"Traces of Guilt," by Dee Henderson

"Traces of Guilt," by Dee Henderson

Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police detective . . . mostly. She's very skilled at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks. She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job.

Gabriel Thane grew up in Carin County and is now its sheriff, a job he loves. Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he's sworn to protect. He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have. . . .

When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it's to help launch a new task force focused on unsolved crimes across the state. She will work with the sheriff's department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases. As she studies old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths surprising connections. One way or another, she knows Gabriel Thane and his family will be key to the answers she seeks.

I really enjoyed this book, there were so  many twists and turns in it that the story kept you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who/what was going to happen/turn up next.  I have read Dee's books before and this one is of the same high calibre.  The main characters were compelling and they worked well together and each character could have a book written about them on their own, as their back stories were so interesting.  This book is the first in the "Evie Blackwell Cold Case," series; I can't wait to read the next one, as it was that good.

Stars out of 5 : 5 This is a must read book in my opinion.  It is a "meaty" book that just begs to have the next page turned so you can see what will happen next.  Go out and buy the book or borrow it from your local library you will not be disappointed.


"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".

"This Road We Traveled," by Jane Kirkpatrick

"This Road We Traveled," by Jane Kirkpatrick

Tabitha Brown refuses to be left behind in Missouri when her son makes the decision to strike out for Oregon--even if she has to hire her own wagon to join the party. After all, family ties are stronger than fear.

Along with her reluctant daughter and her ever-hopeful granddaughter, the intrepid Tabitha has her misgivings. The trials they face along the way will severely test her faith, courage, and ability to hope. With her family's survival on the line, she must make the ultimate sacrifice, plunging deeper into the wilderness to seek aid. What she couldn't know was how this frightening journey would impact how she understood her own life--and the greater part she had to play in history.

This book is divided up into three parts.  Before the journey, the journey and after the journey.  I am a huge fan of this type of book but, I found the first part of the book overly long winded and not very interesting.  I enjoyed the other two parts more, so persevere as it does get a lot better.

As this book is based on a true story, it was interesting to see what they went through and how hard life was back then.  It makes you think if you would be willing to go through the same journey for a new life?  The fact that you may never see some members of your family again, seems unthinkable; but I guess that does happen even nowadays?

Jane Kirkpatrick unearths some very interesting stories, and it is truly worthwhile reading the authors notes and acknowledgements at the end of the book.  From a historical point of view this book was very interesting and the way Jane has described the different events makes sense.

Stars out of 5 : 4 Other than the first part of the book, I thoroughly enjoyed this and would say it is well worth reading.

"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".

"A Lady Unrivaled," by Roseanna M White

"A Lady Unrivaled," by Roseanna M White

Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well how the dangerous Fire Eyes diamonds have haunted her brother and their friends, and she won't wait for peril to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord James Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life . . . but that proves complicated when old acquaintances pull Cayton into their desperate attempt to seize the jewels. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those intent on destroying them all?

This is the third book in the "Ladies of the Manor," series.  I have not read the first two books in the series, and although it would be helpful, it is not necessary.  This is a good book, if you are a fan of Downton Abby you will love this type of book.  When you see the cast of characters at the front of the book it seemed a bit daunting to me at first, but it all comes together quite nicely.

It moves along at a nice pace and there are plenty of up and downs to keep it interesting.  The main cast of characters work well together and I do feel there could be more books in this series if needed.  

Stars out of 5: 3  Its a good book, but I probably won't remember it in a month or two.  It's a good book to read over a few afternoons.

"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".

"The Domino Effect," by Davis Bunn

"The Domino Effect," by Davis Bunn

Esther Larsen, a top risk analyst at one of the country's largest banking institutions, is becoming more and more convinced that she has uncovered a ticking bomb with the potential to make the 2008 market crash look minor by comparison. And as her own employer pursues "investment" strategies with ever-increasing levels of risk, she becomes convinced she must do something. But Esther is only one person; can she stand up to an international conspiracy of greed? And if she does, will anyone take her seriously?

Every moment of indecision edges the markets closer to a tipping point--the teetering first domino in a standing row that circles the globe. And when Esther finds her voice, those she seeks to expose will not sit idly by. With global markets on the brink, and her own life in danger, Esther is locked in a race against the clock to avert a financial tsunami that threatens worldwide devastation.

This book is a must read, not because it is a fast paced read and very interesting, but because this could very well happen in the world, another another financial market crash.

I personally do not know much about stock markets and trading and other banking details, I am one of your "joe public" investors, but this book really makes you think that maybe I should pay a lot more attention in what is really going on.  It also brings to light how only a few people can really change the world with a telephone call; which to my mind is frightening.

As with anything a few bad apples can upset the cart and greed is a motivator for a lot of people.  This book highlights this.  It takes a special person to work in the field of banking and Esther showed that.  While reading this book I kept thinking about how the author must have conceived this book and what a great imagination he has.  In reality though I think he has a great insight into this subject.

Stars out of 5 : 5 This book makes you think first and foremost.  I am afraid that the side story of Esther's brother although adds humanity to the story is not a focus; well not for me.  It is well worth a read and one I will recommend to others.

"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".

"A Heart Most Certain," by Melissa Jagears

"A Heart Most Certain," by Melissa Jagears

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so she joins the Teaville Moral Society hoping to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poorhouse herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that his mother is the moral society's president. Lydia's first task as a moral society member--to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town--seems easy . . . until the man flat-out refuses.

Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresees the harrowing complications that will arise from working together, and when town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs--and hearts--truly align.

When I think back to when I read this book my first thought about Nicholas is "never judge a book by it's cover."  Also the saying "practice what you preach" comes to mind about the Teaville Moral Society.  For the historical point of view this was very interesting especially what "working women" had to go through in the late 1800's, and how these women's children suffered.

Also it brought to mind another saying, "but by the Grace of God, we could be in that position, about the character Lydia and her mother.  There were other valuable lessons weaved into this book, that we could all use and were a good reminder.

The characters were easy to love and the story easy to follow.  This book is the first book in the "Teaville Moral Society," series.

Stars out of 5 : 4 Good book, plenty to keep you interested and not overly taxing on the brain.  Looking forward to reading her next book in the series.

"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".

"The Artisan's Wife," by Judith Miller

"The Artisan's Wife," by Judith Miller

Ainslee McKay's world is upended when her twin sister secretly elopes and leaves Ainslee alone to move to Weston, West Virginia, to fulfill their obligation at the McKay family's new tile works. While her brother, Ewan, agrees to travel with her and help her learn the ropes, she still intends to sell this business she no longer wants if a buyer can be found.

When the talented Levi Judson arrives to show Ainslee his designs for new tiles, she's impressed at his skill and passion for the business but feels she must keep her true plans for the business a secret from him. And though Levi hopes for a long, successful career at McKay Tile Works, he's hiding his true reason for coming to Weston. Can the growing feelings between them survive if the truth comes to light--or is a future together as untenable as the future of the tile works itself?

This is the third book in the "Refined By Love," series and I have read them all.  They are good as stand alone books as well as reading them in order of the series.  The characters do flow from one book to another and each have a theme and are set in West Virginia.  I enjoyed the historical facts/references to mental institutions and how the author included details of why some people we put into the Asylum.  Many by the way for very petty reasons.

The mystery about Levi, wasn't really a mystery to my mind.  The love story between Ainslee and Levi, was pretty straight forward and the book itself was an easy read.  I am glad I read them all and it is well worth either buying them or borrowing them from the library.

Stars out of 5 : 4 This is one of my shopping list books.  One where I can read this and think of other things at the same time.  It's a good relaxing book to read over a couple of afternoons.  I am personally a fan of Judith Miller's book.

"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".

"A Tapestry of Secrets," by Sarah Loudin Thomas

"A Tapestry of Secrets," by Sarah Loudin Thomas

For decades, Perla Phillips has hidden the truth of a decision that still fills her with guilt. But now, seeing her granddaughter, Ella, struggle in a similar way, she's prepared to finally open the past to her family, no matter the consequences. But when the opportunity is snatched from her in a most unexpected manner, will she have waited too long?

Spanning generations, this moving family drama weaves together the interlocking stories of two women as they navigate relationships, family, faith, and the choices that will shape their lives. Heartwarming and nostalgic, the story explores the courage to share the wounds of the past and celebrates the legacy a family passes from one generation to the next. 

My first thought about this book was " you never know what is around the corner."  This book explains this oh so well, when Perla is taken ill.  Also keeping secrets may at the time seem like a good idea, but it will come back and bite you in the butt later down the line.

This book was a nice read, but I can honestly say I had forgotten I had read it.  I read it at the end of last month and hadn't gotten around to posting a review, so had to really think back to remember what this book was all about. 

I thought Ella was such a strong person with strong convictions, who needed to be around her family to grow.  The bond between her and her grandmother was so special, and one I hope to have with my granddaughters.  

Stars out of 5 : 4 I read it over a couple of days and I enjoyed it, but it's not a book I will remember down the road.  If you like books about family bonding this is one for you.

"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".