Christian Fiction Blog Alliance - review of The Nurse's Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Nurse's Secret Suitor

Love Inspired (October 1, 2013)

by

Cheryl Wyatt

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Not even Cheryl Wyatt’s closest friends would dream that this sweet, shy intercessor plots mayhem during announcements at church. She is a Registered Nurse turned stay-at-home-mom, wife and writer who loves Jesus with all of her heart.


Joyful chaos rules her home, and she delights in the stealth moments God gives her to write. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. She is convinced that having been born on a Naval base on Valentines Day destined her to write Inspirational Military Romance.


Cheryl loves to laugh and to make others laugh, so she often plans comedic moments for her defenseless characters in spite of their grumbling. She says it’s payback for when they refuse to obey the plots she’s set out before them.


Prior to publication, six of Cheryl’s manuscripts placed in ten RWA Contests. Two of Cheryl’s stories also placed First in ACFW’s Noble Theme Contest 2005 (Contemporary Romance Category), as well as ACFW‘s Genesis Contest 2006 (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Category).


She currently writes for Love Inspired. Her Wings of Refuge Series, about a team of USAF Pararescue Jumpers and the ladies who capture their hearts, can be purchased anywhere books are sold.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A Strong-Willed Heart  
Trauma nurse Kate Dalton can handle any challenge—except love. The combat veteran dreams of settling down, but heartbreak is one risk she won't take. Then a chance encounter opens her heart to a masked stranger…who might not be a stranger after all! Caleb Landis, the army medic behind the disguise, has always admired Kate, even though she only saw him as her best friend's brother. What will it take for Kate to discard her fears and discover the man she's always hoped to unmask? 
Eagle Point Emergency:  Saving lives—and losing their hearts— in a small Illinois town


If you would like to read the first chapter of The Nurse's Secret Suitor, go HERE.

My Thoughts:

The Nurse's Secret Suitor was a pure joy to read. I have to say the characters of trauma nurse Kate Dalton and Army medic Caleb Landis jumped off the page for me from the very beginning. I was hooked, pulled in,. and fell in love with these characters. However, the character that truly snared my heart was little five-year-old-going-on-forty, Tia.  Tia is Caleb's niece and when she was first introduced the vision I had was of child actress Raquel Castro in her movie debut in "Jersey Girl". She was adorably precocious as is Tia in The Nurse's Secret Suitor. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a thoroughly enjoyable clean read. 

On a 5 Star Scale - 5 BIG stars!  I LOVED it!

I would like to thank Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Love Inspired Books for my review copy which I received for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance review of Raw Edges by Sandra D. Bricker

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Raw Edge

Abingdon Press (September 17, 2013)

by

Sandra D. Bricker


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

The Big 5-OH! was released by Abingdon Press in the Spring of 2010, and the novel was very well-received, garnering a couple of nibbles from Hollywood.

Always the Baker, Never the Bride was released by Abingdon Press in September 2010. With its phenomenal reviews, the novel spawned a series of three more books based on the popular cast of characters at The Tanglewood Inn, a wedding destination hotel in historic Roswell, Georgia. The series cemented Sandie's spot in publishing as a flagship author of Laugh-Out-Loud romantic comedy for the inspirational market.

"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"    

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grayson McDonough has no use for teal ribbons, 5k runs, or ovarian cancer support groups now that his beautiful wife Jenna is gone. But their nine-year-old daughter Sadie seems to need the connection. When Annabelle Curtis, the beautiful cancer survivor organizing the memory quilt project for the Ovacome support group, begins to bring out the silly and fun side of his precious daughter again, Gray must set aside his own grief to support the healing of Sadie’s young heart. But is there hope for Gray’s heart too along the way?


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



Watch the book trailer:



MY THOUGHTS:

Raw Edges is a touching story of loves lost and loves found all due to the devastating disease of ovarian cancer.  The memorial quilt created in this novel is something quite precious and I found myself thinking, 'wow. maybe I could bid on it'. Then I came back to reality and remembered it was only up for auction in the novel. 

Ms. Bricker does an outstanding job in depicting the pain and anguish of losing someone to cancer and also the pain and anguish of recovery from cancer. Her characters were real and the pain of losing someone was real. I know first hand how devastating cancer can be as I have lost six family members to the disease and have one breast cancer survivor in my family.

What I loved most about this book was the character of Sadie, the nine-year-old going on thirty year old daughter of the male lead, Gray McDonough. She is a precocious young lady who has taken on the role of looking out for her daddy. I also loved the journal that Gray's wife Jenna wrote to Sadie during her journey and battle with ovarian cancer. I laughed and cried but loved the teaching that the journal presented to Sadie but also to the reader as well.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a good clean contemporary novel and more importantly to anyone whose life has been changed due to cancer.

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars.  Well done Ms. Bricker.

I would like to thank Christian Blog Alliance and  Abingdon Press for my review copy. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

If the Shoe Fits by Sandra D. Bricker - My Review and Giveaway

I have to say that the story of Cinderella has always been a favorite of mine. So when I was given the opportunity of reading If the Shoe Fits I jumped at the chance since I heard it was based on the story of Cinderella. The fact that the author was Sandra D. Bricker was another reason to read the book as she has a knack of creating fun and entertaining stories.

If the Shoe Fits is the story of childhood friends, Julianne Bartlett and Will Hanes both attorneys who, as the story begins, have just opened up their own law practice together. Will has loved Julianne from childhood but Julianne only sees him as her best friend.  Julianne believes that her Prince Charming is out there and one day he will come and sweep her off her feet. In the opening scene, Julianne sees who she believes is her true Prince Charming and she takes it as a sign from God that he is the one for her.  What transpires afterwards is true Sandra D. Bricker magic as she creates a fairy tale world based in reality.

Ms. Bricker's characters are believable and draw you into their world with no coaxing at all. You find yourself part of their world and sorry when you have to say goodbye. The Christian thread was not overpowering and I felt that there was a moral to the story.  I felt the moral was "when we step out of the way and allow God to open our eyes to His plan we will find our dream come true".

I would highly recommend If the Shoe Fits to anyone who loves to read.  It is a laugh-out-loud masterpiece of pure delight.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Hilarious Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Moody Publishers for my review copy. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

* * * * * * * * * 

************ GIVEAWAY RULES  ************

1.  Giveaway is open to US and Canada

2.  No PO Boxes please.

3.  You MUST be a Google Friends Connect follower of my blog (please be sure to leave the name you follow under in your comment)

4.  For extra entries you may do one or all of the following:

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    -- invite a friend to become a follower of my blog.  If they become a follower & mention your name, you will both receive 2 extra entries

5. Include an email address where I can reach you if you are selected as the winner of this giveaway.  Please enter your email address in this format    winner[at]yahoo[dot]com

Giveaway will run through October 5th and the winner will be selected using Random.Org

Smiles & Blessings,

Stranded by Dani Pettrey

I love a good suspense novel and I have quickly learned that a novel with Dani Pettrey's name on it means I will be drawn into the suspense and held captive until I read the last page. She has a masterful talent of creating a book with just enough suspense, romance and Christian thread woven throughout the pages.  

Stranded is her third book in the "Alaskan Courage' series and I'm really hoping it won't be the last. Her first book in the series, Submerged, is sitting in my "TBR" pile, but her second book in the series, Shattered,  was an awesome read (read my review here). If you enjoy good Christian suspense novels Dani Pettrey's are a must read.

Stranded  is the story of Darcy St. James and Gage McKenna. Darcy was a former investigative reporter who has been summoned by her journalist friend Abby to join the staff on board the cruise ship Bering which was currently sailing out of Alaska to Russian. When Darcy arrives on board she meets up with Abby briefly.  It was long enough to see terror in Abby's eyes. Unfortunately Abby goes overboard which sets the suspense in action. Enter Gage McKenna, a man Darcy had met previously and had feelings for. While trying to learn what happened to Abby, Darcy and Gage find themselves working together while trying to fight their growing feelings for each other.

As mentioned above, Ms. Pettrey is a master at creating suspense. The twists and turns within the pages of Stranded takes the reader on a non-stop, heart-pounding journey that will leave you breathless. But don't fear, she ties everything up with a perfect bow and this reader was not disappointed.

I would highly suggest you quickly run to your bookstore, or venture to your favorite book site to purchase a copy of Stranded.   While you are at it, if you haven't already done so, pick up Submerged and Shattered as well.  YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED! Did I like this book, no, I LOVE IT! I truly hope that there is at least a fourth novel in this series as I really would like to read Kayden and Jake's story.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my review copy. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Memory's Door by James L. Rubart - my review

After having read the Soul's Gate (read my review here), the first book in James L. Rubart's "A Well Springs Series", I was anxiously awaiting his second offering, Memory's Door.  I find that in every book I have read by Mr. Rubart, I am not only entertained but I am drawn into each story and made to think 

While the reader doesn't have to read Soul's Gate first to understand what is going on in Memory's Door, I would highly recommend it.  The story is about Reece, Dana, Brandon and Marcus, the same four who fought spiritual battles against Satan in Soul's Gate.  They are now back and preparing to do battle with the Wolf as the second part of the prophecy has come true. Things that happen to them each individually also effects them as a group.

This is a book that will make you think about the spiritual warfare that is going on around us in a realm some might say doesn't exist but I firmly believe it does. The book helps the reader to understand that as it states in Scripture, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 KJV

This is not a book for the faint of heart.  It gets your heart pumping and your mind working and let's just say, by the time I finished the book I was exhausted yet satisfied.

On a 5-Star Scale - 4 1/2 Stars.

 I would like to thank Litfuse Publishing and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my review copy of Memory's Door.  I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Trapped by Irene Hannon - my review

I always know when I pick up a book by Irene Hannon I am going to be entertained and if it is a suspense novel I know I will be kept on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what will happen next. Ms. Hannon's newest novel, Trapped, did not let me down. Trapped, is the second book in her "Private Justice" series. The first book in the series, Vanished (read my review here) was a fantastic read as well. The series follows the Phoenix, Inc. detective agency. 

Trapped is the story of James "Dev" Devlin, a private investigator and Laura Griffith, a librarian. They are brought together when Laura hires Dev to track down her runaway half-sister, Darcy. What appears to be a simple runaway case soon proves to Dev to be something more sinister. 

Ms. Hannon is a master at weaving suspense and Christian threads together while creating believable characters that the reader can't help but fall in love with and root for. Dev and Laura's story pulled me in and held me spellbound until I turned that final page. I look forward to getting a few more glimpses at their story when the third book in the "Private Justice" series, Deceived, releases in the Summer of 2014. We, the readers, are given a glimpse into Deceived, at the end of Trapped and it is definitely a book I will be eagerly awaiting.

I would highly recommend Trapped to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean suspense novel. There was just enough romance, suspense and Christian theme balanced throughout the book.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 BIG stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review copy of Trapped. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

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

Smiles & Blessings,

The Promise by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley - a review

The Promise is Book 2 of "The Restoration Series" by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley. The first book in the series, The Dance (read my review here) was the story of Jim and Marilyn Anderson and I found that in The Promise, their story continued. But their story isn't the main story. The Promise is about Tom and Jean Anderson, Jim and Marilyn's son and daughter-in-law. It is about a strained marriage due to lies and forgotten promises. It was a difficult book for me to really get into.

As most of my regular readers know, I love Dan Walsh's work.  He is a fantastic author and his books have all found homes on my keeper shelf. I have to be totally honest though, I wasn't blown away with The Promise. I felt like I was kept at a distance from the characters. I wasn't drawn in and made to love them. In fact I grew to really dislike both Tom and Jean and I was thankful that Jim and Marilyn's story thread was weaved throughout as it kept me reading the book. I tried to rationalize why I didn't like these characters and the biggest reason I could detect is their lies. I abhor lying in any capacity. To me there is no excuse that can justify it. Therefore, I truly believe that is why I didn't like this book. Will it keep me away from any more of Dan Walsh's books? No. Because I love his work too much.

I do believe The Promise is a book that can speak to peoples hearts that are hurting in much the same way as Tom and Jean were hurting. It just didn't speak to mine and for that I am sorry.

On a 5-Star Scale - 3 Stars

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review copy. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

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

Smiles & Blessings,

On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin - My Review

From the moment I read the last sentence of With Every Letter, Sarah Sundin's first book in her "Wings of the NightingaIe" series (see my review here) I have been waiting patiently, okay, if the truth be known, impatiently, for Ms. Sundin's newest book, On Distant Shores, the second in the "Wings of the Nightingale" series.  Let me tell you, I was not disappointed.  Ms. Sundin worked her magic once again and presented her readers another masterpiece of romantic Christian fiction set during WWII.  The series follows the lives of Flight Evacuation Nurses on the European war front.

While, On Distant Shores can be read as a stand alone book, I'm glad I read the first book in the series first as I was introduced to Lieutenant Georgiana Taylor and Sargeant John "Hutch" Hutchinson in book one and I fell in love with Georgiana's character. Lt. Georgie Taylor is from the south and volunteered to be a flight evacuation nurse because her best friend Rose wanted to volunteer.  Georgie soon feels she not quite good enough to do the job.  She knows her fiance, Ward, and her family all want her to give it up and come home.  When tragedy strikes she begins to feel that maybe she should give up, but all during her time in Sicily and Italy she has befriended Sgt. John Hutchinson, Hutch to his friends.  Hutch believes that Georgie is strong enough to do the job when no one else believes she can.  She and her fellow nurses are rotated home for additional training where Georgie meets opposition from Ward and her family.  They insist she quits the volunteer program.  But Georgie finds that she can do the job and her group of nurses are rotated back overseas where Georgie faces her worst nightmare..."ditching" (you'll have to read the book to discover what it is).  Will she succeed in being strong and doing her job or will she fall apart once again?  Will she and Hutch find a way to be together or will oppositions be too strong to overcome?  Ms. Sundin built this story so masterfully that when you turn that very last page, you will let out a sigh and days later you will start wondering, "I wonder what Georgie, Hutch and the rest of the group are doing?"  Serious, the characters are that real. 

I am now sitting, waiting as patiently as I can, for In Perfect Time, book three in the "Wings of Nightingale" series.  It is scheduled to release in August 2014.  Wow, that's over a year to wait but believe me Ms. Sundin's books are worth waiting for.

I would highly recommend On Distant Shores to anyone who enjoys good clean historical fiction.

On a 5-star scale - 5 HUGE stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review copy.  I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,