"Driven to be Loved" 

(The Carmen Sisters #3)

by

Pat Simmons 

Description

On the surface, Brecee Carmen has nothing in common with Adrian Cole. She is a pediatrician certified in trauma care; he is a transportation problem-solver for a luxury car dealership (a.k.a., a car salesman). Despite their slow but steady attraction to each other, neither one of them is sure that they're compatible. To complicate matters, Brecee is the sole unattached Carmen daughter when it seems as though everyone else around her, family and friends, is finding love. Through a series of discoveries, Adrian and Brecee learn that things don't always happen by coincidence. Generational forces are at work, keeping promises, protecting family members, and perhaps even drawing Adrian back to the church he had strayed from. Is it possible that God has been playing matchmaker all along?

Purchase here:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

Pat Simmons holds a B.S. in Mass Communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. She has worked in various media positions in radio, television, and print for more than twenty years. Currently, she oversees the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions. She is the author of nine single titles and several eBook novellas. Her award–winning books include Talk to Me, ranked #14 of Top Books in 2008 That Changed Lives by Black Pearls Magazine. She is a two–time recipient of the Romance Slam Jam Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance for Still Guilty (2010) and Crowning Glory (2011). Her best–selling novels include Guilty of Love and the Jamieson Legacy series: Guilty by Association, The Guilt Trip, and Free from Guilt. The Acquittal (a Guilty Parties novel) was her 2013 release.

Website: http://www.patsimmons.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patsimmonsauthor?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~

A trauma pediatrician and a high end car salesman are an unlikely match. Brecee's life is devoted to her relationship with God and healing injured and sick children. There is no room in her life for a man who has no relationship for God, and whose main goals are to sell fancy cars. These are very strong characters with very strong family ties. Getting to know them was very enjoyable and at times quite humorous. Adrian's lack of faith is a great concern to Brecee, and she attempts to keep her distance for that particular reason. 

This is a very strong Christian fiction story of family, priorities, relationships and above all, faith and living it. I enjoyed getting to know Brecee's family, and the differences between her sisters and herself. They're looking to get her married off, but she won't settle for anything less than her set of priorities in a man. 

Driven to be Loved is a wonderful Christian women's book. It is inspirational, true to its genre and I enjoyed getting to know the various characters throughout the story. Although a bit predictable it's a great weekend read that will awaken your spirit.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network's For Readers Only program in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

 

 

"Lake Surrender" 

by Carol Grace Stratton

Description 

Stratton's debut contemporary Christian romance introduces readers to the healing joy of life. A promising tale of redemption and perseverance. ~ Publishers Weekly

Nominated for a Christy Award

Quicker than you can say "downsized, unemployed, and divorced," Ally Cervantes finds herself with the Pacific Ocean in her rearview mirror as she and her two children head to Lake Surrender in rural Northern Michigan to live with her aunt. The dry hills of California are a metaphor for her empty soul, but she can't afford to wallow in self-pity with an autistic son who can't make eye contact and a precocious twelve-year-old daughter counting on her to get it together.

With no other available jobs, Ally steps through the only open door for employment, working as head cook at a dilapidated Christian camp. Problem is, she doesn't cook and doesn't like religious fanatics.

But despite everything, she finds herself strangely hopeful as she learns her journey ends where the lake begins.

Purchase at these locations:

http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
https://www.deepershopping.com
 

Biography

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and lived in the Midwest most of my married life.

In my first novel, Lake Surrender, I use my love of Michigan lakes to tell a story of a woman struggling with abrupt change and difficult circumstances to see a greater hand at work.

With slices of humor, I write of hardships many face as a single mom, a parent of a disabled child, a displaced employee, a lonely widow and a once homeless young man.

My characters, flawed, live through unnerving stress, like a barefoot water-skier hanging on to the boat connected with one strand of yarn to life. While hanging onto the boat for dear life they find the unwavering patience of God in the most unusual places.

Using my degree in Recreational Therapy I have worked with autistic children, In this novel I wanted a story that would lift their value in the world while at the same time highlight the difficulty raising such a special child.

My first book, Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted is a devotional for movers, anecdotes pulled from 22 moves. I have a passion to help families move reminding them they will have a life and community at the other end.

A foot loose and fancy-free freelancer for fourteen years I've now settled down to a regular gig as a reporter for the Mooresville Weekly in Davidson, North Carolina.

Words define me....I love to speak to women's groups such as MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and at national writers' conferences.

Family defines me more. I have a great husband, four grown children and five grandchildren. As far as hobbies I love music and favor bluegrass. If prodded, I will produce a mandolin.

My secret dream was to become a lounge singer. But realizing that dream is a little late to happen, I've found great contentment writing stories to encourage and inspire women. So actually I've chosen the better path.  

Website: http://carolgstratton.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carol-Grace-Stratton-813339755356589/

My Thoughts ~

Ally's losses continue to mount, a divorce, her home, and to top that off, her job. A single mom with no job, no home, and two children to raise, makes a life-changing decision. With her almost teen daughter and an autistic young son, she makes a big move toward healing and a new start in life. They leave San Francisco behind and move to Michigan to stay with Ally's aunt on Lake Surrender. 

This is a debut novel for this author, and had I not known that fact I would have been amazed! This author's creative writing skills are remarkable. She has obviously done a lot of research regarding the topics that are broached in this touching story of this uprooted family. Her descriptions of an autistic young child are authentic and stirring. The challenges that are met in this heart wrenching story are poignant and realistic.

I could hardly wait for my reading time each day as I looked forward to what might happen next in this unpredictable novel. I look forward to more writing from Carol Grace Stratton, as I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Family is pivotal to this story, and the relationships within this family are emotional yet heartwarming.

I highly recommend this new author's touching novel. An emotional journey through the lives of a family stricken by hardship after hardship will open your mind and heart to the realities of life through the eyes of this talented author.



 

  

"The Sea Keeper's Daughters"

by

Lisa Wingate

 

Description

From modern-day Roanoke Island to the sweeping backdrop of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Roosevelt’s WPA folklore writers, past and present intertwine to create an unexpected destiny. Restaurant owner Whitney Monroe is desperate to save her business from a hostile takeover. The inheritance of a decaying Gilded Age hotel on North Carolina’s Outer Banks may provide just the ray of hope she needs. But things at the Excelsior are more complicated than they seem. Whitney’s estranged stepfather is entrenched on the third floor, and the downstairs tenants are determined to save the historic building. Searching through years of stored family heirlooms may be Whitney’s only hope of quick cash, but will the discovery of an old necklace and a Depression-era love story change everything?

Purchase here:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.deepershopping.com

Biography

Lisa Wingate is a former journalist, inspirational speaker, and the author of over twenty mainstream fiction novels, including the national bestseller, Tending Roses, now in its nineteenth printing. She is a seven-time ACFW Carol award nominee, a Christy Award nominee, an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, and a two-time Carol Award winner. Her novels are known for taking on gritty subjects while offering redemptive and uplifting themes. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. More information about Lisa's novels can be found at www.Lisawingate.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/LisaWingateAuthorPage?fref=ts  

My Thoughts ~

This is a trip back in time to the once prestigious hotel Whitney's family owned, which now belongs to her. Many decisions are to be made about what the hotel can do for her, and what she can do for the hotel. Included are mystery, intrigue, history and very detailed letters from the past, written by a member of the Federal Writers' Project. The story weaves two timelines together through those letters, bringing a great deal of interest to the protagonist and her family.

I had no idea this was part of a series of books. It reads very easily as a standalone, and swept me away from Michigan to the Outer Banks and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Characters are strong, diverse, and numerous, but easy to follow as they are encountered. I loved the history and the stories of the very small group of people referred to as the Melungeons. Information obtained about these people is well researched and documented.

I thoroughly enjoyed this somewhat complicated book, a lengthy one. The plot developed at a pace that kept my attention throughout. It was difficult to put the book down as clues to the past led to a better understanding of the present. The main character frustrated me at times, but that is "who she is." She was clearly defined as her personality is as real as any other individual's. I highly recommend this interesting and entertaining book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network For Readers Only program in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

  

"Stars Over Sunset Boulevard"

by Susan Meissner

Description 

Coming January 2016 from Penguin

STARS OVER SUNSET BOULEVARD, set in the golden age of Hollywood, is the story of two studio secretaries who become best friends while working on the set of the most iconic film ever produced, Gone with the Wind...
 
“Susan Meissner deftly casts a fascinating friendship between two complex women against a glittering 1930s Hollywood backdrop. You will love this book for its very human characters and for its inside look at one of the greatest movies ever made.” - New York Times bestselling author Marisa de los Santos.
 
“Beautifully simple yet impactful" Romantic Times, 4 stars
 
"A lovely, well-crafted story that peeks at a fascinating moment in cinematic history and examines the power and vulnerability of sincere friendship." - Kirkus Reviews
 
Pre-order at your favorite retailer or online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Indiebound, and Powell's.

  
Biography

Susan Meissner is a multi-published author, speaker and writing workshop leader with a background in community journalism. Her novels include A Fall of Marigolds, named to Booklist’s Top Ten Women’s Fiction titles for 2014, and The Shape of Mercy, named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 100 Best Novels of 2008. A California native, she attended Point Loma Nazarene University. Susan is a pastor’s wife and a mother of four young adults. When she’s not working on a novel, Susan writes small group curriculum for her San Diego church. Visit Susan at her website: http://susanlmeissner.com on Twitter at @SusanMeissner or at www.facebook.com/susan.meissner 



My Thoughts ~

Hollywood in the late 1930s was awhirl with the filming of Gone With The Wind. Two young women seek new lives in Hollywood for entirely different reasons, but their lives will be intertwined throughout life. A young single man plays a large role in the lives of both girls. 

Although this novel begins with the filming of a well-known feature film, the plot is based on relationships and how those relationships transform. The similarities and differences regarding those friends is the underlying challenge throughout this novel. Friendships change as various circumstances affect their lives. Individual ambitions both strengthen and weaken those friendships.

A variety of social issues make this an interesting and heightening drama of family discord, ambition, deception, jealousy and greed. Characters are strong and the transformation of these individuals was unpredictable for the most part. Stars Over Sunset Boulevard kept my attention throughout. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Goodreads in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

"The Substitute Bride"

A Novella

(O' Little Town of Christmas Collection)

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

 

Description

A Christmas Carol meets It’s A Wonderful Life
A letter for Sonja’s deceased friend arrives at the post office in Michigan, and with it a proposal. With her father threatening to kick her out of his home, Sonja impulsively responds, offering to travel west to be a substitute bride. At the same time, Louis’s railroad promotion sends him back to Michigan, the one place on earth he’d hoped to never return—where Christmas past was full of pain. A mysterious stranger leaves him marked copies of “A Christmas Carol” as he considers romancing Sonja in Christmas present. Will Louis discern the best choices for Christmas future? Does it include the Poor House, again? Even so—will God bring healing and love to him this year?

Purchase here:  http://www.amazon.com

Biography

Former "Yooper" Carrie Fancett Pagels writes Christian historical romances about overcoming. Possessed with an overactive imagination, that wasn't "cured" by twenty-five years as a psychologist, she loves bringing characters to life. Carrie and her family reside in Virginia's Historic Triangle, which is perfect for her fascination with history. Carrie enjoys reading, traveling, baking, and beading--but not all at the same time! 

Website: http://carriefancettpagels.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Carrie-Fancett-Pagels-317053071710640/?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~

The Substitute Bride is a poignant story, including family discord and rejection. Sonja's family is anxious to be rid of her, and sadly, her only options appear on the horizon when her best friend dies. Her grief and loneliness could possibly end, leading to a peaceful and happy life if everything falls into place.

I wish this had been a full-length novel. A beautiful story is revealed, but I wanted it to continue and be expanded to include so much more. It is a story of sad events and uncertainty, but hope and faith are woven throughout the story. The characters are engaging and I would love to know them better. The setting is fascinating and well researched.

An enchanting tale of two lost souls attempting to find happiness and stability in their lives, the author has penned a very interesting and hopeful story. I was swept into this novella with a very interesting story line. The writing is very well done, and the plot is strong and entertaining.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

"Brother Charlie"

by Isaac St. Laurent

& Anna O'Brien 

Description

Brothers begin life bonding as toddlers with a busy mom who loves them. A heartfelt story written by a younger brother.

Purchase here:

http://www.amazon.com

Biography


Isaac St. Laurent is in 12^th grade at Lambert High School. He enjoys writing and playing video games.
He hopes to create his own gaming company.



My Thoughts ~

This is a sweet story based on a little boy named Charlie, coming to terms with the addition of a baby to the family. His mother is busy with the baby and needs to take care of the baby's needs, and everyone is cooing over the sweet little one. It's tough to be the older sibling when everyone's attention seems to be focused on the baby.

What a tender and somewhat emotional read, as the reader sees Charlie in the background wanting his mother's attention, and the baby seems to always need her. I loved this children's book, and highly recommend it for parents and grandparents to purchase for young children who may be expecting a new baby into the family, or already have a young infant that an older sibling is learning to understand and accept.

The artwork is beautifully done in soft watercolors. Impressive children's book!

I received a PDF copy of this book from The Book Club Network For Readers Only program in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

  

"Guarded"

by

Angela Correll

Description 

Former New York City flight attendant Annie Taylor is adjusting to farm life when her grandmother threatens to tear down the old stone house, unable to finance a restoration after the summer fire. Annie’s boyfriend Jake has severed his corporate life in Cincinnati and is jumping headlong into sustainable farming on the land next door. Their new relationship is wonderful--but can it last? As they take steps forward, a paralyzing fear of abandonment threatens to destroy her trust in Jake. As Annie works to save the old stone house she finds letters written during World War II that reveal a family mystery and an Italian connection. Her grandmother is hesitant to uncover the secret, afraid of what it might mean to her family’s name if the truth is laid bare. Comments from a nosy neighbor solidify Annie’s fears about herself and when Beulah agrees for Annie to travel to Italy to search out the family mystery, Annie is happy for the time away to sort out all her feelings. In the meantime, Beulah is left with an unexpected Italian-Catholic house guest who wreaks havoc with Beulah’s Baptist ways and country routine. As the family mystery in Italy unfolds, Annie is forced to face her own past. She is ultimately faced with a choice: will she let history sabotage the future? (Angela Correll) 

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Biography

Angela Correll lives on a farm in Central Kentucky with her husband and an assortment of grass-fed cattle, horses, goats and chickens. Correll owns a retail shop and is co-owner of a farm-to-table restaurant. Her debut novel, Grounded, was an Amazon bestseller.

Visit the author's website at: www.angelacorrell.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angela.c.correll?fref=ts

My Thoughts ~ 

Guarded is a wonderful novel of family dynamics, including extended family and a search for information regarding Annie's ancestors. The old stone house on her grandmother's property holds a key to Annie's past, and her future. A connection with a brilliant, elderly black woman unlocked many of the keys to both of their families and an unsuspected history they share. 

I was so connected to this book that I had a lot of trouble putting it aside. Annie is a sweet but insecure young woman who is searching for pieces of her past and rekindling a relationship with the young man she grew up with. There is no predicting where this story is going. It's a witty and poignant adventure through a small farming community and beyond.

Characters vary from Annie's straight-laced baptist grandmother to her neighbor who is a sophisticated lady and mother to Annie's heartthrob. The neighborhood gossip can weasel a story from the most tight lipped individual, and numerous other colorful and believable characters fill in the gaps. I was so comfortable with each of the characters, they could have been my neighbors. 

Descriptive and tenderly written, there are layers to the story that are interwoven, leading to some very heartwarming and endearing encounters. I'm very impressed with this author's writing style, and look forward to reading more of her novels. Don't miss out on a wonderful journey through a closely knit community and blended relationships that will warm your heart.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
 

"Sedahlia"

by

Cynthia D. Toliver

WARNING: PG RATING (Contains adult themes)

Description

After fleeing post-Civil War Georgia, John Masters, Sr., his wife Virginia Masters, and their rebellious servant Jessie Lindsey have built new lives in Texas ranch country. Now their offspring, Johnny Masters and Rachel Lindsey, are in love. On the isolated, sprawling Sedahlia ranch, their youthful dalliances are largely overlooked until Rachel becomes pregnant, forcing Rachel to leave Texas for a freedman’s school in Georgia. From the insulated Sedahlia ranch to the Jim Crow south, the rails both separate and unite - parting lovers, reuniting family, pushing out the old, bringing in the new. It is in these settings that the Masters and Lindseys live and love, and their personal needs and mores collide. The repercussions rumble through this family and the surrounding community, tearing them asunder and bringing them together as only love and tragedy will.

Purchase this book at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.barnesandnoble.com 

About the author

 

I am a 1980 graduate of Rice University and a native Texan. I have enjoyed a varied career as a chemical engineer, environmental consultant, educator and author.
Writing is something I’ve always done. I love the creative process, from beginning to end. As a writer I become invested in the characters and their stories. If I've crafted them well, my readers will do the same.

I also host a Christian blog, Back to Eden at cynthiatoliver.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and my website at www.cynthiatoliver.net.



My Thoughts ~ 

Three generations and two very different families inhabit a ranch called Sedahlia in post Civil War Texas. The war might have been over, but a person's skin color is still a pertinent factor in the social mores. Lines are clearly drawn, and white Americans refuse to allow the crossing of those lines. As servant Jessie Lindsey's daughter and ranch owner John Master's son become impassioned with one another, the birth of a child results.

Relationships, family dynamics and physical attraction are strong aspects in this very well written novel of the lives of those beyond the days of war over slavery. Two very different families are connected through numerous and varied relationships. These families work together, share their lives, losses and love with a respect that connects them far beyond the differences in the color of their skin. 

Passion escalates as lovers connect, and tempers flare over thievery and deception. This edgy novel is realistic and earthy, honest and tempestuous, with human desire and violence a realistic aspect of life. In choosing this novel from the For Readers Only program through The Book Club Network I knew the novel contained some sexual intimacy and physical violence, and with that said, I can honestly say that those factors are an honest representation of the real story. This is life in all of its layers, love and life, disagreement and war, living and dying. 

Sedahlia is a beautifully penned story of the connections of life at the ground level. There is no glossing over of the realities of life. I respect the author for her sensitivity in presenting difficult scenarios with openness and realism through a story that needs to be told.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the For Readers Only program through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

  

Dangerous Tidings

(Pacific Coast Private Eyes)

by Dana Mentink

Description

SEARCHING FOR THE TRUTH 

Coast Guard rescue swimmer Brent Mitchell wants only one gift for Christmas: to find his sister. When he discovers that her disappearance is tangled with the death of private eye Bruce Gallagher, he joins forces with Bruce's daughter Donna to investigate. Grieving Donna is as tough as the determined military man…and both will stop at nothing to find the truth. But the duo soon discovers that a murdered father and a missing sister merely top a looming pyramid of secrets on Coronado Island. Deadly secrets. These unlikely partners have vowed to stick together until their most important case is closed—but they may pay with their lives.

Purchase at these locations:
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
 http://www.christianbook.com
http://www.deepershopping.com



 



Biography

Dana is an award winning author of Christian fiction. Her novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, won a 2010 Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, and she was pleased to win the 2013 Carol Award for Lost Legacy and a Holt Medallion Merit Award. She's authored more than twelve novels to date for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line. Dana loves feedback from her readers. 

Contact her at www.danamentink.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dana-Mentinks-Reader-Page-340390520776/
Dana Mentink has published or released items in the following series...

1. Love Inspired Large Print Suspense
2. Love Inspired Suspense

My Thoughts ~

I must say that I haven't read a book authored by Dana Mentink that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed! I'm a slow reader, but once I start one of Dana's suspense novels I'm hooked and can't seem to read fast enough! Dangerous Tidings is another big hit in my estimation. 

Even with a fairly large cast of characters I didn't miss a thing. Each character is so clearly defined that I was able to relate to each one, feeling that I knew some of them personally. 

Dangerous Tidings is not only about suspense. Heartbreak, loss, family relationships as well as discord result, but family is the key word. The importance of family is paramount, and relationships throughout this mystery are strong.

If you enjoy a suspense story with a great deal of action, chills, thrills and interesting relationships, don't miss this most recent Love Inspired Suspense novel by Dana Mentink. Christmas takes on a whole new realm through this spirited adventure, and faith is ever present!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.