Dangerous Passage by Lisa Harris

Dangerous Passage is passages. The passage of Avery's brother and the impact of his death on her family. The passage of how her husband's death has impacted her and her teen-aged daughter Tess. The passage she is going through falling for a handsome and insightful medical examiner, Jackson Bryant.
Even more so, it is about the passage of lives of young girls being killed by a probably serial killer. The one thing they all have in common is they are young, they are Asian, and they all have the same tattoo. However, the deeper this case gets, the more deep, dark trails come to light. This isn't a simple "shut and closed" case. It has major impact, in many areas, with ripples that you would never see on the surface. This book is about lives, and their interconnections. It is about crime, and justice, love and forgiveness, and healing too.

Carol :)

She's dedicated her life to ending violence. But has she moved too deep into a treacherous world?

When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective and behavioral specialist Avery North discovers they share something in common--a magnolia tattoo on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. As they venture deep into a sinister criminal world, Avery and Jackson are taken to the very edge of their abilities--and their hearts. 

Dangerous Passage exposes a fully realized and frightening world where every layer peeled back reveals more challenges ahead. You'll be hooked from the start.

"An intriguing tale of romance and mystery. Harris takes you on a trail that leads straight into the worst kind of evil--and the lives of those who are determined to stop it. Well-crafted characters and tight writing will keep readers flipping the pages."--Lynette Eason, bestselling author of the Deadly Reunions series

http://www.lisaharriswrites.com./Welcome.html

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaHarris

https://twitter.com/heartofafrica

READ this page to learn about the Author:
http://www.lisaharriswrites.com./About_me.html

The book link:
http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Passage-Southern-Crimes-ebook/dp/B00CIUJWLI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379724756&sr=1-1&keywords=dangerous+passage+lisa+harris

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

Oh! I am enthralled! Jessica Dotta - you got a new fan who can't wait for your next book(s)!
Here is a book written more like Jane Eyre that anything else I have read, maybe ever?!

Julia Elliston is 17, a getting a bit older for a woman in her day and age to not be wed. She is young, innocent, smart but yet often a bit shy or quite, and she is being swept away by events far past her current understanding. Between issues of dresses and estates, being close to destitute, Julia is just trying to find out why her betrothal fell apart. She would like to get to sort out how she really feels about it long term. However, she isn't really afforded the luxury of sorting that out as things are moving far to fast!

Since Julia's mother died, she is at the mercy of her very mysterious guardian, who apparently doesn't have her best interest at heart. Julia is staying with her childhood friend, Elizabeth, and her Mother, Mrs. Windham. Mrs. Windham feels that Julia is under her care, and she is desperate to get her married off, in memory of her mother. Thus, Julia finds herself swept into the upper crust of Victorian society, with only her fraying wits and broken dreams to support her. Now she is caught in a web that is so tangled it will take her relying on God, who she was raised to disdain, if she is going to survive.

Again, I am so thrilled to have "met" this new Author, and I can't wait for the next books! I certainly don't want to miss a single one!

Carol :)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Born of Persuasion

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 1, 2013)

by

Jessica Dotta

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in the wrong century–except for the fact that she really likes epidurals and washing machines–Jessica Dotta writes British Historicals with the humor like an Austen, yet the drama of a Bronte.

She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

If you would like to read the first chapter of  Born of Persuasion, go HERE.

Jessica can be reached through the Contact link on her Website 

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1414375557 

A Surprise for Lily by Suzanne Woods Fisher & Mary Ann Kinsinger (Book 4 - The Adventures of Lily Lapp)

Need a good light, fun filled read? Here it is!
A Surprise For Lily is the fourth book in this charming series.
A Big Year for Lily is the third book.
A New Home for Lily is the second book.
Life with Lily is first.

In this book we pick up with Lily and her Cousin Hannah. They decided to go boating. One little issue. Lily can't swim! Ah- life isn't for most children, and especially not for Lily. This year of her life is bringing so many changes! I will not tell them all to you, but let's say people are leaving, and people are coming, and could it be, just maybe.... that Arron Yoder could not be the worst boy ever? Being 11 means so many things are happening. Cooking, new friends, old friends, and just daily life events that make up our lives. In A Surprise For Lily Effie seems to know somethings she shouldn't, but how? And the new teacher, and the school situation sure is a big change. The biggest surprise is yet to come! Read and see!

I can't wait for book five, and as much as I adore this series and would keep it on my shelf, one of my family members is friends with a Mennonite family. They are in need of good clean reading materiel for their children. Guess where my book set is going?

Carol :)

Change is in the air!

 

Eleven-year-old Lily Lapp wants her life to stay just the way it is. Instead, it's constantly changing. New jobs, new schoolmates, and new challenges sure keep life interesting. It seems like the only thing Lily really wants to change--Effie Kauffman's mischief making--is the one thing that never does. Effie is up to her old tricks, and Lily is her favorite target.

With each chapter in Lily's life comes another ever-more exciting adventure. But no one could have prepared Lily for the biggest surprise of all!

Praise for The Adventures of Lily Lapp series:

"I didn't want to stop reading it when I started. I liked Lily a lot and it was interesting to learn about her life as an Amish kid. It's a lot different than mine. I think that was part of why I liked the book so much."--Christian Hope, age 10, Radiant Lit

"The simple prose focused on daily living will appeal to those who like realistic fiction that comforts."--Publishers Weekly

"This is truly a gem."--Fiction Addict

About the Authors:

Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. She met and married her husband, whom she knew from school days, and started a family. After they chose to leave the Amish church, Mary Ann began a blog, A Joyful Chaos, as a way to pass on her warm childhood memories to her own children. From the start, this blog found a ready audience and even captured the attention of key media players, such as the influential blog Amish America and the New York Times. She lives in Pennsylvania.

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, A Lancaster County Christmas, The Keeper, and The Haven, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award finalist. She is the host of internet radio show Amish Wisdom, which boasts 15,000 downloads a month, and a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking; Such magazines. She lives in California. Find out more

at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

For more information, please visit www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Twitter https://twitter.com/suzannewfisher or

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor
The book link: http://www.amazon.com/Surprise-Lily-Adventures-Lapp-ebook/dp/B00CIUJX58/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl

For tonight's review you get to hear about Unforeseeable! This is my first book by Nancy Mehl, and I am very intrigued! There is a rather handsome guy on the cover of this book, making you wonder - who is that? What is that about? Upon reading you find out that Levi who is engaged to Callie has just become Pastor of his community. He has taken this position, which many people aren't pleased about, because the prior pastoral family has left. No sooner does Levi have this enormous responsibility to step into and sort out, than the new sheriff arrives explaining to the very sheltered people of Kingdom that there is a killer loose out there. The new sheriff asks them to please stay off the roads, and stay safe, and if they see or hear anything to let Pastor Levi or one of their people know about it. That raises all kinds of questions, because they already think this could be a serial killer.

Well that quite tranquility didn't last long at all! A woman is dead and a serial killer is loose and would someone tell us why Levi's missing book is on the body? That could mean a killer lives among them and that is just hard to conceive when you are in a safe community that is suppose to be God fearing and God abiding! Seriously, their Faith is being tested, each in different ways. Callie has things from her past she hasn't dealt with, and her sister-in-law to be that she works with is struggling with how this will affect her daughter. And then Levi, well he just isn't acting right and there is a great deal going on here in this community!

My thoughts - I am really liking Kingdom being an Mennonite town instead of Amish. Things are different, but yet a bit more open. The focus on God is firmly in place, but many of the Amish based books covey the shame, resentment and "wrongness" of un-Amishness that I didn't feel in this book. You do feel the upset with older members against change, and you also feel the power of God moving through His children. The writing style was different than I have been reading of late, and very refreshing! Even with out the information below, I could feel Nancy Mehl's pouring her heart and soul and as much of God as she could into this book. This book is very focused, while covering several topics, and leave the reader with no doubts about God's love for us and He has good things in store and plans for us. (That is one of my favorite verses by the way!) I am VERY glad I got to review it and I hope to read more of her books!

Carol :)

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Unforeseeable

Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2013)

by

Nancy Mehl

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mystery, Romance, and Suspense Seamlessly Combined in a Mennonite Small-Town Setting

Callie Hoffman knows she has a good life in Kingdom, Kansas. She's thrilled to be engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Lizzie Housler, at Cora's Cafe.

However, Callie's idyllic life is interrupted when a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be a victim of a serial killer. As Washington County's new sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents, Callie and the rest of the town are appalled at the prospect of a killer among them. The very reason Kingdom exists is to protect the people from the temptations and dangers of the outside world, but all the town founders' attempts to plan ahead couldn't prevent a threat like this.

Unsettled at this unforeseen danger, Callie is concerned when it appears Levi knows more than he's telling. Desperate to find answers for herself, Callie never expected that she'd have to face some of her own past's skeletons.

As Callie and the residents of Kingdom fear this danger for which they never planned, they must learn anew that only God knows the future and their trust must always lie in Him.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Unforeseeable, go HERE.

Nancy can be reached through the Contact link on her Website 

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209299 

The Promise by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley (The Restoration Series)

The Promise is the second book in this series. The Dance was first. We met Jim and Marilyn Anderson in that book, and their relationship is better now. However, they have a son Tom. Tom is out of work and he has been hiding it from his wife for five months now! (Did he really think she wouldn't figure that out?!)

Tom's wife, Jean, really loves him. She really does, but does Tom love Jean enough to stop hiding, lying and to change? Can they both forgive and move forward? Can Tom handle the secret that Jean has felt she has to hide from him, because complicating matters could be an understatement. 

Fear and pride can and will destroy relationships. Tom is so not healed from Jim's way of raising him. That was passed down as a generational curse/issue from how Jim's father raised him. So when Jim's Uncle Henry sheds new light on Jim's upbringing and how he has raised Tom --- Jim was unaware of what he had done to his son. God had worked in Jim and Marilyn's lives - so now Jim can change things and reach out to Tom on a new level than he had before. 

You really need to read the first book first, so you aren't lost on who had had what happen to them before. 

Carol 

About the Book:

One home, two hearts, and the power of a promise kept.....  

For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he's been hiding from his wife Jean--and everyone else. He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through coffee shops and the library, using their wifi to search job listings online.  The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage.

But Tom's not the only one hiding something. Jean Anderson has a secret of her own--one that will seriously complicate their situation. Will the promises they made on their wedding day hold firm?

What critics are saying about the Restoration Series:
"Readers will definitely come away satisfied and shedding tears at the end."--Publishers Weekly"Readers will be totally drawn in to [the Andersons'] emotional journey."--Booklist"Married and engaged couples will benefit from this story that beautifully illustrates the effort--and God's grace--necessary to bring healing to a marriage and family."--CBA Retailers+Resource

The Book Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Promise-Restoration-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B00CIUJWOU/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

About the Authors:

About the Authors:

Combining the literary talents of bestselling author Dan Walsh and the relationship expertise of bestselling author Gary Smalley, The Dance is the first novel in The Restoration Series. Readers will get caught up in these flawed but sincere members of the Anderson family as they rediscover genuine love and start a transformation that ultimately affects all of them.

Gary Smalley is one of the country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, andTODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs. He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury. Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 40 years and live in Missouri.

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Discovery and The Reunion. He has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels were finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year for 2011 and 2012. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

Dan can be reached on his website: 

www.danwalshbooks  On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DanWalshbooks, or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DanWalshAuthor and even on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/danwalshauthor/

Gary is on Twitter https://twitter.com/GaryTSmalley

http://danwalshbooks.com/books/books-with-gary-smalley/the-promise/#sthash.rGb266BJ.dpuf

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Trapped by Irene Hannon (Private Justice Series)

I have become an Irene Hannon reader. Having read all of her last 2 series, I am really liking this series the best. Trapped actually has topped her other books so far. There was one loose end I didn't feel tied up correctly, but I still enjoyed this book. Trapped is a mystery thriller, even if it says Romantic Suspense.

In Trapped we return to our current favored PI - Dev, James Devlin. Laura Griffith has taken on her 16 year old sister, Darcy. Only Darcy isn't happy with the rules, and while a horrible snow and ice storm rages, Darcy leaves home. Her parents dead, Laura is her half sister and only living family member. Darcy figures Laura will not miss her. She is wrong.

The hours tick by , then the days, and a brave but frantic Laura works with Dev to try to find her sister. Before long it becomes a stronger and stronger possibility that she has fallen into serious trouble. The deeper they dig, the worse things look for Darcy.

Meanwhile, there is a tormented soul who is seeking redemption. He is looking for the right woman to save him. His idea of redemption isn't exactly ours. No, not by a long shot. He is an "upstanding" citizen, with some idiosyncrasies that will rock most readers minds.

No, it didn't scare me, but it was a very good page turner. I thought Irene did a wonderful job of her villain, and of course the new characters. I was glad to see the progression of things in Dev's life too.
You will enjoy this one!

Carol :)

About the Book:

When librarian Laura Griffth’s sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned PI James “Dev” Devlin to help—but the deeper he digs, the more he begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl’s disappearance. And the closer he gets to uncovering the truth, the clearer it becomes that the situation isn’t just dangerous—it’s deadly.

About the Author:

Irene Hannon is the author of more than 25 novels, including the CBA bestsellers Against All Odds, An Eye for an Eye, and In Harm's Way. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America, the HOLT Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier award, and the Reviewer's Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOK reviews magazine. She lives in Missouri.

Author's website www.irenehannon.com.  
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Irene-Hannon/426433004084567
The book link: http://www.amazon.com/Trapped-Private-Justice-Book-ebook/dp/B00CIUJX12/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”