Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green



About the Book: 
The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval finds it is easier to remain neutral in a world that is tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the fray against her wishes when her British ex-
fiance, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel asks her to help him escape, claiming he has information that could help end the war. 

Peace appeals to Catherine, but helping the man who broke her heart does not. She delays . . . until attempts on Samuel's life convince her he's in mortal danger. Against her better judgment she helps him flee by river, using knowledge of the landscape to creep ever closer to freedom. Their time together rekindles feelings she thought long buried, and danger seems to hound their every mile. She's risked becoming a traitor by choosing a side, but will the decision cost her even more than she anticipated?




My Review: 
This book is so interesting! I found it to be complexed and captivating. It's a true story, not a romance per se. I'm rather floored by this book, it's extremely realistic in how it "feels" and how people think and act. They aren't glossed over, and as a personal bonus, I have always loved the Native American people and this book did it's best to represent them as realistically as the author could. I'd not be surprised if this book wound up a movie. I think it needs more than 5 stars. 

About the Author:
This author's page has so much more on it than I can post here, that I just included the link.  https://www.jocelyngreen.com/meet-jocelyn

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King; Wedded to War; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, pie, the color red, and reading with a cup of tea. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com. [Looking for the Media Kit? It's right here.] Okay, that was my official bio. Now, here's a little more. . .

Monday, April 1, 2019

The Convergence by Ginny L. Yttrup

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.

My Review:
This book starts off with suspense. It includes some twists and more than one POV. Yttrup paints a vivid story of fear and how it can control. I liked Deni and really felt for her at times. It did take forever for things to be revealed. It is rough on the assault part and could be a trigger for some readers. That was not the case for me. There were some awkward transitions in some places. I do feel like the end was rushed and while I had figured out who did it earlier - It felt like a bit had been left out of places or moved at a later time. Faith does play a role in this book. The book flaws bothered me enough that I was a little undecided on how many stars to give it, but have decided to go with 4. 

4 Stars


About the Author
Ginny YttrupGinny Yttrup is the award-winning author of WordsLost and FoundInvisible, 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.

Blog Stops

By The Book, March 28
Simple Harvest Reads, March 28 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Multifarious, March 29
Remembrancy, March 30
Book by Book, April 2
Genesis 5020, April 6
Pause for Tales, April 6
Splashes of Joy, April 7
Bigreadersite, April 8
The Lit Addict, April 8
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

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Dead Letter, A Meddlin’ Madeline Mystery by Chautona Havig


Madeline Dead Letter FB Banner

About the Book

Dead Letter
Book: Dead Letter, A Meddlin’ Madeline Mystery
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Christian historical, mystery
Release Date: February 19, 2019
For the first time, Madeline has permission to meddle.
Sent by the Rockland Pinkerton’s office to investigate shady banking practices, Madeline finally has the opportunity to try out all her developing detective skills. From her new disguise to an assumed persona, complete with non-existent fiance, Madeline takes on embezzlement in Castleberry, Ohio.
Now, to find the culprit and get back to Rockland before Amy arrives, before Mrs. Barnes gets any sicker, and before Russell writes her off as a hopeless, heartless girl.
As Madeline figures out what’s happening, even Mr. Flint begins to lose confidence in her. How will she prove who is taking the money and why–especially after her primary suspect ends up dead?
Get a copy: HERE!

My Review:

It's book four, and frankly, the best in the series so far. Now Madeline is pretending to be a Jane, complete with a fake fiancee. As she writes letters to "Royal" and in doing so is communicating about her inside position on this case. Somethings take a stretch of the imagination because they wouldn't actually work with most families or anything else, but it's still an interesting read. I'm a bit aggravated by the ending, I do despise cliffhangers. I read series because I like them, not because they leave me hanging. 

4 Stars

About the Author

ChautonaChautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THE BOOK AND HATE ME

“This is book four, right?”
I nodded.
He looked at me with those eyes that conjure up the idea of puppy dogs begging for treats. So deceptive. “You’re going to have to up the stakes then.”
“Well, this is the one where she goes into official active detective mode and decides if she even wants that kind of life.”
“Not enough.”
He was right and I knew it. Fortunately, I’d prepared for this moment. You see, I know him well. He’s a horror writer. He likes to torment in ways that make my worst meannesses seem petty (like the time I suggested killing off Chad in Past Forward—trust me. That was kind compared to his ideas).
So, I pulled out my bigger gun and plopped it on the table. I added ammunition. And grinned.
Look, you guys are going to hate me for it, but trust me. It needs to be done. You’ll forgive me… eventually. Maybe. I hope.
Then he did it. He gave me that look. No, not the, “Yeah, baby!” look you want to see when you’ve hit a hole in one. The, “Is that all you’ve got?” look.
The work began. He suggested one thing. I toned it back. He looked like that puppy again—except this time I’d kicked him. Bless his heart, he does love his horror.
Still, he whistled his way out the door a short while later, and I grinned. Compromise is beautiful. But what does that mean for YOU?

3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THE BOOK AND HATE ME

First—
Love the book: Madeline as Jane Sempleton is a hoot. She cracked me up from the beginning, and I’m still chuckling.
Hate me: Madeline’s faith and integrity are tested in this one—exponentially. Without giving away too much, her father even rebukes her!!!
Second—
Love the book: Mrs. Barnes is such a sweet mentor to Madeline
Hate me: Mrs. Barnes. That’s all I’m sayin’. Mrs. Barnes.
Third—
Love the book: Snippets of the heart get revealed.
Hate me: Russell. That’s all I’m sayin’. Russell.
So, there you have it. All the reasons you should read this book… and remember that the series isn’t over. Not by a long shot. It’s darkest before dawn. And um… a whole bunch of other clichés.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, March 18
Mary HakeMarch 19
Back Porch ReadsMarch 21
Carpe Diem, March 22
BigreadersiteMarch 28
Lots of Helpers, March 28
Multifarious, March 29
The Becca Files, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize of a paperback copy of Dead Letter, a Madeline-inspired book cozy, and a book-themed candle!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dee6/meddelin-madeline-dead-letter-celebration-tour-giveaway

An Unpresentable Glory by Eleanor K. Gustafson



An Unpresentable Glory

About the Book:

Cover
Book: An Unpresentable Glory
Author: Eleanor K. Gustafson
Genre: Christian, contemporary, literary fiction
Release Date: July, 2018
“I trusted you, and some day, you may know just how much you hold in your hands.”
Linda Jensen leads a relatively quiet life in Westchester County, New York, as the owner of a highly acclaimed garden. Inherited from her parents, the garden is her pride and joy. It is not so joyful finding a strange man sprawled near her delphiniums! The mysterious man is sick, unable to do anything more than drink water—and beg for secrecy. Ignoring all alarm bells, Linda sees to his needs, but her caring act takes on unexpected significance, and unpresentable glory.
Seeds of trust, and perhaps love, are planted in Linda’s garden haven. But as secrets are revealed and scandal hits the headlines, the act of caring for this man threatens to tarnish both of their reputations. Like weeds in Linda’s garden, circumstances threaten to choke out their fledgling relationship, and small moments prove to be the biggest influencers—on a national scale.
Click here to purchase your copy.
My Review:
So much is happening in this book. While it seems like one kind of book, soon it's totally different. It becomes a story full of flawed and struggling people who are swept into something bigger than themselves. True, they could have made a few different choices up in the first few chapters of this story. However, since that didn't happen as it often doesn't in real life, you just keep reading about what occurred after that.

The man Linda Jeanson helped, a stranger, was not just any ordinary stranger. Her act of intended kindness has pulled her, and us as readers, into a much larger picture. This book has love and misplaced love. It has strength and weaknesses shown in various characters. My heart often hurt for Glynneth as well as being upset with her. Larwrie needs to figure himself out, and Linda. Oh, Linda. As she and others often prayed over issues they were dealing with, I was close to tears on a few occasions.

This book was very different than most books in its genre. It's not afraid to mention that three lettered word that's always missing from "clean" reading, but it's not graphic. Instead, it shows emotions that are present or missing between a husband and wife and those issues happen to be crucial to the story. The writing style is rather back and forth from conversations to almost narration without a narration overtone.

5 Stars 


About the Author
Ellie GustafsonEllie grew up in Branchville NJ, in a county with more cows than people. She attended Wheaton College in Illinois as a music major, then married a pastor/college professor/tree farmer/organist and writer. Together, they have three children and eight grandchildren.
Music was Ellie’s first love until she tried on the cloak of writing and found it a comfortable fit. However, early writing attempts saw friends—and even her mother—advising her to stick to music as a career. She pushed manfully along, though, and An Unpresentable Glory is her sixth novel.
“God first touched me through story,” Ellie says, “and made the bigger Story come alive. I love Him passionately!”
 More from Ellie
What’s An Unpresentable Glory about? Here’s Linda’s point of view: Linda Jensen, a noted gardener, finds a stranger sprawled near her delphiniums, obviously ill. She gets him into her house and puts him to bed, deciding that water is the only safe thing to give him. Water in, however, must come out. He is helpless; she must serve him; but in doing this unpresentable task, she feels the presence of angels. [See the book Preface for my personal experience with this.]
Jay’s point of view: Jay finds himself ill and helpless on the lawn of a wealthy but caring gardener. He can’t even reveal his real name. When he leaves at week’s end, he sees the relationship as hopeless because of who he is and enormous repercussions if the hidden week comes to light. Tragedy and disaster haunt him, but a dual set of mentors leads him through churning waters. Will he ever get back to the garden?
* * *
Linda’s sun tea was “mostly Darjeeling with lemon and a sprig of mint.” After reading her description, I tried it and found it tasty, indeed!

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, March 24
Creating Romance, March 26
2014 an Beyond!, March 29
The Becca Files, March 29
BigreadersiteApril 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ellie is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Butpee Flower gift card!!
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/ddb4/an-unpresentable-glory-celebration-tour-giveway