Book Review-Across Borders by Lee Ducote

In this story of protecting others on the border and the heartache of relationships you will find yourself in the lives of those who have sworn to uphole law, no matter the cost.

About the book (provided by Lola's Book Tours)

In Across Borders, Lawson Caine, a seasoned Border Patrol agent, is stationed in Presidio Texas with legendary lawman Capt. James Garrett. Lawson, who is from a long linage of lawmen, has gained the respect and reverence from his team, Dale Chanson, Terry Bennet, and the crazy member, Alex Sweeny.

Lawson never expected anything to come between his dedication with the Border Patrol and his brotherhood with Sweeny until he meets local pharmacy owner, Lia Gonzales. Against her father’s wishes Lia continues to see Lawson not realizing the inevitable consequences.

In this story of protecting others on the border and the heartache of relationships you will find yourself in the lives of those who have sworn to uphold the law, no matter the cost.

And I thought

I was only a few pages in and two things crossed my mind

1. I am gonna love this
2. Someone is gonna die and I won't like it

I was right on both thoughts.  

This was a super fast pace thrilling road across the dusty roads of Texas and Mexico. 

I immediately feel in love with all the characters.  Back to those first thoughts.  I knew one of them wasn't gonna make it to the end.  A very small part of me didn't want to find out who.  But another 

part the bigger part didn't want the story to end.  

Even at the very end I wished that there was more.  

The subject/plot of the book is about Texas Border Agents fight against immigrants and the despicable Coyote's that prey on the poor people that are trying, praying and willing to do anything  for a better.

About 3/4's in the is a part that describes a ritual that the Coyote's

perform.  It is graphic in nature.  But the subject is unsettling because it is true and really happens.

There is way more to this plot/story than the fight to control the borders. 

There is a reverence and respect to God that I was not expecting.

Although the main character Lawson and a few his buddies played basketball on Sunday instead of going to church. (until a couple of girls 'lured"them into the services) And didn't really have much of a practising faith their Captain 'Cap' who considered the 5 men on his 'team' encouraged them.  

This underlying theme made the book even that much more appealing to me.     I love suspense.  I love thrillers.  And I love romance.  Across Borders was much more than I expected it was a story filled with suspense and romance and was just a great book to read.  

The best party?  The good guys win.

The publisher places Across Borders in the  categories of Fiction/Thriller/Crime. The book is available at online retailers.

I would like to see the book available also at CBC and at christian book retailers as well. 

I received a complimentary copy from Lola's Blog Tours.

This review is appear on retail sites where available.

This review will appear on Good Reads.

This review will appear on My Journey Back-The Journey Back

Not convinced...the publisher provided and excerpt here.
B&N provided and excerpt here.

Available

       

Murder Is No Accident by A.H. Gabhart

About the book (provided by 

One body may be an accident. A second body means murder.
The old Chandler place should be empty. The magnificent Victorian mansion is for sale, even if its aged owner Miss Fonda doesn't realize it. But when real estate agent Geraldine Harper enters the house on a sunny October day, she's not alone. Minutes later, there is a body at the bottom of the steep steps leading to the tower room.

Deputy sheriff Michael Keane is called in. At first blush, it looks like the death was a tragic accident, but clues point to foul play. And when a second body is discovered, the race is on to find the culprit . . . before someone else dies.

If you like your small-town America sweet and quirky--with a dash of sinister--you'll love this latest whodunit from deft storyteller A. H. Gabhart.

And I thought

Another great story in Hidden Springs!  I enjoyed meeting Deputy Sheriff Michael, his aunt Malinda high school math teacher, Reese the next door neighbor; Betty Jean the 'Jill' of all trades at the police station.  And Michael's love interest Alex.  I wasn't fond of Alex. Who kept Michael at arms length.

A few new characters joined the party in  Miss Fonda the owner of the mansion, Maggie Green who ends up being in the wrong place at the wrong time,Anthony the older boy from the church group who is interested in Maggie.  And a few others

Miss Fonda's nephew  who wants to sell the mansion.  A couple of newcomers to town who've opened new businesses that seemed to have some hidden agenda's.  Are they suspects?

As Michael looks for clue's things get murky and twisty turny.

All while Michael is trying to establish a permanent relationship with Alex who's come back to town because he uncle Reese has a mild stroke.  

Murder Is No Accident is indeed a page turner and gets

my 5 star rating.  

I enjoyed Murder Is No Accident and Murder Comes in The Mail.   I look forward to returning to Hidden Springs. 

I received a complimentary copy from Revell books.

This review will appear on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, 

Good Reads and My Journey Back.

Available

Amazon Barnes&Noble

About the series

     

Life Creative-Book Review With Giveaway

                                           The Giveaway is all the way at the bottom!
About the book (provided by Litfuse)

Life Creative: Inspiration for Today's Renaissance Mom(Kregel, September 2016)

What was God thinking when He created you creative and then gave you children?

Creative moms often feel as though they must lay their passions down. But God had something special in mind for the creative woman during this intense season of mothering.

In this Pinterest age of handcrafted children's parties, Instagram photos of beautifully decorated homes, and blogs filled with poetry and prose, it is clear that we are in the midst of a brand new artistic renaissance. Not one born in Italian cathedrals or Harlem jazz clubs, but rather in kitchens, nurseries, and living rooms around the world. Mothers, working in the cracks and crevices of each hectic day, are adorning the world with their gifts, and they're showing all of us the beauty of this Life Creative.

In this book, you'll learn:

-Why the world needs your art

-How this Life Creative begins at home

-When art can turn a profit

-Your part in this modern day Renaissance

Life Creative paints the stories of moms, just like you, who are fitting their inspired lives into the everyday, ordinary places of motherhood. Women like home decorator Melissa Michaels and jewelry designer Lisa Leonard, author Angie Smith, recording artist Ellie Holcomb, and many more.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2bDsqfz

About The Authors:

Wendy Speake is a trained actress and heartfelt teacher. She ministers to women's hearts through storytelling and life applications, utilizing drama, comedy, poetry and the study of God's Word. During her career in Hollywood, Speake found herself longing to tell stories that edify and encourage women. She is the author of Triggers: Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses (BRU Press, 2015). Speake is a wife and homeschooling mother of three boys. 

Kelli Stuart is a writer and a storyteller at heart. She has written for several websites including The Huffington Post, 5 Minutes for Mom, The MOB Society, (in)courage and Compassion International. She is the author of three books, including Like a River from Its Course (Kregel Publications, 2016) and a noted speaker. Stuart her husband live in Florida with their four children.

                                                                              Website | Instagram

And I Thought...
A book filled with helpful inspiration for women.  Although the target audience is busy moms
I think that all women could enjoy it and get a great deal of encouragement.
I think we as women no matter what season we're in can use a little encouragement.
However I feel that the target audience could be bogged down a little.
The book is filled with stories, poetry, quotes and scripture.
I liked the illustrations between parts there were drawings of different things like:
as stand mixer, a whisk,  a music note, a paint pallet, a feather, a camera and more.
The lovely paisley cover design is repeated on every page of the book.
I point these features out because I thought the book was long. It was a lot to read.
The addition of the artwork just makes it longer.
Each chapter is over 10 pages long.  An actually is a lot to read.
It isn't the type of book I feel you can enjoy when you only have small snippets of time in your schedule.   I know when I was young mom and even now with  the busy schedule that I have that I prefer a book that is written with shorter sections to read.
There is great content.
                   

                             Click here to enter the Giveaway

       

About the book (provided by Litfuse)...Plunge into forensic artist Gwen Marcey's world, full of cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects. Add Carrie Stuart Parks' new Gwen Marcey novel, When Death Draws Near, to the top of your must-read list. Gwen accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before she can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself? 

And I thought . . . When I was offered the opportunity to read and review this book  I was excited.   I am a fan of thrilling suspenseful and a little romantic books.   I  opened it and began reading the day I received it.  I got to the end of chapter two and put it down.  It didn't 'click'.

A few weeks later I picked it up again.  I got a little farther along but I just couldn't get into this book. 

This weekend because this review is due I picked up with the intention of reading it all the way through. 

And honestly it finally began to become interesting to me.  But as I finished the last page I was back to my first impression.  I didn't like this book. 

The story was good.  The story was filled with bumps and twists and turns.  The reader is caught of guard at the end wondering just who is behind all the violence.  

But I didn't connect and frankly I really didn't like the main character.  I got annoyed with her constant turning everything that happened around her or circumstances to her own past misfortunes and failures.  The past was always on her mind and seemed to be always brought into the present through her references.  

When she receives a phone call from her ex-husband informing her he was sending their teenage daughter to her my thought was ridiculous!  Who in their right mind sends their daughter to their ex 

(who they already have issues concerning parenting with)who is on assignment out of town knowing that these assignments tend to lead to danger.  

And Gwen the main character just says o.k and goes and picks her up at the airport!  This is after she has already had two attempts made on her life for investigating the towns recent murders and rape cases.  

The craziness continues after the daughters arrival and until the end.  Which btw turns out o.k. for all. 

Personally I could have left all that drama out of the story and I think it would have been much better.  

Admittedly I have not read the 1st two installments in this series.  And maybe if I had I would have liked the story and the main character better.  Maybe I would have understood the reasoning.  

For more information about the authors other works and other books in this series visit her website

Litfuse is offering a giveaway . . . 

Join Carrie in celebrating the release of When Death Draws Near by entering to win an Undercover Artist Starter Set. 

One grand prize winner will receive: 

• A copy of When Death Draws Near
• A $30 Michael's or Hobby Lobby gift card (winner's choice)
• Colored pencils
• A sharpener
• A pencil case
• An eraser
• A coloring prayer book
• A coloring notecard set
• A lap desk

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on August 22. The winner will be announced August 23 on the Litfuse blog. 

I received a complimentary copy of When Death Draws Near from Litfuse in exchange for my honest 

receive. 

This review is posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and CBC. 

This review is posted on Good Reads and My Journey Back.

A Beauty Refined--Tracie Peterson--Book Review

About the book (provided by Litfuse)...

What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father’s intentions—both for her and the gemstones—are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie–a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family’s deception begins to unravel.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/29Sh70o

About the author:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.                                                                                 Website | Facebook | Pinterest And I thought . . .  I truly can't say enough good things about this book.   To tell you the truth I haven't recently been too interested in Historical novels.  I began my adult reading career reading Historical Romance.  And then I found contemporary. I was hooked.  And then I found Contemporary Suspense.  But because of Tracie Peterson's worked I am now a fan of Historical Romance again.   And now a fan of Tracie Peterson.      A Beauty Refined is book 2 in the series.   I look forward to reading more in this series. The story was interesting from page one.  I have to admit I expected a boy meets girl romance.  Followed by events that separate them.  And then the two getting together in for a happy ending.   I was very wrong.   And that was refreshing.            There is a Happy Ending  The romance is only part of the story.  The storyline as described above is about the challenges Phoebe faces once she learns about lies and deceptions in her family.   The story also has a bit of intrigue. There's some plotting, double-dealing, and  underhandness in more than one character.  These aspects of the story make it not a typical romance.   And I liked that. A Beauty Refined is worthy of my 5 star rating.  I wish to thank Litfuse for allowing me the opportunity to read this book.  I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.  A huge thanks Tracie Peterson for  re-introducing me to Historical fiction.  This review is posted at  MyJourneyback-thejourneyback.blogspot.com At at the following link parties: The Art of Homemaking, Share Your Cup,  Create With Joy This review is posted at the follow retailers Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and CBC. This review is also posted at Good Reads.

Dwelling Places--Lucinda Secrest McDowell-Devotional Review

About the book (provided by the publisher). . . 

What if a thriving, active faith were as simple as reading one word a day?

Do you long for serenity and refuge, peace and hope? Are you seeking a deeper spiritual life through a closer relationship with God?

If you're tired of dwelling in busyness and noise, then perhaps one word a day can change your life. Award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell knows that if you spend time each day turning to God's Word for wisdom and guidance, your faith can flourish and grow.

Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word - such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace - to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.

These "dwelling places" that offer the joy of God's promise and presence cover four seasons: fall, Advent, Lent, and summer. Whether in the midst of busy holiday schedules, holy days, ordinary moments, or changing seasons, a deeper faith can be as simple as a single word.


PRAISE FOR DWELLING PLACES:
“As there are seasons of the year so there are seasons in our walk with Christ. In Dwelling Places, Lucinda McDowell takes us on a gentle sojourn through words that inspire, encourage, educate and magnify the Lord.” ~ Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“If you’re looking for encouragement based on God’s Word, read Dwelling Places. Lucinda Secrest McDowell has taken 130 key words from the Bible and created powerful devotions that will comfort, exhort, and bless you daily in every season of the year.  Her powerful stories and poignant ending prayers will capture your heart and point you towards hope and truth. Buy one copy for yourself and ten more to give away!” ~ Carol Kent, speaker and author of Waiting Together and Unquenchable

“In Dwelling Places, Lucinda Secrest McDowell elevates devotions to a new level. As always, McDowell uses some of the best quotes you will read this year, but she adds to them her special brand of storytelling as well as teachings that will minister to your soul. A masterful devotional, managing to be both short and deep at the same time.” ~ Tessa Afshar, Christy, award winning author of Land of Silence and Fields of Grace

“I never miss a new book from Lucinda Secrest McDowell. Her writing is so real and warm and down-to-earth, and at the same time thought-provoking, profound, and theologically grounded. A rare combination! Dwelling Places offers readers deep moments of reflection, inspiration, and encouragement that will stay with us throughout the day and throughout the seasons of our lives.”  ~ Christin Ditchfield, syndicated radio host, speaker, and author of What Women Should Know About Facing Fear

“Dwelling Places is balm for the soul, resonate and full of life, bringing the Word to dwell with me as I pondered each of the daily words long after I'd finished reading them.” ~ Christa Parrish, Christianity Today award and Christy award winning author of Still Life and Stones for Bread                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        And I thought . . . What a great devotional book.   The subtitle Words to Live in Every Season explains the essence of  the book.  It's divided into 4 sections: Dwell Fall, Shine Advent, Renew Lent, and Grow Summer and ending with a section titled  Gratitudes followed by the Epilogue: Secrets Of The Nest.    Each devotional begins with a scripture and then a short story with some thoughts to ponder.  I loved the end of each devotional.  Instead of a prayer for the reader to pray each devotional ended with a word from our Father.  These thoughts blessed my spirit.  Here is an example: from #26 Faithful... My child, you can trust Me. I have been faithful to countless generations before you, and I shall most certainly be there for those who come after you.  You see. I never change.  While my ways and my will are not predictable in time and manner my character remains.  Faithful. True. Loving. Merciful.  Count on it.  

I enjoyed this little book.  It is small and will fit nicely into a tote back.  It's a great devotional to even take on vacation.  I liked the small size.  I had no trouble reading it.  I also like the graphics that made it pretty.                                                                                                                                                                         I would recommend this devotional to anyone.  It would make a great gift for anyone anytime of the year or any season.                                                                                                                                                                                                              This devotional is worthy of my 5 star rating.   My thanks to Miss McDowell,Abigdon Press and Litfuse for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.  I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.                                                                                                                                                            This review is posted at Amazon, CBC, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads.  click on the bold type to purchase or read additional reviews.  The review is posted at My Reading Journeys and linked to The Art of Homemaking, Create With Joy and Share Your Cup and may be linked to other available parties.  See my parties page for a complete list of blog parties.     

Delilah--Angela Hunt-Book Review

                                                          
About The Book . . . 

Publisher's Description

A Complex and Compelling Glimpse at One of the Bible's Baddest Girls
Life is not easy in Philistia, especially not for a woman and child alone. When beautiful, wounded Delilah finds herself begging for food to survive, she resolves that she will find a way to defeat all the men who have taken advantage of her. She will overcome the roadblocks life has set before her, and she will find riches and victory for herself.

When she meets a legendary man called Samson, she senses that in him lies the means for her victory. By winning, seducing, and betraying the hero of the Hebrews, she will attain a position of national prominence. After all, she is beautiful, she is charming, and she is smart. No man, not even a supernaturally gifted strongman, can best her in a war of wits.

And I thought . . . I was pleased to get the opportunity to read this book; and looked forward to it's arrival!  I wasn't disappointed.   Almost at page 1 I was drawn into the story.   I was a little ambivalent about the author taking characters and stories from the Bible and weaving them into fictional stories.    But I was pleasantly surprised at the authors expertise and ability to make the story real and interesting to read.  Miss Hunt is known for the extra care she takes in research which makes the fiction part of the story seem real and come to life.   The Biblical story of Samson and Delilah is in this writers opinion is superbly brought out through this fictional work.  

The characters are well developed (fictionally) and makes you think about their individual circumstances.   The story made me want to read my Bible and reread their stories.  And that's a good thing!

I would recommend Delilah as a great read!  Because of the of the way Delilah's story is depicted and the struggles she went through I would not suggest this as a read for an impressionable teenager.    

Miss Hunt and Delilah deserve my 5 star praise.  

Information about the author . . .  The author of more than 100 published books and with nearly 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic Times Book Club presented Angela with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2008, Angela completed her PhD in Biblical Studies in Theology. She and her husband live in Florida with their mastiffs. Learn more at www.angelahuntbooks.com.

I received a complimentary copy of Delilah from Baker Publishing in exchange for my honest review. 

This post will be re-printed at My Journey Back at linked at  Create With Joy, The Art of Homemaking, Share Your Cup.

This review is posted at Amazon, CBC, Barnes and Noble and Good Reads.