Review: First Wave by Lisa Phillips

5 Stars! 

Wowza, what a ride! This is the second book by this author that I've read and I am now officially hooked on her stories! This story is SOOOO good, it grabbed me on the first page and I hated to set it down until I finished it! I love suspense books that feature a team of characters, and the team in this book is SO great, their camaraderie and banter was fabulous and I loved the entire ensemble crew of characters! 

The suspense was nonstop, it was written so well that each scene played out like a movie in my head, it gave me all the same feels as when I  experience an episode of one of my favorite shows: NCIS: Los Angeles, but in book form which is even better!

Amidst all the fabulous suspense, the romance thread was woven in beautifully, and perfectly balanced with the suspense! I loved every minute of this book and am so glad that I read it! I am eagerly anticipating book two in the Northwest Counter Terrorism Taskforce series, and I am thrilled that I own several of this author's backlist titles on my Kindle that I can read while I'm waiting! 

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to all fans of Christian romantic suspense, this is one you won't want to miss! 

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.

Top Ten Audiobooks!

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

Top Ten Audiobooks

1. A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White and Narrated by Liz Pearce

2. Then Came You by Becky Wade and Narrated by Heather Masters and Ryan Hudson

3. Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren and Narrated by Pam Turlow

4. Shattered by Dani Pettrey and Narrated by Christina Moore

5. How a Star Falls by Amber Stokes and Narrated by Patrick Wilson Mahaney

6. Storm Front by Susan May Warren and Narrated by Cynthia Farrell

7. Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson and Narrated by Emily Elizabeth Hamilton

8. Moving Target by Lynette Eason and Narrated by Rachel Dulude

9. If I Live by Terri Blackstock and Narrated by Kate Rudd

10. Deadly Obsession by Yours Truly and Narrated by Peggy Sowersby (Yes, a shameless promotion, but this narrator did a fabulous job of turning my dream of having one of my books become an audiobook into reality!)

Review: Justice Mission by Lynette Eason

5 Stars!

Wowza! What a fabulous start to the True Blue K-9 Unit series! If you know me at all then you know that Lynette Eason is one of my all time favorite authors, so it goes without saying that as soon as I heard about this book I immediately added it to my wish list! Justice Mission drew me in from the first page and I hated to stop reading it. I immediately liked Luke and Sophie, I really appreciated that they were flawed and realistic characters who were both very kind and never stopped putting others ahead of themselves. I also loved Luke's bond with his K-9 Bruno, it was obvious how much they loved each other, and all the moments when Bruno seemed to be trying to communicate with Luke through his body language and facial expressions were spot on and so much fun to read about! I love that this series is following NYPD K-9 Officers, and can't wait to read the next book in the series! 

Overall, I loved this book so much! It's one of my very favorites of Lynette's Love Inspired Suspense titles! I highly recommend Justice Mission, it's going on my keeper shelf, and I definitely envision that I will be reading it again 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.

The White City by Grace Hitchcock Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The White City

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense

Release Date: March, 2019

Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair

Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

Click here to order your copy.

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the author of three novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. The White City is her debut novel and releases March 2019 with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com

Guest Post from Grace

True Colors—Fiction Based on Strange, But True, American Crime Stories

True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through 6 unique stories of historical romantic suspense in the exciting new True Colors series.

In book one, The White City, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped while attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a detective, for bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

The Real Criminal Behind the Story

While Winnifred Wylde is a fictional character, Doctor H. H. Holmes was very real and became infamously known as America’s first serial killer. Learn more about him HERE.

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, March 14

A Baker’s Perspective, March 14

The Lit Addict, March 14

janicesbookreviews, March 14

The Power of Words, March 15

Multifarious, March 15

Back Porch Reads, March 15

Livin’ Lit, March 16

Lis Loves Reading, March 16

Just Your Average reviews, March 16

Rev. Rebecca Writes, March 17

For the Love of Literature, March 17

Bibliophile Reviews, March 17

Reflections From My Bookshelves, March 18

Through the Fire Blogs, March 18

By The Book, March 18

A Reader’s Brain, March 18

Girls in White Dresses, March 19

Stories By Gina , March 19

EmpowerMoms, March 19

Inklings and notions, March 19

All-of-a-kind Mom, March 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

Bigreadersite, March 21

Genesis 5020, March 21

Blossoms and Blessings, March 21

The Becca Files, March 21

Emily Yager, March 22

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, March 22

Pause for Tales, March 22

Inspired by fiction, March 23

Mary Hake, March 23

Book by Book, March 23

Real World Bible Study, March 23

Blogging With Carol, March 24

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, March 24

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 24

Maureen’s Musings, March 25

amandainpa, March 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 25

Older & Smarter?, March 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner , March 26

Godly Book Reviews, March 27

For Him and my Family, March 27

Texas Book-aholic, March 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The White City!!

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/dd7d/the-white-city-celebration-tour-giveaway



My Thoughts:

This is a good story that I enjoyed! I loved main characters Winnifred and Jude. Winnifred was so fun and delightfully spunky, and being an avid reader myself I could totally relate to her fabulous bookishness! And, Jude, well let's just say that he is a hero who made me swoon more than once! I love the concept behind the True Colors series of books, blending history and story. Grace Hitchcock skillfully wove together fact and fiction to create an engaging story! This book has tons of great romantic moments that I just had to highlight on my Kindle! 

I was expecting this book to be a suspense, and while there was a great action packed climax, I was disappointed that even though there was a mystery thread there was not really any suspense throughout the rest of the book. 

Overall, while I would have liked more suspense, this is a very good story that I am glad I read! I recommend it and plan to read more of this author's work in the future.

(4 Stars!)

I received an ebook 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.

Review: When He Found Me by Victoria Bylin

5 Stars! 

Wow, what an incredible story! I was sucked in from the first page and hated to put the book down! This review may be a bit on the short side, simply because I don't know if I can find the words to do this beautiful book justice. This story is told in alternating POV from the perspectives of MJ, her mother Olivia, Shane, and his sister Daisy, and I was captivated by all of their stories! This book has it all, tremendous depth, a lovely romance, forgiveness, reconciliation, characters that become like friends to the reader, a strong faith story, love, hope, new beginnings, I could go on and on! Words truly cannot express how much I loved this book! Without giving too much away I will just say that this is a book that everyone, especially every woman should read! I can't recommend When He Found Me highly enough, read it and your life will be impacted for the better! Such a wonderful, amazing read, and I can't wait for the next novel in the Road to Refuge series! 

Note: While there is nothing graphic in this book, the subject matter is very raw and real. For this reason I don't recommend this one for readers under the age of 16.

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.

Review: Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin

4 Stars!

After reading and absolutely loving High as the Heavens back in 2017, I have been eagerly anticipating Kate Breslin's next book. I really enjoyed Far Side of the Sea, but I didn't love it the way I did High as the Heavens, perhaps my expectations were so incredibly high that there was no possible way this book could meet them. I immediately liked Johanna, she was such a great blend of spunk and sweetness! I totally fell for Colin, wow, can you say swoon worthy?! He is definitely one of my favorite heroes of 2019 so far! Something I wasn't expecting and absolutely loved was the humor and super fun banter between Jo and Colin, I laughed out loud numerous times! 

I did not realize that carrier pigeons served in WWI and I was not only fascinated by the history of these plucky little birds, but became quite attached to Johanna's favorite pigeon, Little Corporal! 

This book has several thrilling twists and turns! I think I enjoyed the second half a bit more than the first half because of the fabulous action and suspense, the first half was definitely good and interesting enough to keep me turning pages, but honestly there were moments where I became a bit bored and wished for a bit more action, but once I passed the halfway mark things just took off and the pages started flying!

Overall, though High as the Heavens is still my favorite, Far Side of the Sea is a great book that I really enjoyed reading and highly recommend to fans of Christian historical romance! I recently purchased Kate Breslin's first WWI novel, Not By Sight which I am very much looking forward to reading soon, and I can't wait to see what else Ms. Breslin has in store for us! 

I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher. The above review is my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Title: The Secrets of Paper and Ink

Author: Lindsay Harrel

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Release date: February 26, 2019

Publisher: Tyndale

Lindsay Harrel presents a powerful story of healing, forgiveness, and finding the courage to write your own story.

A year after the death of her abusive fiancé, domestic violence counselor Sophia Barrett finds returning to work too painful. She escapes to Cornwall, England—a place she’s learned to love through the words of her favorite author—and finds a place to stay with the requirement that she help out in the bookstore underneath the room she’s renting. Given her love of all things literary, it seems like the perfect place to find peace.

Ginny Rose is an American living in Cornwall, sure that if she saves the bookstore she co-owns with her husband then she can save her marriage as well. Fighting to keep the first place she feels like she belongs, she brainstorms with her brother-in-law, William, and Sophia to try to keep the charming bookstore afloat.

More than 150 years before, governess Emily Fairfax knew two things for certain: she wanted to be a published author, and she was in love with her childhood best friend. But he was a wealthy heir and well out of her league. Sophia discovers Emily’s journals, and she and William embark on a mission to find out more about this mysterious and determined woman, all the while getting closer to each other as they get closer to the truth.

The lives of the three women intertwine as each learns the power she has over the story of her life.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. She’s held a variety of writing and editing jobs over the years and now juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with writing novels. When she’s not writing or chasing after her children, Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time. Connect with her at LindsayHarrel.com

Guest Post from Lindsay

With every book I write, it seems God has something new to teach me. That certainly was true of The Secrets of Paper and Ink.

Lately, I am learning more and more about the power of our words. I’ve become more conscious of the words I speak over myself as well as what I say to other people. It’s more than “positive thinking”—the words we say ultimately contribute to the stories we weave, and I want my story to be as positive and hope-filled as possible, regardless of my circumstances.

I’ve also become much more aware of the lies that I tell myself—“you are not worthy, you are not enough, you will never achieve what you want to achieve”—and the need to replace those lies with the truths that God says about me. I have listened to Lauren Daigle’s song You Say on repeat lately, and it has become a theme not just of The Secrets of Paper and Ink, but one in the story of my very life.

So while I may not have experienced everything my characters have—I’ve never suffered emotional abuse, or been ostracized by my family, or been orphaned and alone in a world that seems against me at every turn—I have learned alongside them. I set out to write a book that would draw readers closer to the true healer and hope giver, and I ended up being drawn closer myself.

And that, to me, is the true power of story.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 26

The Avid Reader, February 26

The Power of Words, February 26

Carla Loves To Read, February 26

Blogging With Carol, February 27

Inspirationally Ever After, February 27

Kristin’s Book Reviews, February 27

Real World Bible Study, February 28

Caffeinated Christian Raves – N – Reviews, February 28

Carpe Diem, February 28

A Baker’s Perspective, March 1

Andy Carmichael, March 1

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, March 1

Bibliophile Reviews, March 2

The Becca Files, March 2

Just Your Average reviews, March 2

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, March 3

Emily Yager, March 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 3

Genesis 5020, March 4

Reader’s Cozy Corner, March 4

Stories By Gina, March 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 5

Simple Harvest Reads, March 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Mary Hake, March 5

Remembrancy, March 6

Through the Fire Blogs, March 6

Inklings and Notions, March 6

Just the Write Escape, March 7

Pause for Tales, March 7

Book by Book, March 7

Living Life Free in Christ, March 8

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 8

To Everything A Season, March 8

The Lit Addict, March 9

Texas Book-aholic, March 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 10

Janices book reviews, March 10

Bigreadersite, March 10

Henry Happens, March 11

Godly Book Reviews, March 11

All-of-a-kind Mom, March 11

amandainpa , March 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lindsay is giving away a copy of Lindsay’s first book The Heart Between Us!!

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/dcc3/the-secrets-of-paper-and-ink-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts:

Wow! What an amazing novel! Fair warning: though I will try my best there is no way this review will even come close to doing this book justice! I recently read this author's previous novel The Heart Between Us and loved it, so needless to say that made me even more excited to read this new one. This book sucked me in on page one and didn't let me go. I was delightfully surprised to discover that this is in fact a time-slip novel (which is one of my favorite things!) I instantly connected with (and rooted for!) present day characters Sophia and Ginny, as well the historical character Emily, and the pages flew because I just had to know what would happen next! As with her previous novel The Heart Between Us, Lindsay Harrel takes the reader on a journey through the pages of this book and once again I found myself inspired and moved by the lessons I learned from this story! The message of finding our identity in Whose we are was so profoundly touching that it flooded my heart with renewed peace and nearly brought tears of joy to my eyes! I loved this book SO much! The Secrets of Paper and Ink beautifully depicts the power of words and story to change people's perspectives and even their lives, something every reader can relate to! The Secrets of Paper and Ink gave me all the feels and I didn't want it to end, but the ending was so incredibly well done that I turned the final page with a huge grin on my face and a sigh of happiness on my lips! 

In short, I adored every moment of this book and will absolutely be reading it again in the future! The Secrets of Paper and Ink will definitely be on my list of favorite reads of 2019! And I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us! I highly recommend that you do yourself a favor and buy a book by Lindsay Harrel, you won't be sorry! 

(5 Stars!)

I received an ebook 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.