Tuesday, September 24, 2019

King's Shadow by Angela Hunt (The Silent Years Book 4)

About The Book:

Their Lives Couldn't Be More Different,
but Their Goal Is the Same:
Survive King Herod's Rule.Two women occupy a place in Herod's court. The first, Salome, is the king's only sister, a resentful woman who has been told she's from an inferior race, a people whom God will never accept or approve of.

The second woman, Zara, is a lowly handmaid who serves Salome, but where Salome spies conspiracies and treachery, Zara sees hurting people in need of understanding and compassion.

Powerful and powerless, Idumean and Jew, selfish and selfless--both women struggle to reach their goals and survive each day within Herod the Great's tumultuous court, where no one is trustworthy and no one is safe.

"Hunt's mastery of the Bible and its stories is evident, and fans of biblical fiction will find much to enjoy."--Booklist

Praise for Angela Hunt's Silent Years series"Hunt's compelling chronicle dramatizes the repression of women during this historic time and spotlights the role faith played in female empowerment."--Booklist on Jerusalem's Queen
"Hunt's latest series puts a human face on a momentous event in ancient history. . . . Fans of biblical fiction will be captivated."--Library Journal on Judah's Wife"Once again, Hunt demonstrates her stunning mastery of historical biblical literature as she begins her new Silent Years series. . . . Rich in history, atmosphere, emotion, and spirituality, Hunt's ambitious series debut is astounding."--Booklist starred review of Egypt's Sister

My Review:

Oh my, out of all the books I have read in this series, and I think I have missed one, this one is currently my favorite. I didn't expect it would be, after all Salome was a horrible woman! She is responsible for the death of a beloved disciple, John the Baptist, Christ's cousin! So how would I feel about her after this book? The answer, different. Hunt did a jam up job with this story. Solome doesn't care about God, she cares about other things. Life in King Herod's court, with her being his sister, has all kinds of privileges. From Zara, to every other single aspic of this book, this series ending with a stunning read.

5 Stars

About the Author:

The author of more than 100 published books and with more than 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty.Romantic Times Book Club presented Angela with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2008, Angela completed her PhD in Biblical Studies in Theology. She and her husband live in Florida with their mastiffs. She can be found online at www.angelahuntbooks.com.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

The Editor by Simon Hall

A Bloodhound Book Review

About the Book:

A mysterious advert in a newspaper promising to restore hope to the hopeless brings together four strangers.

None realising they will end up investigating a twisted and troubling crime that threatens their very futures.

Mitch, a former Crime Scene Investigator, Olivia, a brilliant PhD student, and Florence, a middle-aged solicitor, find themselves working with an enigmatic newspaper editor who refers to himself only as Ed.

But when Maddie, a teenage girl, disappears in sinister circumstances, the team are drawn into the hunt for her. And when a neighbour’s body is discovered in a pool of blood, they realise they must use their unique skills in a race against time.

But can they solve the mystery before it’s too late? And before Ed’s shadowy past overcomes them all?

My Review:

Hope. Hope is the driving force and theme of this book. A weird advert pulls together a group of people in desperate need of hope. Something to hold onto before they lose it all. Out of this group, a little core of four forms and becomes a tiny online "newspaper". These four folks are a lawyer, a crime scene investigator, a Ph.D., and an Editor. Toss in a missing teen girl, and it's on! But what is that current underneath I keep sensing? The current that keeps me flipping pages is what exactly? Is it that they will solve the crime, yes, but it's more. Will they find hope, will they be something bigger than they are, or is this group doomed to be sucked into something that will crush their hopes for life? I liked the small twists, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book that works from start to finish to bring hope. Thus, I hope to read more of this author's books.

5 Stars

About the Author:

Simon Hall is an author, journalist, communications consultant, and business coach.

He was a broadcaster for twenty five years, mostly as a BBC Television, Radio and Online News Correspondent, covering some of the biggest stories Britain has seen.

He now lectures, and coaches companies at the Judge Business School, part of the University of Cambridge, working on presentation skills, branding, pitching, websites, and media profile, both conventional and social.

Simon has had seven books in his tvdetectiveseries published. They focus on a television reporter who covers crimes and gets so involved in the cases he helps the police to solve them.

He has also contributed articles and short stories to a range of newspapers and magazines, written plays, and even a pantomime.

Alongside his novels and stories, Simon is a tutor in media skills and creative writing, teaching at popular Writers’ Summer Schools such as Swanwick and Winchester, for the National Association of Writers’ Groups, at universities including Cambridge and Exeter, on cruise ships and overseas.

Simon has also become sought after as a speaker, appearing at a variety of prestigious literary festivals. His talks combine an insight into his writing work, along with some extraordinary anecdotes from the life of a television reporter, including the now notorious story of What to do when you really need a dead otter.

He began a broadcasting career as a DJ on the radio and in nightclubs, then moved into radio and TV news. He worked in Europe, London, Ireland, and the south west of England, before settling in Cambridge.

Simon is married to Jess, Director of Libraries at the University of Cambridge, and has an adopted daughter, Niamh. She’s an army officer, which makes her father both very proud and very nervous.

Simon also lectures on careers in the media at Cambridge University, and in schools and colleges. Amongst his proudest achievements, he includes the number of young people he has helped into higher education and jobs in broadcasting, and aspiring writers into publication.

As for his likes, Simon lists beer – he judges at real ale festivals – running, cycling, solving cryptic crosswords, composing curious Tweets (find him @SimonHallNews) and studying pop lyrics.

For more on Simon, see his website – www.thetvdetective.com

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Termination Dust by Alana Terry

About the Book

Book: Termination Dust

Author: Alana Terry

Genre: Contemporary Christian Mystery/Suspense

Release Date: March 15, 2019

An abusive father. A devoted sister. When danger strikes, she’ll walk through fire to protect her family.

Despite years of trauma, Kimmie’s faith has never faltered. And after her mom’s unexpected death, Kimmie risks everything to save her autistic brother from a life of neglect and abuse.

Caught in the crosshairs of a dangerous dilemma, she dashes out with her brother into the bitter Alaskan night. With the devil in pursuit and the law on her stepdad’s side, Kimmie must brave the perils of the freezing wilderness in a desperate attempt to finally reach safety.

Can Kimmie survive the daring escape, or has she doomed both herself and her brother to a frozen grave?

Termination Dust is a standalone novel in the unforgettable Alaskan Refuge Christian Suspense series. If you like determined characters, harsh landscapes, and faith under fire, then you’ll love Alana Terry’s riveting novel.

Buy Termination Dust to dive headfirst into a gripping adventure today!

Click here to grab your copy.

My Review:

Kimmie's mom is dead. She took her own life and now Kimmie has an abusive step-father to deal with, while desperately trying to keep her three-year-old little brother safe. Technically, he's a half brother, but that doesn't matter to Kimmie. She has way bigger issues to cope with. Pip has had so much abuse that he will not talk. This book is very forthright with the abuse issues. Kimmie has to get herself and her brother free, without winding up dead, if she is going to get to the truth behind what may not be the suicide of her Mom. That's a tall order for anyone, much less a young person. Kimmie really shows the cycle that many abused people are stuck in. The endless loop of strenth followed by major weakness. I felt so bad for her, I just wanted her and Pip free and healed from all this pain! It's a God-sized issued that covers so many topics I can't even list them all here. It definaly has a bucket load of emotions and drama. You have to read it to find out what happened and why.

4 Stars

About the Author

Alana is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second.

More from Alana

Something some of my fans may not know about me is while I grew up in the continental United States, I have made my home with my husband and children in Alaska for many years now. I have grown to love Alaska, which is probably why I was so excited to write this series about the Alaskan wilderness to share a bit of my favorite parts of Alaska with my readers.

In Alaska, we have a phrase that perfectly describes the fall season: Termination Dust.

That’s when the first snow falls on the mountains, signifying the end of summer. Fall in Alaska is beautiful. Orange on the tips of the trees lend a splash of color against the backdrop of unending green. For the first time since May, it gets dark enough to see the stars. If you brave the cold and happen to be awake at 1 am, you might even see some shooting stars.

I hope you enjoy reading about Kimmie and her autistic brother as much as I enjoyed writing their story. As with all my suspense novels, if you like determined characters, harsh landscapes, and faith under fire, get ready to dive headfirst into a gripping adventure today!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 27

Stories By Gina, August 27

Retrospective Spines, August 28

Betti Mace, August 28

Genesis 5020, August 29

Carla Loves To Read, August 29

Quiet Quilter, August 30

Emily Yager, August 30

Inspired by fiction , August 31

Life as Lanhams, August 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 1

Anne Rightler, September 2

For Him and My Family, September 2

Blogging With Carol, September 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 3

Livin’ Lit, September 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 5

Mary Hake, September 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 6

Texas Book-aholic, September 6

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 7

A Reader’s Brain, September 7

The Becca Files, September 8

janicesbookreviews, September 9

Inklings and notions , September 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Alana is giving away a grand prize of a $30 Amazon 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/e5a5/termination-dust-celebration-tour-giveaway

Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble

About the Book

Book: Strands of Truth

Author: Colleen Coble

Genre: Suspense

Release Date: September 10, 2019

Harper Taylor is used to being alone—after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.

So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?

Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

Click here to get your copy.

My Review:

This author is one of my favorites, but not every book lives up to expectations, even among my favorites. Happily, this one did that and a bit more. It's hard to put this one down! It has three time-frames, which makes things more interesting when dealing with murders. It has Florida and ocean life, which I know a good bit about oceans and their inhabitants and I was thrilled to read that in this book. Mystery and some suspense, murder and science, DNA all with a super ending; all I can say is that I want more and I greatly enjoyed this read.

5 Stars because you can have more than 5.

About the Author

Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series. Connect with Colleen online at colleencoble.com; Instagram: colleencoble; Facebook: colleencoblebooks; Twitter: @colleencoble.

Read a Premium Excerpt

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

Strands of Harper Taylor’s childhood are resurfacing—but will the truth save her . . . or pull her under?

Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

“Free-dive into a romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and craving for more.” –DiAnn Mills, bestselling author

“As always, Colleen Coble never disappoints. Strands of Truth is no exception. I was hooked from the first page. Trying to read this story slowly is impossible. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself flipping the pages in a hurry to find out what happens next! This one is for your keeper shelf.” –Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Blue Justice Series

“Colleen Coble’s latest book, Strands of Truth, grips you on page one with a heart-pounding opening and doesn’t let go until the last satisfying word. I love her skill in pulling the reader in with believable, likable characters, interesting locations, and a mystery just waiting to be untangled. Highly recommended.” –Carrie Stuart Parks, bestselling author of Formula of Deception

“Once again, Colleen Coble delivers an intriguing, suspenseful tale in Strands of Truth. The mystery and tension mount toward an explosive and satisfying finish. Well done.” –Creston Mapes, bestselling author

“Just when I think Colleen Coble’s stories can’t get any better, she proves me wrong. In Strands of Truth, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The characterization of Ridge and Harper and their relationship pulled me immediately into the story. Fast paced, with so many unexpected twists and turns, I read this book in one sitting. Coble has pushed the bar higher than I’d imagined. This book is one not to be missed.” –Robin Caroll, best-selling author of the Darkwater Inn series

“It’s in her blood! Colleen Coble once again shows her suspense prowess with a thriller as intricate and beautiful as a strand of DNA. Strands of Truth dives into an unusual profession involving mollusks and shell beds that weaves a unique, silky thread throughout the story. So fascinating I couldn’t stop reading!” –Ronie Kendig, bestselling author of The Tox Files