Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Out of Darkness, blog tour plus GIVEAWAY!




Description:
Elisabeth Allen gave her heart to Jesus as a little girl and to Drew Marek as a teenager. When their wedding day finally arrives, it’s the happiest day of her life–until a car bomb transforms her dream come true into a living nightmare.

As Best Man at the wedding, Gabriel Di Salvo promises Drew–his best friend and CIA partner–he’ll look after Elisabeth, but he never dreams it will become necessary so soon. As Elisabeth struggles to put the pieces of her life back together without Drew, Gabe becomes her rock, and as they share their grief and begin to heal, their friendship gradually deepens into something more.

Three years later, Gabe and Elisabeth are planning a future together when he receives a shocking call from the one man who can upend his happiness: Drew. Suspecting someone at the CIA is behind his abduction, Drew refuses to come home. Instead, he asks Gabe to bring Elisabeth to him. Now Gabe just has to figure out how to let her go.
Drew and Elisabeth race across Europe, dodging international arms dealers and attempting to reclaim what was stolen from them. But years of captivity and torture have left their mark on Drew. He is no longer the same boy Elisabeth fell in love with, but he is still her husband, and she’s determined to build something new and leave her relationship with Gabe in the past, if her heart will get the memo.

When their enemies close in and the threat of a terrorist attack escalates, Gabe may be the only person they can trust. Drew, Elisabeth, and Gabe are thrown into a fight for their lives–one that will test their loyalties to God, country . . . and each other.



About the Author:
Erynn Newman is a pastor’s kid, raised in churches all over the Eastern Seaboard. Since earning her degree in Christian Studies, she has traveled the world and served as a missionary, a counselor, an ESL teacher, and a nanny. Though she has never worked with the CIA, her DVR contains a veritable Who’s Who of international spies. She is a Carolina girl, a wife, and Mama to a very busy little boy, two cats, and a gaggle of characters that live inside her head.






My Review: 4 stars
I have mixed thoughts regarding this book.  On one hand, I loved the characters and was so into the story!  On the other hand, there were a few things that bothered me a bit, looking back.  As far as I’m aware, this is Erynn Newman’s first book, aside from the prequel novellette (which I enjoyed) and as such, I didn’t really have many expectations.  I was hoping to be entertained and enjoy the adventure, both of which definitely happened, and I always look for characters to fall in love with, something that is also true of this story.  With those things in mind, I am definitely looking forward to another book from this author!

Ms. Newman has an interesting writing style that drew me in from the very beginning!  I was curious to read this story, as I love suspense and adventure, and the synopsis had me wondering where the story would go before I ever turned the first page.  I enjoyed how she pulled me into the characters’ lives and it seemed as though I was right there with them, even when it was painful.  She did an excellent job of creating characters I would care about and come to think of as friends.  I cried with them and ached at their pain, while also cheering them on and hoping for a “happily ever after.”  Or at least, something close to it.  I appreciated how the mystery kept me guessing and the suspense had me wishing for “just a few more minutes,” more than once.  I have no idea how many pages this story has, but I have to confess, I wanted it to be longer.  I loved the pace of the beginning, the “hooks” at the end of chapters that kept me coming back, getting to know Elisabeth and Gabe, and watching them walk through their grief.  After that, the middle and the ending felt rather rushed.  It’s as though the story reached a certain point and then everything focused on getting to the end.  The characters began falling a bit flat and I didn’t connect with them as thoroughly.  Some issues were a bit glossed over and I would’ve really liked to have seen more of the investigation, maybe been given another clue or two as to “whodunit.”  I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say that there were some heavier topics and issues the characters needed to address and I felt as though we were simply told how they were handling it, rather than getting to walk through those things with them.  I don’t know if the author simply didn’t want to take the chance of slowing down the story, or maybe it didn’t fit into her intention when starting out, but I would’ve loved to have seen a bit more depth in that regard.  


I have no idea who made this photo, but I love it and am borrowing it!
Thank you, whoever made this.  My complete lack of visual creativity salutes you. :)
Click here to purchase a copy!


Undoubtedly my favorite part of this story was the faith element.  I loved how Ms. Newman chose to show it through the darkest moments.  I appreciated how authentic it was, especially in how the characters approached God.  They never came across as perfect.  We see their doubts as clearly as their faith, but they never entirely gave up or lost hope, despite the trials they faced.  I enjoyed how it was so naturally woven throughout the story, never feeling forced or contrived.  Some may find it “preachy,” but I definitely appreciated the depth and the willingness of the author to portray Christianity with so much authenticity.

Overall, I enjoyed this story, despite it feeling a bit rushed.  I will definitely be looking forward to the author’s next book (I’m really hoping it might be a sequel)!

Now, for the part you probably scrolled right past my lengthy review for: giveaway details!


To celebrate her tour, Erynn is giving away a grand prize of a signed copy of Out of Darkness, a signed copy of First Light, The Joy Eternal~A Sweet and Bitter Providence CD, a $10 Starbucks gift card, and Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Creme Cookies!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!  And be sure to check the other posts (listed below) for more opportunities to win!



Blog Stops!


August17: Genesis 5020



August 19: Fiction Aficionado






August 22: Faithfully Bookish

August 22: Mommynificent




August 24: 100 pages per hour

August 25: Carpe Diem


August 26: J.E. Grace Bog

August 26: Karen Sue Hadley


August 27: Back Porch Reads





August 29: Remembrancy


August 30: Henry Happens
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Saturday, August 19, 2017

My Review: Chasing Secrets


"So I had to let it go.  It wasn't easy.  It was definitely a daily thing and sometimes an hourly thing, but eventually, it got easier.  And then one day I realized that I had truly release the hate and he had no more power over me."  - Haley Callaghan

Description:
Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan may be in South Carolina, but when a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, her life is suddenly in danger. Haley knows how to take care of herself; after all, she's made a career out of taking care of others. But after an uncomfortably close call, Detective Steven Rothwell takes it upon himself to stay with her--and the young client she has taken under her wing. A protector at heart, he's not about to let Haley fight this battle alone.

In a sweeping plot that takes them into long-buried memories--and the depths of the heart--Haley and Steven will have to solve the mystery of Haley's past while dodging bullets, bombs, and bad guys who just won't quit



About the Author:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching, Without Warning, and Moving Target in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of two ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.




My Review: 4.5 stars
Chasing Secrets is the fourth book in the “Elite Guardians” series and one I have been anxiously awaiting since meeting Haley in the very first book!  I can very happily say that I was not disappointed in the least!  I was drawn in from the first page and hated to put it down - I just had to know what would happen next!  

As always, Ms. Eason kept me on the edge of my seat from cover to cover and begging the clock for just “a few more minutes” of reading time.  I love her writing style, how her words breathe life into characters and their story, making them seem real and like dear friends by the time the final page is turned.  I never want her books to end, despite dying to know if I’m right about “whodunit.”  I loved the suspense that kept ratcheting higher and higher, causing me to race toward the ending, regardless of my intention to savor this last book in the series.  My only “negative” comment is that I found the first few chapters a bit discombobulating, as things happened very quickly and were spread across multiple view points that seemed disconnected.  It smoothed out once I caught up and figured out what was going on, but the time line tripped me up a bit, at first.  

Of course, I loved the characters, too!  I so enjoy how every book in this series stays connected with the same characters.  The ladies from the Elite Guardians and their significant others continue to step in and out of each others lives, offering friendship and help along the way.  So though this is Haley Callaghan’s story (at last!), I was also kept up to date on the couples from the previous books, as well.  And I so adored Haley’s character!  She is strong and bold, with a killer Irish accent, and a heart that pours into others.  I loved her compassion and desire to reach out to the hurting around her, even when her efforts were rebuffed.  She isn’t perfect, but her heart shines on these pages.  

Steven Rothwell is one of those heroes that makes me smile - from his rapport with Quinn (from Moving Target [click the title to read my review]) to his desire to care for Haley, to his strength under pressure.  He is determined to watch over Haley and anyone around her, while she focuses on caring for others and tries to figure out her past.  I loved his support of her, being her sounding board and anchor in a world whirling out of their control.  He is driven and stubborn, struggling to accept events in his life, and holding on to bitterness from his past.  I appreciated the conversations between Steven and Haley, some revolving around forgiveness and the pain of the past.  I saved several quotes from those pages, needing the reminders they held.  

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense!

Thanks again for taking the time to stop by!  As always, links are below!
 Have a fantastic day! 








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Saturday, August 12, 2017

My Review: Just Look Up


"It won't change anything for me to worry about it.  We'll do what we can do, and it will be enough." - Ryan Brooks

Description:
After tirelessly climbing the ranks of her Chicago-based interior design firm, Lane Kelley is about to land her dream promotion when devastating news about her brother draws her back home—a quaint tourist town full of memories she'd just as soon forget. With her cell phone and laptop always within reach, Lane aims to check on her brother while staying focused on work—something her eclectic family doesn't understand.

Ryan Brooks never expected to settle down in Harbor Pointe, Michigan, but after his final tour of duty, it was the only place that felt like home. Now knee-deep in a renovation project that could boost tourism for the struggling town, he is thrilled to see Lane, the girl he secretly once loved, even if the circumstances of her homecoming aren't ideal.

Their reunion gets off to a rocky start, however, when Ryan can't find a trace of the girl he once knew in the woman she is today. As he slowly chips away at the walls Lane has built, secrets from his past collide with a terrible truth even he is reluctant to believe. Facing a crossroads that could define his future with Lane and jeopardize his relationship with the surrogate family he's found in the Kelleys, Ryan hopes Lane can see that maybe what really matters has been right in front of her all along—if only she'd just look up.


About the Author:
Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theater director, and playwright. Change of Heart is her fifth novel and is set in the same town as Paper Hearts. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category.









My Review: 5 stars!
As this is my first book by Courtney Walsh, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I knew it was contemporary romance, but would I like her style?  Would it be a new take, or “the same old thing”?  I’d heard so many excellent things and one of my friends very highly recommended it, so I decided to give it a go.  And I’m so glad that I did!  I immediately found myself drawn into this story, pulled into these characters’ lives and wishing I could take a trip to Harbor Pointe, MI.  I have definitely found another favorite author, whose books will be finding a home on my keeper shelves.

The story line itself, intrigued me.  A character that hides behind her phone, keeping it as a shield between herself and the world.  It is so fitting for the time, where electronic devices are everywhere and so many seem so attached to them.  I was curious to see how Ms. Walsh would tackle this subject and I have to say that I think she did an excellent job!  I felt as though every time someone admonished Lane Kelley to “look up,” they were also speaking to me, challenging me to pay attention to the world around me.  I loved that!  I found this story to be a journey, both for the characters and myself.  The further I read, the more I found myself pausing to really see the people around me, wondering what I’d been missing.  I also loved how Ms. Walsh took care to describe the world around Lane, placing emphasis on the things she was missing by always running, going full speed ahead.  
I have to confess, when I first met Lane Kelley, she didn’t impress me.  She seemed selfish and stubborn, unwilling to bend.  But, as I got to know her and saw beyond the cool facade she showed everyone, I found someone I would love to have as a friend.  She’s spent most of her life feeling as though she doesn’t belong, doesn’t measure up.  My heart broke for her, for the lies she’s believed, for how hard she’s worked to attain something that was always right in front of her.  I loved watching the transformation her character goes through, learning to love and allow herself to be loved in return.

What do I say about Ryan Brooks?  So many things . . . . first, he is SO swoony!  Not only is he nice to look at, but he’s got a great sense of humor, doesn’t always take life too seriously, knows how to have fun, focuses on the important things in life, and is willing to drop everything for a friend in need.  Oh, and he has a chivalrous streak a mile wide, which just adds to the swoony-ness.  I loved getting to know him and seeing his heart for Lane, despite her standoffish behavior and sometimes cranky attitude.  And their romance was so sweet!  There were definitely several *sigh* worthy moments, a couple where I just wanted to “Gibbs slap” them, and the great “just have to smile” ending.

Overall, I would highly recommend reading this book, whether romance is your genre of choice, or not.  I loved being challenged by the message with this story and would happily give it more than 5 stars, were that an option.  


Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read my review!  There's a chance that while you were reading this, I was at the Christian Fiction Reader's Retreat in Cincinnati, OH!  I might do a blog post with some photos and stories about the awesome people I'm hoping to harass while I'm there!  I haven't decided, yet, but I am super excited about it!

Anyway, hope you have a wonderful day!  As always, purchase links are below, and I really hope you'll check out this book!





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