Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman

The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can't be talking about her client...can they?

To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie's belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister--right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene's letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in the race to save Kaylene's surviving daughter, Emilie and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl--and find a future for themselves in the process?

My Thoughts:

I love suspense novels and while I haven't read many legal suspense novels I'm quickly becoming a fan. Especially after reading Cara Putman's newest release Imperfect Justice, which is her second release in her "Hidden Justice" series. I haven't had the opportunity to read the first book in the series, Beyond Justice,  but that's okay as Imperfect Justice can be read as a stand-alone novel.

With the death of Kaylene, Emilie's client and Reid's sister, a romance seems out of the question as they are both living through a tragedy. Emilie feels guilty that she couldn't do more for her client and Reid feels guilty for being so career driven that his sister didn't feel she could confide in him. I enjoyed watching this relationship develop.

Ms. Putman has created a multi-layered suspense novel with a little romance and a secondary suspense plot laced in. She had me riveted to the edge of my seat and at times I found myself holding my breath. The plot was drawn out in perfect timing and held me captive from start to finish.

Since I enjoyed this book so much, I'm anxious to read the first book in the series and can hardly wait for book three.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel. While it is a legal suspense novel, the author writes it in such a way that the reader thoroughly understands what is going on.

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

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson for my Advance Reader's Copy of this book. I received a complimentary copy with no expectations for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

Pursuing Gold by Cynthia L. Simmons

I have always enjoyed reading books about the Civil War period, so I couldn't pass up the chance to read Pursuing Gold by Cynthia L. Simmons. In this novel, Ms. Simmons brings information to the reader regarding the banking industry during the Civil War.

Back of Book Blurb

With his father dead and his business partner incapacitated, Peter Chandler inherits the leadership of a bank in economic crisis. Peter, with only a newly-minted college degree and little experience, joins his partner's daughter, Mary Beth Roper, in a struggle to keep C&R Bank afloat while the Civil War rages around Chattanooga. Political pressure for unsecured loans of gold to the government stirs up trouble as tempers and prices rise. Their problems multiply when Mary Beth discovers counterfeit money with Peter's forged signature. Can they find the forger before the bank fails? The two friends must pursue gold on behalf of their business, as they learn to pursue their heavenly Father to find hope and peace.

My Thoughts:

The story started out a little slow for me as I waded through the dialogue that flooded the first few chapters. But as the plot began to develop I was engrossed in the twists and turns that kept me turning the pages.

Sadly, I was never drawn into the story like I wanted to be. I think this is partly due to quite a few grammatical errors within the book. Each time I encountered one I had to stop and re-read what I had just read in order to figure out what the author meant.

The characters never truly came alive for me, but I did care about them and I was rooting them on throughout the story.

If you like books written about the Civil War period you might like this book. Please keep in mind that it is more "behind the scenes" and not on the front lines of the battle.

On a 5-Star scale = 3 1/2 stars.

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity for my copy of Pursuing Gold. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks

I usually do not like reading books written in the first person, but after reading Carrie Stuart Parks first book in her "Gwen Marcey", The Bones Will Speak (read my review here), I had to read her newest book in the series,  When Death Draws Near. I can honestly say I really enjoyed her first person voice in writing her books.

Blurb from back of book:

GWEN MARCEY TAKES DEATH IN STRIDE UNTIL SHE'S FACED WITH HER OWN MORTALITY.

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky--a small town facing big-city crime. 

Gwen suspects a connection between the rapist and the "accidental" deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her digitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her. Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity--a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren't the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth--and convince anyone to believe her--before she becomes a victim herself?

In a thrilling race against time, When Death Draws Near plunges us into cold-case murders, shady politics and a den of venomous suspects.

My Thoughts:

As mentioned above I usually don't like books written in first person, but Carrie Stuart Parks is a gifted author who handles writing first person point of view very well. In fact, her words pull you into the main characters head and she allows the reader to become one with the heroine. 

When Death Draws Near is a story that has a serial rapist on the loose along with church members who have meetings where their congregants handle snakes. I must say the thought of handling snakes made my skin crawl, but the author handled (no pun intended) the topic well.

I met Gwen Marcey in the first book of the series and grew to enjoy her job as a forensic artist. It was quite intriguing to say the least. In this, the second book in the series, the author allows us to learn more about Gwen personally. She is fighting a lot of personal battles and hopefully by book three they will be tied up tighter than at the end of this book.

The hero doesn't have a large part in this book but I was happy to know that after being someone I didn't think I would like I grew to appreciate his character and look forward to where his and Gwen's relationship might go in the next book. You notice I didn't mention his name. That was intentional. You'll need to discover him all by yourself.

I would recommend this book to any adult who loves a good suspense novel. I don't believe it is a book for younger people because of the subject content.

On a 5-Star scale - 4 Stars!

I would like to thank LitFuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my copy of When Death Draws Near. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Medical Judgment by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

I am a big fan of Dr. Richard Mabry's work and when I am given the opportunity to read and review any of his books, I jump at the chance. His newest book is Medical Judgment and it is another great story by this author.D

About the book:

Medical Judgment (Abingdon Press, May 2016)

Dr. Sarah Gordon lost her husband and daughter. Now she's about to lose her life.

After losing the two people she loved the most, Sarah Gordon doesn't think life could get worse. But, after a fire in her garage is ruled an arson, she begins to realize someone is after her --and that person wants to see her dead. But first, they want to see her suffer.

Her late husband's best friend, Kyle Andrews, and a recovering alcoholic detective, Bill Larson, are trying to solve the mystery before it's too late, and theyre both trying to win her heart, too. Not only does Sarah feel torn between two men, she also feels as though she cannot trust anyone.

With creepy threats that become more and more sinister, Sarah finds herself in constant fear, but even the best home alarm technology won't protect her. Who is doing this, and why are they after her?

My Thoughts:

I love a good suspense and Dr. Mabry hands the reader exactly that in his newest novel, Medical Judgment. His heroine, Dr. Sarah Gordon won me over from the start as the grieving widow mourning the loss of her husband and baby daughter. Then to have someone stalking her every movement, my heart truly went out to her. She was a very well crafted strong female character that I truly enjoyed.

Kyle Andrews, was a character I just never grew to like. There seemed to be a shady side to him that just made me cringe when he tried to gain Sarah's attention.

Detective Bill Larson was a character I truly grew to like, however, not for Sarah. He had too much baggage and Sarah had enough of her own.

The question is, does Kyle or Bill win Sarah's heart or could someone else step in and steal her heart. Does the stalker get caught and if so, just who could want to harm someone who is already hurting so much. All of these questions are answered in this wonderful new suspense filled novel.

Dr. Mabry's characters in this book were all very strong and drew out strong emotions from me as I read it. Well done Dr. Mabry. I love good characterization.

As far as the stalker, I had really hoped I wouldn't figure it out until the "unveiling moment", however, with several tidbits tossed in throughout the book I figured who the stalker was about midway into the book. But that is okay because I didn't know the reason behind their actions.

For anyone who loves a good suspense novel, I would highly recommend picking up a copy of Medical Judgment. You won't be disappointed.

On a 5-Star Scale = 4 Stars!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity for my Advanced Reader Copy of Medical Judgment. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

 

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

Once again I have discovered an author who is new to me and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed her work. Shelley Gray's Whispers in the Reading Room is her third book in "The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series". Since I enjoyed this book so much I hope to go back and read the other two books in the series, Secrets of Sloane House and Deception on Sable Hill.

Whispers in the Reading Room is the story of Lydia Bancroft, a librarian at the Lincoln Lending Library in Chicago, Illinois. Lydia is engaged to Jason but finds herself intrigued with a tall, dark and handsome gentleman who visits the library on a regular basis. The gentleman is Sebastian Marks, a mystery man who speaks nary a word at first. But if Lydia has her way, she will find out more about this mysterious man.

In time, Lydia and Sebastian become friends but there is still a shroud of mystery around Sebastian that Lydia wants to peel away. She hears that he is wealthy and that he is involved in a business in the worst part of town. She still wants to know more but will she be hurt in the process?

Lydia is a great character that by all society's standards should rest in the fact that she is engaged to Jason. After all, since her father's death, she and her mother have become almost penniless and marrying Jason should elevate them back up to society's standards, or will it? 

Lydia just can't curb her curiosity about Sebastian and wants to learn more about the mysterious gentleman. She decides she wants to visit Sebastian's club but soon finds herself a suspect in a murder.She has to decide who she can trust and who Sebastian really is. Is he a wealthy gentleman that people have wrongfully accused of being a man who should be feared or is he truly a gentleman who has been misunderstood?

I loved the mystery surrounding Sebastian and grew to like his character more and more as his past was revealed.

This book is a wonderful historical novel filled with intrigue, mystery and romance. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a historical mystery filled with romance.

On a 5-Star scale - 4 1/2 stars!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Zondervan for my copy of Whispers in the Reading Room. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

I have always been a fan of fairy tales and Melanie Dickerson has a wonderful gift of retelling fairy tales. In The Golden Braid, Ms. Dickerson gives us the retelling of the story of Rapunzel and she does it remarkably well.

When the story begins, almost nineteen year old Rapunzel is living with her mother Gothel in the village of Ottelfelt in the Holy Roman Empire. But a young man proposes to Rapunzel and while she tells him "no", her mother decides they must move once again to the larger city of Hagenheim. Rapunzel gets excited as her dream is to learn how to read and she feels she may be able to learn in a larger city.

Their journey becomes treacherous and Rapunzel finds herself being rescued by Sir Gerek, a knight. Later down the road Sir Gerek finds himself being rescued by Rapunzel. He promises to repay her by teaching her to read.

As the story progresses, Rapunzel discovers a mystery surrounding her life that could possibly change it forever. Ms. Dickerson has created a wonderful world to place Rapunzel in and weave aspects of the original fairy tale. I truly enjoyed this retelling.

If you love historical romances set during the Medieval time period, or retelling of fairy tales, or just enjoy a good clean read I would suggest you pick up a copy of The Golden Braid. While it is listed as a book for young adults, I believe adults will enjoy it just as much.

On a 5-Star Scale -  4 1/2 Stars!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publishing Group and Thomas Nelson for my copy of The Golden Braid. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti

I love Christmas and I love stories set during Christmas. When I decided to request Cynthia Ruchti's An Endless Christmas to read for review I wasn't aware of the impact this small little book would have on me. Let me tell you, I cried, I laughed, I cried some more and when I turned the last page I felt such a peace come over me. 

This book is powerful to say the least. The characters walk right off the page and into the readers heart. I was pulled into the story by Katie Vale and Micah Binder and to be perfectly honest, I didn't want to leave. While these two characters share the leading roles, I also fell in love with Dodie and Wilson Binder, Micah's grandparents. The Binder family is quirky and full of love for each other. 

Micah brings his girlfriend Katie with him when he leaves Florida to spend Christmas with his family at his grandparents house in Minnesota. Upon arrival, Micah proposes only to receive an answer of "no" from Katie. While this could make Katie's visit quite uncomfortable, the family engulfs her with love and a wonderful story begins to develop.

An Endless Christmas is a story of family traditions, friendships and love. It's a book that can teach all of us the true meaning of the season. It will make you smile, laugh and even shed some tears, but it will, more than anything else, give you an insight of what a true gift love is.

I can't say enough for this book. This is definitely a book to read, savor and read again, year after year. My copy is a hard back about 5 by 7 and filled with 227 pages of pure pleasure. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good book.

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

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity Group and Worthy Inspired for my copy of An Endless Christmas. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

A Heart's Betrayal by Colleen Coble

For those of you who follow my blog, then you know I am currently reading books in Colleen Coble's six book series, "Journey of the Heart". These short books are a reprint of Ms. Cobles' first two novels, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise. If I had to guess, A Heart's Danger is the end of her book Where Leads the Heart as everything seemed to tie up nicely. The fourth book in this series, A Heart's Betrayal is actually the first part of her original book Plains of Promise.

A Heart's Betrayal, is the story of Emmie Croftner, the sister of Rand Campbell's nemesis, Ben Croftner. If you read the first three books of this series you will recognize the name. As this segment of the series opens, we meet Emmie Courtney who has just became a widow and has now learned that her husband of three months was a bigamist. When her husband's 'real wife' shows up requesting everything that belonged to her husband be turned over to her, Emmie finds herself homeless. 

This story begins on a sad note. Imagine finding out that the man you loved wasn't who you thought he was and the home you live in doesn't rightfully belong to you. What would you do? Emmie decides to go out west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming to find her friend Sarah Montgomery Campbell. The journey is rough but when she arrives she is happily embraced by Sarah who is expecting her first child with her husband Rand.

Emmie soon meets Isaac Liddle, a soldier at the Fort. He takes a liking to her but she is on guard after having gone through a relationship and marriage of lies. Will Emmie open her heart up to Isaac? Will she share the secret she has just learned with him or keep it to herself? The answers can be found in this short little book of 96 pages.

I love Colleen Coble's work and I'm really enjoying this series. The characters are believable and Ms. Coble paints a picture of life in the old west that the reader can visualizw. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read a sweet historical set in the old west.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my copy of A Heart's Betrayal. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

A Heart's Danger by Colleen Coble

For those of you who follow my blog, then you know I am currently reading books in Colleen Coble's six book series, "Journey of the Heart". These short books are a reprint of Ms. Cobles' first two novels, Where Leads the Heart and Plains of Promise. If I had to guess, A Heart's Danger is the end of her book Where Leads the Heart as everything seemed to tie up nicely.

A Heart's Danger will be releasing in May. It continues the story of Sarah Montgomery and Rand Campbell who are now at Fort Laramie, Wyoming. Relations between the soldiers and Indians are beginning to heat up and Rand finds himself in all kinds of trouble in this book.

Rand's fiance, Jessica Dubois begins to show her true colors and collaborates with Ben Croftner to try and keep Sarah away from Rand. Will they succeed in keeping Sarah and Rand apart or will it backfire on them. 

Ms. Coble is a masterful storyteller and even though this book is part of her very first book you can see the talent has been there all along. Packed with twists and turns, Ms. Coble treats the reader to a breath-holding journey in the Old West.

I am enjoying reading this series and can hardly wait for book four, A Heart's Betrayal, to hit my mailbox. It will be releasing in June and will be followed up with A Heart's Promise in July and then the conclusion, A Heart's Home in August.

If you enjoy reading clean historical fiction set in the Old West I would highly suggest picking up copies of the books in this series. They have been fun and quick to read.

On a five star scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my copy of A Heart's Danger. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

Liz Tolsma has quickly became one of my favorite authors. First with her debut novel, Snow on the Tulips (read my review here) followed by her second book Daisies are Forever (read my review here). I could hardly wait for her newest book, Remember the Lilies. I loved each and every book, but I must admit Remember the Lilies is hands down my favorite.

Remember the Lilies is set in the Philippines during World War II. The Prologue begins the day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the reader is introduced to the male lead, Rand Sterling a wealthy, womanizing American who owns two clubs in Manila and Irene Reynolds, a missionary. Their meeting was memorable for both of them even if it was close to being tragic. 

By Chapter One, both characters are being held prisoners in the Santo Tomas Internment camp in Manila. The story takes them through the war until the time Santo Tomas is liberated. The story that takes place is based on fact and I must say that Ms. Tolsma definitely did her homework regarding the camp. After I read the book, I searched on line to learn more about Santo Tomas and the pictures I found were exactly how Ms. Tolsma painted the camp. Her words made it real.

I fell in love with Rand, Irene and Irene's Aunt Anita. They were without a doubt the most well crafted characters I have encountered in my reading experience in a long time. They are believable, charming and memorable. Well done, Ms. Tolsma!

This isn't just a love story set during WWII, it's a story of two lost souls who found each other and learned to trust and forgive while trying to survive the atrocities of war. There are some twists and turns and a bit of a mystery within the pages of this wonderful book too.

The Christian thread was woven delicately through the pages and on page 343 Rand explains forgiveness to Irene and how if God could forgive him, he should be able to forgive the Japanese. It was an extremely powerful moment.

I would highly recommend Remember the Lilies to anyone who love reading a good historical novel. 

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

I would like to thank Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my copy of Remember the Lilies. I was given my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma KINDLE FIRE Giveaway!

This gripping new tale from Liz Tolsma, Remember the Lilies, is a must-read for fans of WWII-era fiction. When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, she and Rand must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

Help Liz celebrate the release of Remember the Lilies with a Kindle Fire giveaway!




 


One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire


• One copy of Remember the Lilies


Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/19. Winner will be announced at Liz's Remember the Lilies Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and WWII fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!   





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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!




Please note, you cannot enter the giveaway on my blog. Please click on the book cover in the upper right hand corner of my blog or on the icon above.

Smiles & Blessings,