"A Chance at Forever," by Melissa Jaegars

"A Chance at  Forever," by Melissa Jaegars

Determined to protect the children of Teaville, Kansas, from the bullying she experienced as a child, Mercy McClain finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the worst of her childhood bullies, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against his getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking the forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the children's best interests at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron overcome the past in time to battle the threats against the future of the town's orphans?

This is the third book in the Teaville Moral Society series and like the others was an entertaining book.  The main characters, were realistic and you could feel their pain and worry throughout the book.  It was one of my "shopping list" type of books where, it didn't require you to have to concentrate really hard to understand the story; making it a great book to take on vacation.

Stars out of 5 : 3 I enjoyed reading the book, but I am afraid I won't remember it in a couple of weeks.  It needed more depth to it and more of a plot line.  Some books I have a lot to write about when I have read them, this isn't one of those.  Well worth borrowing it from the library if you have a couple of free afternoons set aside to do some light reading.

"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".

"Beneath The Surface," by Lynn H. Blackburn

"Beneath The Surface," by Lynn H. Blackburn

After a harrowing experience with an obsessed patient, oncology nurse practitioner Leigh Weston needed a change. She thought she'd left her troubles behind when she moved home to Carrington, North Carolina, and took a job in the emergency department of the local hospital. But when someone tampers with her brakes, she fears the past has chased her into the present. She reaches out to her high school friend turned homicide investigator, Ryan Parker, for help.

Ryan finds satisfaction in his career, but his favorite way to use his skills is as a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff's Office dive team. When the body of a wealthy businessman is discovered in Lake Porter, the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer--one with a terrifying connection to Leigh Weston and deadly implications for them all.

This is the first book in the "Dive Team Investigations,"series.  This had me hooked right from the first page.  What a story, it put's you through a roller coaster of emotions.  You think you have it all worked out then something else happens, which puts you right back at the beginning.  Add to that a whole slew of great characters and a bit of romance and this book is just about as perfect as it gets.

In fact I will say this is one of the best books I have read in a long time.  The detail is great and you are constantly thinking how did the author come up with that part of the plot?  I REALLY want to read the rest of the books in this series, as if they are half as good as this one, they will be great.

Stars out of 5 : 5 I don't have a negative thing to say about this book; well other that I couldn't put it down as I HAD to know what happened next.  A super book.

"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".

"In Places Hidden," by Tracie Peterson

"In Places Hidden," by Tracie Peterson

Camrianne Coulter's brother Caleb is a successful San Francisco attorney. But when three months go by without a word from the usually communicative Caleb, Camri boards a train to the booming West Coast city to find out for herself why he hasn't written. When she arrives at his home, nobody seems to know where he is, or what has become of him.

Camri's search for her brother leads her deep into the political corruption of the city--and into the acquaintance of Patrick Murdock, who Caleb successfully defended from a false murder charge. Getting to know this handsome Irish contractor challenges all of Camri's privileged beliefs, but Patrick is unshakably loyal to her brother, and he seems to know more about what happened to Caleb than anyone else. As the two edge closer to the truth behind Caleb's disappearance, they risk angering the powerful forces that control the city. Can Camri trust Patrick to protect her from the dangers that lie hidden in San Francisco's backstreets?

This is the first book in the "Golden Gate Secrets" series.  The other two books in the series will be released in July and September of 2018, so not long to wait for them.  I did enjoy this book and the overall story, but there was one aspect I was disappointed with and that was the brother.  I can't really go into it without spoiling the ending.  However I am guessing it had to be written in the story that way for the rest of the story to make sense.

The characters were well thought out, and one thing the story stressed you never stop learning from other people and what your thoughts and ideals are may, and are probably not the same as everyone else out there, but that's how you grow and learn as a person.

Stars out of 5 : 3.5  Although a big fan of Tracie's this was not one of her best I am sorry to say.  It's one of those books that I probably won't remember.  I would however like to read the series to see what happens to the other characters mentioned in the 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".

"Keturah," by Lisa T. Bergren

"Keturah," by Lisa T. Bergren

In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined--and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.

To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

This is the first book in "The Sugar Baron's Daughters" series and it does pave the way for the other books in the series.  I learned a thing or two about the sugar plantations of Nevis; as I knew nothing about any of that.  The depth of character that the author gave Keturah was very realistic and made you want to help her with all the problems she encounters along the way.

It's no real surprise to see how this book ends, it's an entertaining book and one with plenty of ups and downs.  It was a pleasant book to read over a couple of afternoons, but will I remember it in the next month or so; probably not.

Stars out of 5 : 4 Interesting book where I learned something new.  I would like to read the others in the series when they come out, just to see what happens with Keturah's sisters.  This would make a great book to read when relaxing on the beach or by the pool.  A nice light 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".

"I will not fear," by Melba Pattillo Beals

"I will not fear," by Melba Pattillo Beals

In 1957, Melba Beals was one of the nine African American students chosen to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

But her story of overcoming didn't start--or end--there.
While her white schoolmates were planning their senior prom, Melba was facing the business end of a double-barreled shotgun, being threatened with lynching by rope-carrying tormentors, and learning how to outrun white supremacists who were ready to kill her rather than sit beside her in a classroom. Only her faith in God sustained her during her darkest days and helped her become a civil rights warrior, an NBC television news reporter, a magazine writer, a professor, a wife, and a mother.

In I Will Not Fear, Beals takes you on an unforgettable journey through terror, oppression, and persecution, highlighting the kind of faith we all need to survive in a world full of heartbreak and anger. She shows how the deep faith we develop during our most difficult moments is the kind of faith that can change our families, our communities, and even the world.

Encouraging and inspiring, her story offers hope that faith is the solution to the pervasive hopelessness of our current culture.

This was such an interesting book.  Something that I thought about time after time while reading this was how could all this happen to her and how had she the strength not to give up.  Her faith was so solid that it almost didn't seem real at times, but it was.  I kept thinking to myself, how I wish my faith was that strong.

I was surprised at how much racism she is still experiencing, especially when trying to rent a house.  I did not know about the Little Rock nine, and so that was also an eye opening experience to learn about.

This book is an easy read, a bit lacking in details in some areas, but overall a book that shows you what God can do if you have faith, and Melba has faith an inordinate amount of faith.

Stars out of 5 : 4 An enjoyable book, where you will learn a lot of things.

"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".

"Oath of Honor," by Lynette Eason

"Oath of Honor," by Lynette Eason

A murdered partner. A missing brother. Will Isabelle's silence protect those she loves . . . or delay justice?
Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. She knows they'll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.

Izzy is determined to discover exactly what happened, and her investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll--including someone from her own family. With her dead partner's brother Ryan, a handsome homicide detective, shadowing her every move, Izzy's head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she's had a secret crush on for years won't leave her side?

How good was this book..........I read it in an afternoon and evening.  I couldn't put it down, I HAD to know what happened next.  The twists and turns in this book kept you on the edge of your seat and it wasn't until close to the end that I figured out who was behind everything.  I didn't want the book to end, that's how good it was.

Right from the very first page I was drawn in.  I loved how there are six siblings and you get to know each one of them a little bit, but it's mainly about Izzy in this book.  This is the first book in the "Blue Justice" series so I am hoping there is a book about each one of the siblings?  The next book to be released will be in July 2018 and features another sister Chloe.

Stars out of 5 : 5  It's been a while since I have enjoyed a book so much.  It has got a bit of everything in it, including romance, action, and intrigue.   I would highly recommend this book and will be looking forward to reading the next in the series.  Well worth the read.


"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 House on Foster Hill," by Jaime Jo Wright

"The House on Foster Hill," by Jaime Jo Wright

Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious demise fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.

A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy's search leads her into dangerous waters, resurrecting painful memories and forcing a reunion with the man who broke her heart. Can Ivy unravel the mystery and find a renewed hope before any other lives--including her own--are lost?

This book had plenty of things happening in it to make you pay attention and keep you thinking.  The mystery of both the women's stories and how they are connected keeps you on your toes.  I never did figure out who was who and what was what until it was revealed in the book.  When the mysteries were revealed it made you go, "oh wow, didn't see that coming,"

That being said this book was not my cup of tea.  The whole going back and forward between the two stories I found annoying, and confusing in some places.  Parts of the book made no sense at all too me and I would have preferred if this were two books telling separate stories of both Ivy and Kaine.

Stars out of 5 : 3 I am glad I read it, but it felt more like a chore reading it, than an enjoyable read.  There is another book being released by the same author in 2018, which sounds like a similar theme.  It's called: "The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond;" I think I will be giving it a miss.

"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"