Book Review - Revealed by Elaine Manders + Giveaway

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Katherine Levinson put her life on hold while taking care of her sick mother after her father dies. She and her mother face eviction if they can't pay rent. After all other sources of income dry up, she has no choice but, to reach out to estrange wealthy brother, Rhyan Cason. However, her ill mother refuses to contact Rhyan.

When Katherine and her mother move to the cattle ranch, Sollano, they are met with whispers and scorn. Katherine learns of her parents' buried past and secrets are revealed. With Rhyan being busy with cattle rustlers, Katherine turns to Colt Holliman, a calm neighboring rancher, for comfort. However, Colt is promised to another woman, Charley Ryder but, he feels drawn to Katherine. Will Colt be able to follow his heart? What secrets are buried in Katherine's past?

I found the novel to be a good read. I like the parts with Charley performing stunts and portraying her as a strong female character. I enjoyed that there wasn't a lot of deny of each other's feelings. Such as, "Oh, she's not good enough" or "He's a bad boy" back and forth. I haven't read the other stories in the series but, I found this still to be an enjoyable read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Title: Revealed
Author: Elaine Manders
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: December 27, 2018

Nothing can be hidden that won’t be revealed.

When her father dies, Katherine Levinson discovers her parents have kept secrets that render her happy childhood a farce. She and her gravely ill mother face eviction, and she has no choice but to appeal to the brother she’s never seen, the famous cattle baron, Rhyan Cason. Over her gravely ill mother’s objections, they move to Nebraska and the sprawling cattle ranch, Sollano.

Instead of the warm welcome Katherine expects, she and her mother are met with whispers and scorn in the little prairie town near Sollano. Gradually, the sins of her parents’ past surface, and Katherine begins to doubt her very identify. With her brother busy with cattle rustlers and her mother too ill to be bothered, Katherine turns to Colt Holliman, a soft-spoken neighboring rancher, for comfort.

Tired of waiting for the right woman to come along, Colt has promised to wait for Charley Ryder, an acclaimed female sharp shooter and equestrian acrobat with the Wild West Show, but it’s becoming clear Charley loves the show more than him. As his attraction to Katherine grows, he finds himself spiritually conflicted. How can he break from past commitments and follow his heart?

Then unexpected danger strikes, testing Katherine’s and Colt’s faith in God—and each other.

About the Author

 

Elaine Manders writes wholesome Christian romance and suspense about the bold, capable women of history and the strong, dependable men who love them. Her stories twist, turn, and surprise, told by characters who aren’t afraid to show their love for God and each other. She grew up a small town country girl and now lives in Central Georgia with her fur baby. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, sewing, crafts, and spending time with her family.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elaine is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! 

https://promosimple.com/ps/cee6/revealed-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

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Emily found the perfect guy. He has a good job, friends, and a supportive family. She feels a spark with Adam, that she never felt before with anyone else. Emily immediately is attached to Adam and falls head over heels in love with him. However, when she meets Adam's beloved mother, Pammie, something isn't quite right. Mothers and sons have always had a tight bond but Pammie is willing to push boundaries to prevent Emily from being with Adam. How far is Pammie willing to go? 

I picked this book as I been in a similar situation before. I found myself mentally yelling at Emily, who was a strong woman before being torn down into mush. However, I know the appeal of saying, "I am married/dating this person and not their family". But,  as the author accurately details, it comes at a cost of mental and physical distress. Even, so far, as altering a person's character. I enjoyed the story, but while, I saw the ending coming, some parts of the novel left me a bit confused. For example,  people knew that someone was doing something bad but, instead of telling someone, they tried brushing it under the rug. Overall, it was a thrilling and interesting read. I look forward to reading more of the author's work.

**Disclosure - I received an unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Widows by Lynda La Plante

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 After receiving news that their husbands have perished in a fire, Dolly Rawlins, Linda Pirelli, and Shirley Miller must face life alone. The widows decided to work together and complete the heist that killed their husbands after Dolly discovers her husband's robbery plans. The widows train to pull off the perfect heist given this would be their first brush with breaking the law. During their preparation, they realize they need a fourth person to pull of their plan perfectly. They recruit a fourth person for their heist while trying to figure out who the fourth man  who abandoned their husbands. Who was the fourth man that left their husbands for death? Will the widows be able to pull off the heist?

The novel was a fun to read and interesting that the four lead criminals were all females. I like that each of the characters had a strong personality. And how they tried to overcome their husband's death while pulling a heist that none of them has experience with. I found the book to be a bit slow at times but I look forward to reading more books from the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Broken Girls by Simone St. James

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In 1950, Idlewild Hall is the place for girls that no one wants. It is home to troublemakers, the outspoken, and illegitimate girls. In the small town, the boarding school  is rumored to be haunted and when one of the young boarders suddenly mysteriously disappears nothing will be the same again.  

In 2014, it has been twenty years since journalist Fiona Sheridan's older sister's death, but Fiona is having a hard time letting it go. She makes frequent trips to the overgrown fields where the ruins of Idlewild Hall sit. When Fiona hears that someone is buying Idlewild Hall and reopening the school, against her better judgement Fiona decides to take on the story. While researching her story, Fiona comes across a shocking discovery that someone would do anything to keep buried. Who is behind the murders of the two young women?

I love how interesting and thrilling this story was. It was a modern day ghost story and the fact that two young women lost their lives around a school that should serve as sanctuary made this gruesome tale even more delicious. I love the strong female friendship along with the many plot twists. A highly recommended read for anyone who loves thrillers. Also, if you are reading this at night, be sure to keep a flashlight handy. ;)

**Disclosure - I won a free unedited copy of this book and was not requested or required to leave a review**

Book Review - A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

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Matt Wainwright has the best laid intentions, but is constantly sabotaged by the thoughts in his head. Matt is in love with his best friend, Tabby but he has a hard time articulating his feelings into words and actions.  He feels only comfortable  in Mr. Ellis's English class where he can write to express his inner thoughts and feelings.

If everything worked the way that Matt planned that he would be dating Tabby. Except, life doesn't work like that for Matt. Instead, Tabby falls in love with Liam Branson. An unfortunate accident causes Matt to be sidelined and without the ability to express his feelings even in his English class. Will Matt be able to get out of his head and work through his feelings?

I thought this was going to be a romantic comedy where the best friends either fall in love or they let each other be with other people. However, I was drawn how this wasn't like many other YA romance novels I have read. It had a touch of humor while being realistic enough that you can feel each the character's pain. My only qualm is that Tabby's two love interests both never stuck up for her when she was being made teased. We have read in the backstory that Tabby usually sticks up for Matt, but it seems that her love interest, Liam would be the one to defend her. 

It was a very interesting read and I can't wait to read other works by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson

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In the year of 1944, a young woman is clutching her young infant while weighing her impossible situation.  The father of Amelia's child was shot down in the South Pacific during the war. She loses hope as she lost her job and has no money. She decides to reach out to her infant's paternal grandparents as her beau always spoke highly of his childhood and upbringing.  Amelia and Jimmy take the train to meet Jimmy's grandparents and Amelia hopes they would take her and her son in. When she arrives an unfortunate accident causes her situation to become more dire, but when she finds out that his family is rich, would Amelia still be able to go through her plan?

This was the second novel I read by Melody Carlson. Both novels had central themes of Christmas and losing someone, but also redemption. The novella was a quick and lighthearted read with a "Christmas Miracle" sprinkled in.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker

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Three years ago, the Tanners sisters just disappeared. The left no trace of their disappearance other than an abandoned car and a pair of shoes. Three years after their disappearance, Cass, the younger sister returns home. She recounts a story of kidnapping, betrayal, and heartache on a mysterious island. Dr. Abby Winter is a psychiatrist who is assigned to the Tanner case and she believes there is a lot more going on than Cass is telling. What is the story Cass is not telling? What happened on the island where Cass was held captive? Where is Emma?

The novel was a very suspenseful read. I kept falling into the rabbit hole with the novel but the writer's writing style left me wanting more. The ending was a bit of a disappointment as the farther I read, the less believable the story became. The characters were well-developed but  their actions were bit confusing at times and left disengaged from the story. An interesting read for those who like thrilling and suspenseful novels.

**Disclosure - I received a free uncorrected copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Little French Bistro by Nina George

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After forty one years in a loveless and unhappy marriage, Marianne decides to take action. She decides to leave her old life behind and head to the coast of Brittany for a new beginning. She meets locals who while eccentric are nothing short of loving. While Marianne loses herself in this new world, she realizes its never to late to start over. Will Marianne be able to love again?

While, this novel was a short read,  I found that it had potential to be a heart warming, soul seeking cure for those in "loveless" relationship. However, the novel didn't live up to it's potential. I am not sure if it is because it was translated but some of the sentences didn't make sense. There was a lot of characters to keep track who were not well developed. I couldn't also see myself connecting with Marianne and hoping she has a happy life because some of her story seems to contrived.  A very disappointing book that I had very high hopes for after reading great reviews for her first book.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson + Giveaway

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Nan O'Neil was living a peaceful life as widowed midwife when an injured Canadian pilot knocks at her door for assistance. During World War II, Ireland became a neutral nation which meant all soldiers and those who help them will be considered enemies of Ireland. When, the pilot came knocking at her door, trouble came as well. Unable to turn away from midwife instincts of healing the sick, she takes in the "flyboy", Dutch Whitney.  While tending to his physical wounds, the two bond and Nan feels her emotional wounds hurt less when she is around Dutch. Will Nan be able to love again? Will Dutch be able to escape imprisonment? 

The book was a quick read and was very interesting. The characters were well developed and entertaining. However, I had a hard time to fall in love characters and the story line even though I was entertained while reading the book. A decent read but not a book I would love to re-read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

What do you get when you mix World War II, a brave midwife, a wounded pilot, and a risky secret? Jeanne M. Dickson's new historical fiction novel, Grounded Hearts. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

Join Jeanne in celebrating the release of her new book by entering to win the Celtic Knots Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Grounded Hearts
• A Claddagh bracelet
• A Claddagh jewelry box

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 31. The winner will be announced August 1 on the Litfuse blog.

Book Review - A Fragile Hope by Cynthia Ruchti + Giveaway

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Josiah Chamberlain is an expert on repairing other people's marriage, except his own. Karin his once loving wife is growing distant and when an unfortunate accident happens, she is unable to defend herself. Josiah finds that even though he manages relationships for a living,  he is no match for dealing with his own crisis.  Feeling betrayed, he starts to question his faith and hope. Will he able to regain his faith and hope? Will Josiah and Karin be able to work on their marriage?

When I first started reading the novel it was enjoyable but towards the middle it became boring and redundant. It was the same thing over and over. I didn't like how the author focuses mostly on the guilt and betrayal that Josiah felt and left all the other details out. For example, when he finds Karin's phone or how did Karin get injured. I believed that could add more to the story and make Karin's character feel more human instead of just an afterthought. The story felt one sided since it was mostly told from Josiah's perspective. It was an okay read but I might read other novels from the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Celebrate the release of A Fragile Hope by entering to win Cynthia's Sign of Hope Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Fragile Hope
• A metal wall scripture hanging

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on May 3. The winner will be announced May 4 on the Litfuse blog.