The Roll of the Drums Review

Ruby Weaver's curly red hair isn't the only thing that sets her apart from her Amish community in 1863. Twenty-eight and single, Ruby doesn't believe a woman needs to be married in order to be happy. Her ailing friend Lovinia Fischer, however, has other ideas and wants Ruby to promise to marry her husband after she dies. Never imagining she'd have to fulfill that vow, Ruby agrees. And she's not the only one. Lovinia has extracted a similar promise from her husband, Gideon.

With both Ruby and Gideon reluctant to keep their promises, a compromise must be reached. Ruby will spend her days with Gideon's family--helping to raise the children and keep the house--but her nights will be spent at her sister's neighboring house. But this arrangement raises eyebrows in their conservative Amish community, and it soon becomes clear that Ruby must make a decision--marry Gideon or turn her back on her friend, the children she's grown to love . . . and their father.

The Roll of the Drums by Jan Drexler is such a sweet story. This Amish romance is set in the civil war and finds these two characters struggling with not only feelings and faith, but fear of a not so distant war. You could tell a lot of research and knowledge went into the creation of The Roll of the Drums and the twists and turns in this story take you on a journey. If you are a fan of Amish or historical fiction be sure to pick up this book as well as the first in this series. 

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

Always Look Twice Review

At the advice of her therapist, homicide survivor Harper Reynolds has traded her job as a crime scene photographer for a more peaceful life taking photographs of the natural world. But her hopes for a life surrounded by the serenity of the outdoors are dashed when she inadvertently captures a murder being committed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She flees the scene in fear--and loses the camera.

Former Green Beret Heath McKade is a reserve deputy in an understaffed county who has been called in to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to see back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff's department can't find any evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed--or how deeply they will fall for each other.

Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard is the second book in the Uncommon Justice series. if your looking for a thrilling mystery to escape into for awhile this is the book for you. Harper and Health are both interesting characters and the adventure they have in this story is full of twists and turns even the most avid mystery reader wont see coming. While this book is the second in its series it can be read on its own. I missed the first one, but now I cant wait to go read it! 

 5 out of 5.

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

Dark Ambitions Review

Former Army Night Stalker Rick Jordan usually has his camp for foster children to himself during the winter months. But someone has visited recently--leaving a trail of blood. One of the two clues left behind tips Rick off to the identity of his visitor, who soon turns up dead. The police deem it an accident, but Rick isn't convinced. With the help of private investigator Heather Shields, he sets out to decipher the remaining clue. Except someone doesn't want them to succeed--and will stop at nothing to keep them from finding the truth.

Dark Ambitions by Irene Hannon is the third book in her Code of Honor series and a thrilling suspense read. Old and new characters combine to create a compelling mystery, that has to have become one of my favorites by Hannon. Full of shocking twists and turns Dark Ambitions will keep you on the balls of your feet from beginning to end. If you are a fan of Irene Hannon or just a suspense novel lover in general you will be sure to enjoy this book. 

5 out of 5.

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

A Distance Too Grand Review

Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession--starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott is a fantastic historical romance. It was very easy to fall in love with these two main characters, Meg and Ben, as well as the other secondary characters. Their story is one that will have you turning the pages quickly. A Distance Too Grand, the first book in the American Wonders Collection is a wonderful story of adventure, faith, and love.

5 out of 5.

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

Christmas in Winter Hill Review

Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn't always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, "Where's the snow?" Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista's Christmas spirit before the big day?

Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson is the perfect way to start of your holiday season. Krista and Emily's story is a short and sweet one that brings to mind nights curled on the couch with a warm cup of cocoa watching hallmark Christmas movies. This novella is just what you need to jump start your need to binge everything Christmas. Christmas in Winter Hill is a great addition to Carlson's collection of Christmas novellas. 

5 out of 5.

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

One More River to Cross Review

In 1844, two years before the Donner Party, the Stevens-Murphy company left Missouri to be the first wagons into California through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mostly Irish Catholics, the party sought religious freedom and education in the mission-dominated land and enjoyed a safe journey--until October, when a heavy snowstorm forced difficult decisions. The first of many for young Mary Sullivan, newlywed Sarah Montgomery, the widow Ellen Murphy, and her pregnant sister-in-law Maolisa.

When the party separates in three directions, each risks losing those they loved and faces the prospect of learning that adversity can destroy or redefine. Two women and four men go overland around Lake Tahoe, three men stay to guard the heaviest wagons--and the rest of the party, including eight women and seventeen children, huddle in a makeshift cabin at the headwaters of the Yuba River waiting for rescue . . . or their deaths.

One More River to Cross by Jane Kirkpatrick was a wonderfully written historical fiction. Kirkpatrick always fills her story full of breathtaking imagery that seems to take you back in time. This particular story is one of courage but also one of immense struggles. So getting ready to be a bit chilly as you take this incredible journey with them. One More River to Cross is a great book for lovers of Jane Kirkpatrick as well as fictional retellings of american history. 

4 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

One Final Breath Review

When investigator Gabriel Chavez had his cover blown by an aggressive reporter, the silver lining was being able to rejoin the dive team. The downside? Dive team captain Anissa Bell--a woman who both fascinates and frustrates him.

Anissa grew up as a missionary kid on the Micronesian island of Yap and always planned to return after college. But she remained stateside, determined to solve the case that haunts her--the murder of her best friend and the disappearance of a three-year-old child.

When Anissa's fractured past collides with Gabe's investigation into the tragic shooting death of a teenage boy in Lake Porter, they'll have to put their complicated history with each other aside in order to uncover the identity of a killer. What they'll discover is that revenge has no statute of limitations.

One Final Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn is a fantastic read! It's full of just the kinds of twists and turns you want in your suspense novel. Both of the main characters have their baggage from the past and the ending they get in this story is very fulfilling to see play out. One Final Breath is the third book in the Dive Team Investigations series and a great installment, its always nice when you get to see favorite characters from the past books. This is overall a great romantic suspense novel that I'm sure everyone will enjoy.

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

You Belong with Me Review

Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses in the town where her family name is practically poison isn't one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map--and hopefully finally repay the financial debt Hannah's mother caused the town. But at first no one supports her efforts--not even her best friend, Luke.

Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah's restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is--and who he was.

You Belong with Me was a fantastic debut for Tari Faris. This small town setting features many wonderful characters as well as strong christian themes. Hannah and Luke were both wonderfully relate-able characters and their journey was a fun one to follow. Full of twists and turns this book is sure to hook you on this new author. You Belong with Me is a sweet contemporary romance that is the beginning of what is sure to be a wonderful series by Tari Faris . 

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

The Girl Behind the Red Rope Review

Ten years ago, Grace saw something that would forever change the course of history. When evil in its purest form is unleashed on the world, she and others from their religious community are already hidden deep in the hills of Tennessee, abiding by every rule that will keep them safe, pure--and alive. As long as they stay there, behind the red perimeter.

Her older brother's questions and the arrival of the first outsiders she's seen in a decade set in motion events that will question everything Grace has built her life on. Enemies rise on all sides--but who is the real enemy? And what will it cost her to uncover the truth?

The Girl Behind the Red Rope by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker is a very thought provoking read. This is a book that you read and then think about for a few days. Its message will stick with you and hopefully make you think about things in your own story. I enjoyed the premise and the discussion of fears. I also thought the father/daughter writing duo did a great job on this book and look forward to reading future collaborations by the two of them. 

4 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

Deadly Intentions Reveiw

Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris is one of the best mystery/thriller books I've read in a while. It will definitely be taking its place on my favorites shelf. The pace is quick and the plot complex enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Both of the characters, Caitlyn and Josh, are easy to instantly be invested in. Whether you've been a fan of Lisa Harris from the very beginning or you've just stumbled upon her Deadly Intentions will not disappoint.

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

A Glitter of Gold Review

Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging, and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but she runs after a disastrous first meeting.

Carter has been searching for the location of the wreck detailed in the worn pages of an 18th-century diary, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she'd never do again: trust a man.

Finding a monetary backer and sticking with a search that's turning up nothing will take all their dedication--and every secret they've tried to hide. If they can find the lost ship, they may discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world--love.

A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson is a wonderful edition to the Georgia Coast Romance series. Also who doesn't like a good story with pirates! Anne and Carter are two characters both at the end of their ropes in one way or another. Together they have to let go of their pasts and work together to find this ship. I thoroughly enjoyed A Glitter of Gold, the mix of past and present story is also a fun twist. I can't wait for whatever Liz Johnson come up with next!

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

Vow of Justice Review

FBI Special Agent Lincoln St. John is living his own personal nightmare. When the woman he loves, Allison Radcliffe, is killed, he devotes his life to tracking down the killers and making them pay for their crimes. He expected it to be a challenge. What he never expected was to find Allison very much alive shortly after her "murder." As his anger and hurt mix with relief, Linc isn't sure how he's supposed to feel. One thing he does know for sure: he and Allison will have to work together to stop a killer before she dies a second time--this time for good.

Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason is such an exciting read! I loved the premise of this story and the mystery had some fun twists. The characters are familiar if you've read the previous books in this series but even if you haven't don't be afraid to jump in, it is it's own story. The action and intrigue will have you turning the pages until late into the night. Vow of Justice is a great conclusion to the Blue Justice series, be sure not to miss it. 

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

Yours Truly, Thomas Review

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it.

Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham is the perfect sweet romance for your summer. Penny is a delightful character who is full of hope. I loved seeing how her actions impacted Thomas' life and others. I also loved the premise of this novel and found it to have a good bit of intrigue mixed in to keep you turning the pages. Yours Truly, Thomas is the perfect book to read when you need an escape into a someone else's story.

5 out of 5. 

The 49th Mystic Review and Rise of the Mystics Review

Some say the great mystery of how one can live in two worlds at once died with Thomas Hunter many years ago. Still others that the gateway to that greater reality was and is only the stuff of dreams.

They are wrong. In the small town of Eden, Utah, a blind girl named Rachelle Matthews is about to find out just how wrong.

When a procedure meant to restore Rachelle's sight goes awry, she begins to dream of another world so real that she wonders if Earth might only be a dream experienced when she falls asleep in that reality. Who is a simple blind girl to have such strange and fantastic dreams?

She's the prophesied one who must find and recover five ancient seals--in both worlds--before powerful enemies destroy her. If Rachelle succeeds in her quest, peace will reign. If she fails, both worlds will forever be locked in darkness.

So begins a two-volume saga of high stakes and a mind-bending quest to find an ancient path that will save humanity. The clock is ticking; the end rushes forward.

Ready? Set?

Dream. 

Rachelle Matthews, who grew up in the small town of Eden, Utah, discovered just how wrong when she dreamed and awoke in another world. There she learned that she was the 49th Mystic, the prophesied one, tasked with finding five ancient seals before powerful enemies destroy her. If Rachelle succeeds in her quest, peace will reign. If she fails, the world will forever be locked in darkness.

In The 49th Mystic, Rachelle found the first three of those five seals through great peril and mind-altering adventure. But two seals remain hidden and the fate of both worlds hangs in their balance.

As Rachelle Matthews sits deep in a dungeon, Vlad Smith is just getting started. Thomas Hunter's world is about to be turned inside out. The mystics say that there is no defense against the Fifth Seal--but finding it will cost Rachelle everything.

So begins the final volume of high stakes in one girl's quest to find an ancient path that will save humanity. The clock is ticking; the end rushes forward.

The 49th Mystic and The Rise of the Mystics by Ted Dekker are two wonderful reads. Especially for any and all fans of Dekker and of his Circle series. I remember the Circle series being the first books of his that I read back when I was in high school and I've enjoyed his writing ever since. That being said The 49th Mystic and The Rise of the Mystics did not disappoint. I feel like you could probably pick up these books without having read the Circle series but I suggest  reading it first anyways because its great. Rachelle is a great character to follow throughout this series. As a reader I feel like you will be able to discover things about yourself along with the characters in the books. The story line is captivating and I once again fell in love with this universe jumping style. Overall Beyond the Circle is a great two book series for lovers of Ted Dekker's wonderful storytelling. 

5 out of 5 for both books. 

To Best The Boys Review

Don a disguise.

Survive the labyrinth.

Best the boys.

In a thrilling new fantasy from the bestselling author of the Storm Siren Trilogy, one girl makes a stand against society and enters a world made exclusively for boys.

Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port have received a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. The poorer residents look to see if their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.

In the province of Caldon, where women train in wifely duties and men pursue collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.

With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone is ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the deadly maze.

Welcome to the labyrinth.

To Best the Boys by Mary Weber is a fantastical young adult book. It feature spunky characters and an interesting premise. What I really appreciated about how the author told this story is how both all types of women were validated. I hate when a book is supposed to be empowering young females to be whatever they want yet puts down the character who, like Seleni, just really want to be a wife in mother. Both cousins wanted different things yet they supported one another. Also I really enjoyed the puzzles in the labyrinth. All in all I think To Best the Boys is a great novel for young women (and men) to read. 

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.

With This Pledge Review

On the night of November 30, 1864, a brutal battle in Franklin, Tennessee, all but decimates the Confederacy and nearly kills Captain Roland Ward Jones. A decorated Mississippi sharpshooter, Jones has a vision on the battlefield and, despite the severity of his wounds, believes his life will be spared. But a life without his leg, he can't abide. He compels Elizabeth "Lizzie" Clouston—governess to the McGavock family at the Carnton mansion—to intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate. True to her word, Lizzie speaks on his behalf and saves not only the captain's leg but also his life.

When a fourteen-year-old soldier dies in Lizzie's arms that night, the boy's final words, whispered with urgency, demand that Lizzie deliver them to their intended recipient. But all she has is the boy's first name. And, as she soon discovers, there's no record of him ever having enlisted. How can she set out alone across a land so divided by war and hatred to honor her pledge? Even more, does she dare accept Captain Jones's offer to accompany her? As he coalesces at Carnton, romance has blossomed between him and Lizzie—a woman already betrothed to a man she does not love.

With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander is the first book in her new series The Carnton Novels. Lizzie's story is one of intense faith and love during the Civil War. I loved how Lizzie and Roland's relationship formed and grew throughout the story through their conversations and letters. As always Tamera Alexander amazes me with her attention to historical details. She does a wonderful job blending her research of the time and the people into her fictional world to create an amazing novel filled with romance and faith. If you have loved any of her past books you will not be disappointed with With This Pledge. 

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.