Rosemary Cottage by Colleen Coble

Overview: Amy came to Rosemary Cottage to grieve, to heal, maybe even find love. But there’s a deadly undertow of secrets around Hope Island . . .

The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She’s even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community. It’s always been a refuge for her and her family. She also wants to investigate Ben’s disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder.

Coast Guard officer Curtis Ireland has lost a sibling too. His sister, Gina, was run down by a boat, leaving him to raise her infant daughter. If anyone knew who little Raine’s father was, Curtis could lose his beloved niece. Yet he can’t help being drawn to Hope Beach’s new midwife, Amy. He even agrees to help her investigate what happened to both Ben and Gina.

Can two grieving people with secrets find healing on beautiful Hope Island? Or will their quest for truth set them at odds with each other…and with those who will go to any length to keep hidden things hidden?

ISBN-13: 9781595547828
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 7/9/2013
Series: Hope Beach Series , #2
Pages: 336

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My Review: I just can't get over how masterful a story teller Colleen Coble is. I've not read one of her books I didn't thoroughly enjoy. This book is no exception! I was hooked from page one! The story moved at just the right pace. Lots of action, mystery, and the right amount of romance.

The emotions the characters felt were realistic. I could feel Amy's grief, joy, contentment, and conflict as she struggled to keep her emotions in check. Her character is one I can certainly relate to. Curtis' character drew me in from the start. His caring, protective nature is admirable. Their romance, while at times I wanted to smack them both, was sweet. 

The lesson in this story was two-fold. God wants us to be real. It's so easy to put on a facade, to pretend to be someone we aren't or feel something we don't, but that's not what God wants. The other lesson is about judgement. We are in no way, shape, or form in a position to judge others, yet we do it on a daily basis. That's not God's will either! 

Overall, this is a face-paced story with plenty of twists, turns, and romance for anyone!

About the Author: Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

 Connect with Colleen: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog

Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard

Kate's not sure how deep this deception goes—but she'll do whatever it takes to find out.

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money and can't believe that it came from her sweet elderly neighbor. Or that it has landed her in the middle of another of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation—and one that strikes too close to home for comfort.

As family secrets come to light, her world—and her budding romance with Tom—begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But then will it be too late for her and Tom?

For Blind Trust extras, visit Sandra's Bonus Book Features page.

ISBN-13: 9780800722234
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 6/17/2014
Series:Port Aster Secrets , #2
Pages: 384

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My Review: I was disappointed when I learned this was the second book in a series, as I have not read the first book, Deadly Devotion. However, the author gives enough details from the previous book to get a feel for what's going on so you're not completely lost. For that, I was thankful. Sandra Orchard is a new author to me, but this definitely will not be the last novel of hers I read. She created a tension filled story of mystery, suspense, with a hint of romance that I truly appreciated. 

I can relate with Kate Adams a great deal. She is the kind of person who is overly trusting, kind, and tries to see the best in everyone. In this book, we see her struggling a great deal with the trust she so freely gave to certain people, even God. She begins to question her judgement and priorities. Tom Parker seems like a guy with a good heart. His intentions towards Kate are honorable and sincere. The budding romance between them was well written and helped to ease some of the tension going on in the book.

Each character struggles with placing their trust in the right place. Placing our trust in the one who knows our future is the greatest thing we can do, and also the hardest. As humans, we struggle to trust a person we can't see or understand well, but if we can trust the Lord to save us from our sins, we can trust Him with our future. With plenty of twists and turns, and an awesome cliff-hanger, Blind Trust will keep you turning pages and eagerly awaiting the final book!

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Revell Reads in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

About the Author: Sandra Orchard is an award-winning author of inspirational romantic suspense with Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense imprint, and Revell Publishing. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America and The Word Guild (Canada). A mother of three grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and now writes full time…when not doting on her young grandchildren.  You can learn more about Sandra’s books and bonus features at www.SandraOrchard.com or connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard Sandra is represented by Steve Laube of the Steve Laube Agency.

Connect with Sandra: Facebook  | Goodreads | Sandra's Blog | Website

Weekend Wrap Up (June 13)

 

This is the Weekend Wrap-Up, inspired by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Review. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week!

Hello blogging friends! Can you believe it's almost July?!?! 2014 is just flying by! I've got some exciting things planned for you, starting in July! Keep an eye out for a special invitation next week! 

Also, at the end of the month, I will be participating in a giveaway. Your requirement for entry is going to be simple. Answer the following question: What crazy, wacky, fun question would you ask an author, if you had the chance? Be thinking of an answer!

Starting the first Wednesday in July, I'm going to be hosting a segment called "Water your Faith Wednesday." How do you feel after spending your Sunday at church praising and worshiping our Lord? I know I feel great! I start my week fired up and ready to face what's in store. Oftentimes, however, by Wednesday, life begins to drag me down. My goal is provide a way to overcome the spiritual doldrums with encouraging words, scriptures, devotions, songs, etc. I might even invite other bloggers, authors, etc to make guest posts. I hope you'll join me!

What I've Read:


Reviews Posted:
Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble
Blind Trust Blog Tour starts on June 15. My review will be posted then.

What I'm Currently Reading:


What's Next:


That about wraps it up! What did you accomplish this week? Are you as excited about my announcements as I am?!

Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

 

ISBN-13: 9781595547811
Publisher: Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date: 7/17/2012
Series:Hope Beach Series , #1
Pages: 320

 

Overview: Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.

 

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her new-found brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby’s under suspicion for the crime.

Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

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(The e-book edition is $3.99 right now on all sites!)

My Review: I love all of Colleen Coble's novels and this story is no exception! Colleen has you gripping the edge of your seat from the very first page! While the story is a little unrealistic (they don't call it "fiction" for nothing!), it is still exceptionally written. Most of the time, I can guess how the mystery is going to play out. Colleen does an excellent job of keeping you guessing until the very end. My suspicions were completely wrong! I love that type of story!

Libby, as a rather new Christian, is faced with obstacle after obstacle. It was great to go through her spiritual growth journey with her. She is also a strong, yet tender and loving female lead character. She would be someone I looked up to. Alec is a good, godly man. Yet, Colleen Coble gives him enough human characteristics to make him normal. He struggles just like any other man. With a cast of secondary characters like Vanessa, Brent, and Aunt Pearl, the story is never boring or drama-less. It was also nice to catch up with Bree and Kade from the Rock Harbor series!

The overall theme of the story - greed and generosity (as stated by Colleen herself) - is repeated through the decisions and situations the characters deal with. The story repeatedly makes them ask the time old question: "What Would Jesus Do?" Facing trials and tribulations is part of every life, but especially Christians. As Alec is quick to point out, "Being a Christian doesn't mean trouble never comes our way... It just means God is here, and he gives us the grace to get through the heartache." When a particular decision has to be made that is really hard, the reward can be equally great.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, as I do all of Colleen Coble's works. I highly recommend this story as well as any of her other works!

About the Author: Lonestar Angel, the 4th novel in Colleen Coble’s popular Lonestar series won the 2012 Carol Award in Romantic Suspense.

With more than 300 products nominated, industry retailers chose the titles to receive the Retailer’s Choice award. The Lightkeeper’s Ball by Colleen Coble, received an award in fiction: historical romance. When hearing the news, Daisy Hutton, vice president and publisher for Thomas Nelson’s fiction division had this to say: “The Thomas Nelson fiction team is delighted that Colleen Coble’s work has been recognized by retailers through this award. Colleen is more than a Thomas Nelson author; she is a part of our family, having celebrated her 10th anniversary with us this summer. We greatly appreciate the support that retailers have given to Colleen throughout her career, and we join her in celebrating this achievement.”

• Learn more about Colleen Coble
• Follow Colleen: Twitter | Facebook | Blog

The Sunflower Blogger Award

I have been tagged by Melanie (at Christian Bookshelf Reviews). Thank you, Melanie - I am honored to be chosen!!!

The rules:

1. Share 11 facts about yourself
2. Answer the 11 questions the previous blogger asked
3. Tag 11 bloggers and ask them 11 new questions

11 Facts about myself:

1. I love to read (obviously!)
2. I'm getting married on September 13, 2014
3. We're going to the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon
4. I went on my very first mission trip this year to Belize. I loved every minute of it!
5. I actually love my job. I work on a phone desk for Wells Fargo.
6. Popcorn is one of my favorite dinners ever
7. I have a TON of pictures everywhere. They are plastered all over my cube at work, my walls at home, and my fridge.
8. I have a fierce respect for our service men and women. I don't like people disrespecting those who give their time and lives for our freedom. (See why on my About Me page).
9. I love McDonald's Coke. It is the best Coke in the entire world.
10. I try to do most of my blogging on my free time at work. I know when I get home, it won't get done because I'm on a computer all day.
11. Most important: I am a child of God. I couldn't imagine my life without my Savior.

My answers to Melanie's Questions:

1. What's the last book you bought? I actually just purchased Swept Away and Fired Up by Mary Connealy
2. What's the last movie you watched? I watched The Perks of Being a Wallflower over the weekend. It was a great movie!
3. What's your all-time favorite book cover? That is a tough question. I am drawn to books by their covers. I don't know if I have a favorite!
4. What's your favorite summer activity, besides reading? ;) Cooking out with family and friends.
5. What is one of the worst/most-boring movies you've seen? The most boring movie I have ever seen is True Grit. I just did not enjoy that movie one bit.
6. If you could spend a week anywhere in the world, where would you choose? Somewhere tropical. I love the water, sun, and sand!
7. Sneakers or sandals? Sandals! I actually prefer no shoes at all.
8. The beach or the pool? the beach, for sure!
9. What's the last book that made you cry or laugh-out-loud? I cried reading Through The Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer and laughed out loud reading Talk of The Town by Lisa Wingate
10. What's your favorite candle scent? Vanilla - by far. It's a classic, timeless scent.
11. Do you have a favorite B&W movie? I don't know that I've actually watched a black and white movie.

I'm tagging:

Jennifer ~ WordSmith 

Lis Ann ~ The Indigo Quill 

Kate ~ Too Read or Not Too Read 

Linda ~ Mocha with Linda 

Brooke ~ i blog 4 books 

Aizess ~ Christian Book Review Blog

Amber ~ For the love of books

Michelle ~ I Hope You Dance

Kristie ~ Moments

Sue W ~ Thoughts from Mill Street

Heart2Heart ~ Reviews From The Heart

(no pressure! you don't have to participate if you don't want to)

My Questions: 

1. Where is your favorite place to read?
2. What are you looking forward to doing this summer?
3. Do you prefer e-books or paperback/hardback books?
4. If you could meet one historical person, who would it be?
5. You are on a desert island. You can have wish for three things. What would they be?
6. Who is your favorite fictional character of all time?
7. What is the greatest lesson you have learned from reading a fiction book?
8. Do you love your job?
9. What is your favorite quote?
10. Do you like to buy new books or are you ok with used?
11. What have you learned about yourself lately?

Weekend Wrap Up (June 6)

 

This is the Weekend Wrap-Up, inspired by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Review. This is where I will tell you what I've read in the past week, what I'm currently reading, and what I plan to read in the week ahead. I might also share some interesting events from the past week!

What I've Read:

Reviews Posted:

Cowgirl Trail by Susan Paige Davis

Through The Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer
The Heart's Pursuit  by Robin Lee Hatcher

What I'm Currently Reading:

What's Next:

That about wraps it up!

The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

Overview: A Colorado beauty abandoned at the altar. A rugged bounty hunter haunted by his past.

In this dramatic historical novel by best-selling author Robin Lee Hatcher, two wounded hearts join forces in a pursuit across the Old West. Silver Matlock is a Colorado beauty in search of revenge against the man who stranded her at the altar and fled with the remnant of her family's fortune. She is determined to find the man who betrayed her trust. Jared Newman, rugged as the West itself, is relentless in his pursuit of lawless men---but unable to escape his own tragic past. Hardened by his life as a bounty hunter, he must learn to forgive before he loses his soul. Joining forces, the two set out in search of Silver's betrayer. The handsome but embittered Jared finds himself powerfully drawn to the beautiful woman whose drive for justice equals his own. But lack of honesty keeps Silver and Jared from fully trusting each other, even as a shocking revelation intensifies their pursuit of the cunning - and deadly - quarry.

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My Review: Robin Lee Hatcher is a fantastic author. This book is no exception. In her note to readers, she says that this book is out of the norm for her. Since I've only read one other book by Robin, I wouldn't have known that. The story is written masterfully. It flows well. The descriptions of the characters, the towns, the adventure and message was wonderfully crafted into a story that kept me turning the pages, eager to find out what would happen in the end.

The characters were well developed. Silver Matlock was a woman ahead of her time. She was strong, independent, opinionated, and stubborn. She was not your typical "simpering miss." Her fault was not trusting or believing in herself, because her entire life she hasn't been made to feel like she was enough. Jared Newman is a man bent on revenge. He's based his entire adult life on tracking down the man who brutally beat and killed his sister and family. Though he thought he left his old self behind, traces of his former upbringing start to show when he meets Silver. Their romance is sweet and wonderfully written.

The message for both characters is learning to trust God with everything, instead of taking matters into your own hands. How often do we mess things up because we don't put our faith in the One who knows all, sees all, and cares for us? "Revenge is mine, saith the Lord."

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will definitely read more books by this talented author!

**I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.**

About the Author: Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. She discovered her vocation after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. After fifteen years writing for the general fiction market and a change in her own heart, Robin began to write stories that included her Christian faith and values. Winner of the Christy, the RITA, the Carol, the Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and many other awards, she is also a recipient of the prestigious RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin is the author of over 70 novels and novellas.

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. Her main hobby (when time allows) is knitting, and she has a special love for making prayer shawls. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with Poppet, the high-maintenance Papillon, and Princess Pinky, the DC (demon cat).

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