"The Sanctum"

by Pamela King Cable

Description

On a November day in 1951 Neeley McPherson turned five ... and accidentally killed her parents. Thrown into the care of her scheming and alcoholic grandfather, she survives by her quick wit, and the watchful eye of an elderly black man, Gideon. In 1959, as equal rights heats up the South, authorities accuse Gideon of stealing a watch and using a Whites Only restroom. Neeley, now thirteen, determines to break him out of jail.

When the infamous Catfish Cole, Ku Klux Klan Grand Dragon of the Carolinas, discovers their courageous escape, he pursues Neeley and Gideon into the frozen Blue Ridge Mountains to a wolf sanctuary. There Neeley crosses the bridge between the real and the supernatural. But will Neeley's actions lead to tragedy again? Or will she finally realize the desire of her heart?

Set during a volatile time in America, The Sanctum bestows sanctuary and invokes the power of second chances. 

Biography

Pamela is the author of the highly acclaimed collection of short stories, Southern Fried Women, a finalist in Fiction and Literature-Short Story, Best Books of 2006 Book Awards, USABookNews.com and a finalist for ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year.

Born a coal miner's granddaughter and raised by a tribe of wild Pentecostals and storytellers, Pamela loves to write about religion and spirituality with mystical twists she unearths from her family's history. She has taught at many writing conferences, and speaks to book clubs, women's groups, national and local civic organizations, and at churches across the country.  

My thoughts ~

Pamela King Cable is a new author to me, but I will be following this impressive author in the future. Topics pivotal to this intense novel include physical and verbal abuse, alcoholism, racism, family and love. A young teen, Neeley suffered severe beatings from a grandfather who was a drunk and an abuser. Neeley was left to suffer her pain alone except for the compassion of Gideon, an elderly Black man. Gideon filled the role of caregiver since Neeley's parents died in a car accident. With the Ku Klux Klan alive and anxious to hang a Black man "just because," Gideon's life was in danger.

There are characters in The Sanctum who wrapped themselves around my heart. Others made me ill with disgust. This novel affected me so profoundly that I can't think of reading another book just yet. I'm still absorbing the powerful character development, scenic imagery and haunting themes that awakened my senses to the unchanging characteristics that label us as humans. We haven't changed, and possibly never will.

Composed with perception and artistry, I was swept into this painful yet magnificent portrayal of life in the south during the 1950s. The depth of Ms. Cable's creativity evoked emotions that reached deep within my soul. I highly recommend this compelling and powerful book!

"Lead Me Home"

by Amy K. Sorrells

Description

Amid open fields and empty pews, small towns can crush big dreams. Abandoned by his no-good father and forced to grow up too soon, Noble Burden has set his dreams aside to run the family farm. Meanwhile, James Horton, the pastor of the local church, questions his own calling as he prepares to close the doors for good. As a severe storm rolls through, threatening their community and very livelihood, both men fear losing what they care about most . . . and reconsider where they truly belong.

Biography

Amy is an award-winning author and occasional poet writing words of hope for a hurting world. Amy got her start in journalism, has written for medical publications, and enjoyed a three year stint as a weekly op-ed columnist for her town newspaper. A graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband and three sons in central Indiana.  

My Thoughts ~

I found the premise of this story very familiar, having grown up in the country, surrounded by small farms and small churches. Life was tough and the farm work long and arduous. Nonetheless, farmers and their families persevered through numerous hard times. I loved the realism portrayed in Lead Me Home. This book is honest, earthy and not sugarcoated. It represents what farm families did with what they had.

The characters are depicted as typical, rural people. Every type of individual is portrayed authentically, and there were some real "characters!" The Burden family is to be cherished for their honest and realistic presence. Family loyalty is presented in a very sensitive, loving and admirable approach.

Reverend James Horton lost his wife in a tragic auto accident, and was left to single-handedly raise his daughter, Shelby. Teenage issues leave James shaking his head and wondering what he could do better. At the same time his congregation has dwindled down to a handful of congregants, and the future of his church is hanging in the balance. 

I enjoyed this down-t0-earth, honest book even though at times it moved somewhat slowly. At times I wondered when the pace would pick up. I look back now and realize how much I enjoyed that pace that represents the issues in the book. Relax with a copy of this book. It's a wonderful taste of reality. 

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 expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Friday, July 29th.

"Fetching Sweetness"

A Novel

by Dana Mentink

Description

Standing Between Stephanie and Her Dream

Is One Hundred Pounds of Lovable Trouble

It should have been so simple for Stephanie Pink: Meet up with Agnes Wharton in a small town in California, retrieve the reclusive author's valuable new manuscript, and be promoted to a full-fledged literary agent.

But Agnes's canine companion, Sweetness, decides to make a break for it before Stephanie can claim her prize. Until Agnes has Sweetness safely back at home in Eagle Cliff, Washington, Stephanie will never set eyes on the manuscript she needs to make her dreams come true.

When Stephanie tracks the runaway mutt to a campground, she meets Rhett Hastings—a man also on the run from a different life and a costly mistake. Rhett agrees to help Stephanie search for the missing dog...thus launching a surprising string of adventures and misadventures.

Once Sweetness gets added to the mix, it's a recipe for love and loss, merriment and mayhem, fun and faith in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest.

Biography

Dana Mentink is a multi-published, award-winning writer. When she’s not clacking away on the keyboard, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with her husband, two daughters, a rascally rescued terrier, a chubby box turtle, and a feisty parakeet.







My thoughts ~

The first sentence in this sweet story was a huge invitation to a whole lot of fun and hilarity! Stephanie and Rhett are well depicted, and their stories illustrate how exacting our lives can become. We want what we can't have, and trust is something for which to strive. Strangers to one another, Stephanie and Rhett quickly become entwined in each other's lives through the vivacity of a dog who takes precedence over everything else in their lives. 

Once Sweetness is discovered, the story really begins. This big galoot of a dog has a habit of wreaking havoc in the lives of two people working toward life goals, hopefully discovering what God has in store for them. Their trust is questioned throughout this journey, but keeping up with Sweetness and her shenanigans is enough of a challenge that life plans are put on the back burner at times.

This novel about two young adults seeking their respective life dreams, and one mammoth dog with a sense of humor is a most heartwarming, humorous and very entertaining novel! There's something for everyone in this lively tale of mishaps and mayhem. I highly recommend that you pick up a copy of Fetching Sweetness! It's like a breath of fresh air!

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.

"Hearts in Defiance"

(Romance in the Rockies: #2)

by Heather Blanton
GIVEAWAY!

Description

MEN MAKE MISTAKES. GOD WILL FORGIVE THEM. WILL THEIR WOMEN? Charles McIntyre built the lawless, godless mining town of Defiance practically with his bare hands … and without any remorse for the lives he destroyed along the way. Then a glimpse of true love, both earthly and heavenly, changed him. The question is, how much? Naomi Miller is a beautiful, decent woman. She says she loves McIntyre, that God does, too, and the past is behind them now. But McIntyre struggles to believe he’s worth saving … worth loving. Unfortunately, the temptations in Defiance only reinforce his doubts.

Billy Page abandoned Hannah Frink when he discovered she was going to have his baby … and now he can’t live with himself. Or without her. Determined to prove his love, he leaves his family and fortune behind and journeys to Defiance. Will Hannah take Billy back or give him what he deserves for the betrayal?

Gritty and realistic, this is the story of real life and real faith in Defiance.

~~ The sequel to the highly acclaimed, best-selling western romance A Lady in Defiance!

Biography

I love Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God, and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren't preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. I am a huge researcher, as well, and you will find hints of historical romances inspired by true stories in my novels!

I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! I love exploring out West, especially ghost towns and museums. I've walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.

"I believe Christian fiction should be messy and gritty, because the human condition is ... and God loves us anyway." -- Heather Blanton

My thoughts ~

The second book in the Romance in the Rockies series is a continuation of book #1. You'll definitely want to read this series in order since they build upon one another. Back in time to the Old West the bawdy town of Defiance is the sin city of the west, worse than Dodge. Wyatt Earp even makes an appearance.

There are numerous characters, well developed and distinctly different. As three young women run a well respected hotel and attempt changing the scoundrels in Defiance, most characters, and I do mean "characters," aren't interested in  the Christian way of life. This is a town of brothels, gamblers, drunks, prostitutes and lawlessness, and the residents like it that way.

There is no end to adversity or complications throughout the lives of those who dwell in Defiance. Relationships, suspense and intense drama continue to heighten throughout this book, which I'm sure will continue into book #3.

I had no difficulty sorting out characters in this novel because they were so well developed in book #1. I did, however, find this book was slow moving for me. The plot was well done, but I found it difficult to get as personally involved with this particular part of the series.

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 expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Deadline for this giveaway is Friday, 7-22-16. 

"Marionette"

(An Agent Ko Spy Thriller #1)

by A. J. Terry

Description

Because good spies aren't born. They're created. The Agency has charted Ko Min-Jung’s progress for years until it finally extends her a formal invitation to join their ranks of elite recruits. Ripped from her family, plucked from her familiar Pyongyang lifestyle, Ko is thrust into Academy existence. Her handlers are determined to wield her into an efficient, professional agent, equipped to protect North Korea from a wide array of threats and foreign aggression. The only question is how much of Ko’s real self will remain after the training ends. An engrossing new spy thriller series from A. J. Terry, who has won awards from IndieFab, Readers’ Favorite, The Book Club Network, and more. All royalties will be donated directly to Liberty in North Korea and their underground railroad for refugees.

Biography

A. J. Terry writes from her home in rural Alaska where she raises goats, chickens, and boys. Her debut novel, "The Beloved Daughter," won awards from Readers' Favorite, IndieFab, The Book Club Network, Grace Awards, and more. She writers inspirational suspense novels under the name Alana Terry, while her A. J. Terry thrillers are meant for readers who enjoy a grittier, edgier read with colorful characters and intense story lines. Be prepared to stay up late! 

My thoughts ~

Removed from her home and family, Ko Min-Jung has been recruited to attend the elitist Academy for intensive training as a professional agent for North Korea. Training is brutal as Ko is forced to push her body beyond her limits in order to prove herself worthy of becoming an expert agent. Considerable indoctrination, savage and inhumane training is the Academy's method of creating strong and capable agents.

My heart broke for Ko as she was wisked away from her family and the only life she knew. She had no idea what she would be up against. With only a small bag of personal items she was thrust into a primitive room with no bed. Midnight runs and grueling physical training as well as intense mental indoctrination made me ache for this young girl. Her roommate was her only support, and she had her own battles to fight.

Marionette is very intense, and at times quite gruesome. The author obviously researched her topic intensively in order to create this heart-racing thriller. Due to the raw subject matter this must have been a very difficult book to produce. I commend Ms. Terry for taking a step out of her boundaries to bring this book to life. 

I highly recommend Marionette to those who aren't overwhelmed by brutality and bloodshed. This is not a book for the weak at heart. The reader must have an open mind to truly appreciate the authenticity this book portrays. One must keep in mind that North Korea is a location filled with violence.

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.
 

 

 

 

"Out of Circulation"

(Hemlock Creek Suspense Novella)

by Heather Gilbert

Description

Katie McClure always dreamed of becoming an FBI agent like her father, but an injury has permanently sidelined her as a librarian in her rural West Virginia hometown. Katie's peaceful life is torn apart when armed men burst into the library, targeting her. Her fears mount after a break-in at her apartment, and she reluctantly accepts an offer of protection from Ace Calhoun, the Manhattan bodyguard who rushed to her aid against the library invaders. But Ace didn't show up in Hemlock Creek by accident. Even as he hides his true motives for protecting Katie, he's pulled in by her indomitable courage and her undeniable attraction to him. With the Russian mob breathing down her neck, the clock is ticking for Katie to find out what happened to a bank stash that went missing years ago. To her dismay, she discovers her father was not the man she believed him to be...and neither is Ace.

Biography

HEATHER DAY GILBERT, a Grace Award winner and bestselling author, writes novels that capture life in all its messy, bittersweet, hope-filled glory. Born and raised in the West Virginia mountains, generational story-telling runs in her blood. Heather is a graduate of Bob Jones University and is married to her college sweetheart. Having recently returned to her roots, she and her husband are raising their three children in the same home in which Heather grew up.

Heather's Viking historical novel, God's Daughter, is an Amazon Norse Bestseller. She is also the author of the bestselling A Murder in the Mountains mystery series. Her mystery, Trial by Twelve, was the 2015 Grace Award winner for Mystery/Romantic Suspense/Thriller/Historical Suspense. Heather also authored the Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher. 

My thoughts ~

Librarian, Katie McClure's attention diverts from books to an interesting and handsome young man who's new to the library. Ace Calhoun is in the right place at the right time as armed thugs appear, singling Katie out. 

Life in Hemlock Creek is not as it seems. All is quiet and peaceful until someone appears to be after Katie. Ace takes over as bodyguard, and plays his role well, among other things. 

As the plot thickens so does a spark of attraction. Filled with surprising and suspense-filled action, Out of Circulation is a book to enjoy in an afternoon or evening. Unpredictable and captivating, I was caught up in the plot and enjoyed the character development. Out of Circulation has my recommendation! Enjoy!

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.  

  

"The King's Wish" 

by L.K. Reyes

Illustrated by Hanna Van De Water

 

 

 

Description

Join us on this amazing adventure into the kingdom of Nambi, where man and animal have lived in great prosperity for over a thousand years. That was until a ferocious firestorm in the sky swept through the kingdom, destroying almost everything in its path. King Lightheart, named for his special powers, finds that he, himself, has lost the extraordinary magic in his heart in the wake of the devastation. So King Lightheart calls in his most trusted advisor from the Clan of Black Bear, the Yala Sahalee. The Yala Sahalee, chosen every one hundred years to be the guardian and keeper of joy for the kingdom of Nambi, happens to be a great black bear named Happy. Together, King Lightheart and Happy must find a way to restore the magic in the king’s heart and to all of Nambi. Join us on this exciting journey and discover all the magic and power of Nambi, where anything is possible if you just believe!

The King’s Wish is available in both hard back and Abode E-book forms. You can visit toolsforlifesuccess.net or thekingswish.com to find out about other great B~Happy Products available for you and your children.

Biography

Lara Reyes is a licensed Clinical Medical Support-Clinical Hypnotherapist, CMS-ChT, and has a Masters degree in International Relations/Conflict Management and Resolution from the University of Miami, FL. Lara has been in the business of helping people of all ages, children to adults, achieve their goals for over 20 years. From working with youth at risk, to piloting soldier mind/body resiliency programs for wounded veterans, to individual Life Coaching, Lara has spent years gaining the tools to teach others how to overcome life’s hurdles and create the life they want.

Lara and her company “Tools for Life Success, LLC,” are pleased to bring you B~Happy products: “Helping Kids Grow in Positive Directions. The King’s Wish is the first book from B~Happy Kids products, offering children the opportunity to experience the power of positive thinking to create anything one desires! Book number two in the B~Happy Kids series, Happy and the Nuggler is due to be released late Summer 2016, so stay tuned.

To find out more about the author L.K. Reyes and her exciting adventures in helping young and old alike, you can visit: toolsforlifesuccess.com and thekingswish.com. Explore these websites for information about exciting upcoming events and other great B~Happy Kids products in the works.


My thoughts ~

Please see the description above for an in depth synopsis of this children's book. I can't add to what is already disclosed in the description.

I found the story to be well written for early elementary children. It is a bit too in depth for younger children. I enjoyed reading the story and found the illustrations to be very colorful and detailed. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author through The Book Club Network's 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.  

 

"Sister of Mine"

by Sabra Waldfogel

***** Disclaimer:  This is a secular book, containing sexual intimacy.

Description

When two Union soldiers stumble onto a plantation in northern Georgia on a warm May day in 1864, the last thing they expect is to see the Union flag flying high—or to be greeted by a group of freed slaves and their Jewish mistress. Little do they know that this place has an unusual history.

Twelve years prior, Adelaide Mannheim—daughter of Mordecai, the only Jewish planter in the county—was given her own maid, a young slave named Rachel. The two became friends, and soon they discovered a secret: Mordecai was Rachel’s father, too.

As the country moved toward war, Adelaide and Rachel struggled to navigate their newfound sisterhood—from love and resentment to betrayal and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Now, facing these Union soldiers as General Sherman advances nearer, their bond is put to the ultimate test. Will the plantation be spared? Or will everything they’ve lived for be lost?

Revised edition: Previously published as Slave and Sister, this edition of Sister of Mine: A Novel includes editorial revisions.

Biography

Sabra Waldfogel grew up far from the South in Minneapolis. She studied history at Harvard University and received her Ph.D. in American History from the University of Minnesota and since then, has been fascinated by the drama of slavery and freedom in the decades before and after the Civil War.

Her short story "Yemaya" appeared in the Winter 2013 Fiction Issue of Sixfold. Her first novel, "Slave and Sister", which appeared in 2014, has recently been released as "Sister of Mine" by Lake Union Publishing. In her free time, not tired of history, she collects antiques and helps her husband sell them.  

My thoughts ~

Daughter of a Jewish cotton planter, Adelaide develops a friendship with her young personal maid, Rachel. Mordecai Mannheim fathered the half sisters born to different mothers, one Jewish, the other a black slave. The girls became friends, and Adelaide taught Rachel how to read and do numbers. Forbidden to slaves, Rachel's reading and numbers became her advantage as time passed. 

The Civil War is well researched. Varied, but believable characters make up the substance of this book. Life in the mid-1800s is so well delineated that through reading this book, details were realistic and authentic. Civil War history is one of my favorite topics, and this book satisfied my interest on numerous levels.

 

Relationships became tempestuous and intense as forbidden activities develop between main characters. Although I found the book to be a bit slow at times, it is intriguing, passionate and complex. If you love Civil War tales, this one is a very detailed and satisfying read. 

 

Warning: Contains explicit intimate scenes.

 

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