The Loneliness Solution by Jack Eason, with a giveaway

 

Book description:

You are not alone.

Despite our connected world--and partly because of it--we are lonelier than ever. Social media tricks us into thinking that we are engaged in genuine friendships. Yet instead of intimacy, we get little more than what amounts to digital small talk. But there is a solution.

With plenty of good humor and practical advice, Jack Eason invites you to discover the benefits of doing life together with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Grounding his message in Scripture, Eason helps you

· learn the obstacles to real community

· reimagine what real friendship looks like

· discover a place of true belonging

· and more

If you're tired of feeling lonely, this encouraging and community-building book is just what you need.

My review:

  This book caught my eye for two reasons: The subject matter, and the fact that one of my favorite Christian suspense authors recommended it, Lynette Eason....who is his wife. :)

  I found the book to be very practical, with a lot of useful information and advice. It is an interactive book, with a few questions to answer at the end of each chapter along with a "putting it into practice" exercise.

 The book is split up into two sections: section one has six chapters on the problem of loneliness, and addresses the how's and why's of loneliness, even in this age of everyone being connected on social media. The second section is the is about the loneliness solution, with twice as many chapters, coming in at twelve chapters.

  Loneliness is a tough subject with no easy and quick fixes, and the author doesn't indicate otherwise. He does an excellent job of addressing both the problem and solution of loneliness, and I like the fact that he dedicated twice as many chapters to the solution as he does to the problem. Loneliness is something everyone deals with at some point and at some level in their lives, so this is an important and timely book, especially at this crazy time of a virus and quarantines.

 The book is an interesting and easy read, and is something I recommend for everyone to read. Even if one is not lonely, there is advice on how to find and help those who are lonely.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Jack Eason has been the executive director of Crossover Cups Mission for 30 years. The nonprofit organization's focus is on transforming the lives of young people in the Dominican Republic and Malawi. Additionally, Cups equips pastors through an annual HONOR event, along with partners like Focus on the Family and In Touch Ministries. Eason also consults with a variety of nonprofit ministries, helping them develop successful approaches to fundraising and development. He and his wife, Lynette, have been married 23 years and have two children. They live in South Carolina.

 The Loneliness Solution is available from Revell Publishing. Thanks to FlyBy Promotions.

Many thanks to Revel Publishers for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor FlyBy Promotions/Momentum Influencer in the last 30 days, from the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification

Giveaway:

To be entered to win a copy of The Loneliness Solution, comment on this blog post with what you are most looking forward to this Christmas.  If you do not have a blogger account, email me with your entry: marcus802001(at)yahoo(dot)com. Take parentheses out, they are there to avoid SPAM. 

I will pick a winner a week from today, December 16.

Book trailer:

Dreams Deferred by June Foster

Book review:
 

Frances Matthew Hall is obedient to family tradition: all firstborn sons will serve as a priest. Now Matt officiates at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. But when on Easter Sunday, he notices a beautiful young woman who takes his breath away, he must fight against his attraction to her or leave the priesthood and alienate his entire family.

Mary Louise Graham is a middle school teacher and devout catholic. Yet no amount of service to the community can ease the heavy load of guilt she carries. God can never forgive her unspeakable mistake. But when Father Matt tells her about a forgiving God through His son Jesus Christ, she's free. Only thing, the Godly priest now means more to her than he should.

Can two people find their way to each other amidst insurmountable obstacles? Dreams Deferred is inspired by the author's great grandfather and great grandmother's story.

My review:

  I first ran across this author when her book Ryan's Father came out and I ended up reviewing it. I have read a few of hers since then and enjoyed each one. This one intrigued me, and I was happy to review it.

 I am Protestant, and have never understood priests not being allowed to marry, so the idea of a priest leaving the priesthood and marrying was very interesting to me....and especially the fact that it is based on a true story of the author's great grandparents.

 Foster set the book in today's time, and did a great job of portraying what it might be like for a young priest to struggle between keeping his vows to the church and pursuing marriage and a different calling God put on his heart that the church said no to.

 The characters were very likable and engaging, and I really enjoyed the book. Spread throughout the blooming romance is a lot of truths, which are common in Foster's books. I appreciate it when an author doesn't shy away from putting a lot of Christian content in their books, and this one isn't afraid to do that.

 The book had a great ending, which is important to me....and this sap got a little watery eyed at the ending. Great read that I recommend. 

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

An award-winning author, June Foster is also a retired teacher with a BA in Education and  MA in Counseling. She is the mother of two and grandmother of ten. June began writing Christian romance in 2010. She penned her first novel on her Toshiba laptop as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provided a rich source of information for her novels. June enjoys writing stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find the path to live godly lives.

Check out her website at JuneFoster.com

Seven Words of Christmas by Robert Morris

 

Book description:

Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas through the seven words God spoke to seven different people around the time of Christ's birth, bringing hope and change to our world for eternity.

In Seven Words of Christmas, bestselling author and pastor Robert Morris explains each word of prophecy: an inspired utterance of a prophet, the words of God through man. He illustrates the story of Jesus surrounding the word, and applies the prophecy to our modern lives. Find the words of:

Salvation through Zacharias,

Favor through Mary, Blessing through Elizabeth, Guidance through Joseph, Joy through the Shepherds, Redemption through Anna, and Peace through Simeon.

Even now, thousands of years later, the eternal Word of God has numerous applications to modern life. This Christmas, discover salvation, blessings, peace, and more with Pastor Morris. 

My review:

  This isn't a big or long book, but it is interesting and has a lot of great content. As the description says, it focuses on seven words that have something to do with the Christmas story. It is set up to use as a 21-day devotional around Christmas time. Each of the seven words has 3 chapters titled "day 1, day 2", and so on. Each chapter is usually 5 pages, and doesn't take long to read. There are no Bible verses at the beginning of the chapter, but there are some spread throughout each chapter.

  It is an easy book to read, very interesting, and is a great way to focus one's thoughts and attention on the true meaning of Christmas. I did enjoy reading the book, and may use it again close to Christmas. 

About the author:

Robert Morris is the founding lead senior pastor of Gateway Church, a multicampus church based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Since it began in 2000, the church has grown to more than 71,000 active attendees. His television program is aired in over 190 countries, and his radio program, Worship & the Word with Pastor Robert, airs in more than 1,800 radio markets across America. He serves as chancellor of The King’s University and is the bestselling author of numerous books, including The Blessed Life, Frequency, Beyond Blessed, and Take the Day Off. Robert and his wife, Debbie, have been married 39 years and are blessed with one married daughter, two married sons, and nine grandchildren.

Seven Words of Christmas is available from FaithWords Publishing, part of the Hachette Book Group. 

Ottoman Dominion, Empires of Armageddon #3 by Terry Brennan

 

Book description: 

Diplomatic Security Service agent Brian Mullaney wants out. He's been drawn against his will into a dangerous international mission with world-ending implications--and his final assignment is going to pit him directly against the terrifying, evil entity known only as the Turk.

But when the Turk's minions breach the US embassy in Israel and the American ambassador disappears, Mullaney has no choice. He must accept his role as the final guardian of a mysterious box, his only weapon against the powers of darkness bent on preventing the second coming of the Messiah, no matter who or what they annihilate to accomplish their goal. Can this man who's already lost so much find the strength and faith to save the world--and fulfill the prophecy of peace?

The final volume of the Empires of Armageddon trilogy will have fans of Joel Rosenberg, Ronie Kendig, and Frank Peretti on the edge of their seats up to the final page.

My review:

  Book two left the reader hanging, and I have been looking forward to this third and last book in this series. And the wait was worth it.

 Ottoman Dominion takes up right where Persian Betrayal left off, and plunges right back into the action and intrigue. There is a lot going on in this book, and the reader is bounced around a lot from one location to another. Since the author always identifies the location along with the date and time, it is easy to keep track what is going on and where.

  Brian Mullaney has been the main character throughout this series, and remained so in this book. I like the fact that a whole trilogy centered on one main character and you get to like him and the author has plenty of time to develop the character. He faced a lot more danger in this book due to his new duties passed on to him in the last book.

  I really don't know much about what ambassadors do, or what the head of their security team might do, but the author did an excellent job of portraying what they might entail...I am sure after a lot of research. This book tied everything up and showed what a powder keg that area of the world is, and how important Israel and her wellbeing is.

 The ending was quite calm, and I loved the way the author ended the book. 

 This whole series was a fascinating read, and I was not just entertained, but I learned a lot. This book especially was hard to put down, and I did read it in one sitting. With breaks of course. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys political intrigue with suspense. The books do need to be read in order. 

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Terry Brennan is the award-winning author of The Sacred Cipher, The Brotherhood Conspiracy, and The Aleppo Code, the three books in The Jerusalem Prophecies series. His latest series is Empires of Armageddon, which includes Ishmael Covenant, Persian Betrayal, and Ottoman Dominion.

A Pulitzer Prize is one of the many awards Brennan accumulated during his 22-year newspaper career. The Pottstown (PA) Mercury won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing for a two-year series published while he led the team as the newspaper’s Editor.

Starting out as a sportswriter in Philadelphia, Brennan became an editor and publisher for newspapers in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York and later moved to the corporate staff of Ingersoll Publications (400 newspapers in the U.S., Ireland and England) as Executive Editor of all U.S. newspaper titles.

In 1996, Brennan transitioned into the nonprofit sector, spending 12 years as VP Operations for The Bowery Mission and six years as Chief Administrative Officer for Care for the Homeless,  both in New York City.

Terry and his wife, Andrea, now live in Danbury, CT.

More on Brennan can be found at www.terrybrennanauthor.com. He is also on Facebook (Terry Brennan) and Twitter (@terrbrennan1).

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read an excerpt here 

 Ottaman Dominion and the rest of the Empires of Armageddon are available from Kregel Publishing.

                                                                            Book 1

                                                                          Book 2

The Return by Nicholas Sparks

Book description:

In the romantic tradition of Dear John and The Lucky One, #1 New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sparks returns with the story of an injured Navy doctor -- and two women whose secrets will change the course of his life.

Trevor Benson never intended to move back to New Bern, NC. But when a mortar blast outside the hospital where he worked as an orthopedic surgeon sent him home from Afghanistan with devastating injuries, the dilapidated cabin he inherited from his grandfather seemed as good a place to regroup as any.

Tending to his grandfather's beloved bee hives while gearing up for a second stint in medical school, Trevor isn't prepared to fall in love with a local . . . and yet, from their very first encounter, his connection with Natalie Masterson can't be ignored. But even as she seems to reciprocate his feelings, she remains frustratingly distant, making Trevor wonder what she's hiding.

Further complicating his stay in New Bern is the presence of a sullen teenage girl, Callie, who lives in the trailer park down the road from his grandfather's cabin. Claiming to be 19, she works at the local sundries store and keeps to herself. When he discovers she was once befriended by his grandfather, Trevor hopes Callie can shed light on the mysterious circumstances of his grandfather's death, but she offers few clues -- until a crisis triggers a race that will uncover the true nature of Callie's past, one more intertwined with the elderly man's passing than Trevor could ever have anticipated.

In his quest to unravel Natalie and Callie's secrets, Trevor will learn the true meaning of love and forgiveness . . . and that in life, to move forward, we must often return to the place where it all began.

My review:

  I had previously read only one book by Nicholas Sparks, A Walk to Remember. To be honest, I thought it was sad. When I had the rare opportunity to review his newest book, I decided to give him a try again.....and was not disappointed.

  The Return is a leisurely enjoyable read. It is set in a delightful sounding Southern town, and is full of interesting and likable characters. The main character is Trevor Benson, a late 30's retired Navy doctor who was injured and suffers from PTSD. The book is first person point of view told from his perspective. He is a very likable and cool character, and I found myself liking him more as the story progressed.

 This is not a suspense novel, which is my favorite genre', but Trevor's time is taken up trying to unravel the mysteries of his grandfather's last days and the secrets of a teenage girl and the town's female deputy. The story had a lot of twists and turns, and more than one surprise. At one point it looked impossible that Trevor was going to get what he wanted, and I couldn't wait to find out how the author handled the big twist in his life.

  I like happy endings, and wasn't sure there was going to be one in this story, but the author did bring about a satisfying ending and all of the mysteries were solved. It left me feeling happy that I read and reviewed the book. Great read.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. All of his books have been New York Times bestsellers, with over 105 million copies sold worldwide, in more than 50 languages, including over 75 million copies in the United States alone.

Sparks wrote one of his best-known stories, The Notebook, over a period of six months at age 28. It was published in 1996 and he followed with the novels Message in a Bottle (1998), A Walk to Remember (1999), The Rescue (2000), A Bend in the Road (2001), Nights in Rodanthe (2002), The Guardian (2003), The Wedding (2003), True Believer (2005) and its sequel, At First Sight (2005), Dear John (2006), The Choice (2007), The Lucky One (2008), The Last Song (2009), Safe Haven (2010), The Best of Me (2011), The Longest Ride (2013), See Me (2015), Two by Two (2016) and Every Breath (2018) as well as the 2004 non-fiction memoir Three Weeks With My Brother, co-written with his brother Micah. His twenty-first novel, The Return, will be published on September 29, 2020.

Film adaptations of Nicholas Sparks novels, including The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven (on all of which he served as a producer), The Lucky One, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John and The Last Song, have had a cumulative worldwide gross of over three-quarters of a billion dollars. The Notebook is also being adapted into a musical, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.

Sparks lives in North Carolina. He contributes to a variety of local and national charities, and is a major contributor to the Creative Writing Program (MFA) at the University of Notre Dame, where he provides scholarships, internships, and a fellowship annually. He co-founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, North Carolina in 2006. As a former full scholarship athlete (he still holds a track and field record at the University of Notre Dame) he also spent four years coaching track and field athletes at the local public high school. In 2009, the team he coached at New Bern High School set a World Junior Indoor Record in the 4x400 meter, in New York. The record still stands.

The Nicholas Sparks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to improving cultural and international understanding through global education experiences for students of all ages was launched in 2011. Between the foundation, and the personal gifts of the Sparks family, more than $15 million dollars have been distributed to deserving charities, scholarship programs, and projects. Because the Sparks family covers all operational expenses of the foundation, 100% of donations are devoted to programs.

The Escape, U.S. Marshals #1 by Lisa Harris

Book description: 

 How do you catch a fugitive who has nothing to lose?

US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn have orders to transport two high-profile prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest. 

With both pilots and one prisoner dead--and one fugitive on the run--Madison and Jonas must negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry as they track a murderer who is desperate to disappear . . . and will do anything to stop them.

My review:

   I enjoy reading books about the U.S. Marshals, but this one was different than the others I have read. The others I have read have been about WITSEC, which fascinates me. This book deals with Marshals transporting criminals, then chasing after one who escapes.

  Since most of the story is about a criminal on the run from the Marshals, the book is pretty much non-stop action as the Marshals try to figure out the bad guy's next move. I found it interesting and gripping as the story played out, knowing they would most likely catch the criminal eventually, but enjoying the suspense and process as that happened. 

 I am no expert on law enforcement, but I thought the author did a great job of portraying what a hunt for an escaped convict might look like, along with what that convict might do.

 Romance took a back seat in the story, and there was just a hint that the two main characters are headed towards some kind of romantic relationship, but that will evidently be developed in the next book. I did like the two main characters, and the interplay between them as they tracked down the bad guy. And it looks like the series is going to center on the same two characters, which is different.

  The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which has me already looking forward to the second book, which is too far off. But it was an excellent read, and the start of what appears to be a great series.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Lisa Harris is a USA Today bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than 40 books, including The Escape, The Traitor's Pawn, Vanishing Point, A Secret to Die For, and Deadly Intentions, as well as The Nikki Boyd Files and the Southern Crimes series, Harris and her family have spent over 17 years living as missionaries in southern Africa. She is currently stateside in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.

   The Escape is available from Revell Publishing, part of the Baker Publishing Group. Thanks to Revell for the review copy.

Soul Raging, The Book of Wars #3 by Ronie Kendig

 

Book description: 

As Prophecies in the Book of the Wars Unfold, the Only Hope Is Uniting with the Enemy.

Leif Metcalfe is done waiting for answers and seizes control, a move that comes with a high price and a deadly risk: teaming up with the enemy. He can only pray what he uncovers will heal the wounds he's inflicted on those he loves.

Iskra Todorova refuses to believe Leif is irrevocably lost, despite evidence to the contrary. While trying to protect her daughter and track down Leif before it's too late, Iskra wonders if a member of the evil organization ArC has been in their midst since the beginning.

Torn apart by injuries and opposing views about Leif's treachery, team Reaper hunts one of their own. The only thing they agree on is not stopping but starting the final battle prophesied in the Book of the Wars.

My review:

   I have been looking forward to this third and last book in this series ever since the second one ended on a cliffhanger. And it was a major cliffhanger....Kendig left her readers wondering if he hero of the series was possibly on the wrong side.

   Soul Raging is full of non stop action bouncing back and forth between Germany and the US. I'll admit the author had me wondering who the good guys really were for parts of the book. Leif is a very likable character no matter where the reader thinks his loyalties lie. I admit there were times I wasn't sure what was going on or where the book was going, but it had me pulled in so deep I had to keep reading and hope for the best.

  The same characters were back from the first two books, and the interplay between them was interesting and entertaining. Iskra was one I didn't like at first, but she grew on me and became one of my favorite characters in the series.

 This was most likely the most suspenseful of the three books in the series, and the one that had the most action. This book is proof that Kendig just keeps getting better with each book and series she writes.

  I like happy endings, and Soul Raging had a great ending that left me with that satisfied feeling I have when I finish a great book.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Ronie Kendig (www.roniekendig.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of over 20 novels. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her hunky hero are adventuring on the East Coast with their grown children, a retired military working dog, VVolt N629, and Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels with intense, raw characters.

  Soul Raging is available from Bethany House Publishers, part of the Baker Publishing Group.

                                                                         Book #1

                                                                           Book #2

Backlash, Capital Intrigue #2 by Rachel Dylan

Book description:

 With a target on her back, she's determined to find answers.

But can she escape the deadly backlash?

CIA analyst Layla Karam is thrust into a dangerous DEA field operation against a cartel, and after one of her team members is murdered because of fallout from the op, Layla is left scrambling to find safety.

At the same time, the CIA opens an internal investigation against her. Out of options, Layla turns to ex-boyfriend and private investigator Hunter McCoy for help finding out who might want to ruin her career.

Layla and Hunter soon discover that a mole inside the DEA has sold out the team's identity to the cartel. She needs to clear her name with the Agency in order to protect herself and her teammates from cartel retaliation. With threats on all sides, Layla must put her trust in Hunter--the man who broke her heart--and hope they both come out of it alive.

My review:

   Rachel Dylan is still a somewhat new author to me, and I have loved everything I have read by her. The series of hers I read previously was more on the law and courtroom, whereas this series focuses on law enforcement: The CIA, NCIS, and the DEA.

 Backlash is the second book in this series, and is even better than the first one. With killers after some of the team that had been on a major drug raid, the action and suspense are non stop amid the search for a mole.

 A side plot involves sexual assault, and this warning is on the publisher's website: "For those who are content sensitive: this book contains non-graphic scenes and descriptions of physical and sexual assault." The description is very general, and not graphic at all.

  This is romantic suspense, so of course there is a romantic angle to the book. I actually enjoy that these days and was rooting for Hunter to win Layla back, especially when the truth came out on the breakup.

 There is a lot to like about this book, and it is one I couldn't put down, and I did read it in one evening. And it left me wanting more.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Rachel Dylan (www.racheldylan.com) is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade, including being a litigator at one of the nation's top law firms. Her Atlanta Justice series has won the Holt Medallion, the Maggie Award, and the FHL Reader's Choice Award. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids--two dogs and three cats.

Backlash is available from Bethany House Publishers, part of the Baker Publishing Group.

                                                                   Capital Intrigue #1

The Price of Valor, Global Search and Rescue #3 by Susan May Warren

 

Book description:

A high-octane mix of love and adventure

Kidnapped by rebels while serving as a humanitarian aid worker in Chechnya, Signe Kincaid has spent the past decade secreting out valuable information about Russian assets in the US to her CIA handler. Fearing for her daughter after being discovered as an operative, Signe sends her to former Navy SEAL Hamilton Jones for safekeeping. Signe is ready to give her life for her country, and she can hardly expect Ham to rescue her after breaking his heart over and over.

Hamilton Jones has never forgotten the only woman he loved--and he can't believe after all these years she's shown up alive. But can he forgive her for her secrets? And, when Ham discovers the reason Signe has kept her distance, he must choose between love for her and love for the nation he has vowed to protect.

Will he save the many? Or the few? And what is the price of valor?

My review:

  I have recently become a fan of Susan May Warren's books. In just this year, I have read a few of her series and have gotten hooked on her books.

 The Global Search and Rescue Series may be one of her most exciting series. Unfortunately, it appears this is only a three-book series.

 The Price of Valor centers on the leader of the Global Search and Rescue group, Hamilton (Ham) Jones, and his CIA agent wife who he recently found out was alive with the fact that he was the father of a 10 year old daughter.

  This whole series has been awesome and exciting, but this last book tops the other three. In her gripping Marshalls of Montana Series a plot was hatched that possibly implicated the female Vice President of the USA nominee. I was disappointed when that series ended without that being resolved. Slight spoiler: that gets resolved in a very dramatic and exciting way in this book. One thing I like about Warren's writing is she pulls characters from other series into another series.....and this book had characters from the Marshalls of Montana and The Montana Rescue Series.

 The author takes some of her characters to Italy and tosses them into a situation that involves an erupting volcano and tsunami. As her heroes fight for their lives while rescuing others, they also run for their lives as they are involved in international espionage, spies,  and political intrigue. Warren  did an excellent job on describing the events in a town hit with an erupting volcano and tsunami. It was a very gripping and exciting part of the book, though the whole book was gripping and exciting. 

 As always, her characters totally rocked.

 Among all the drama and action, the book also dealt with Ham's struggles to forgive his wife for deserting him for 10 years, for having a daughter he didn't know about, and what she did to survive and work for her country.

 It may seem a weird thing to do, but I clapped after finishing the book. It really was that good.

  I highly recommend this book, and the whole series.....but I do advise reading the Marshalls of Montana Series first...which may be her best series ever.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 65 novels with more than 1 million books sold, including The Way of the Brave and The Heart of a Hero, as well as the Montana Rescue series. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.

The Price of Valor and the rest of the Global Search and Rescue Series is available from Revell, part of the Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Revell for the review copy.

                                                                        Book #1

                                                                           Book #2

                                                           The Montana Marshalls Series

Point of Danger, Triple Threat #1 by Irene Hannon

Book description:

 Hate mail was one thing. This was quite another.

Radio talk show host Eve Reilly is used to backlash from her pot-stirring on-air commentary and interviews. But now it seems a disgruntled listener is resorting to more than angry words to express their displeasure. When a suspicious package arrives on her doorstep, Eve turns to law enforcement for help.

Police detective Brent Lange can't find any evidence to link the string of unsettling incidents that follows, but he's convinced they're connected. As the harassment grows more menacing, it becomes clear someone wants Eve's voice silenced--permanently. 

But unless he can track down her elusive foe, the gutsy woman who is willing to take risks for what she believes--and who is swiftly winning his heart--may not survive.

My review:

  I have been reading Irene Hannon's suspense novels for several years, and she remains one of my favorite authors. She is one author who just seems to get better with each series and book. This first book in her new Triple Threat Series is proof of that.

  Hannon takes a page from current events, and brings the radical group Antifa into her story. I always get easily engrossed in her books anyway, but that made the story all the more interesting and gripping as I read in a novel about what is happening in real life.

  The main characters were well developed and very likable: Eve, the conservative talk show host determined to stick to her beliefs and let her views be known, even when threatened....and Brent, the determined police detective who thinks his past experiences mean he must go through life alone.

  Point of Danger truly is a read in one sitting, at least for me. It has non stop action, drama, and suspense that made the book hard to put down, even for drink and bathroom breaks. There was a lot going on in this book, and I didn't know what was going to happen next. One bad guy was a bit predictable as to his identity, but the other was a total surprise, and I did not see it coming.

 And though fictional, Point of Danger does emphasize the fact that there are radical hate groups in our country who are bent on destruction and division.

 Hannon shows in this book that she still has it, and this may be her best....or at least one of her best...yet. It definitely made me want more in what promises to be another great series from this accomplished author.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including Hope Harbor, Sea Rose Lane, Sandpiper Cove, Pelican Point, Driftwood Bay, and Starfish Pier, as well as Point of Danger and the Code of Honor, Private Justice, and Men of Valor suspense series. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. Her many other awards include National Readers' Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers' Choice, Booksellers' Best, Carol, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement Award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

Point of Danger is available from Revell, part of the Baker Publishing Group. Thanks to Revell for the review copy.

Follow Your Heart, movie review

Movie description:


Kathy Yoder is a travel writer who has left her Amish ways behind, but when she returns home to settle her father’s affairs, she is tempted to return to her former lifestyle. Starring Galadriel Stineman, Kevin Joy, and Jonathan Patrick Moore.

My review:

  I don't often get the chance to review movies, and often I am not interested. This one caught my attention since it is a Hallmark movie and has to do with the Amish.

 I did not receive a physical copy of the movie, but was provided with a link to view it......and I really enjoyed it. The acting was well done, with no cheesy factor. I liked the plot, though it was a bit predicable.....and the movie didn't end the way I thought it might. I thought the Amish and their way of life was well represented, and the actors played their roles very well and were well suited for the roles. 

 As one might assume about a movie like this, it is squeaky clean with no bad language. I definitely recommend it, and can say it will be an enjoyable experience to view it.

More about the movie and actors here: Follow Your Heart

And here.

Thanks to Frontgate Media for the review opportunity.

Movie Trailer:

The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson

 

Book description:

All Emma Daley wants this holiday season is a white Christmas. But the young teacher and struggling musician sure can't find that in sunny Arizona. Luckily, there's someone living in a perfect mountain home in the Colorado Rockies looking to make a vacation trade.

West Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the houseguests would be so sweet--or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and to get better acquainted, he poses as the caretaker of his own house. But when Emma's friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things get . . . messy.

My review:

  Melody Carlson has been writing Christmas books every year for several years. I have been reviewing them as long as I have reviewed books, and she has never disappointed. Each book is totally different than the others, yet is always a delightful read. The Christmas Swap is another great read, yet different.

  This book is a little more lighthearted than some, and is pretty much a straightforward romance around Christmas. I loved the two main characters, West and Emma. West especially is an awesome character as he slightly misleads the guests in his house to his true identity, yet his reasons are totally understandable.

  The Christmas Swap is a simple story of boy meets girl, and their romance is almost thwarted by girl's shallow best friend. Though fictional, the book does show how some people are so easily drawn to others because of who they are, and not drawn to the person of their own personality. Emma was drawn to West because of the kind of man he was, but Emma wasn't drawn to him until she found out who he really was.

 I thoroughly enjoyed The Christmas Swap, and it is another Christmas novel the author can be proud of. And yes, it put me in the mood for Christmas.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over 200 books with sales of more than 7 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

The Christmas Swap is available from Revell, part of the Baker Publishing Group.

Airborne by DiAnn Mills

Book description:

Heather Lawrence’s long-awaited vacation to Salzburg wasn’t supposed to go like this. Mere hours into the transatlantic flight, the Houston FBI agent is awakened when passengers begin exhibiting horrific symptoms of an unknown infection. As the virus quickly spreads and dozens of passengers fall ill, Heather fears she’s witnessing an epidemic similar to ones her estranged husband studies for a living—but this airborne contagion may have been deliberately released.

While Heather remains quarantined with other survivors, she works with her FBI colleagues to identify the person behind this attack. The prime suspect? Dr. Chad Lawrence, an expert in his field . . . and Heather’s husband. The Lawrences’ marriage has been on the rocks since Chad announced his career took precedence over his wife and future family and moved out.

As more victims fall prey days after the initial outbreak, time’s running out to hunt down the killer, one who may be closer to the victims than anyone ever expected.

My review:

  DiAnn Mills has become a favorite author, so I was happy to have an offer to review her newest book, one that was on my to-read list when it comes out.

 Reading Airborne at this time was especially interesting since it deals with a virus, and we have been dealing with the Covid virus for several months now.

  Airborne was a lot different than Mill's other books. A lot of the story took place on a plane, and the main character was quarantined for most of the book. Mills did an awesome job of describing the effects and fallout of such a virus.

 Heather made an awesome main character, dealing with the breakup of her marriage, being on a plane where a virus had been released, and knowing her husband was the main suspect in the attack. I found myself liking her husband and hoping he was innocent, and that they would get back together. (You'll have to read the book to find out).

 One thing that really impacted me was the spiritual journey of one of the characters in the book. An atheist slowly found himself believing the Bible, and finally coming to know Jesus. The author wrote about this journey in such a way that it really moved me and has been on my mind. God does use Christian fiction.

  I figured out fairly early who the bad guy was, but was not expecting the twist when it became clear.

  Airborne was an awesome read that was full of suspense and non stop dram and action one can expect from Mills' books. It had a great ending, and I appreciate the unapologetic Christian part of the story. I highly recommend this book.

Take Back Your Life: A 40-Day Interactive Journey to Thinking Right So You Can Live Right by Levi Lusko

Book description:

A forty-day interactive journey that will help you identify and fight your internal battles—so you can take back your life. 

Every person has a mission and a God-given potential to impact the world, whether they recognize it or not. But life presents challenges and traps us in a helpless, hopeless loop of anxiety and fear.

In Take Back Your Life, a blend of bestselling books Through the Eyes of a Lion and I Declare War, join Levi Lusko on an interactive journey to take back your life. With biblical truth and perspective, this step-by-step journaling process will help you:

get out of your own way by learning to think right so you can live right,
find purpose by discovering that God will do great things with your imperfect progress, and
learn that your pain is not an obstacle to being used by God but an opportunity to be used like never before.
This is more than a book; it’s an intimate self-analysis tool that will help you recognize what’s weighing you down or holding you back, and equip you to embrace it head-on as you become the best version of yourself. Start thinking right, so you can live right.

My review:

  I am familiar with this author, but have never read anything by him until now. Take Back Your Life is a devotional type book, but that is an interactive kind of devotional.

 There are 40 chapters, intended to be done over a period of 40 days. Each chapter starts out with a Bible verse, followed by the devotional part. That is followed by a short prayer, then the "Breathe, Think, and Live" part. It consists of several questions to answer, and often some actions to do.

 I didn't do all 40 days, as I didn't have enough time to do them all one day at a time, but I like what I read. The book is Biblical, and if the reader answers the questions and does the exercises that are in the book, I can see it would definitely be a help. Lusko has a great and interesting style of writing, and relates a lot of personal anecdotes throughout the book. As I glanced through the parts of the book that I didn't read yet, it is obvious there is a lot of depth to the book, and it can be a valuable tool for anyone who needs to change their thinking about themselves.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC and HCCP for providing this prize for the giveaway and review.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.


About the author:

 Levi Lusko is the author of the bestselling books “Through the Eyes of a Lion” and “Swipe Right.” He is also the lead pastor of Fresh Life Church – a multisite church located in Montana, Utah, Oregon, and Wyoming that he and his wife Jennie pioneered in 2007. Levi travels around the world speaking about Jesus. He takes pleasure in small things, such as black coffee, new shoes, fast Internet, and falling asleep in the sun. He and his wife have one son: Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven.

 

Giveway:

 Courtesy of FlyBy Promotions, I have one copy of Take Back Your Life to give away. Just comment on this post, or email me if you do not have a blogger account. I will pick a winner using Random.org 10 days from now on September 4.

The Gentleman Spy, Serendipity Secrets #2 by Erica Vetsch

Book description:


He only wanted a duchess for a day--but she's determined to make it a marriage for life

When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she's meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life--as a secret agent for the Crown.

But his bride has other ideas. She's determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society--the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she'd remain in the background as he ordered.

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?

Book review: 

Although these aren't the type of books I normally read, I enjoyed the first one so much that I have been looking forward to reading the second one.Since the main male character was a spy, this book leaned more towards being suspense than the first one, which made it all the more enjoyable to me.

 Both Charlotte and Marcus were interesting and likable characters, which is a big plus for a story, but especially Marcus. He was a rich aristocrat going through the motions of what he had to do in society, yet had a secret life as a spy that even his new wife didn't know about. And Charlotte was intended to be a meek wife to gain approval and help his place in society, but she bucked the system and got involved in helping women who were trapped in prostitution.

 I really enjoyed this story. The author did a great job of portraying life in England in the 1800's, and what a marriage of convenience might look like. Vetsch has a great writing style, and captured my attention on the first page, and kept it all through the book. This book IS a romance, so there was a lot of that in the book, made all the more interesting by the spy activities and by wondering what Charlotte would do next to mortify her mother-in-law and knock her new husband off balance.

 The main characters from  the previous book made a few appearances, and it was cool to have them tied into the story.

 Vetsch has come out with another riveting novel that has left this reader looking forward to the 3rd and last novel in this trilogy.


I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.  

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.

Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

Giveaway. Enter here.

Persian Betrayal, Empires of Armageddon #2 by Terry Brennan

Book description:

How much can Brian Mullaney risk to serve God and save lives--without losing his own? DSS Regional Security Officer Brian Mullaney has been tasked with an incredibly dangerous mission. When a synagogue in Jerusalem is destroyed by an explosion, burying the second key prophecy Mullaney is hunting--and the deadly box that protects it--the answers he desperately needs are also crushed. How can he discover the meaning of the centuries-old prophecy now? Why are he and the ambassador he's assigned to protect being targeted? And is there any way this lone man can thwart a nuclear arms race between three ascendant empires of the past?

An otherworldly servant of evil known only as the Turk is maneuvering all three nations into an intricate dance designed to undermine prophecy about the end times. And he won't let Mullaney or anyone else get in his way.

Wounded in a bloody shoot-out, pressured by his wife to come home, and mourning the death of his best friend, Mullaney doesn't need a powerful enemy. Who is he to save the Ishmael Covenant, the treaty promising peace in the Middle East? Despite angelic intervention, Mullaney wants nothing to do with his final assignment. But without him, evil will win the ultimate struggle . . . and humankind will have no hope left. 

My review:

 It took me a while to get into the first book in this series, but that wasn't the case with this book. It picks up where the first book ended, and launches right into action and drama. This book was a thrilling ride through the Middle East, with constant action and political intrigue woven with Bible prophecy.

 It is obvious that Brennan has done a lot of research for this series, and has put a lot of history and detail in the story that taught me a lot about what has gone on in that area, and what is currently going on.

 Slight spoiler: Brennan's description of what might happen if a peace treaty was actually signed was interesting and has repercussions to do with passages in the Bible that I had never considered.

 Brian Mullaney is the main character, and this book had more character development and background on this very likable character. And he is not the only likable character. Then there are the ones not so likable that I found myself hoping would get found out and get what they deserve.

 Persian Betrayal is an awesome story of political intrigue, but also shows how unstable that area is, and what could happen if the wrong people got enough power and abilities to wipe others out. Once I picked this book up, I could not put it down. From start to finish, it is non stop action and intrigue, and it left me wishing the third book was out. Awesome story.


I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own

About the author:

A Pulitzer Prize is just one of the awards Terry Brennan accumulated during a 22-year career in journalism.

​The Pottstown (PA) Mercury  won a Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing for a two-year series of editorials written while Brennan was the newspaper’s Editor. Once directly responsible for over 100 newsrooms in the United States, Brennan was an award-winning writer, editor and publisher,  including an award for editorial writing from the Freedoms Foundation.

​He was an Editor and Publisher for newspapers in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York and moved to the corporate staff of Ingersoll Publications (400 newspapers in the U.S., Ireland and England) as Executive Editor of all U.S. newspaper titles.

 In 1996 Brennan transferred his successful management career to the non-profit sector and served for 12 years as Vice President of Operations for The Bowery Mission and for more than a decade as Chief Administrative Officer for Care for the Homeless in New York City.

​Terry and his wife, Andrea, live in Connecticut, near their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren; their son lives in Lake Tahoe, California. Terry's two adult sons and their families live in Pennsylvania. 

Check out his website at terrrybrennanauthor.com
​
Persian Betrayal is available from Kregel Publishing.

The Beautiful Ashes of Gomez Gomez by Buck Storm

Book description:

When his wife, Angel, is killed in a head-on collision, Gomez Gomez feels he can't go on--so he doesn't. He spends his days in the bushes next to the crash site drinking Thunderbird wine, and his nights cradling a coffee can full of Angel's ashes. Slow, sure suicide, with no one for company but the snakes, Elvis's ghost, and a strange kid named Bones.

Across town, Father Jake Morales plays it safe, haunted by memories of the woman he left behind, hiding his guilt, loss, and love behind a thick wall of cassock and ritual. Then a shady business deal threatens the town--and his good friend Gomez Gomez--and Father Jake can't just stand by and watch. But what happens when the rescuer is the one in need of saving?

The Beautiful Ashes of Gomez Gomez is quirky, heartfelt, and deeply human. Lives and hopes collide in the town of Paradise, stretching across decades and continents in this epic story of forgiveness, redemption, and love.

My review:

  I have reviewed hundreds of books, and can count the negative ones I have done on one hand. I don't like to leave negative ones, but I am honest in my reviews. This book sounded really good and intrigued me, but I just could not get into it. It IS a little weird...a drunk guy talking to snakes and his dead wife, and the snakes talk back....but 64 pages in, I just wasn't enjoying the book, and was forcing myself to read, so I put it down.

 I am not knocking the author. A lot of people like his books, including this one, so it may just be me. The author does have an interesting writing style, but this book just wasn't for me.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own

About the author:

Buck Storm is a critically acclaimed author and musician whose stories have found friends around the world. His nonfiction work includes Finding Jesus in Israel and Through the Holy Land on the Road Less Traveled. Storm’s novels include The List, The Light, Truck Stop Jesus, and The Miracle Man. The latest, The Beautiful Ashes of Gomez Gomez, launches his new series, Ballads of Paradise.

Storm and his wife, Michelle, make their home in North Idaho and have two married children.

Learn more about Buck Storm, as well as his writing and music, at buckstorm.com. He can also be found on Facebook (@buckstormauthor), Twitter (@buckstormauthor), and Instagram (@buckstorm).

The Beautiful Ashes of Gomez Gomez is available from Kregel Publishing.

The Crushing Depths, Costal Guardians #2 by Dani Pettrey

Book description:

They know the power and peril of the ocean.
But as they get closer to the deadly truth . . .
An even greater danger lurks just beneath the surface.

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker, Coast Guard Investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are flown to the scene thirty-eight miles from shore. Tensions aboard the rig are high, and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the "plague on the environment" from continuing its work. Meanwhile, rumors are circulating on board about an ancient curse lurking in the depths below.

Mounting evidence shows the death might not have been an accident. Was the man killed by one of the activists or, more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only numerous suspects, but also their own haunted pasts and their attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems about to break open, worse news arrives: a tropical storm has turned their way. Now they're cut off from any rescue--right where the killer wants them.

My review:

  I have been hooked on Dani Pettrey's books since I read and reviewed her first book, Submerged, the first in the five-book series Alaskan Courage back in 2012. And she just keeps getting better.

  What I liked about this book:

The characters: I love all of the characters in this series, and this one focused on the new team member, Mason, and his childhood acquaintance, Rissi. Their relationship was a bit different from the usual in romantic suspense novels. They had been foster kids together years before to the same abusive man, and Mason had been her protector. This added a different and cool aspect and angle to their relationship. I have come to not just tolerate, but actually enjoy the romantic aspect of these books, and it was fun watching them renew their friendship and realize both felt more than just friends.

 I liked both main characters, but Mason was just a really awesome one you can't help but liking. One thing I love about a series where the same characters are in each book, is there is so much time and room for character development, and Pettrey excels at that. Logan is one of the most interesting and likable characters, the atheist who is so witty and almost flamboyant. I love his interactions with Emmy, and laughed out loud more than once at their arguing and slams at each other.


The suspense: A lot of the action takes place on an oil rig where unexplained and suspicious accidents keep happening, resulting in some deaths.  This truly was one of those books where you don't know what is going to happen next, nor who the guilty party is. The oil rig isn't your usual setting for a suspense novel, though not everything happened on it, but the plot did revolve around it....and it made for an interesting story.


The action: There was a lot of action in the series, and the book was fairly fast-paced, which I like.

The setting: This is the first series I have read that centers on the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and I am loving it and the setting for the story. In this book, Mason and Rissi took a day trip to my favorite vacation spot, The Outer Banks...which was an added enjoyment for me.

The romance: As I mentioned, I enjoyed the developing relationship between Mason and Rissi. The author has thrown me for a loop though in what to hope for next.....I was hoping the next book would center on Logan and Emmy, but after reading this book, I also want it to feature Noah and Caleb and their possible relationships. I definitely am looking forward to book #3.

  The Crushing Depths was an awesome read, just as good as the book it follows. Pettrey again shows why she is one of my top favorite authors.


I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.



About the author:

Praised by New York Times bestselling author Dee Henderson as "a name to look for in romantic suspense," Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their "wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters" (Publishers Weekly), "gripping storyline[s]" (RT Book Reviews), and "sizzling undercurrent of romance" (USA Today).

Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing's Best Award.

Dani considers herself blessed to be able to write the kind of stories she loves--full of plot twists, peril, love, and a longing for hope and redemption. Her greatest joy as an author is sharing the stories God lays on her heart. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com.


  The Crushing Depths is available from Bethany House Publishers, part of the Baker Publishing Group.


                                                     #1 in The Coastal Guardian Series

                                                    The Alaskan Courage Series:

The Chesapeake Valor Series: