Words Spoken True

Back Cover

Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father’s newspaper offices.  With ink in her veins, she can’t imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters.  Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855.

When Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over a competing newspaper, the battle for readers gets fierce.  After Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore.  Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to the Tribune’s future.  Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story—and the girl.

Set against the volatile backdrop of political and civil unrest in 1850s Louisville, this exciting story of love and loyalty will hold you in its grip until the very last page.

Review

I really enjoyed this novel.  Adriane Darcy is a feisty, quick-witted woman who lives and breathes for the next story.  Blake Garrett is a passionate man who is determined to make his newspaper number one.

Adriane and Blake meeting are like two comets colliding.  Sparks fly, words exchanged, and wit evenly matched.  Add to that spicy encounter an upcoming election with controversial candidates and touchy issues such as immigration, and you have a recipe for drama – and lots of it.  All these elements kept me thoroughly entertained and wanting more. 

Issues such as trust, loyalty, love, honour, and betrayal are raised and grappled with by the characters.  Their inner struggles are revealed and deftly handled and the ending was very satisfying.

This is one novel that did not disappoint!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Chasing Mona Lisa

Back Cover

August 1944.  Paris is on the cusp of liberation.  As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country and steal countless pieces of irreplaceable art.  In fact, Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring will stop at nothing to claim the  most valuable one of all—the Mona Lisa—as a postwar bargaining chip.

But the woman with the mysterious smile has some very determined protectors.  Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

With nonstop action and intrigue, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh Swiss chateau, the race is on—and the runners are playing for keeps.

Review

This novel had a very intriguing plot.  It was a very interesting setting to read how World War II affected France, and as this particular story took place towards the end of World War II, one reads about the country’s citizens struggle to regain their country back from the grasp of the Nazis.

With the Third Reich losing power, Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring sees the Mona Lisa as his ticket out of France and away from the ever-multiplying French resistance groups and the coming Western Allies.  The Mona Lisa is one of the most revered paintings in the world and for it to be stolen would severely shake the fragile confidences of the French peoples.  Consequently, Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler will stop at nothing to ensure that Goring’s plans are thwarted.

The plot was at times a bit slow, perhaps due to the constantly shifting viewpoints in the story (there were at least seven different viewpoints).  The focus of the novel was completely and wholly on the plot itself, and there was little to no character development or insight.  However, Chasing Mona Lisa was rich in historic detail, something I greatly appreciated.  And I never knew that the Mona Lisa was stolen at one time on August 21, 1911!

For those who enjoy an interesting, historical read, Chasing Mona Lisa would be a good pick.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Sixty Acres and a Bride

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With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch.  Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.

Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best.  They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs.  She can’t help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention.  Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honourable.  But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future.

Review

This book was a pleasant surprise.  As you learn from the prologue, it is a Texas twist on the classic, unforgettable story of Ruth and Boaz.  Being a native of Mexico, Rosa has a hard time fitting in – from what to wear, how to talk, and how to act around men.  Rosa was a great, colourful character, often labeled “scandalous” for her exuberant and playful ways.  (I don’t think you would see very many ladies of society in 1878 climbing trees for fun.) Her counterpart, Weston, is a strong protector, the one who will stand up first to assist those in trouble.  Their interactions were always enjoyable to read.

I have to give credit to the author for making this novel come to life and the characters, their reactions, and different situations so believable.  It is a mark of a great author when your readers can connect to the story and the characters.

Sixty Acres and a Bride is a debut novel for Regina Jennings, and after reading this book, I cannot wait until she writes another!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

When the Smoke Clears

Back Cover

After a brush with death due to equipment failure, smokejumper Alexia Allen is ordered to take time off while the incident is under investigation.  She makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother’s home and attend her high school reunion.  Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she is confronted with murder, arson—and a handsome detective.

But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past.  As she struggles to accept and forgive her family’s past, she must also decide if the secret she’s been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.

Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension you’ve come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series.

Review

I have read the other series by Lynette Eason, “Women of Justice”, and quickly became a fan.  I love her crime dramas that are saturated with suspense and sprinkled with romance.  I eagerly looked forward to reading When the Smoke Clears, given the mystery and danger-laden write-up on the back-cover.

When the Smoke Clears definitely had all the elements it advertised for, however, a little watered down.  My biggest disappointment was that I had figured out “who-done-it” about a quarter of the way through the book (when you’re not supposed to know until the last few chapters).  I did, however, love the fact that the main character, Alexia Allen, was a fire-fighter who had a traumatic experience earlier in her life with fire – an interesting contradiction, but completely believable.

While at times predictable, the story did have a few good twists and turns with suprise moments and the characters were quite dynamic.  When the Smoke Clears is a good light read for when you are curled up on the couch on a snowy, Sunday afternoon.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Surrender the Heart

Back Cover

On the brink of the War of 1812, Marianne Denton must marry to unlock her inheritance.  Without the money, her mother can’t receive medical care and her sister will be destitute.  But Noah Brenin needs to sail his cargo to England before the war commences in order to prove his worth to his father and make enough money so he won’t have to marry at all.

 When Noah walks out on their engagement party, Marianne chases him down and ends up on his merchantman out at sea.  The situation worsens when Noah’s ship encounters a British man-of-war and the couple is impressed into the British navy.

While a young lad’s prophecy of destiny looms over them both, Marianne and Noah are forced to face their darkest fears at they desperately try to escape and fulfill their destinies – destinies that could change the course of the war and history forever.

Review

I’ve read a number of MaryLu Tyndall’s (also known as M.L. Tyndall) books prior to reading this one.  MaryLu has a fascination with pirates, and from what I can see, she is a bit of a break-through author in that particular genre.

 Surrender the Heart is the first in a trilogy entitled “Surrender to Destiny”.  This book was highly interesting and an exciting read.  MaryLu deftly weaves suspense and romance into a tight-knit novel that makes it difficult to put down.  I work full-time and also have other activities after work, but somehow, I managed to finish Surrender the Heart in two days.  I was caught right up with Marianne and Noah as they sailed on the high seas and then were captured by the British.  I sympathized when they struggled with their inner demons and cheered for their victories.  I especially felt for Marianne, who believes she is just an ordinary girl, not destined to any greatness, who will live a simple, normal life.  Everyone feels ordinary at times in their life, but it just takes one individual to make you feel like the most special person in the world.

One thing that I’ve come to really appreciate in MaryLu’s novels is her recurrent theme of a character that has strayed from God, yet through the course of the story, surrenders wholeheartedly back into His arms.  It is an encouraging theme for any Christian and brings a strong message of hope.

Maire

From Back Cover

Fifth-century Ireland: An ancient land of timeless mystery where the spark of Christianity
spreads like wildfire among kings, scholars, and peasants alike. And nowhere is the impact greater than among the druids, as the light of Christ divides those seeking truth from those
seeking power.

Against this backdrop of passion and change, two warriors stand firm: Rowan of Emrys,
reformed mercenary; and Maire, warrior queen of Gleanmara.

Rowan and Maire clash on the battlefield, and Maire takes Rowan as her hostage and husband. She cannot understand his faith, his dedication to the one God, but neither can she deny the truth in his claims that meekness and humility are stronger than any blade of steel.

When they finally join together, lifting their swords against the evil druid Morlach and his corrupt forces of darkness, they discover the cost – and joy – of following the one true God and His Christ.

Review

I was quite excited to read this novel. There is nothing better than an exciting medieval romance set against the backdrop of warring tribes and nations; where the world around the main characters is seemingly falling apart, yet love and truth triumph over evil in a climatic conclusion.

Unfortunately, Maire did not live up to my expectations. The writing, at times, was unbalanced and often depicted contrary views of the main character herself, Maire. I was often confused as to who she really was and put off by her overly independent and arrogant demeanor. Granted, yes, she is a warrior queen, but it felt like she was trying so hard to be equal to a man and best them, that it was a contest all the time with her.

The story idea itself was good, and had a few twists and turns to keep the reader entertained. I just wish Maire experienced faster character development, as it was flat for most of the story, until the last couple chapters. Despite this, I will read the second book in this series, as I don’t like to base an opinion of an author on just one book, as different stories and different characters can make all the difference in the world.

Chop Shop

From Back Cover

Dr. Riley McKay begins a fellowship program in forensic pathology at the renowned Allegheny County Coroner's Office in Pittsburgh. She soon discovers that her supervising pathologist, Dr. Nathan Lassiter, has an unexplained history of bungled autopsies, concealed evidence, and unreported wounds. Ignored by her senior pathologists and threatened by Dr. Lassiter, she turns to Dr. Nick Polchuk, the Bug Man, to help her investigate.

Review

Chop Shop is book two in Tim Downs’ The Bug Man series that follows Dr. Nick Polchak, a forensic entomologist who looks to insects to solve murders. It can easily be said that Nick is one of the most unique and quirky characters I have ever read. His wonderfully dry sense of humour caused me to laugh often over his quips.

This particular story portrayed an intriguing ethical dilemma (which I won`t mention, as it is a spoiler), which can be rather thought-provoking. It makes for a highly interesting read, and fans of TV shows such as CSI and Bones would readily enjoy this novel. Some of the scientific terms and explanations got a little heady at times (especially for a mind that is more geared to the legal world), but didn’t deter from my enjoyment of the story.

I definitely recommend this book!