Cloak of the Light Review

Author's web site

More Info

Author Bio

Drew is caught in a world of light - just inches away from the dark

What if...there was a world beyond our vision, a world just fingertips beyond our reach? What if...our world wasn’t beyond their influence?

Tragedy and heartache seem to be waiting for Drew Carter at every turn, but college offers Drew a chance to start over—until an accident during a physics experiment leaves him blind and his genius friend, Benjamin Berg, missing.

As his sight miraculously returns, Drew discovers that the accident has heightened his neuron activity, giving him skills and sight beyond the normal man. When he begins to observe fierce invaders that no one else can see, he questions his own sanity, and so do others. But is he insane or do the invaders truly exist?

With help from Sydney Carlyle, a mysterious and elusive girl who offers encouragement through her faith, Drew searches for his missing friend, Ben, who seems to hold the key to unlocking this mystery. As the dark invaders close in, will he find the truth in time?

...What can I say? This book has left me speechless. I loved it so much. I've loved Chuck Blacks writing ever since Kingdoms Dawn and the Knights of Arrethtrae series and after reading Cloak of the Light all I can say is...just WOW! I couldn't bring myself to put it down most of the time and when I did have to set it down I couldn't wait to pick it back up and start reading again. I don't think there was one thing about Cloak of the Light that I didn't like. Except maybe the fact that I have to wait to read the next book in the Wars of the Realm series. A book as good as the Cloak of the Light is is one you never what to end.

5 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack was one of the best ones ever!

I received this book for free fromBlogging for Books for this review.

The Dawn of Christmas Review

Author's Web site

More Info

Read Chapter One

Author Bio

This Christmas, experience learning to trust alongside the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania in this heart-warming tale of second chances.

Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!! And Cindy Woodsmall's The Dawn of Christmas is just the book to read to start the season off right. Short and oh so sweet I loved every minute of Sadie and Levi's story. The Dawn of Christmas was the first book I've read in the Apple Ridge Novellas and while I read it without the first two and enjoyed it immensely I wish I had read the others so that I could understand some of the other characters more. But all in all I loved it.  

5 out of 5. A perfectly light and sweet Afternoon Snack. 

I received this book for free fromBlogging for Books for this review.

Burning Sky Review

Author Web site

More Info

Read Chapter One

Author Bio

“I remember the borders of our land, though I have been gone from them nearly half the moons of my life. But who there will remember me? What I have seen, what I have done, it has changed me.

I am the place where two rivers meet, silted with upheaval and loss.

Yet memory of our land is a clear stream. I shall know it as a mother knows the faces of her children. It may be I will find me there."

Abducted by Mohawk Indians at fourteen and renamed Burning Sky, Willa Obenchain is driven to return to her family’s New York frontier homestead after many years building a life with the People. At the boundary of her father’s property, Willa discovers a wounded Scotsman lying in her path. Feeling obliged to nurse his injuries, the two quickly find much has changed during her twelve-year absence—her childhood home is in disrepair, her missing parents are rumored to be Tories, and the young Richard Waring she once admired is now grown into a man twisted by the horrors of war and claiming ownership of the Obenchain land.

When her Mohawk brother arrives and questions her place in the white world, the cultural divide blurs Willa’s vision. Can she follow Tames-His-Horse back to the People now that she is no longer Burning Sky? And what about Neil MacGregor, the kind and loyal botanist who does not fit into in her plan for a solitary life, yet is now helping her revive her farm? In the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, strong feelings against “savages” abound in the nearby village of Shiloh, leaving Willa’s safety unsure.

Willa is a woman caught between two worlds. As tensions rise, challenging her shielded heart, the woman called Burning Sky must find a new courage--the courage to again risk embracing the blessings the Almighty wants to bestow. Is she brave enough to love again?

Burning Sky by Lori Benton was a wonderful and exciting. I quickly fell in love with Willa and felt for her during her struggles throughout the book. All of the characters are wonderfully developed and are all quite different. Each with distinct characteristics that pull you that much more into the story. The story will tug at your heart and you will invest a lot of emotions into it. As her debut book, Lori has done a great job.  

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that will burn in you mind long after you've set it down. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

The Captive Maiden Review

Happily Ever After ...Or Happily Nevermore? 

Gisela's childhood was filled with laughter and visits from nobles such as the duke and his young son. But since her father's death, each day has been filled with nothing but servitude to her stepmother. So when Gisela learns the duke's son, Valten---the boy she has daydreamed about for years---is throwing a ball in hopes of finding a wife, she vows to find a way to attend, even if it's only for a taste of a life she'll never have. To her surprise, she catches Valten's eye. Though he is rough around the edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined.

      Melanie has done it once again with The Captive Maiden, she took a much loved fairy tail and retold it in a wonderfully new and entertaining way. Every page held my attention and I didn't ever want to put it down. I also loved how Melanie brought back Valten from The Fairest Beauty to star as the main hero in this story. All I can say is that this book was absolutely perfect in every way. Fairy tale lovers are sure to love The Captive Maiden as well as all the other fairy tale retellings by Melanie.

5 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack was done to perfection.

I was provided a copy of The Captive Maiden by Zondervan and the author in exchange for my honest review. 

Critical Reaction Review

When a Warning Siren Screams in the Desert Night, 

the Worst Has Happened

After turning out plutonium for the Cold War, the shuttered Hanford Nuclear Facility's poisoned buildings may be a bigger risk than ever. The men who guard the facility from sabotage or monitor its buildings are told the dangers are under control. But then the worst happens--a thunderous explosion in the dead of night.

Kieran Mullaney survived the blast, but when threats and silence meet his attempts to discover what really happened, he reconnects with an old friend--inexperienced lawyer Emily Hart. Convinced Hanford is hiding something, they also realize their case is sunk without more help. 

Emily's estranged father, Ryan, has the courtroom experience they need, but he's grown jaded and weary of the profession. Still, it's a chance to rebuild ties to Emily, and the deeper he digs, the stranger--and more dangerous--the case gets.

Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson was a very interesting book. I have never been a very big fan of these types of Political/Legal Thriller books .  But I have been known to pick up a book by Joel C. Rosenburg or Randy Singer and enjoy it a lot. And today I have now added Todd M. Johnson to my 'like' list next to them. I quickly got caught up in the story and felt like it was all really going on. Definitely had me living in the book.
So if someone like me, who isn't big on this genre enjoyed reading this book, I'm positive those who do will love it. I for one plan on leading my copy to my friends who enjoy reading John Grisham books.

4 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack was full of flavor.

I got a free review copy of Critical Reaction from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

What Once Was Lost Review

Author's Web site

More Info

Read Chapter One

Author Bio

A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apart—can these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?
 
On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out in the kitchen leaving the house uninhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear “family.”
 
With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Jonnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees with reluctance but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up against Christina, she begins to question her leadership ability and wonders if she can fulfill the mission to which she's dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally—or more—in the aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart and life to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God?

What Once Was Lost by Kim Sawyer was a heartwarming historical novel with a touch of romance. While I would have enjoyed more romance between Christina and Levi I loved that it was more about the growth of each character spiritually. The relationship between Tommy and Levi was touching and I loved seeing how they both change as well as Cora and Christina. Each character Kim brought to life made me fall deeper in love with this book and you will too. 

5 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack is one you won't want to miss. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

A Talent for Trouble Review

For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay?

Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had more than enough of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by some friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.

Just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia's life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping one another out of trouble?

A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano did not disappoint. Grayson and Felicia are yet another charming couple put together by Jen. With it's wonderful cast of supporting characters, A Talent for Trouble is certain to be a favorite among Jen's fans. The situations Grayson and Felicia get into are delightfully funny and their romance is now one of my favorites. I look forward to more by Jen Turano in the future. 

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that was no trouble to devour.

I got a free review copy of A Talent for Trouble from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

Born of Persuasion Review

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta was an intriguing read to say the least. I'm a huge Jane Austen fan which is one of the reasons I wanted to read this book. Well, that and the gorgeous cover! Look at it. You can feel the mystery and suspense of the story just by looking at it. 
Anyway back to the book. It definitely was a book worth reading. You just have to stick with it past all the background information. But once in its impossible to get out. I will definitely be waiting for the next books in the series.

4.5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that tickles you taste buds. 

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.

My Hope is Found Review

Author's Web site

Twitter

Podcast

More Info

Read Chapter One

Author Bio

 Gideon O’Riley has been given another chance at a life with Lonnie. But will the fight for her heart risk it all over again?

After finally finding love with his sweet bride Lonnie, Gideon’s heart was torn when a woman from his past claimed to be his true and rightful wife, forcing him away from his family. God’s merciful hand saw Gideon through the heartache, and with Cassie’s blessing, he is able to return home. Though his journey back through the Blue Ridge Mountains will hold a trial he never anticipated.

Meanwhile, Lonnie determines to seal off her heart from Gideon, convinced he is lost to her forever. Strengthening her resolve to move on is the fondness she has for the handsome Scotsman, Toby McKee—the young reverend she has come to care deeply for. His proposal of marriage offers a bright future for her and her young son. 

Yearning to allow joy back into her life, Lonnie must put aside the broken pieces of her heart that still love Gideon. When he returns to find her betrothed to another, he has to place his hope in God, trusting that the One who redeemed their love once can do it again.

My Hope is Found is the third and final book in the Cadence of Grace Series by Joanne Bischof. Joanne ended Lonnie and Gideon's journey so wonderfully that, even though it ended perfectly, I wished it kept going and going. My Hope is Found was so engaging to read, each characters struggles pulled me in and refused to let go. And even though the first two books in the series were so wonderful I have to say this one was my overall favorite. From the moment I saw the first cover in the series I knew I would love it. Each book tugged at my heart and will forever be a series on my favorites book self.

5 out of 5. And Afternoon Snack that you'll never forget. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Fired Up Review

Dare Riker is a doctor who saves lives, but someone seems determined to end his. It may have something to do with the traitors he dealt with during the Civil War, or it might be related to the recent incident with Flint Greer and the ranch. Whoever the culprit is, he or she seems really fired up, and Dare can't let his guard down for a moment, which is a challenge, since right now he's trying to win the heart of the recently widowed Glynna.

Glynna Greer came west as a mail-order bride and ended up in a bad situation. Now her husband, Flint, is dead, and she's determined to care for her son and daughter on her own. She wants to believe Dare Riker is as decent as he seems, but she's terrified to lock herself into another marriage. She plans to support her small family by opening a diner--never mind that cooking is not her greatest talent. The men in Broken Wheel, Texas, are so desperate for home cooking that they seem willing to overlook dried-out beef and blackened biscuits.

Glynna can't help but notice that danger follows Dare wherever he goes. There's the avalanche. And then the fire. But things really get out of hand when someone plunges a knife from Glynna's diner into Dare's back. Are Flint's cronies still plotting revenge? Is Glynna's son engaged in a misguided attempt to protect his mother? Is a shadowy outsider still enraged over past injustices? And can Dare survive long enough to convince Glynna to take another chance on love?


Fired Up by Mary Connealy kept me up well into the night. I just couldn't seem to ever find a spot to convince myself to put it down so I could go to bed. There was never a pause in the action/romance/humor. Yes, it was a little predictable... But I still absolutely loved it! Connealy's hero as always was a perfect mix of handsome and gallant. *swoon* ;) And the introduction of a new character has me wishing for book number three in the Trouble in Texas series.

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack sure to fire up you taste buds. 

I got a free review copy of Fired Up from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review

Chasing Hope Review

A Touching Story of Two Unlikely Friends. 
The Power of Trust. 
The Struggle of Pain. 
And How, Sometimes, Following God Can Lead You to the Most Unexpected Places.
A talented runner determined to make the Olympics, Sabrina Rice had her dreams shattered by a devastating diagnosis. One forfeited scholarship and several years later, she's forged a new vision for her future that has nothing to do with running, which she's buried deep, intent on forgetting...

Until the day she sees Brandy Philip running across the college campus, easily outpacing security. Sabrina immediately recognizes world class potential, and it's all the more painful that it belongs to a troublemaking teen. When a chance encounter brings the two young women together, Sabrina realizes she's Brandy's best hope to salvage a life about to spiral out of control forever. 

Chasing Hope was an inspiring story by Kathryn Cushman. I had never read a book by this author before so I came in to it not know what exactly to expect. Maybe satisfaction or maybe disappointment. I got neither, definitely not disappointment and so much more then satisfaction, I was amazed by how much I connected with her writing.The characters and their struggles felt so real it was almost as if they were my own. Now I can't wait to read more by Kathryn Cushman! :)
5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that fulfills so much more then just your hunger for a good book.

Critical Pursuit Review

Officer Brinna Caruso has built a reputation at the precinct as the cop to call when a child goes missing. For Brinna, it’s personal because she was once one of them. Brinna and her K-9 search and rescue dog, Hero, will stop at nothing to find a missing child, no matter the stakes.

Detective Jack O’Reilly isn’t ready to return to his homicide duties, after losing his wife to a drunk driver. He’s on the downside of his career, and bent on revenge, when he’s assigned as Brinna’s partner. While on patrol, Jack struggles between his quest for personal justice and his responsibility to those around him, especially his partner.

Skeptical of Jack’s motives, Brinna isn’t sure she can rely on her new partner, whose reckless abandon endangers the safety of those around him. But when a man surfaces with an MO similar to the criminal who abducted Brinna twenty years earlier, Brinna and Jack must cast aside previous judgments and combine efforts to catch the kidnapper, and finally allow Brinna the peace stolen from her as a child.


Get ready everyone this is one action packed read you'll love!

Critical Pursuit by Janice Cantore was breathtaking! I loved every minute of every chapter. The characters as always were brought to life with Janice's writing. Just as I fell in love with her first heroine, Carly Edwards, I am now falling in love with Brinna Caruso. I can't wait for more! 

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that once your done you'll be asking for more. 

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review.

The Governess of Highland Hall Review

Podcast

Facebook

Author's web site

Pinterest

More Info

Author Bio

Worlds lie between the marketplaces of India and the halls of a magnificent country estate like Highland Hall. Will Julia be able to find her place when a governess is neither upstairs family nor downstairs help? 
 
Missionary Julia Foster loves working alongside her parents, ministering and caring for young girls in India. But when the family must return to England due to illness, she readily accepts the burden for her parents’ financial support. Taking on a job at Highland Hall as governess, she quickly finds that teaching her four privileged, ill-mannered charges at a grand estate is more challenging than expected, and she isn’t sure what to make of the estate’s preoccupied master, Sir William Ramsey. 
 
Widowed and left to care for his two young children and his deceased cousin Randolph’s two teenage girls, William is consumed with saving the estate from the financial ruin. The last thing he needs is any distraction coming from the kindhearted-yet-determined governess who seems to be quietly transforming his household with her persuasive personality, vibrant prayer life, and strong faith. 
 
While both are tending past wounds and guarding fragile secrets, Julia and William are determined to do what it takes to save their families—common ground that proves fertile for unexpected feelings. But will William choose Julia’s steadfast heart and faith over the wealth and power he needs to secure Highland Hall’s future?



The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky was a wonderful wonderful book. (Yes, I did mean to repeat myself. It was that good!) I enjoyed every minute I spent reading The Governess of Highland Hall. It was an intriguing, well written historical novel that I know many will love and want more of. I know I did! 

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack fit for a king. 

I was provided a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in return for my honest review.

Rules of Murder Review

Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate. When a weekend party at Farthering Place is ruined by murder and the police seem flummoxed, Drew decides to look into the crime himself. With the help of his best friend, Nick Dennison, an avid mystery reader, and Madeline Parker, a beautiful and whip-smart American debutante staying as a guest, the three try to solve the mystery as a lark, using the methods from their favorite novels. Soon, financial irregularities at Drew’s stepfather’s company come to light and it’s clear that all who remain at Farthering Place could be in danger. Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer–and trying harder to impress Madeline–Drew must decide how far to take this game.

Rules of Murder is a wonderful debut book by Julianna Deering. I enjoyed the perfect, Agatha Christie style mystery a lot, but what really made me fall in love with Julianna’s book was the cast of characters she created. She took a young rich English playboy, a spunky American girl, and a best friend who is also the butler’s son, and made it blend together perfectly. Bring on the next Drew Farthering Mystery please!

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that was to die for.

I got a free review copy of Rules of Murder  from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

Aquifer Review

Only He Can Bring What They Needed to Survive.

In 2250, water is scarce, and those who control it control everything. And they’ll do anything to maintain their power – deceiving, dividing families, banning love ... even killing those who oppose them. But above all, they seek to control knowledge and communication – ensuring the truth that will bring their downfall will never be known. But one person verges on discovering it all. Sixteen-year-old Luca becomes the Deliverer, the only one allowed to contact the people called ‘Water Rats,’ who mine the essential water deep underground and bring it to the ‘Toppers’ who desperately need it above. But when he meets a Water Rat who captures his heart and leads him to secrets – secrets about a vast conspiracy, and about himself – the net around him tightens. Luca and those around him must uncover and share the truth needed to overthrow tyranny – even as they fight for their lives.

I absolutely loved this book! Aquifer by Jonathan Friesen was just what my summer needed. An engaging read that had me turning the pages faster and faster, wondering what was going to happen next.  The characters felt real and the futuristic setting was something I could believe. Aquifer is the second book I’ve read by Jonathan Friesen and has only endeared me to his writing more. I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next.

                5 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack will keep me satisfied for a while. 

Faking Grace Review

• Author's Website
• More Info
• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

All she wants is a job. All she needs is religion. How hard can it be? 

Maizy Grace Stewart dreams of a career as an investigative journalist, but her last job ended in disaster when her compassion cost her employer a juicy headline. A part-time gig at a Nashville newspaper might be her big break. 

A second job at Steeple Side Christian Resources could help pay the bills, but Steeple Side only hires committed Christians. Maizy is sure she can fake it with her Five-Step Program to Authentic Christian Faith–a plan of action that includes changing her first name to Grace, buying Jesus-themed accessories, and learning “Christian Speak.” If only Jack Prentiss, Steeple Side’s managing editor and two-day-stubbled, blue-jean-wearing British hottie wasn’t determined to prove her a fraud. 

When Maizy’s boss at the newspaper decides that she should investigate–and expose–any skeletons in Steeple Side’s closet, she must decide whether to deliver the dirt and secure her career or lean on her newfound faith, change the direction of her life, and pray that her Steeple Side colleagues–and Jack–will show her grace.

Faking Grace by Tamara Leigh was a delightful story of love and grace. Its quirky characters and outside look at Christianity was fun and had me turning the pages until the very end. Following Maizy Grace Stewart’s 5-Step Program to Authentic Christian Faith was entertaining to say the least.  Maizy Grace’s initial look on what it takes to be a Christian and how she tried to fulfill what she thought were the expectations had me chuckling at times. Oh, the things she said and did! I highly recommend Faking Grace.

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that was quiet filling. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Though My Heart Is Torn Review

• Joanne's Website
• More Info
• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

Gideon O’Riley has two wives—but he doesn’t know it. 
   
Settling into a simple life in the majestic Blue Ridge mountains, Lonnie and Gideon O’Riley have finally found happiness after the rocky start to their marriage. The roguish bluegrass musician has fallen in love with his gentle wife and the God she serves, and Lonnie rests secure in his tenderness for her and their young son. A heartless ruse interupts their peace, bringing them back to Rocky Knob—and forces them to face the claims of Cassie Allan, a woman who says she is Gideon’s rightful wife.
 
As Gideon wades into the depths of his past choices, Lonnie is stunned by the revelations. She has no choice but to navigate this new path, knowing that surviving the devastating blow will take every ounce of strength  she has.
 
While Gideon’s guilt  and his bitterness towards Cassie threatens to burn up his fledgling faith, Lonnie wrestles to find the courage to trust the God who brought them together in the first place. Will their hard-earned love be able to conquer all? 
 
Lonnie only wanted her husband’s love. Now that he belongs to another, can she surrender Gideon to a God with a bigger plan?

 Though My Heart Is Torn by Joanne Bischof is the second book in The Cadence of Grace series. It was just simply... Amazing. Though I shouldn't be surprised because after reading the first book, Be Still My Soul, I was amazed by it too. I just didn't think it could get better. But once again an author has proved me wrong. I found myself crying throughout the book. And not just soft little sniffles, sometimes it was a full on sob, snot and all…Okay that was a little TMI. But seriously, Though My Heart Is Torn brought me to tears in a good ‘I’m living in the book’ way. I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for Lonnie and Gideon in the next book. But if it’s anything like the first two I know I’m in for a treat…And I’ll be prepared with Kleenex next time! 

5 out of 5. An Amazing Afternoon Snack! 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Misery Loves Company Review

Don’t tell me it’s terrifying. Terrify me.

Filled with grief, Jules Belleno rarely leaves the house since her husband’s death while on duty as a police officer. Other than the reviews Jules writes on her blog, she has little contact with the outside world.

But one day when she ventures out to the local grocery store, Jules bumps into a fellow customer . . . and recognizes him as her favorite author, Patrick Reagan. Jules gushes and thoroughly embarrasses herself before Regan graciously talks with her.

And that’s the last thing she remembers—until she wakes up in a strange room with a splitting headache. She’s been kidnapped. And what she discovers will change everything she believed about her husband’s death . . . her career . . . and her faith.

Misery Loves Company by Rene Gutteridge was mind blowing. I don't think I've ever read a book as quickly as I did this one. It arrived in the mail one second and was in my hands being read the next. I'm glad it was a summer day and I had nothing planned otherwise I would have been in trouble ignoring life around me. ;)  I was captivated instantly by Rene's story telling ability and I now wonder why I've never read any of her other books. Because if they're anything like Misery Loves Company they must be amazing.  That being said I can't wait to get my hands on more of her writing. 

5 out of 5. I devoured this Afternoon Snack. 

I got a free review copy of Misery Loves Company from Tyndale House Publishers in return for my honest review

A Most Peculiar Circumstance Review

Miss Arabella Beckett, defender of the down-trodden women of America, is returning from her travels in support of the women's suffrage movement when she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need. But things go sadly awry, and both ladies soon find themselves in dire need of rescue. Arabella, always loath to admit she needs help, is particularly reluctant to receive assistance from the arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor who shows up just in time.

Private investigator extraordinaire Mr. Theodore Wilder is on an assignment that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. He is already in a less than pleasant mood, and when Hamilton's sister turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he's at his wit's end. 

Much to their chagrin, Theodore and Arabella's paths continue to cross when they return home to New York, but the most unusual feelings beginning to grow between them certainly can't be anything serious. When the trouble Arabella accidentally stirred up in her travels follows her home and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of all: love. 

A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano was an excellent book. I loved how the whole story started and how it kept getting better and better. A Most Peculiar Circumstance is the sequel to A Change of Fortune and brings back old characters as well as some new. I loved getting to know the characters better, especially the two main charters, Theodore and Arabella, and watching their stories play out. A Most Peculiar Circumstance is sure to bring a smile to your face and put a warm feeling in your heart as you read the last chapter and set the book down. It did to mine. Now I can’t wait for Jen Turano’s next book!

5 out of 5. A sweet Afternoon Snack that you’re sure to love.

I got a free review copy of A Most Peculiar Circumstance from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

Renegade Review

Having grown up in the foster system, Private Pike Morgan’s rough exterior and problem with authority earn him few friends among his fellow Marines. When he’s not on missions for the Marine Reserve, Pike’s rebellious attitude and eagerness for vigilante justice have the local police regularly at his doorstep. Struggling to set down roots, and nervous of his desire to, Pike’s eager to answer the military’s call for another deployment.

On a peacekeeping mission to Afghanistan, Pike and his squad soon find themselves entrenched in a heated war zone. After an American journalist is kidnapped by known terrorist Zalmai Yaqub, the whereabouts of this al Qaeda leader become a top priority for the American military. But when Yaqub flees to Pakistan, will anyone aid Pike in his hunt, or will this strong Marine find himself without an ally?

Renegade by Mel Odom is the second book in the Called To Serve series.  I had said that the first book was the most captivating book I’ve read in a while; well it’s just been topped. I loved reading more about Pikes story. His past was kept a mystery in Deployed and was revealed more in Renegade. I can’t wait for the next book! 

That Dog Won’t Hunt Review

Dearing Family Book 1, Southern Contemporary

ebook: $2.99 

 

    paper: $9.69                     

www.brandilyncollins.com 

Meet the Dearings, a crazy, loving, boisterous family in small-town Mississippi. There's mom and dad, three daughters and their families, and the youngest—twenty-five-year-old Ben. Oh, and the family dog, a Yorkie who thinks she's royalty.
"This one's perfect," Ben says about his new fiancée, Christina, when he brings her home for a family reunion. Ben is just sure everyone will love Christina, and she'll fit right in.
He always did tend to wear rose-colored glasses.
Christina loves Ben but secretly fears their relationship will never work. They've only known each other ten weeks. She hasn't told him about her horrific past as an only child—the beatings, the neglect, and verbal abuse. Christina doesn't
know how to trust or be honest about her feelings. Being thrust into the middle
of a tight-knit family like the Dearings is sure to send her over the edge.
With poignancy and humor, That Dog Won't Hunt explores the complexities of
relationships and the inner strength needed to overcome a difficult childhood.

The Dearings are no perfect family, but they know how to love—if only Christina will accept it

That Dog Won’t Hunt is different from Brandilyn Collins other books but just as great. Being used to Brandilyn’s trademark Seatbelt Suspense® I wasn’t sure if I would like her newest book  as much as do all of her other books I’ve read. Boy was I wrong. I fell instantly in love with the loud, loving Dearing family that seemed so much like my own. I loved That Dog Won’t Hunt and can’t wait for the next book in the Dearing Family series. I would definitely recommend this to my friends.

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that leave you with a good taste in your mouth. 

A Noble Groom Review

All Annalisa Werner hoped for was fairy-tale romance. A prince charming to sweep her off her feet and carry her away. Instead she got a husband who cared more about his drinking and gambling then his wife and daughter. But now with her husband dead and on the brink of losing her farm Annalisa must marry again if she hopes to save her land. So her father sends a letter to his brother in Germany, asking him to send Annalisa a groom.

           

            Carl Richards is a man who is lucky to still have his head. Forced to flee Germany with nothing but the clothes on his back Carl takes refuge with Annalisa’s family. He claims that he is former school teacher and was sent by Matthias, Annalisa uncle. Carl asked that he be allowed to stay with Annalisa’s parents in exchange for helping out on her farm until her new husband arrives to take his place. Desperate Annalisa accepts his offer.

            Annalisa soon realizes that Carl is everything her first husband wasn’t. Caring, fascinating, and gentle, the prince charming she always dreamed of.  But she also knows that her new husband may arrive any day.

            A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund was brilliant! I fell in love with Annalisa and Carl immediately and felt their troubles as if they were mine. Everything about this story was great. The best thing was that I could imagine every part of this story being true. Every character and every place was brought to life with Jody’s writing. I absolutely loved A Noble Groom and will definitely recommend it!

5 out of 5. This Afternoon Snack was worthy of royalty!

I got a free review copy of A Noble Groom from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.