"The Blackout Book Club," by Amy Lynn Green

 "The Blackout Book Club," by Amy Lynn Green

In 1942, an impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different--a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they have more in common than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

This book starts out quite slow to my mind, but the more you read the more you grow to love it and get sucked into the story.  The four main characters are so different but what brings them together is the book club.  As their stories unfold and intertwine you get more invested into each of them.  

I loved reading the "book club's minutes" from the meetings, so refreshing and you felt as though you were there at each meeting.  If I had to pick a favourite character it was Ginny; so strong but very vulnerable at the same time.  Mind you all the characters showed their stronger sides throughout the book.  There were a couple of surprises along the way that kept the story interesting.

The author's notes at the end of the book are well worth reading.  The books that the book club "read," is also listed at the end of the book, which I thought was a nice thing to add.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5  Had trouble again getting sucked into the story, but once that happened this book is a real winner and well worth the read.

"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 Premonition at Withers Farm," by Jaime Jo Wright

 "The Premonition at Withers Farm," by Jaime Jo Wright

The voices of the past cannot stay silent forever.

In 1910 Michigan, Perliett Van Hilton is a self-proclaimed rural healer, leaving the local doctor convinced she practices quackery. It doesn't help that her mother is a spiritualist who regularly offers her services to connect the living with their dearly departed. But when Perliett is targeted by a superstitious killer, she must rely on both the local doctor and an intriguing newcomer for assistance.

In the present day, Molly Wasziak's life has not gone the way she dreamed. Facing depression after several miscarriages, Molly is adapting to her husband's purchase of a peculiar old farm. A search for a family tree pulls Molly deep into a century-old murder case and a web of deception, all made more mysterious by the disturbing shadows and sounds inside the farmhouse.

Perliett fights for her life, and Molly seeks renewed purpose for hers as she uncovers the records of the dead. Will their voices be heard, or will time forever silence their truths?

First let me say Jaime Jo's books are not those easy read books where you can be thinking of other things while reading the book.  This book takes up all your concentration while reading it.  I found it a hard book to get into to start with and I had to have been at least a third of the way through before I got to the stage where I needed to know what happens next.  It is however worth while sticking with it, as once you get all the characters sorted out in your mind, things will fall together.

As this book bounces back and forward between two main characters and two different times it does make it a little complicated.  There are many twists and turns along the way and the surprise near the end makes it so worth while.  A regular who done it that spans many, many years.  It has it's light hearted moments; and I especially loved the character Sid for that.

Stars out of 5 : 4 Jaime Jo write such good books, but I always have a super hard time getting drawn into them.  You might have an easier time.  I am glad I read this one though; as once I get drawn in I never want to leave!

"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".

"Where the Blue Sky Begins," by Katie Powner

 "Where the Blue Sky Begins," by Katie Powner

Sometimes the hardest road of all is the road home.

When confident and handsome Eric Larson is sent to a rural Montana town to work in the local branch of his uncle's financial company, he's determined to exceed everyone's expectations, earn a promotion, and be back in Seattle by the end of summer. Yet nothing could prepare him for the lessons this small town has in store.

At forty-six years old, eccentric and outspoken Eunice Parker has come to accept her terminal illness and has given herself one final goal: seek forgiveness from everyone on her bucket list before her time runs out. But it will take more courage than she can muster on her own.

After an accident pushes Eric and Eunice together, the unlikely pair is forced to spend more time with each other than either would like, which challenges their deepest prejudices and beliefs. As summer draws to a close, neither Eric nor Eunice is where they thought they would be, but they both wrestle with the same important question: What matters most when the end is near?

This book took me a little time to get into it; and honestly I wasn't totally convinced to start with that I would.  However, by the time I was a quarter of the way through it, the story took over and I did enjoy it.  As it says above Eunice is terminally ill, so it's no surprise she dies.  What is a surprise is how Eric and Eunice's friendship develops and how they come to rely on one another.  They need one another and they learn from one another.

It takes a skilled writer to write this type of story that creeps up on you without you knowing. There are a couple of twists in this book, and a couple of surprises that catch you unaware.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5  This is a book you have to work at in the beginning but once you get hooked it is totally worth it.  Everything and everyone is not always what they seem on the surface, which was true in this book and true in life.  Well done Katie.  This is the first book I have read by Katie and will look out for more of her books.

"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".

"Targeted," by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Natalie Walters

"Targeted," by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, Natalie Walters

Three women. Three men. Three unsuspecting targets.

Get ready for triple the thrills with three heart-stopping stories from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In On the Run, IT Specialist Daria Nevsky is a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead--and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone.

In Deadly Objective, physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper are committed to keeping their relationship professional. But when the vice president's son enters the crosshairs of a killer, some lines will have to be crossed in order to keep him safe.

In Caught in the Crosshairs, there is no love lost between former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman and CIA officer Claudia Gallegos after Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. But to prevent a coup that would put America at risk, they'll have to learn to trust each other--before it's too late.

If you don't have time to read a book, but enjoy reading, this book is perfect for you.  As they are Novellas, they are "mini-books" that take a fraction of the time to read, but still give you the full effect of a regular novel.  Each one packs a punch in their own way.  Each one take's you through a roller coaster of emotions and each one had me sitting on the edge of my chair at times.  All were so good in their own way.  If I had to pick a favourite, it would the first one "One the Run," by Lynette.  However, I thoroughly enjoyed them all.

Stars out of 5 : 5 this book would make a perfect gift for a book lover, as it gives you a taste of how each author writes.  Hands down one of the best books I have read in a while.  A real gem!

 "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".

"The Clutter Fix," by Shannon Acheson

 "The Clutter Fix," by Shannon Acheson

Create the Organized Home and Life You've Always Longed For

Living in a disorganized, cluttered home can leave you feeling chaotic, anxious, and even depressed. You want a change, but you don't know where to begin.

Home coach Shannon Acheson is here to help. She has written the only book you'll ever need to get your entire home sorted and organized for good--in a way that makes sense for you and your family's unique, God-given personalities.

In The Clutter Fix, Shannon helps you

· win the battle with all of your stuff by following her step-by-step instructions and checklists

· discover your Clutter Personality and your Organizing Personality

· create rhythms and routines to keep your home decluttered

Clutter isn't just about the stuff. It's about how you feel in your home--and in your mind. This book will give you the peaceful dwelling you've always hoped for.

I am not a fan of "reading" non-fiction books, but thought I would give this a go.  I do like how every area of your home is dealt with.  There are sections/ideas for those of you who are strapped for time; for example the 10 minute declutter.  Everyone can find ten minutes in their day.

I liked the suggestions for donating things; I even looked up and contacted a couple in our area, about things I had to donate.  I have not read every page of this book, but picked and chose bits and bobs which I thought I needed help with.

There are places in the book (worksheets) which asks you questions and where you can write down answers and figure out what/where you need help with.

Stars out of 5 : 4 it's a good book to have on hand.  Not one I would turn to on a daily basis, but one when I am in a cleaning/decluttering phase would be handy to read.  The only thing I didn't get was the religious side of things?  I don't see how that works in with this book?  I do agree though that having a cluttered, untidy house does affect your mood.

"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".

"Honor Bound," by Hallee Bridgeman

 "Honor Bound," by Hallee Bridgeman

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces A-Team on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia doesn't want to like anything about Rick and his team--but an unexpected attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think that, despite their differences, they just may be able to make a life together.

This book starts at such a fast pace you are left breathless.  You HAVE TO keep reading to see what happens next.  I couldn't put it down.  BUT, despite a great start I found my mind wandering a bit after they all got out of Africa.  The pace dropped and although interesting it didn't have the same intensity as the first part of the book.

I could not fault the author at all about that first part of the book, I too was holding my breath when they were..LOL  The lead characters, were well suited for one another and their strength of belief was spot on.  I enjoyed the little insight into Rick and his team and how they worked together, it totally made sense to me.  

Stars out of 5 : 4.5  This is the first book in the Love and Honor series by this author.  The good news is the next two are coming out in October and November, so won't have to wait long to read them and I will be!!  I read the first chapter of the next book (it's previewed in the back of this book,) and again I was sitting on the edge of my seat.  Well worth reading this book, and again a new to me author.

"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".

Dangerous Beauty, by Melissa Koslin

"Dangerous Beauty," by Melissa Koslin

Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She's not a victim, she's a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she's determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers. But she can't stay safely in America--unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her.

Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Instead, he becomes the key to Liliana's rescue. If he can keep his secrets hidden, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him.

This is the first book I have read by Melissa Koslin.  It's about a subject matter I wouldn't normally pick up and read about and totally outside of my comfort zone.  However, I did really enjoy how fast paced it was.  The two leading characters had a lot of depth to them.  Not sure if the whole marriage of convenience was a good way to keep these two together; but I guess it works.

There were enough twists and turns to keep this book interesting; you know what is going to happen at the end though!!  No real surprises there.  Liliana's faith was so strong and it got her through the worst of situations. Not sure I could have stayed as strong as she did.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 I am glad I read this book.  It was a good way to introduce folk to human trafficking for those of us who know nothing about it.  I look forward to reading more by this author.

 "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".

"Beneath The Bending Skies," by Jane Kirkpatrick

 "Beneath The Bending Skies," by Jane Kirkpatrick

Mollie Sheehan has spent much of her life striving to be a dutiful daughter and honor her father's wishes, even when doing so has led to one heartbreak after another. After all, what options does she truly have in 1860s Montana? But providing for her stepfamily during her father's long absences doesn't keep her from wishing for more.

When romance blooms between her and Peter Ronan, Mollie finally allows herself to hope for a brighter future--until her father voices his disapproval of the match and moves her to California to ensure the breakup. Still, time and providence are at work, even when circumstances are at their bleakest. Mollie may soon find that someone far greater than her father is in control of the course of her life--and that even the command to "honor thy father" has its limits.

Jane never fails to write a really interesting book.  What makes it even more special is it's based on a real person.  The way everything is described you can visualize it all in detail.  The hardships though they went through was unbelievable, but they never wavered in their faith.  

Choosing between honoring your parents and wanting love and happiness must have been a hard choice for Mollie.  It made me wonder if people nowadays would do that?  You went through a roller coaster of emotions when reading this book and it was a well worth read.

Stars out of 5: 4.5 I enjoyed the book.  Loved it was based on a real person.  Didn't really get how the title of the book applied to the actual book though?

"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".

"The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip," by Sara Brunsvold

"The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip," by Sara Brunsvold

"A throwaway assignment is about to change two lives forever

Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she's been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who's just entered hospice care.

But there's more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she's not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it's a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that's just what Mrs. Kip will give her--but she's going to have to work for it."

This wasn't the easiest book to get into.  I found it slow going at first.  However the more chapters I read the more I wanted to read.  It took a while for the story to unfold, but the more you read, the more involved you will get.  

Although this is a sad story as Clara is dying; and yes you will be in tears, it is a story of a life well lived and of a women who achieved a lot with God's help and love.  It is a book that will make you think and will make you evaluate your own life.

Stars out of 5 : 4 The first half of the book dragged by too slow for me.  The story didn't interest me right away.  I had a good cry close to the end.  I also found it interesting the small details of life in the hospice.  Also the small things that were super important to Mrs. Kip, for example just feeling the sun on her face.  It's those things we just take for granted.  It was those attention to details things that made this book for me.

"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".

"Elysium Tide," by James R. Hannibal

"Elysium Tide," by James R. Hannibal

Dr. Peter Chesterfield is the top neurosurgeon at the Royal London Hospital. He's also a workaholic, and after a blow-up with a colleague, his boss orders him to attend a medical symposium at the luxurious Elysium Grand on the island of Maui. During a midnight walk on the beach, Peter pulls a woman with a skull fracture from the water. Despite all his skill, she dies in his arms, leaving him with only one clue to what happened to her: the word "honu."

Obsessed with finding the cause of his patient's death--discovering what or who ripped the power over life and death from his surgeon's hands--Peter becomes entangled in an ongoing investigation. He also becomes a source of deep irritation to detective Lisa Kealoha, who has jurisdiction over the case.

The reluctant pair join forces, diving deep into Maui's evolving gang culture, and unearth a conspiracy that runs deeper than either could have imagined. Knowing too much is deadly--and they must catch the killer before the killer catches them.

Set in Hawaii this book is all go right from the start.  The first chapter with Dr. Peter in the operating theatre doesn't even begin to describe where this book is going.  Once in Maui, things turn very interesting; add in the dynamics between the doctor and detective Lisa and the sparks fly in more ways than you can imagine.

You are taken from one scene to the next at a speed, which leaves you not certain that you can keep up.  Very imaginative the way this was written with all sorts of twists and turns that will keep you guessing.

Stars out of 5 : 5 This is the first book I have read by James.  It won't be my last.  I was reading up about the author and found it interesting, you can read more here.  At the end of this book, there is a preview of his book Gryphon Heist and even with the two chapters there I was sucked right in!!  So that will be another book I will be reading of his.

"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".

"Where the Road Bends," by Rachel Forham

"Where the Road Bends," by Rachel Forham

As Norah King surveys her family land in Iowa in 1880, she is acutely aware that it is all she has left, and she will do everything in her power to save it--even if that means marrying a man she hardly knows. Days before her wedding, Norah discovers an injured man on her property. Her sense of duty compels her to take him in and nurse him back to health. Little does she realize just how much this act of kindness will complicate her life and threaten the future she's planned.

Norah's care does more than aid Quincy Barnes's recovery--it awakens his heart to possibilities. Penniless and homeless, he knows the most honorable thing he can do is head on down the road and leave Norah to marry her intended. But walking away from the first person to believe in him proves much harder than he imagined.

I really enjoyed this book; mainly because there is a twist in the plot, that you never see coming.  The main characters are a joy and so personable.  I wanted to give Quincy a good shake, as despite his good intentions he kept messing up!!

One of the things this book brought up was how women were reliant on men for many things in life back in the 1880's.  Also how there were different rules applied to men versus women for how they conducted themselves.

Mrs. Dover was such a warm and loving character and deserves a mention.  Also the way the author describes Nel's you can just imagine the little scamp.  Rachel's books just get better and better with each one she writes.

Stars out of 5 : 5 Was sucked into the story right away.  Well worth reading. A great book to read over a couple of summer days. 

"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".

"When the Day Comes," by Gabrielle Meyer

"When the Day Comes," by Gabrielle Meyer

How will she choose, knowing all she must sacrifice?

Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 Colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other. While she's the same person at her core in both times, she's leading two vastly different lives.

In Colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives--and any hope of love--are put in jeopardy.

Libby's life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about--women's suffrage--is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe only complicates matters.

But Libby knows she's not destined to live two lives forever. On her twenty-first birthday, she must choose one path and forfeit the other--but how can she choose when she has so much to lose in each life?

This was such an unique book/story.  I have never read anything like it before.  Generally I am not a fan of skipping from one time period to another, but the way this book was written I just had to keep reading to see what happened next.  Each time period was as interesting as the other.  Each story unique and you were drawn into Libby's life from the beginning.

If you ask me what genre to place this book into I wouldn't really know how to answer that as first and foremost in my mind it is historical fiction.  Though with Libby spanning two lives and time frames, it adds another dimension to the book.

I will say I never guessed the final outcome/ending of this book.  The author wrote it in a way that you think you know what's going to happen, but she twists it up a bit.

Stars out of 5 : 5 I would thoroughly recommend anyone reading this book, it was such a good book.  I have sent an email to the author as this is the first book in the "Timeless" series, but I couldn't find any other information about any of the other books.  I have never read anything by this author before, but will be looking up more of her books.  Super book.

***Update: The author got back to me and here is what she said;  

"Book two will release in May 2023 and will be Maggie’s story. She will have three paths. 1861, 1941, and 2001 in Washington, DC." ***

"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 Sweet Life," by Suzanne Woods Fisher

"The Sweet Life," by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Welcome to summer on Cape Cod--a place where the sweet life just might be possible.

Dawn Dixon can't believe she's on a groomless honeymoon on beautiful Cape Cod . . . with her mother. She was supposed to be here with Kevin, the man she loves. Still, Mom was the right choice. Dawn's heart may have been broken, but Marnie Dixon is in need of mending as well.

But Mom--being Mom--creates a mess when, on a whim, she buys a run-down ice cream shop in the town's tightly regulated historic district with big plans to fix it up. She's never remodeled anything. And she's never even made ice cream!

Dawn knows she has to stay and fix this fiasco. But her mother's money pit ice cream shop may have created a chance for a happy ending . . . one Dawn could never have expected.

This is the perfect summer reading, set by the sea and all about ice cream.  Add in a bit of craziness, a broken heart, and a lot of ups and downs and you're onto a winner.  This book is the first in the "Cape Cod Creamery" series and it's off the a good start.

I think a lot of us can relate to the whole mother/daughter relationship.  Add in that this mother and daughter duo are more or less complete opposites, and that they go into business together; what could possibly go wrong?

The cast of characters in this book were so well thought out and all fitted into the story perfectly. Funnily enough I am not a huge fan of ice cream, but even I thought that all the flavour combinations that Marnie and Dawn came up with was interesting.  It would have been fun to have a couple of recipes included in the back of the book?  I enjoyed the historical preservation part of the story also.

This book does have a more serious side to it and that part of the story was interesting.  I can't say more without giving away the story; but again well worth reading for that aspect as well.

Stars out of 5 : 5 No complaints from me.  A great easy read.  Perfect book for down by the beach.  Looking forward to reading the 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 Revell , a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"All That Fills Us," by Autumn Lytle

"All That Fills Us," by Autumn Lytle

The journey toward healing starts with a single brave step--but it is never walked alone

Mel Ellis knows that her eating disorder is ruining her life. Everyone tells her rehab is her best option, but she can't bring herself to go. Broke, broken, and empty in more ways than one, Mel launches one last-ditch effort to make hers a story worth telling. She will walk her own road to recovery along the lesser-known trails of the North American wilderness.

Though she is physically and mentally unprepared to face the difficulties that lay ahead, she sets off on foot from Michigan. Her goal? Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State. During the long journey, she meets strangers with their own stories, as well as ghosts from her past who can no longer be ignored. But though the land she travels threatens her success at every turn, it's her own dark thoughts she'll have to overcome in order to find peace in the life and the body she has been given.

This book was such an inciteful book; my emotions were all over the place when reading this. The main character Mel, strikes so many feelings in you and is such a strong leading character you feel as though you are with her every step of her journey.  Add in the people whom she meets along the way and you cannot help but cheer her along.

Each of the people whom she meets, adds that something extra to the story.  The struggle with her anorexia was also very interesting.  I learned a lot and felt it was so well written.  I think it helps that the author has first hand experience with the condition.

It was a learning experience for Mel, to understand the way that God sees us and accepts us.

Stars out of 5 : 5 I was glued to this story from the beginning.  It helps I have always had a secret desire to do a thru-hike; I never will.  I know a couple of people who have had/have anorexia, so I was interested in how Mel took on her illness and what her thoughts were, and how people with anorexia think. Overall I couldn't fault this book.

I will be interested to see what the author will write next.....

"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".

"The Master Craftsman," by Kelli Stuart

 "The Master Craftsman," by Kelli Stuart

In 1917, Alma Pihl, a master craftsman in the House of Fabergé, was charged to protect one of the greatest secrets in Russian history--an unknown Fabergé Egg that Peter Karl Fabergé secretly created to honor his divided allegiance to both the people of Russia and the Imperial tsar's family. When Alma and her husband escaped Russia for their native Finland in 1921, she took the secret with her, guarding her past connection to the Romanov family. 

Three generations later, world-renowned treasure hunter Nick Laine is sick and fears the secret of the missing egg will die with him. With time running out, he entrusts the mission of retrieving the egg to his estranged daughter, Ava, who has little idea of the dangers she is about to face. As the stakes are raised, Ava is forced to declare her own allegiance--and the consequences are greater than she could have imagined.

This book has a bit of everything in it; mystery, suspense, romance, action, history, fabulous jewels and artifacts.  It was so good I read it in one sitting/day!  I could not put it down.  It was a page turner right from the beginning; I HAD to know what happened next.

There were twists and turns right until the very end of the book.  Some I guessed; others were surprises.  Even the going back and forward between the past and the present, which normally annoys me; it was written in such a way that I never minded it.

Stars out of 5:5 I would give it 100 if I could, it was that good.  It was so well researched and the details were so spot on that I would love to visit St. Petersburg to see everything.  I have to say I have always loved the Faberge Eggs so that too was good to read about.  A very talented writer, I must look into her other books she has written.

 "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".

"All that it Takes," by Nicole Deese

 "All that it Takes," by Nicole Deese

When the ever-cautious Val Locklier moves cross-country with her son for a secure job, everything she'd planned unravels within the first week. After Val reluctantly agrees to rent an apartment from her best friend's brother, an unexpected chance at an elite filmmakers' mentorship ignites fresh hope for a dream career. But as Val's community begins to expand, so do her insecurities, especially those heightened by her growing attraction to a certain friendly landlord. 

Pastor Miles McKenzie returns home from a short-term mission trip to discover that not only does he have an intriguing new tenant living upstairs, he's also been reassigned to a local ministry on life support. Disillusioned and restless, he distracts himself by throwing his energy into a host of new projects--not the least of which is pursuing Val--without stopping to consider the future. 

As Val struggles to stop hiding behind the camera and Miles wrestles with shattered expectations, they'll find that authentic love and sacrifice must go hand in hand.

This is the first book I have read by this author.  I enjoyed it, but found it a bit hard to get into at first.  I felt as though we were being slowly "drip-fed" the story.  It was a little to slow for me.  Saying that though, I did find the subject matter very interesting and did learn some new things, which is always a bonus.

I came away thinking that love is truly about give and take, and with Val and Miles, it was a struggle to find that middle ground.  This book also made you think about what God wants you to do in your life and what plans he has for you.  Even the most religious of people have much to learn as they navigate a path through life.  

Stars out of 5 : 4 It was a struggle at first to get engrossed in the book, but by the time I got half way through it I needed to know what was going to happen next.  It is worth the read though.

"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".

"Sea Glass Cottage," by Irene Hannon

"Sea Glass Cottage," by Irene Hannon

When painful pasts collide, can love overcome heartache--and triumph despite the odds?

Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl's life has tarnished, and a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she's certain Jack Colby is in a position to provide it.

When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He's built a new life on the Oregon coast--and there's no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising . . . especially when he ends up needing her help.

Can these two hurting souls open their hearts to a new beginning?

Irene Hannon cannot write a bad book in my opinion.  So I knew I would like this book.  Add in the fact it is another book in the Hope Harbor series and I knew it would be a winner.  I have read all the Hope Harbor books and each one is better than the last one.  I think I must say this every time, but I have decided I want to live in Hope Harbor.  Bit of a difficult thing to do though as there is no "real" Hope Harbor.

However the way that Irene writes you feel as though you are there with the characters.  I was cheering on from the sidelines that Jack and Christi would renew their friendship and it would lead to more.  It was nice to see character's pop up in the book that I knew from past books.  However you could read this book as a stand alone book without any problems.

Stars out of 5:5 and a very solid 5.  It had a bit of everything in it to keep you wanting to turn the pages.  I can't wait for the next one in the series.  I bet I will want to live in Hope Harbor even more then!

 "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".

"Along The Rio Grande," by Tracie Peterson

 "Along The Rio Grande," by Tracie Peterson

Is her compassion doing more harm than good?

Recently widowed Susanna Jenkins has decided to follow her family to the booming town of San Marcial, New Mexico, for a fresh start and to aid in her family's sudden change in fortune. They are tasked with managing her uncle's new Grand Hotel, and it takes all her patience to try to help her parents see the good of their circumstances and relinquish their sense of entitlement.

She's hopeful when her brother becomes determined to get a job and make his own way, and she feels drawn to his kind boss, Owen Turner, who works as a boilermaker for the Santa Fe's train shops in town. But the hard work only seems to fuel her brother's anger, and his rough new friends give her pause.

When misguided choices put Susanna's family in an even more precarious situation, she worries her help has only made things worse. Leaving her family to fend for themselves seems like the best option, but how can she walk away from the true friendships--and love--that she's found?

I am a big fan of Tracie's books and this was as good as ever.  She writes so well, that I too was very frustrated with the actions of Susanna's parents.  I was ready to step into the pages of the books and give the pair of them a good shake...LOL

I came away with the thoughts that patience is a must when dealing with family.  Susanna's family tried her patience time after time.  However believing in God throughout got her through the hard times.  This book had a few hard times, but many good ones also.  Add in a bit of mystery, some romance and stunning descriptions of an area I have never been too and all in all a jam packed very readable book.

Stars out of 5 : 5  No complaints from me.  An easy book to read.  The first in the "Love on the Santa Fe," series.  Looking forward to reading the rest.

"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".

"Until Leaves Fall in Paris," by Sarah Sundin

  "Until Leaves Fall in Paris," by Sarah Sundin

Paris, 1940

When the Nazis march toward Paris, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. The Germans make it difficult for her to keep Green Leaf Books afloat. And she must keep the store open if she is to continue aiding the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. But in order to carry out his mission, he must appear to support the occupation--which does not win him any sympathy when he meets Lucie in the bookstore.

In a world turned upside down, will love or duty prevail?

I am not a big reader of WW II themed books, but will have to say I really enjoyed this one.  I think this is Sarah's best book so far.  It set off at a fast pace and didn't slow down throughout the book.  It was a very easy story to follow and it was a page turner of a story.  

The heroism of the people during that period of time was unbelievable.   Paul letting everyone believe he was aiding the German's when in truth he wasn't was a sacrifice that many people would have had to make.

His daughter brought a bright spark/light to the story, reflecting on how innocent she was.  I loved the "rock monsters," analogy.  Lucie and Paul made great leading characters in the book.  

Stars out of 5 : 5 I had to know what happened next; therefore I read it over a couple of days.  If I hadn't been busy with other things I would have read it in a full day it was that good of a book.  Well worth the read in my opinion.  Read the author's notes at the end of the book, they are always interesting.

"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".

"Shaped by the Waves, by Christina Suzann Nelson

 "Shaped by the Waves, by Christina Suzann Nelson

Cassie George is barely staying above water as she works to get her doctorate and raise her daughter. But she stubbornly keeps swimming to prove a few bad decisions haven't ruined her forever. Plus, it's all a great excuse to stay away from the small Oregon town she fled in shame years prior. But when she receives a call that the aunt who raised her has had a major health crisis, she knows it's time to return.

Cassie is surprised to be more welcomed by the quirky seaside community than she expected, even if there's still tension between her and her former classmate Nora Milford. But she still can't help feeling unsettled and is mystified by a mysterious package that appears, full of typed pages that tell the story of an anonymous woman's life. As her curiosity sends her on a journey toward truth, Cassie will discover that who she thought she was and what she wants for her life are both about to change.

This book had so many layers to it, that it felt as though you were peeling back one layer after another.  It's as though the author was drip feeding you clues to the next part of Cassie's story.  You had to keep on reading to know what happened next.

Then add in illness and a mystery and it would leave even the strongest of us feeling all out of sorts.  That's what Cassie's life is all about.  Despite it dealing with serious topics it wasn't an unhappy story to read, it did have it's bright moments.

I will say I couldn't decide what the point of Nora's character/story was in the scheme of things?  Maybe I missed something when reading the book.  I would love to know how the author came up with the idea for this book.  It was interesting, and not something I would have thought about before.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5  After I finished the book I felt there was a lot more stories to be told about the people living in Gull's Bay.  This book should be first in a series, too my mind. 

"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".