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Monday, December 31, 2018

My Favorite Reads of 2018!


In no particular order here are My Favorite Reads of 2018!


1. Grace Restored, Finally Accepted, Enduring Love, and Deck the Shelves by Toni Shiloh

2. Oath of Honor, Called to Protect, Code of Ethics, and Code of Valor by Lynette Eason

3. A Search for Refuge, and A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter

4. Falling For You by Becky Wade

5. The Carpenter's Daughter, The Cupcake Dilemma by Jennifer Rodewald

6. No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert

7. The Isaac Project, Bookishly Ever After, and Literarily for Keeps by Sarah Monzon

8. Enchanting Nicholete by Dawn Crandall

9. Dead Drift, and Deadly Isle by Dani Pettrey

10. A Song Unheard, and The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White

11. The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner

12. Just the Way You Are, Facade, and Jane By The Book by Pepper Basham

13. Surrendered Hearts by Carrie Turansky

14. Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

15. The Hidden Side by Heidi Chiavaroli

16. A Cliche Christmas by Nicole Deese

17. If I Live by Terri Blackstock

18. A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears

19. Delayed Justice by Cara Putman

20. The Christmas Heirloom by Kristi Ann Hunter, Karen Witemeyer, Sarah Loudin Thomas, and Becky Wade

Monday, December 24, 2018

Review: Code of Valor by Lynette Eason


5 Stars! 
What a fabulous third installment in the Blue Justice series! I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! From the first page I hated to stop reading. The suspense was phenomenal, and the story utterly enthralling, not that I expected anything less from a book by Lynette Eason! I love the St. John family, their dynamics and their banter always makes for many smiles and laughs, and Code of Valor was no exception! I was so excited to get Brady's story, he was such a fabulous hero and it was wonderful to watch his trust in God return throughout the course of the book! Emily was a wonderful heroine, I could relate so much to her insecurities and struggle to truly believe that she was made in God's image and that He loved her unconditionally no matter what size she wore, that message touched my heart so deeply that I plan to reread it many times in the future, and I adored the tender way Brady helped Emily to see how beautiful she was! The scuba diving aspect of the story was great, and so fabulously described that I felt like I was experiencing it vicariously while reading! Code of Valor is yet another Lynette Eason book that has a permanent spot on my keeper shelf! I would say each book in this series can stand alone, but I highly recommend you read them all, as you won't want to miss a moment of the total awesomeness that is the Blue Justice series! I can't wait for Linc's story! 


I received a copy of this book from the publisher, which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Review: Teal Paisley Tights by Barbara Brutt




4 Stars!
This is a very good Chick lit debut novel. Super cute and fun while also being very true to life! I instantly liked the main character, Jadyn and I found myself relating to several different aspects of her life. The message of defining what success means to you, and learning to rely on God and asking Him to guide your life was fantastic and just the reminder I needed at this point in my life! I read this one a bit slower, so I really had time to absorb all the great things about it! A great read that I highly recommend! I'm glad that I read Teal Paisley Tights, and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future! 


I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.


Sunday, December 9, 2018

Review: Swimming in the Deep End by Christina Suzann Nelson


4 Stars!
I don't often read women's fiction novels, but the description of this one intrigued me so I jumped at the opportunity to review it! This is an absolutely wonderful book that I very much enjoyed reading. Swimming in the Deep End does touch on some tough subjects (teen pregnancy, abortion, family issues, grief after the loss of a loved one) but I felt that all these topics were handled with fabulous grace in a manner that most readers would not find offensive. 
This book is told in first person POV alternating between the perspectives of four different women, something that I wouldn't normally like all that much, but for this story it worked beautifully and each character had such a unique voice that I never once got confused about which character's head I was in! The faith story was so real, heart-stirring, and incredibly moving, it grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go! This is truly a wonderful read! I enjoyed it so much, and am so glad I read it! I highly recommend Swimming in the Deep End to anyone who is looking for a deep, powerful read that will touch your heart and soul and leave a lasting imprint long after you close the book! I have Christina Suzann Nelson's first book on my Kindle and I look forward to reading it (as well as anything she writes in the future) because I absolutely love her writing style! 


I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.




Monday, December 3, 2018

Murder of Convenience by Linda Shenton Matchett Review and Giveaway





About the Book











Book: Murder of Convenience


Author: Linda Shenton Matchett


Genre: Historical Mystery


Release Date: October 15, 2018







May 1942: Geneva Alexander flees Philadelphia and joins the USO to escape the engagement her parents have arranged for her, only to wind up as the number one suspect in her betrothed’s murder investigation. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, she must find the real killer before she loses her sight…or is convicted for a crime she didn’t commit.


Set in the early days of America’s entry into WWII and featuring cameo appearances from Hollywood stars, Murder of Convenience is tribute to individuals who served on the home front, especially those who did so in spite of personal difficulties, reminding us that service always comes as a result of sacrifice. Betrayal, blackmail, and a barrage of unanswered questions… Murder of Convenience is the first in Linda Shenton Matchett’s exciting new “Women of Courage” series.

 

Click here to purchase your copy!


About the Author








Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.


Guest Post from Linda


World War II is my favorite era about which to read and write. What I find most fascinating about the time period are the stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, especially women, who until this time, had been provided for and protected.
A woman was typically insulated from difficulties or frightening things, and her husband or father took care of just about everything. When the war took millions of men away, the women had to learn how to take care of themselves in addition to filling the job vacancies.
Yes, there were Rosie the Riveters: women who worked in the factories building weapons, ships, vehicles and all kinds of war materiel, but there were also Land Army girls, many of whom didn’t know how to drive, who learned to operate all kinds of farm equipment so they could bring in crops to feed our nation as well as our Allies. Others donned uniforms to serve in the WACS, WAVES, SPARS, WASPS, Marines, Army Nurse Corp, and Navy Nurse Corp. Millions boosted morale through the USO and Red Cross or served in myriad ways with Civil Defense. Some went overseas to cover the war as journalists. A few even signed on as spies.
The driving force with most of these women was the realization that their country needed them. They put their own needs and desires aside to help win a war they didn’t ask to be part of. And many did it while single-handedly running the household because their husband was somewhere across the globe – ordinary women doing extraordinary things.
My latest release, Murder of Convenience, explores themes of service and sacrifice intertwined with the question of how to respond when God says no. It is my hope that the novel honors the women who lived during WWII in some small way.



Blog Stops



All-of-a-kind Mom, December 1
Bigreadersite, December 1
Carpe Diem, December 3
Pause for Tales, December 5
Multifarious, December 7
Have A Wonderful DayDecember 8
Bibliophile Reviews, December 8
Blogging With CarolDecember 9
Texas Book-aholic, December 10
The Lit AddictDecember 12
Maureen’s Musings, December 13
Janices book reviews, December 14


Giveaway










To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize of a World War II themed gift basket!!


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/d6d3/murder-of-convenience-celebration-
tour-giveaway


My Thoughts


This was my first read by this author, and it will most definitely not be my last! This is a great WWII mystery novel, and I enjoyed every minute of it immensely! Geneva was such a fabulous main character, I immediately liked her and greatly admired her spunk and her bravery. Before reading this book I knew very little about the USO, but Geneva's experiences with the USO were absolutely fascinating to read about and taught me quite a lot about the organization! While reading this book I noticed that due to the wonderful writing and fabulous historical detail each scene played out in black-and-white movie form in my mind, which I loved! I was swept away into the world of this book and its story, much like I am with one of my favorite old movies. This book is utterly delightful and I am so glad I read it! By the way, it has a wonderful faith story that I think we can all relate to! I highly recommend Murder of Convenience to all fans of Christian WWII fiction. Do yourself a favor and read this one ASAP, you won't be sorry! I can't wait to read more of this author's books in the future.
(4 stars!)

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit team. Which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.