Sunday, May 31, 2020

An Impossible Price by Davalynn Spencer Front Range Brides Series Book 3

I loved this sweet historical read.  It's a book that is hard to put down.  Sophie is a midwife and Clay arrives in town and stirs lots of feelings in her heart.  But there is something holding Clay back in their relationship. 

This book was well written and grabs you right from the very start.   It would appear to me that the author either has a great knowledge regarding things written in this book or did a lot of research.  It seemed very accurate to  the time and the setting. It's a sweet romance with characters from the earlier books which I always like to see and remember.

I truly enjoyed this book and am sure other readers who enjoy western historical books will just love it. 

I received an ebook copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Friday, May 29, 2020

What Momma Left Behind by Cindy K. Sproles

Page 1 begins with drama!  And the drama never stops.  Worie Dressar is a 17 year old who finds herself in a unexpected parental role.  The story unfolds in 1877 in the Appalachian mountains.  Life was still very rough and rugged.  Worie's mother had been feeding children whose parents died of a fever that was raging in their area.  Kind of reminds you of the Covid days we are experiencing as well.

I loved how the character of Worie's language denotes the language of the mountain people, making it easy to visualize the time and place she was living in.  It's written in the first person of Worie, so a lot of the language in the book portrays this.

This is the second book that I have read from life in these mountains and the first book by this author.  I am certain I will be reading more.  The book is believable, and tragic.  A book that touches on the orphan trains that were also a part of that historical period. The heroine is a strong-willed young woman whose determination does not give up on what she decides to do. 

It is a book worth your time to read and will you feeling full of emotions.  Loved this book.

I received a copy of this book from Revell publishing.  All thoughts are my own.

Monday, May 25, 2020

High Noon (Cyber Division Book 4) By Vannetta Chapman

Book 4  was really a fun read!  It took place in locations that I am very familiar with in my home state, Zion National Park and the Virgin River Gorge area.  Such a beautiful setting for an exciting book about cyber terrorists! 

The rock climbing and repelling add a little more excitement.  A favorite hobby of my grandson!  I really enjoyed the book and there seems to be little touch of romance along the way.  Great book.  You will enjoy it!

I received an ebook copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.


Thursday, May 21, 2020

Romancing Nadine by Amy Lillard

I love the continuity in this series, how the characters continue throughout subsequent books.  Nadine is twice widowed and single.  Amos has never married and feels that Nadine was meant to be his wife.  Unfortunately Nadine is anything but willing to have Amos court her.

Such an engaging book, and not a dull moment to be found.  This whole series has been so good and I have enjoyed each addition.  I love how Jenna and Buddy are back and we get to see how things continue for them as well.  You can read the book on it's own, but they are all so good that you should read them all learning to love the characters portrayed by the author.

Loved it and recommend it!

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Amish Friends Farmhouse Favorites Cookbook by Wanda E. Brunstetter

This is such a fun cookbook!  It's full of delicious sounding recipes and lots of really interesting tips that I am anxious to try.  The are all types of recipes that are well organized and different from other recipe books that I have.  So I am really excited to have this in my collection! 

I love the cleaning tips, household suggestions, as well as some canning items that are included.  And it also has lots of engaging pictures to help you know how appetizing these food items are.  I have several cookbooks from this author, and this one might just be my favorite one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Sunday, May 17, 2020

When I Meet You by Olivia Newport

Book Blurb:

A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees
 
A trunk abandoned at Denver’s Union Station more than a century ago leads Jillian and Nolan to untangle the mystery of its contents—including correspondence with the head of Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency Denver office. While Nolan digs into the legalities of the findings, Jillian searches for the descendants of a stolen identity who might not be who they think they are on Colorado ranch land. When Drew seems anxious to hear what Jillian has to say but his Great Aunt Min slams the subject closed—twice—Jillian is all the more determined to find out what happened to the woman who never claimed her luggage, why Min doesn’t want to talk about it, and what will happen for Drew if he gets the answers he seeks.
 
When I Meet You is the third book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.


My Review:

Those who know me, know that I am a genealogist, know that I will love a book like this.  I'm beginning to be totally convinced that genealogists love to solve all kinds of all kinds and types of mysteries.  So finding a mysterious unclaimed trunk is an absolute fascination for me.  Searching old documents is a blast to find the answers to solve all types of life's mysteries.  So did I like and enjoy reading this book?  Absolutely!  Finding the answer to unresolved issues, is a challenge I love to take.  And so this book was great reading for me.  

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

 

Friday, May 15, 2020

Long Road to Justice by Bruce Hammack

I loved this book.  It was very enthralling and kept me reading a bit too late in the night.  Yes, I wanted to know what happened next and it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.  It is a well written book.  The author is a very talented author and the book keeps you spellbound.  And a clean read!

I really enjoyed his writing style.  Well worth your time.  And I recommend this great work of fiction that seems real.  I can really see the events happening to someone.  I have to admit since I began reading as a young girl, mysteries were my genre then and I guess that genre still attracts my attention!  Good book!

I received an ebook version from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Monday, May 11, 2020

His Pretend Amish Bride by Rachel J. Good

I loved this book!  There were no boring moments or parts to "skim" over quickly. It's a fast moving book!   I wanted to read every word.  It started out great and kept on going.  I loved the characters and their interactions.

There is a little mystery, and some bad guys and of course, good guys!  Both Priscilla and Gabe have issues from their past to work through and deal with.  Matthew had given Priscilla hope of a happy future together but causes her some shocks that she would never have expected.

Gabe is the owner of a new camel farm producing both camel milk and cow's milk.  Priscilla has been studying the effects of camel's milk on autistic children, because of her job as teacher of special needs children and because of her autistic brother. 

The book is a good Amish read.  If you are prone towards Amish fiction, this one will not disappoint.  And you will read it quickly because you will want to know what happens!  Loved it!

I received an ebook copy from the author via NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Friday, May 8, 2020

Scent of Lilacs by Ann H. Gabhart

This was a really interesting book  as Jocie, finds that her past is not as she had thought it would be.  The events of her life are dramatic, concerning and poignant at times.  As she continues to make new discoveries, she finds, even things she was sure and certain about are not so real and accurate.

This is a touching book of feelings, hurts, hidden memories and love of a father that never ends. This is a Christian book but with realistic life issues that are not often as we hope our lives would have.

I enjoyed the book very much and could certainly relate to some issues that have touched my life in ways as well.

I received a copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Author Guest Post by Linda Weaver Clarke


Author Guest Post


A Cozy Mystery Series


In this mystery series, Amelia Moore is the founder of the Moore Detective Agency and specializes in missing persons. Her cases have taken her to some very interesting places and put her in some dangerous situations. With the help of Rick Bonito, her business is flourishing. This series is available as seven individual novels or as a three volumes.

In Amelia Moore Mysteries, Volume 1, they travel to exotic places such as Bali Island in Indonesia, Ireland where she gets to kiss the Blarney Stone, and Mexico where she experiences what a rain forest is really like. Volume 1 includes three cozy mysteries.

If you have longed to visit an exotic island, The Bali Mystery will take you there. When Mrs. Brody hires Amelia and Rick to find her missing brother, they find themselves in Bali, Indonesia. They are mystified why her brother quit his job, put his home up for sale, and ran off to this mysterious and exotic island without telling a soul.

Ireland is the next place you can visit with Amelia and Rick. When Amelia is hired to search for her client’s grandparents in The Shamrock Case, the case takes them to Ireland. Kate must learn about her heritage. Who are her grandparents and could they still be alive after all these years? Why did her parents leave Ireland suddenly and move to America? Is there more to this case than meets the eye?

The last place Amelia was thinking of visiting was Mexico. In The Missing Heir, Dell Murphy has passed on and left a fortune to his nephew. He wants his nephew to continue his work at the orphanage in Mexico, but there is one problem. Neal Woods is missing! If Amelia and Rick can’t find him soon, the fortune will be turned over to Dell’s brother and sister who intend to close down “Uncle Dell’s Orphanage.” If that happens, where will the children go?

In Amelia Moore Mysteries, Volume 2, they travel to the haunted Stanley Hotel at Estes Park in Colorado and Color Country in Southern Utah where they visit Zion National Park. Volume 2 includes two cozy mysteries.

In The Mysterious Doll, Pauline Jones is confused why her boyfriend took off without telling a soul where he was going. But that isn’t all. Sam Whitaker is accused of stealing a valuable porcelain doll from the museum. His disappearance makes him look guilty, but Pauline is convinced he is innocent. When Amelia finds Sam, she realizes they need to prove his innocence. Where is the antique doll and who has taken it?

In Her Lost Love, Julie Anderson feels a need to find the man she fell deeply in love with during her youth. That was twenty-five years ago. When Julie went off to college to become a lawyer, she lost contact with her high school sweetheart. She now wants to know what became of Joey and why he stopped writing to her? This is an assignment that intrigues Amelia. The thought of finding a long-lost love seems quite romantic.

In Amelia Moore Mysteries, Volume 3, they travel to the beautiful Louisiana Bayous and visit many intriguing lighthouses along the coast. Volume 3 includes two cozy mysteries.

In Mystery on the Bayou, Amelia is approached by a woman who is concerned about the son she gave up for adoption sixteen years ago. Millie fears he has inherited Marfan’s Syndrome from her side of the family. Not only that, but she has been having nightmares that make her fear he is in danger. She petitioned the court to view the sealed records but was refused. Will Amelia and Rick be able to convince the courts to help them? If her son is in danger, will they get there in time?

In The Lighthouse Secret, Rick Bonito’s uncle supposedly drowned five years ago and his body was never found, but something did not seem right about the report. Uncle Antonio was an excellent swimmer. His disappearance seems quite suspicious to Rick’s father. He never felt the complete truth had come out about his brother. It is now up to Amelia and Rick to find out the truth about his uncle.

“This is a cozy mystery, but there is also suspense, danger and, of course, romance. You have all the makings of an exciting novel.” --Library of Clean Reads

“Amelia and Rick have the makings of being a lasting couple that readers will adore and root for. Clarke knows both her characters and locations well and it shines through each word she writes.” --Socrates Book Review

You can get your copy of Vol 1 by clicking here!
Vol 2 Click here!
Vol 3 Click here!

Author’s Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Historical Romance Blog: 
https://historicalromances.wordpress.com

Cozy Mystery Blog: 
https://cozymysteryseries.wordpress.com

Audiobook Blog:
https://family-friendly-audiobooks.blogspot.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindaweaverclarke

The Amelia Moore Mysteries Vol. 1, 2, & 3






The Shamrock Case

This was right up my alley.  Why?  Because I am a genealogist by profession.  And in this book, the main character, Amelia Moore, a detective, is looking for the family of a young woman, Kate, who was adopted after the death of both of her parents.  She knows they were from Ireland and wants to find her family if possible.  Being a genealogist, I do this everyday as part of my work, also.  I have also worked on a few adoption cases and heir searches. I have also traveled abroad to do research, so I guess that makes me a bit of a detective, also!

This is a cute story and there are unexpected results to the search for Kate's family.  You will have to read this sweet story.  It's a fun and enjoyable read. 

The Bali Mystery

I must say the series has some really interesting settings.  This definitely adds depth to the book with obviously lots of needed research on the part of the author, which clearly was the case.

This is a cozy mystery and so not the intense type of mystery and I find that I am really enjoying that alot. There was a little romance, mystery and some suspense all rolled into one.

I do like / prefer a clean romance.  That is me.   So this book definitely scored points for me in this area.  In other words, a good Christian read.

Amelia and Rick seem to work together well in this book and I will plan on reading other works by this author.  Her assignment:  Find the missing brother.  Her partner in detective work: Rick Bonito.
The setting:  Bali.

Amelia wants to keep the relationship between Rick and herself completely professional, but with a beautiful setting, the perfect person, and a lot of time together, it will be interesting to see how that all turns out.  I am quite certain you will really enjoy this read and I highly recommend it!

The Missing Heir

Having never been to Mexico myself, it was fun to experience Amelia and Rick's journey through a part of this country as they search for the nephew and heir of Dell Murphy, who is missing.  Dell's nephew was expected to continue the work at Dell's orphanage, rather than his brother and sister who would close the orphanage down.  They find many obstacles in their way as they continue their search.

I really enjoyed this book of the series.  Linda's books are very interesting, enjoyable and always a clean read.

I received a copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Angel's Serenade by Linda Weaver Clarke. Narrated by Carolyn Kashner






I loved this sweet historical romance by Linda Weaver Clarke.  All her books are clean, sweet and very fun and interesting to read.  I was happy to be able to listen to this one.  The story and the characters were caring and good people who were concerned with others and their well-being.

Carolyn Kashner is the narrator used by the author.  I have enjoyed listening to her style and voice.  She uses different tones and voices to make it easy to know who is speaking.  

It had adventure too with the river pirates.  I have to be honest and had never heard of them before, so this was something new for me.  But after I thought about it, I see how this could definitely have been a problem for those traveling along the rivers and being vulnerable to attack.

I know you will enjoy this book.  It is a very good book and I wouldn't have wanted to miss even one of Linda Weaver Clarke's wonderful books.

I received an Audible version of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.