As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad (Review)

• Series: The Gregory Sisters (Book 3)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Revell (May 19, 2015)
• ISBN-13: 978-0800721831

Tessa Gregory is nothing if not tenacious. Denied a position as a horticulturalist at prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul, she is not above a little benevolent deception in order to get the park superintendent to change his mind and hire her. She plans to infiltrate the world of wealthy and influential people in hopes of drumming up financial support for a world-class conservatory. But before she can put those plans into action, she meets Reese King, a handsome gardener at Como Park--and a major distraction. Still, Reese might be the key to achieving her dream. But is his goal to help her . . . or to capture her heart?

Against a lush backdrop of early twentieth century Saint Paul, Minnesota, Lorna Seilstad weaves a sweet and sassy story that is sure to please. Tessa's young romance opens like a rose, stealing readers' hearts and filling their senses with the intoxicating fragrance of dreams come true.

My Review:

This is the third book in the Gregory Sisters series. They are light  Christian historical romance books set in the early 1900s. If you have not read the first two books in the series you might not like all the details featuring the lives of the other two sisters in this book. Also, it helps understand the character of Tessa better to have the background knowledge. Tessa is the flighty one who is always trying something new. The one constant thing in her is her love of gardening. Although her younger years were not wealthy, she now lives with Samantha, her sister's husband's aunt. She is extremely wealthy, generous, loving, and a huge suffragist. There is a subplot involving her and an old friend who is a Senator.  Tessa meets Reese King at Como Park where he is a gardener. She desperately wants to work there too. He lets her help him with the work in exchange for her design. That part is not believable but if you suspend belief the book is enjoyable. The characters and plot were well developed and interesting. I really wanted to shake Tessa at times. Reese is a sweet young man but not perfect. They are friends most of the book with the romance developing more at the end. Overall a good read but not the best book in the series. Recommended to fans of the genre. 





A history buff, antique collector, and former high school English teacher, fan favorite Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls, While Love Stirs,and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com

Review copy provided by Revell in exchange for an honest review.

In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot (Review)

• Series: Texas Crossroads (Book 2)
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Revell (May 19, 2015)
• ISBN-13: 978-0800734350

Marisa St. George is devastated when she is a victim of downsizing and has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it's a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow's End resort. The only silver lining is Blake Kendall, a new guest who is making her believe in love at first sight. But will her dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers who he really is?

Romance readers will love this warm and witty story of mistaken identity and second chances from bestselling author Amanda Cabot.

My Review:

Although book two in the Texas Crossroads series this book can stand alone. The setting and characters are the same. This book focuses the main part of the story on Marisa and Blake. So we see what happened to the last set of main characters, Greg and Kate, from the first book too. Marisa is Carmen the cook's daughter. She loses her job and returns home to manager the resort. She also has unresolved issues with her father that affect her daily life. Blake is a friend of resort owners and hopes to relieve his writer's block while there. He has a big secret though, only a few people know he's the author of a popular book series. Blake and Marisa feel sparks from their first meeting. There was a secondary plot involving Marisa's best friend Lauren and her mother Carmen. They both find romance. The characters and plot were interesting. The guys in the book were a little too perfect. The book is slower paced but it did not bother me. Overall this was an okay Contemporary Christian romance book. 


With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled "All About Thermometers," were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she's sold more than thirty novels under a variety of pseudonyms. When she's not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and - of course - reading.

Review copy provided by Revell in exchange for an honest review.

The Remaining by Travis Thrasher (Review)

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; MTI edition (September 1, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1414397528

In one day, everything changes forever.

As a group of college pals gathers for the wedding of two friends, celebration turns to terror when many of the guests die suddenly with no apparent cause. With the big day turned into a nightmare, the friends are left to figure out what’s happening. With mysterious and devastating catastrophes striking the city―and reports of similar events coming in from around the world―they must address the ultimate question.

Is this the end? Or just the beginning of something more horrifying than they ever could have imagined?

Faith, family, and the future are all hanging in the balance.

The Remaining is a novelization of the apocalyptic movie from Sony Affirm. Just after a young couple says their vows, the earth shakes, and some people die suddenly and are taken away. The rest of their wedding party and friends are left to wrestle with what happened and with their faith. Characters struggle with secret love, dreams, hopes, and beliefs as they continue to evaluate their faith. This book 

and movie are both action-packed thrillers that will encourage audiences to think about their beliefs.

My Review:

This book held my attention from beginning to end. I was captivated. This is the book version of a movie by the same name. The author did a good job at description and developing the characters and plot. There are several ideas about how the rapture/end times will happen. One of them is used in this book. This is a character focused book more than plot. The plot revolves around the different characters and the thoughts going through their mind. There are multiple narrators but it was not confusing at all. The faith element of course is present and well developed. It gets real so there is a lot of death and disturbing scenes. It really made me think. We get so caught up in our day to day lives that we forget what could happen at any moment. If you have read the Left Behind series this book is different in the viewpoint taken but still a good story. Recommended. 

Critically acclaimed author Travis Thrasher has made a career out of defying expectations. He's written over twenty-five books that have crossed the spectrum between love stories and supernatural thrillers. His variety of inspirational stories have included collaborations with filmmakers, musicians, and pastors. He's also helped write memoirs and self-help books. He lives with his wife and three daughters in a suburb of Chicago.

For more information on Travis, visit www.travisthrasher.com

Review copy provided by Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review.

No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason (Review)

• Series: Hidden Identity (Book 3)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Revell (May 5, 2015)
• ISBN-13: 978-0800722104

She'll defend her friend until the bitter end--but is she in over her head?
It's not every day you see your childhood friend and onetime crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can't believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she's determined to find him and help him clear his name. Unfortunately, she's not the only one looking for him. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to prove his innocence and prevent a catastrophe. 

Lynette Eason delivers nonstop action as Jackie and Ian travel a dangerous road--one that may lead straight to destruction.

My Review:

I enjoyed reading the latest book in the Hidden Identity series by Lynette Eason. Although it is book three in the series it can stand alone. This is a Christian suspense/mystery book with a little romance thrown in. Although a little violent in parts it is not too graphic. The mystery kept me guessing and the suspense kept me reading. I liked how the relationship developed between Jackie and Ian. The faith element was not developed enough especially with Jackie's character. I would have liked to see more depth with it. The characters and overall plot were well developed and interesting. I was intrigued and my attention was held from the beginning. This is one of my favorite authors and her books are like my all time favorite author Dee Henderson. Recommended to fans of the genre. 



Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust and Nowhere to Turn. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College, and she lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson (Review)

• Series: Brides with Style (Book 1)
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Revell (April 21, 2015)
• ISBN-13: 978-0800723996

Somewhere in a sea of tulle and taffeta, satin and crepe, Katie Fisher needs to find a key ingredient of the perfect wedding--the groom.
Small-town girl Katie Fisher is busy planning her fairy-tale wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in Texas Bride magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? Anyway, she's sure he'll be getting down on one knee any time now. And a one-of-a-kind designer dress doesn't just fall out of the sky right when you need it.

But when Katie's boyfriend takes a job in another town and breaks up with her--on the very same day she wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Dare she go to Dallas to claim her prize? And will the hunky pro basketball player who runs the beyond-swanky bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--discover her humiliating secret if she does?

My Review:

This book starts a new series, Brides with Style, by Janice Thompson. This was a light fluffy predictable Christian chick lit romance book. It was a fast read and held my attention from the beginning. It was definitely over the top. It is set in a small town in Texas called Fairfield and part takes place in Dallas. It has all the crazy family members. The book is not really realistic but if you suspend belief its enjoyable. The supporting characters and her family were interesting. There was a side plot of what happened between her grandmother and Aunt Alva years ago. As is this author's style the chapter titles have special meaning. In this book they are based on of Loretta Lynn songs. So overall a quirky funny southern chick lit book. I enjoyed reading this book but it is not my favorite. Weddings by Bella is still my favorite series. If you enjoy this genre then you might like this book.  






Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series, the Backstage Pass series, and the Weddings by Design series. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.com

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon (Review)

• Series: Men of Valor (Book 1)
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Revell (April 7, 2015)
• ISBN-13: 978-0800721268

After seven years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant has hit a wall. Ready for a kinder, gentler life, she takes a job as a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes the resources of her department. A call for assistance brings detective Mac McGregor, an ex-Navy SEAL, to her doorstep. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn't want this dead person telling any tales--and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.

Master storyteller Irene Hannon is back with an exciting new series featuring former special forces operatives now in the thick of the action in civilian life. Hannon is at the top of her game in this can't-put-it-down thriller that will have readers up until the wee hours devouring every page.

My Review:

This is one of my favorite authors and I enjoyed reading this latest romantic suspense book from her. It is the start of a new series called Men of Valor. I loved the two main characters of Lisa and Mac. It felt like the book was more focused on them and the romance than the actual mystery though. It would have been nice for the mystery part to be developed more. It was still interesting with a twist or two. I liked the book and will read the next book in the series that will focus on Mac's two brothers. Recommended.




Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviewsmagazine, a Retailers' Choice Award, and a National Readers' Choice Award. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, andBooklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Double Cross by Diann Mills (Review)

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Double Cross Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (April 1, 2015) by Diann Mills

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at her website.

ABOUT THE BOOK

FBI Agent Laurel Evertson’s investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she’s vowed to forget Wilmington—and what she sacrificed to put him away—he is now her best lead. Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer’s next targets, and he’ll do anything to protect his family—even force interagency cooperation. But he’s quickly drawn to Laurel’s empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon. As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington’s claims of redemption, or if he’s leading them straight into a double cross.

My Review:

I enjoyed reading this latest inspirational, romantic, suspense/mystery book from Diann Mills. This is the second book in the FBI Houston series but can stand alone. Although there were several slow spots the action made up for it. The author did a good job developing the characters. I liked the interaction between Laurel, Daniel, and Wilmington. I actually found myself rooting for Wilmington at one point. The mystery/suspense part took me by surprise. The book had several twists and turns. I wondered who was double crossing who until the very end. Recommended to fans of the genre.



If you would like to read the first chapter of Double Cross, go HERE.