Book Review - The Christmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter + Giveaway

Photo Source - Amazon

 In April 1850, a group of people attempt to do a cross-country trip. However, given it is late in the season, the journey provides to be dangerous and filled with peril. The travelers are stuck in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them and blocks their path.

Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and her betrothed.  As Christmas time arrives, Cynthia is forced to think about her reasons for marrying, Walter Prentice. To make matters worse, a widowed father and gold prospector both start to show interest in Cynthia. She begins to question her responsibility to marry for love or out of duty.

The short novella was a decent read. I felt like the book would have been more enticing if it was a full-length novel. The characters didn't seem well developed and some developments appeared randomly. I have read a few books by the author but, this was my least favorite. I would have enjoyed the book more if the book had more details and plot building.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

About the Book

Book Title: The Christmas Prayer
Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter
Genre: Historical Christmas Romance
Release date: September, 2018

Beloved, bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter takes readers on a journey in 1850 along the California Trail.

Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail.

Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?

About the Author

 

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Wanda is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a free copy of The Christmas Prayer with an autographed book plate inside!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d297/the-christmas-prayer-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - Cleansweep Counterstrike by Chuck Waldron + Giveaway

After helping to stop the Operation Cleansweep, Matt Tremain is faced with dangerous obstacles. Charles Claussen is still out for revenge against Matt and his friends. However, Claussen had borrowed money from a dangerous group of people called The Brotherhood of Eagles, who want answers and their money back. Will Matt be able to survive Claussen's revenge plan?

This novel is the second book in the series. I found it to be an enjoyable read but, found the first book to be more engaging and thrilling. It felt like some parts were a bit unrealistic. Overall, a good second novel with a gateway to a sequel.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Details:

Book Title: The Cleansweep Counterstrike by Chuck Waldron
Series: A Matt Tremain Technothriller Book 2
Category: Adult Fiction, 312 pages
Genre: Thriller / dystopian
Publisher: Bublish Inc.
Release date: April 21, 2018
Content Rating: PG-13 + M (Adult language)

Book Description:

In this sequel, Matt Tremain is back, facing an even deadlier threat. Deceit and intrigue lie hidden behind the collapse of Operation CleanSweep. It’s time for revenge.

Instrumental in exposing the evil behind Operation CleanSweep—a diabolical “cultural cleansing” plot masterminded by Toronto billionaire Charles Claussen—investigative blogger Tremain now faces the madman’s desire for vengeance. Claussen intends to settle the score personally by luring Matt into a deadly trap.

But the clock is ticking for Claussen, too. Fraternité des Aigles, The Brotherhood of Eagles—a shadowy group that secretly financed Claussen’s Operation CleanSweep—wants answers and their money back. Consumed with rage, Claussen risks everything to get to Matt before the Brotherhood gets to him. Tremain is once again partnering with a police detective, Carling. Knowing they are being lured into a possible trap, they decide to face their nemesis, Charles Claussen.

Across four continents, Claussen sets traps, pursues Tremain, and continues to execute his signature brand of global chaos. When his fiancé’s life is on the line, can Tremain stop Claussen’s madness and still avoid getting killed?

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Chapters Indigo

Indiebound

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Chuck Waldron is the author of four riveting mystery, thriller and suspense novels and more than fifty short stories. Inspired by his grandfather’s tales of the Ozark Mountains and local caves rumored to be havens for notorious gangsters, Waldron was destined to write about crime and the human condition. Those childhood legends ignited his imagination and filled his head with unforgettable characters, surprising plots and a keen interest in supernatural and historical subplots.

With literary roots planted in the American Midwest and South, and enriched by many years living in the fertile cultural soil of metropolitan Ontario, Waldron now resides on Florida’s fabled Treasure Coast with his wife, Suzanne. While keeping an eye out for hurricanes, alligators, and the occasional Burmese python, visitors will find Waldron busy writing his next crime thriller.

Connect with Chuck: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook 

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Sept 29, 2018

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Book Review - The Mind's Eye by Perry Prete + Giveaway

Nicole Baker was leading a quiet life until she realized she has a unique ability. She is able to see images move on photographs. Not sure what to do with her ability, she uses it at parties to entertain her friends. Her ability catches the eye of senior detective Paul Hammond, who requests her help on the case. 

Carl Kadner is a rookie reporter at the local paper. Excited for his first big break, he investigates the murders. However, he realizes the only way to get a break is if he puts himself in danger. When Carl, Paul, and Nicole work together, will they be able to solve the mystery?

I found the book to be an interesting and thrilling read. I thought Nicole's ability of seeing moving pictures to be unique. Without giving anything away, I found the book to a great and exciting read!

Book Details:

Book Title: The Mind's Eye by Perry Prete
Category: Adult Fiction; 243 pages
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Sands Press
Release date: March 7, 2018
Content Rating: R (Violence towards women based on real life events, language, graphic violence)

Book Description:

Nicole Baker is a quiet girl - the type of person who is seldom noticed by anyone. That is until one day she discovers she has the unique ability to see images move on photographs. At first, she uses her ability to entertain friends at parties and work. Then senior detective Paul Hammond learns of her ability and enlists her help in a case of unsolved murders that he has not been able to make any headway on.

Carl Kadner, a rookie reporter with the local paper is investigating the murders as well. And he learns what it takes to be the kind of reporter he wants to be when he puts himself in danger for the sake of the story. It is only when Carl, Nicole and Detective Hammond pool their resources that things start making sense.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Amazon.ca

Chapters Indigo ~ Barnes & Noble

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Perry Prete is a Canadian crime writer and paramedic. His first novel, All Good Things, introduced us to Ethan Tennant, a City of Ottawa paramedic who looks at crimes from the medical perspective.
Perry continues to work full-time as a paramedic and uses his thirty plus years of life changing and sometimes dramatic experiences to bring realism to his gripping medical novels. His other works include, The Things That Matter Most and All Good Things.

He is also a business owner, specializing in the pre-hospital care field. His company sells medical equipment across North America, primarily to EMS agencies.

A native of Sudbury, Ontario, Perry, graduated from Fanshawe College in London but now lives and works in Brockville, Ontario.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Sept 29, 2018

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Book Review - The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

Photo Credit - Amazon

Aiden Bishop is tasked with preventing Evelyn Hardcastle from being murdered at 11:00 pm. However, if he fails the day will restart and Evelyn will die again. Aiden must race against the clock and name the killer if, he wishes to escape. As he wakes up in a body of a different guest every day, he learns each host has a different personality and motive. Will Aiden be able to find out the killer within the eight days?

The novel had a very interesting premise. I like that the novel had elements of sci-fi, thriller, and mystery all wrapped in one interesting book.  While the book was a good and suspenseful read, I had a hard time keeping track of some of the minor details especially, when the future was altered. However, the book is definitely a fun read and I look forward to reading more books by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Shadow Sister by Katherine Scott Jones + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Sarah Lanning wants to run away from her past and things she lost. Like her close relationship with her sister, Jenna. When news arrives that Jenna has passed and she leaves an unexpected request. Sarah still coming to terms with her sister's death but, she abides to Jenna's request and travels to Bolivia.  During her time in Bolivia, Sarah finds out about Jenna's secret life along with a few buried secrets. Will Sarah be able to forgive?

The novel was a good read about familial bonds, love, loyalty, and forgiveness. I like the portion of the books that spoke about Bolivia's culture and way of life. I found the bond between Sarah and Jenna realistic and endearing. Although, I did find some parts of the novel slow, it was a good read overall.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

About the Book

Book Title: Shadow Sister
Author: Katherine Scott Jones
Genre: Woman’s Fiction
Release date: August 28, 2018

Working on her father’s vineyard allows Sarah Lanning to bury memories of a lost love and a career that might have been. But then her fractured family receives word that her estranged sister, Jenna, is dead, leaving behind an unexpected request: that Sarah travel to Bolivia to scatter her ashes.

Accompanied by pilot Chase Maddox, Sarah embarks on an Andean journey that tests her devotion to home and exposes Jenna’s secret life. Each staggering discovery creates new mysteries—until the last, which leaves Sarah questioning everything she understood about family loyalty. At a crossroads, she must decide whether truth is worth the cost of forgiveness—and whether she can lay claim to a future of happiness without it.

Bittersweet and bold, Shadow Sister explores the mysteries of the human heart and the bond of unquenchable love.

About the Author

 

Katherine Scott Jones grew up in cities on every U.S. coast and overseas as her family moved with her father’s Navy career. Seattle became home when she married her husband twenty-eight years ago. After graduating Whitworth University with a degree in communications, she established herself as a freelance writer before turning her hand to fiction. She blogs about books that celebrate beauty at www.katherinescottjones.com. Katherine and her husband have two teenage children. Shadow Sister is her second novel.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away a grand prize that includes a personalized signed print copy of the book, a Shadow Sister bookmark, a Frame-able print, Book-lover’s tea, 6 Handcrafted notecards, and a set of vineyard-themed playing cards!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d25f/shadow-sister-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - The Third Mushroom by Jennifer L. Holm + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ellie's grandpa, Melvin is a world famous scientist. However, he is in the body of a fourteen-year-old boy. While he doesn't really fit in at home or at school, Ellie is still happy to have him around. Ellie and Melvin team up for the science fair to find the "fountain of eternal youth".  No one will know how close they will get to finding the key to eternal youth. However, they will soon learn is happiness guaranteed with eternal life?

I found the book to be a fun and quirky read. I like the scientific references, especially the cat's name. The bond between Ellie and her grandfather, Melvin was both fun and endearing. However, it was a bit weird that they were around the same age and Ellie's friend is in love with Melvin. Overall, a fun and great read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

THE THIRD MUSHROOM ASSETS

About the Book:

Title: THE THIRD MUSHROOM

Author: Jennifer L. Holm

Pub. Date: September 4, 2018

Publisher: Random House

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 240

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N, iBooks, TBD 

"Believe in the unexpected" with this hilarious, heartwarming, and much-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Fourteenth Goldfish!

Ellie's grandpa Melvin is a world-renowned scientist . . . in the body of a fourteen-year-old boy. His feet stink, and he eats everything in the refrigerator--and Ellie is so happy to have him around. Grandpa may not exactly fit in at middle school, but he certainly keeps things interesting. When he and Ellie team up for the county science fair, no one realizes just how groundbreaking their experiment will be. The formula for eternal youth may be within their reach! And when Ellie's cat, Jonas Salk, gets sick, the stakes become even higher. But is the key to eternal life really the key to happiness? Sometimes even the most careful experiments yield unexpected--and wonderful--results.

  

About Jennifer:

Jennifer L. Holm is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling children's author and the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA, PENNY FROM HEAVEN, and TURTLE IN PARADISE. Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on two graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series and the bestselling Squish series. Her new novel is THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH. She lives in California with her husband and two children.

Website | Twitter | Facebook |  Goodreads 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE THIRD MUSHROOM, US Only.

Rafflecopter link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2794/?

Tour Schedule:

Week Two:

9/10/2018- For the Love of KidLit- Interview

9/11/2018- YA Books Central- Interview

9/12/2018- The OWL- Review

9/13/2018- Book-Keeping- Review

9/14/2018- Two Points of Interest- Review