy, this book offers a different — and true — reason for joy and expectancy. It’s designed to be read and reread on the days leading up to Easter, telling the greatest story and building a sense of anticipation and celebration in little hearts.

To purchase, click HERE.

Tama Fortner is a freelance writer whose credits include God Is Always Good and 100 Things God Loves About You. She has collaborated on such bestselling titles as Indescribable, Jesus Calling for Kids, and Grace for the Moment for Kids. She lives just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, two kids, and an incredibly lazy dog who doubles as a footwarmer.

 

My Impressions:

Easter Is Coming! by Tama Fortner is one of the best children’s books I have seen that fully explains God’s redemption plan in an easily understood, kid-friendly way. From the Garden to the Resurrection, kids learn that God always had a plan for people to come back to Him. The repeated message is, that while many didn’t understand or acknowledge that plan, Easter was always coming. The message is spot on, and the accompanying illustrations are bright, bold, and beautifully detailed. For parents, there are bonus materials available online to help with questions and discussion that are sure to come up. This book is perfect for family reading time during Holy Week (or really any time) or for early readers to test their skills. It would also be great in an Easter basket.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: kids ages 2-6.

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

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Book Review: Glory Road

11 Apr

The only thing certain is change — even in a place as steady as Perry, Alabama, on a street as old as Glory Road.

Nearly a decade after her husband’s affair drove her back home to South Alabama, Jessie McBride has the stable life she wants — operating her garden shop, Twig, next door to her house on Glory Road, and keeping up with her teenage daughter and spunky mother. But the unexpected arrival of two men makes Jessie question whether she’s really happy with the status quo. When handsome, wealthy businessman Sumner Tate asks her to arrange flowers for his daughter’s lavish wedding, Jessie finds herself drawn to his continued attention. Then Ben Bradley, her lingering what-could-have-been from high school, moves back to the red dirt road, and she feels her heart pulled in directions she never expected.

Meanwhile, Jessie’s fourteen-year-old daughter, Evan, is approaching the start of high school and navigating a new world of emotions — particularly as they relate to the cute new guy who’s moved in just down the road. At the same time, Jessie’s mother, Gus, is suffering increasingly frequent memory lapses and faces a frightening, uncertain future. Once again, Jessie feels her protected and predictable life shifting.

In one summer, everything will change. But for these three strong Southern women, the roots they’ve planted on Glory Road will give life to the adventures waiting just around the curve.

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Lauren K. Denton now lives with her husband and two daughters in Homewood, just outside Birmingham. In addition to her fiction, she writes a monthly newspaper column about life, faith, and how funny (and hard) it is to be a parent. On any given day, she’d rather be at the beach with her family and a stack of books. Her debut novel, The Hideaway, was a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon Charts bestseller. Her second novel, Hurricane Season, released in spring of 2018. Her third, Glory Road, will release in February of 2019.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

My Impressions:

Glory Road is the third novel for Lauren K. Denton, an author who adds Southern style and flavor to her women’s fiction. I have read all three of her novels, but have to say that Glory Road is my favorite. It shows a deepening maturity for this talented writer. The complex characters became like family to this reader. I hurt for them, laughed with them, and sighed with satisfaction at the ending (or should I say beginning) of their stories. For fans of women’s fiction, this book is an excellent choice. Highly recommended.

Three generations of women provide the voices of Glory Road. The first person perspectives of Jessie, a thirty-something single mom and business owner, Evan, her 14 year old daughter, and Gus, Jessie’s mom, provide insight and a complete picture of the dynamics of the women and the life they share. While Jessie’s viewpoint was predominant, I loved how Evan and Gus bring a completeness to their stories. The novel is set in a small Alabama town notable only for its sameness. They live a content life, yet there is feeling that all three need a little more. Glory Road is a slow-paced novel great for extended time in a favorite chair sipping something cool while contemplating the ways of life and love. I loved the day-to-day aspects of the novel and how the little things in life prepare a person for the big things. Making the most of second chances life brings is a strong theme.

I really, really liked Glory Road. Perfect for book clubs, this novel is one you will want to talk about.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to TLC and Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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Audiobook Mini-Review: The Most Famous Illegal Goose Creek Parade

4 Apr

In this first book of the Tales from the Goose Creek B&B series, you’ll fall in love with a small town that feels like coming home. Its quirky characters and their many shenanigans will make you laugh out loud as they touch a place in your heart.

Even though retirement is still three years away, Al Richardson is counting the days. He anticipates many enjoyable years in which every day feels like Saturday. But Al’s wife, Millie, has different plans for their retirement. When she learns that a Victorian-era home is up for sale, Millie launches a full-blown campaign to convince Al that god’s plan for them is to turn that house into a B&B.

But a B&B won’t be the only change for the small Kentucky town. A new veterinarian has hung up her shingle, but she’s only got one patient – the smelly dog belonging to her part-time receptionist. And sides are being taken in the issue of the water tower, which needs a new coat of paint…but no one can agree who should paint it.

The situation is coming to a head. Who could have imagined a town protest over a water tower? And who would believe it could culminate in an illegal parade?

Virginia Smith is the bestselling author of thirty-one novels (an counting!), an illustrated children’s book, and more than fifty articles and short stories. An avid reader with eclectic tastes in fiction, Ginny writes in a variety of styles, from lighthearted relationship stories to breath-snatching suspense. Her books have been named finalists in many international awards. Two of her novels have received a Holt Medallion Award of Merit. The first book in her latest series, The Most Famous Illegal Goose Creek Parade, was Library Journal’s top pick of the month, and a finalist for the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award.

In addition to writing, Ginny is an active inspirational speaker and frequent presenter at schools and conferences. A Certified Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church, Ginny’s messages are always well-received by a variety of audiences in conferences, retreats and churches across the country. Her speaking ability, groomed through years of presenting dry material to bored corporate employees, has been described as entertaining, yet spiritually encouraging. “She keeps her audience enthralled through her high-energy presentation,” according to Pastor Amy Barkman, director of Voice Of Joy Ministries.

When she isn’t writing or speaking, Ginny and her husband, Ted, enjoy exploring the extremes of nature – snow skiing in the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, motorcycle riding on the curvy roads in central Kentucky, and scuba diving in the warm waters of Mexico and the Caribbean.

My Impressions:

I was looking for a light-hearted audiobook during a particularly stressful week. I figured a few laughs along with my morning walk couldn’t hurt. The Most Famous Illegal Goose Creek Parade certainly fit the bill. Filled with endearing characters (and a few cranks) the book takes you to small town Kentucky where gossip reigns supreme! The novel revolves around married couple Albert and Millie as he tries to resist her dream of owning a B&B. Albert never stands a chance! In addition there is a new veterinarian in town who starts off on the wrong foot, literally! Add a hideous water tower and politics gone awry, and you have the makings of a crazy and hilarious read. The book is fast-paced and easy, great for times when you want entertainment above all else. I had a bit of trouble adjusting to the narrator (her emphasis on the last words of a sentence or paragraph got on my nerves initially), but either she got better or I got used to it 😉 , because I found myself in the story, not pulled away by her inflections.

So if you are having a stress-filled week, consider giving the zaniness of The Most Famous Illegal Goose Creek Parade a go.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

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

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Children’s Corner — 2 Buck Denver Books

3 Apr

I recently received 2 fun books for kids ages 4-8. Perfect for family reading time or for readers ready to sharpen their skills, these books combine bold illustrations, fast-paced story lines, and truths from God’s word. Take a look below.

More info on Jelly Telly and the Buck Denver Books:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jellytellytv/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jellytelly

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jellytelly

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jellytelly/

 

From creator of Veggie Tales® Phil Vischer, these fun and easy-to-read picture books based on the popular video series Buck Denver Asks… What’s in the Bible? teach children about character and virtue through beloved Bible stories.

Buck Denver’s Giant Robot Suit: A Lesson in Friendship

What does it mean to be a good friend?

Buck Denver wants to be friends with God, so he makes a giant robot suit to be closer to Him. To help Buck understand the true meaning of friendship, his friends share their favorite Bible stories. First, Sunday School Lady tells him all about David and Jonathan and their loyalty to one another in tough times. Then Pastor Paul talks about how Jesus offers friendship to each of us. In the end, Buck learns that God uses friends to help us grow stronger and our friendship with Jesus helps us grow closer to God!

 

Buck Denver’s Bad, Bad Day: A Lesson in Thankfulness

What does it mean to be thankful?

Buck Denver has had a bad, bad day, so his friends take him on a quest to learn about thankfulness. Soon, he’s on a ride with Sunday School Lady, Marcy, and Brother Louie to learn about Jehoshaphat and Lazarus. In the end, Buck learns that on good days AND bad days, God is good and worthy of our thanks-every day, no matter what!

 

My Impressions:

I really liked these two books. They were full of energy — from the prose to the illustrations — and are perfect for kids ages 4-8. I think boys, especially, will enjoy these stories featuring Buck Denver, his friend Marcy, and Sunday School Lady. In each book Buck Denver is searching for something to make his life more complete. In the Giant Robot Suit he wants strength and to get closer to God. In Bad, Bad Day he is looking for something to make him happy. In each instance, Sunday School Lady has a remedy. The examples she gives aren’t mere stories, but up close and personal encounters with Bible characters and Jesus Himself. The answer to Buck’s dilemma is always rooted in relationships with others and God. But the end of the story is only the beginning for you and your child. There are questions pointing back to the story and to situations in real life, scripture recommendations to go further in study, and a verse to memorize to reinforce the message of the book. I think these books will become favorites in your house.

Recommended.

Audience: kids ages 4-8 and their parents.

(Thanks to Worthy Kids for complimentary copies. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

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Book Review (+Giveaway!): The Memory House

2 Apr

When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.
 
Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.
 
Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.
 
Click here to read an excerpt!

 

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journalbestselling author.

Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.

Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.

A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.

At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.

A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.

She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

For more information, visit www.rachelhauck.com, Facebook (@rachelhauck), Twitter (@RachelHauck) and Instagram (@rachelhauck).

 

My Impressions:

Rachel Hauck has long been a must-read author, and with The Memory House that status has been cemented. She has outdone herself with this book. It easily is my favorite by this talented author. There is certainly romance, but the characters are what got me. Their stories resonated deep within me. This book is a highly recommended read.

There are two story lines in The Memory House. Present day finds Beck Holliday, an NYPD sergeant whose forgotten childhood leaves her adrift in the world, while 50+ years before Everleigh Applegate is left widowed and feeling like love and happiness are something in the past. Each woman deals with grief and survivor’s guilt in a solitary manner, yet long for connection with others. The men that reach out to them have issues of their own, and I loved that about them. Neither man is a savior, but rather a partner in sorrow and joy. In fact all the characters, main and secondary, are flawed and so very real. I found myself connecting with them in so many things. The house that links the two women, the Memory House, is a wonderful setting and provides a place of comfort and safety as they make their way back to a full life. I also like that Hauck inserts a bit of fairytale into the women’s stories. It is subtle (I had to go back to the beginning to make sure I had it right), but wonderfully reminiscent of God’s care and provision in our lives.

If you are a fan of romance or women’s fiction, you are in for a treat with The Memory House. I loved it and was sad to leave when the last page was turned.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

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

 

Giveaway! Click HERE to enter.

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Book Review: Far Side of The Sea

1 Apr

In spring 1918, Lieutenant Colin Mabry, a British soldier working with MI8 after suffering injuries on the front, receives a message by carrier pigeon. It is from Jewel Reyer, the woman he once loved and who saved his life — a woman he believed to be dead. Traveling to France to answer her urgent summons, he desperately hopes this mission will ease his guilt and restore the courage he lost on the battlefield.

Colin is stunned, however, to discover the message came from Jewel’s half sister, Johanna. Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence, found Jewel’s diary and believes her sister is alive in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust begins to grow between them.

When their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot, danger and deception turn their search for answers into a battle for their lives.

Former bookseller-turned-author Kate Breslin enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family. A writer of travel articles and award-winning poetry, Kate received Christian Retailing’s 2015 Best Award for First Time Author and her debut novel, For Such A Time, was shortlisted for both the Christy and RITA awards and received the American Christian Fiction Writer’s 2015 Carol Award for Debut Novel. Kate’s fourth novel, Far Side of the Sea, released March, 2019. When she’s not writing inspirational fiction, Kate enjoys reading or taking long walks in Washington’s beautiful woodlands. She also likes traveling to new places, within the U.S. and abroad, having toured Greece, Rome, and much of Western Europe. New destinations make for fresh story ideas. Please visit her at http://www.katebreslin.com.

My Impressions:

I haven’t read many books set in WWI so my frame of reference for Kate Breslin’s newest novel, Far Side of The Sea, was very much limited. But the author’s meticulous research filled the gaps and opened my imagination to the turbulent time. Set in England, France, and Spain, this romantic historical novel is all about spies! With agents and double agents, the main characters (and the reader) don’t know whom to trust. It is an adventure back to a time of romance, danger, and courage. Recommended.

The two main characters, Colin and Johanna, struggle with the circumstances life has handed them. Colin’s war wounds are both physical and emotional, and Johanna’s past impacts her present identity. I loved how the two together learned to face their demons, as they banded together to search for Johanna’s sister and father. Their romance begins tentatively, yet strengthens as they face adversity. The historical setting is very interesting, and I found myself saying I didn’t know that! over and over. This book sent me to Google for info on carrier pigeons and Mata Hari, two fascinating rabbit trails. The book certainly made me want to broaden my scant knowledge of WWI. The book started somewhat slowly for me, but as Colin and Johanna’s search heated up, so did my reading pace. I found myself unwilling to put the book down until I found out just what was going on. As you can guess with a book heavily populated with spies there was plenty of mystery and intrigue woven throughout. Faith is also an important part of the characters’ lives and growth and was presented naturally.

Far Side of The Sea is a good choice for fans of historical romance. And if you like an adventure fraught with danger, you’ll enjoy this novel even more.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

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

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Book Review (+Giveaway!): Convergence

28 Mar

Convergence FB Banner

About the Book

Book: Convergence

Author: Ginny L Yttrup

Genre: Christian thriller/suspense

Release Date: March, 2019

ConvergenceA psychologist paralyzed by fear.

A mother propelled by love.

A stalker bent on destruction.

Psychology professor Dr. Denilyn Rossi contends that the past is either a shadow that haunts us or a force that propels us. The choice is ours, she tells her students. What she doesn’t tell them is that her own past is a shadow she can’t seem to shake. Fear has immobilized her and is taking a costly toll.

Adelia Sanchez, however, has embraced Dr. Rossi’s teaching. She is ready to confront fear and render it powerless—using the trauma of her past to propel her to entrap the man who stalked and brutally attacked her.

As Denilyn’s past and Adelia’s present converge at the Kaweah River, a dangerous man bent on destruction threatens them both. Will he uncover the secret Deni and Adelia have fought so hard to protect?

 

Click here to purchase your copy.

 

About the Author

Ginny YttrupGinny Yttrup is the award-winning author of Words, Lost and Found, Invisible, and Flames. She writes contemporary women’s fiction and enjoys exploring the issues everyday women face. Publishers Weekly dubbed Ginny’s work “as inspiring as it is entertaining.” When not writing, Ginny coaches writers, critiques manuscripts, and makes vintage-style jewelry for her Esty shop, Storied Jewelry (etsy.com/shop/StoriedJewelry). She loves dining with friends, hanging out with her adult sons, or spending a day in her pajamas reading a great novel. Ginny lives in northern California with Bear, her entitled Pomeranian. To learn more about Ginny and her work, visit ginnyyttrup.com.

 

More About Convergence

A psychologist paralyzed by fear.

A mother propelled by love.

A stalker bent on destruction.

Dr. Denilyn Rossi’s past is a shadow that haunts her. Adelia Sanchez’s past is a force that propels her. When Denilyn’s past and Adelia’s present converge at the Kaweah River, a dangerous man bent on destruction threatens them both. Will he uncover the secret Deni and Adelia have fought so hard to protect? Find out in Convergence by Ginny L. Yttrup.

 

Read an Exclusive Excerpt from Convergence:

She straightens, squares her shoulders, and takes a deep breath as she climbs aboard the plane. There are no seats, the other divers are piled close to one another on the floor. Mike points to an open space near him. She lowers herself, sits, pulls her knees to her chest, and then looks out the oval window next to her.

That’s when she sees him.

Her breath catches. She leans in, cups her hands on the glass to cut the glare, and peers out.

It can’t be. . . . Mouth dry, she tries to swallow. She looks away.

Her heart batters her chest and her pulse roars in her ears, nearly drowning out the clamor of the plane’s propeller. It isn’t him. You’re imagining things, she tells herself. She inhales then exhales. She takes another look then stares at the man near the hangar. He pulls some­thing from his shirt pocket, sticks it in his mouth. A cigarette? She watches as he lights it. It isn’t him. He doesn’t smoke. Anyway, it’s impossible. She knows where he is, and it isn’t here.

He’s seen her staring at him through the window of the plane. He takes a drag, flicks ash to the ground, and smiles. But his eyes behind the sunglasses are cold. Hard.

She steadies herself as the plane shoots down the runway then lifts. As memories flash, perspiration trickles down her back. She inhales again, deeper this time. It wasn’t him. Let it go, she admon­ishes, then shakes her head.

Fear will not win. Not this time. Not ever again.

Within what feels to her like mere moments, the group of profes­sional skydivers have all jumped, and she stands, back pressed against Mike, hooked to his harness. They brace themselves against the pum­meling force of wind as they wait near the gaping opening in the side of the plane. She pulls goggles from the top of her head down over her eyes.

There’s no room in her mind now for thoughts of the man on the ground, or of the man who haunts her memories. There’s no room for thoughts of any kind. Terror, as she well knows, is all-consuming. Her breaths are shallow, her pulse races.

“Step to the edge,” Mike yells. When she doesn’t move, he yells again, this time his breath hot against her ear. She hesitates then steps forward, him stepping in sync with her. There’s nothing to see but the vast expanse.

“Go!” Mike shouts.

Heart hammering her rib cage, she leans forward, eyes squeezed shut, and falls more than jumps into nothingness, arms stretched wide. She anticipates the sensation of falling—stomach lifting to throat—but it isn’t evident as she’d expected. Nor is the velocity at which she knows they’re falling. She dares to open her eyes, only aware of the force of air pushing her cheeks back to her ears, which makes her laugh.

The free fall is like nothing she’s experienced. She laughs again, the sound carried heavenward on the drafts, she imagines. Too soon she’s jerked, hard, the harness cutting into her thighs, and pulled upward with what seems like exceeding force. She hadn’t expected the force.

But then they’re floating. Soaring. “Oh,” she whispers. She wants to take it all in, remember every exhilarating moment. These currents she could ride forever. Tension is replaced by peace, pervasive peace.

Quietude. Silence. Wonder.

“That was a hard pull.” Mike’s shouted words behind her threaten to break the spell, but she’s enchanted and pays little attention. She assumes the pull—the parachute opening and catching air—was harder than usual but fine. They’re fine. She doesn’t understand. Doesn’t know what’s to come. How could she?

As they float, her eyes are trained on the ground below. The earth is a patchwork of tones. She sees the river, a thread, stitched across the quilt of colors. She searches for familiar landmarks as her sense of confidence soars. She’s done it. Faced fear, terror even, and—

Suddenly they’re plummeting.

Tumbling.

Head first. Arms and legs akimbo.

Land and sky spin as they interchange. Her lungs deflate. Pres­sure. The currents, tumultuous, pull her under and then spit her out. She can’t breathe. Why can’t she breathe? She gasps. She’s drowning. Help! Someone, help! But no. . . There’s no water. Instead, she’s above, where there’s nothing. Just. . .

Nothing.

Nothing to reach for. Nothing to grab. Nothing to save her.

A scream sounds in her mind. Rings in her ears. Scathes her throat.

Her scream?

Awareness hits. She’s going to die. It’s her only thought. There are no thoughts of those she loves. Those who love her. Memories don’t flash. No, just the one thought. The only thought she has time for.

She is going to die.

Then. . .

Everything goes black.

 

My Impressions:

Convergence is a departure of sorts for Ginny Yttrup. While the suspense genre is new for her, fans of her excellent writing will soon find that Yttrup doesn’t skimp when it comes to the character development and meticulous plotting that she is known for. What you get with this novel is an amped-up, well-crafted novel. I was drawn in from the first page, tossed about with the twists and turns, and left with a very satisfied, catch-my-breath ending. Convergence earns a recommended rating.

The structure of Convergence is unique. Two story lines, both set at differing times, march along until they converge. The first person accounts by Denilyn Rossi and Adelia Sanchez are very strong and give the reader a good look at the emotions, fears, and determination of the two women. Denilyn’s story is fleshed out by recollections from the past. Denilyn, a psychologist with an expertise in bullying, has been the victim of stalking. Her past experiences color her world, and when she again feels threatened she is determined not to ignore her instincts. The facts of the book are revealed slowly through the two women’s accounts which increases the suspense for the characters and the reader. This reader was surprised over and over. The cat-and-mouse between the women and the unknown assailant is very effective in keeping the pages turning. Fear is a prime motivator for Denilyn and Adelia, and their attempts to control their circumstances often leave them with a feeling that security is only a facade. I liked how the author shows that surrender to God is the only way to truly alleviate fear.

If you are looking for an unpredictable suspense novel, then Convergence is a good choice. With its strong female characters, unique framework, and twisting plot, it leaves me eager for more of the same from Yttrup.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

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

 

Blog Stops

By The Book, March 28

Simple Harvest Reads, March 28 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Multifarious, March 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 29

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, March 30

Remembrancy, March 30

Inspired by fiction, March 31

To Everything A Season, March 31

Blogging With Carol, April 1

Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 1

For Him and My Family, April 2

Book by Book, April 2

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 3

janicesbookreviews, April 3

Spoken from the Heart, April 4

Texas Book-aholic, April 4

Seasons of Opportunities, April 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 5

Genesis 5020, April 6

Pause for Tales, April 6

Splashes of Joy, April 7

A Reader’s Brain, April 7

Bigreadersite, April 8

The Lit Addict, April 8

Through the Fire Blogs, April 9

Inklings and notions, April 9

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 10

The Becca Files, April 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ginny is away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Convergence!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dd7b/convergence-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Audiobook Review: No One Ever Asked

25 Mar

Challenging perceptions of discrimination and prejudice, this emotionally resonant drama for readers of Lisa Wingate and Jodi Picoult explores three different women navigating challenges in a changing school district — and in their lives.

When an impoverished school district loses its accreditation and the affluent community of Crystal Ridge has no choice but to open their school doors, the lives of three very different women converge: Camille Gray — the wife of an executive, mother of three, long-standing PTA chairwoman and champion fundraiser — faced with a shocking discovery that threatens to tear her picture-perfect world apart at the seams. Jen Covington, the career nurse whose long, painful journey to motherhood finally resulted in adoption but she is struggling with a happily-ever-after so much harder than she anticipated. Twenty-two-year-old Anaya Jones–the first woman in her family to graduate college and a brand new teacher at Crystal Ridge’s top elementary school, unprepared for the powder-keg situation she’s stepped into. Tensions rise within and without, culminating in an unforeseen event that impacts them all. This story explores the implicit biases impacting American society, and asks the ultimate question: What does it mean to be human? Why are we so quick to put labels on each other and categorize people as “this” or “that”, when such complexity exists in each person?

Katie Ganshert was born and raised in the exciting state of Iowa, where she currently resides with her family. She likes to write things and consume large quantities of coffee and chocolate while she writes all the things. She’s won some awards. For the writing, not the consuming. Although the latter would be fun. You can learn more about Katie and these things she writes at her website http://www.katieganshert.com.

 

My Impressions:

If you want a book that will challenge your attitudes, convictions, and, yes, secret prejudices, then you will want to read No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert. Inspired by the real life state takeover of a Missouri school district and the ensuing uproar that followed, Ganshert’s novel is full of characters that will touch your heart, make you angry, and perhaps cause you to reexamine your own choices and beliefs. I found this novel not only to be a well-written and thoughtful look at the hidden and not so hidden middle America, but one that offers hope and healing in the face of anger, fear, and broken relationships. This one is a highly recommended read.

There are three main characters in No One Ever Asked. Camille epitomizes the oh-so put together wife and mother whose smugness about her perfect life is brought down in humbling ways. Anaya is an eager young woman of color who wants to make a difference in her own community, but feels she has sold out to teach in a majority white school district. Jennifer is a struggling new mother to an adoptive daughter whose past trauma and current cultural challenges make Jennifer feel disconnected to her daughter. All three women are presented in a realistic way — there’s no sugar coating of their inner turmoil. In fact, I loved the revelation of their very private thoughts. None are perfect, and I found some of their struggles hit close to home. Amidst the angst, Ganshert gives the reader glimpses of hope, and healing comes in unexpected ways. At the end of the book, I felt I was leaving friends. Specific to the audiobook — the reader had a great sense of timing and gave each woman (and other characters) a distinctive voice, not only in accent, but in tone as well.

No One Ever Asked was a book that will make you stop and think. It is also one that demands discussion. Grab some friends and read this book together. The ensuing conversation may just lead to growth for you and your friends as well.

Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

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

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