"Every Bride Has Her Day" by Janice Thompson

Every Bride Has Her Day (May 17, 2016) by Janice Thompson.*

For someone who’s been planning her wedding since she was a little girl, it is a dream come true for Katie Fisher that she is an engaged woman. Her fiancé is pro basketball star Brady James. He is her perfect mate, though she never would’ve encountered him if he hadn’t been sidelined by a knee injury that prompted him to work at his mother’s store, Cosmopolitan Bridal, when she came through after submitting a winning essay. Katie has her groom-to-be, a beautiful wedding gown, and a calendar that is entirely too full. Friends and relatives around her are celebrating with their own weddings or engagements. And almost everyone around her is quick to share her thoughts on how they think Katie’s wedding should  look or progress, from where it should take place even down to where she and Brady will honeymoon. Isn’t Katie the bride? What about her ideas for her wedding day? Will she find the confidence to state what she wants so that this bride can have her day?

            Although this is a charming, Christian fiction, contemporary romance story, I struggled with it. As far as girly and over-the-top goes, the author nailed it. Unfortunately for me, the story was a bit fluffy. I’ve read more historical romance of late than contemporary, so the description sounded promising when I initially read it, but like a carbonated beverage, the luster of the story fizzled out. I did have a good chuckle with the line involving a “come-to-Jesus meeting,” only because that’s a go-to phrase that the mother of one of my sisters-in-law used in her youth. I also appreciated the part where fences are being mended between two long-time friends and they’re discussing forgiveness. We can all learn from those lines, because it’s not true only amongst friends, but family, coworkers, everyone on the planet: “And sometimes – just sometimes – they are misunderstood. They make mistakes. But then they forgive and move on. That’s how friendship works.”  So, if you’re looking for a light-hearted, whimsical story, this may be a novel for you. But if you’re seeking action and adventure or a story with a complex plot, I would advise you to choose a different book.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Harry Potter Nail Art Design (cutepolish)

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE the Harry Potter book series. No, they’re not what got me reading; I’m pretty sure I’ve loved reading since I was a toddler. I’ll even admit that I was originally very resistant to pick up a Harry Potter book. The first three had been published by the time I started the series. And I had, essentially, run out of things to read at home and in my school’s library (granted, it wasn’t very big), plus I’d gone through the stack of books I’d most recently checked out from the public library. I was bordering on desperation for something new to read.  So, even though I believed that the Harry Potter books were just for 12-year-olds, I picked up the first one.

            And, as they say, the rest is history.

            This sliver-of-a-post is for  a YouTube video by a channel called cutepolish. It is the brainchild of a Canadian gal named Sandi. That’s really all I know. That, and the fact that I love her “Harry Potter Nail Art Design” tutorial. Sadly, my fingernails never grow out nice and long and wouldn’t be able to pull off the art. But I love the inspiration behind the creative nail art. And if you’re a fan of Harry Potter, I hope you enjoy the video as well!

"Sins of the Past" by Dee Henderson, et al.

Sins of the Past: A Romantic Suspense Novella Collection (May 3, 2016).*

After reading a novella collection back in January, I jumped at the opportunity to read another one this month. Three authors of Christian, romantic suspense fiction contributed novellas for this set. You’ve likely heard the saying, “Put the past behind you,” but in these stories, it’s hard to leave the past in the past when it comes back to bite.

I.      Missing by Dee Henderson. The police chief for Cheyenne, John Graham, is in Chicago. His very dear mother, Martha, has supposedly been abducted from Riverside Retirement Village, and all they have so far are theories, a wide timeline surrounding the time of her disappearance, and no witnesses. John’s best guess is that the unsub is someone from his past as an undercover cop. It’s fairly impossible to remain objective in such a personal case, which is why it’s not his case (nor his jurisdiction, not even close). It is in the highly capable hands of Lieutenant Sharon Noble with the Riverside PD. She has been working missing persons cases for years. As the hours progress with their lack of progress, John and Sharon will feel a connection to the other, but will God fashion something good out of a dark valley (p. 127)?

II.   Shadowed by Dani Pettrey. As if it isn’t shocking enough to find a dead body, Libby Jennings, a champion open-water swimmer, also recognizes her. The deceased, also a swimmer, has been murdered. The orca tour captain, Ben McKenna, actually spotted the body off Tingit Island. Libby retrieves the gal’s few personal items, and someone wants those possessions. Someone who is willing to torture and kill. Libby definitely plans on being involved in the case; she has set her mind to it. So, Ben has set his mind on Libby, especially when she swims in the upcoming competition in Yancey, Alaska, as planned. She’s out of her depth here – with the investigation, but also with her feelings for Ben. She’s “never felt more at home, not even in the water.” For those who’ve followed Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series, you’ll be pleased to note where the McKenna siblings’ sense of adventure comes from. It’s genetic! J

III.Blackout by Lynette Eason. She didn’t do it. But Macey Adams doesn’t fully remember the events of the night six years ago that George Benjamin and Collin Hart died and Tyler Norwood went to prison. The memories are coming, but in short, often painful bursts. Someone out there is trying to scare her, but she’s not sure if the motive is to make her remember the events of the night or to leave them forgotten. Either way, she isn’t safe. Chad Latham is Macey’s detective-neighbor right next door. He would love to date her, but Macey’s always seemed disinterested. It is quite obvious that someone means her harm (a Molotov cocktail is a good indicator), and his concern for her is only compounded by his feelings for her. She intrigues him, for “There’s a light in her that wants to shine, but the darkness won’t let it.” He wants to get her through the darkness and keep her safe. With Chad and his coworker, Lilly, on the case, surely they can help Macey find her way to safety. Right?

     Overall: From historical romance in the previous collection to romantic suspense in this novella collection, I enjoyed each story. Each author painted a picture with words that brought us strong characters – both main and supporting, protagonists and antagonists – sturdy plots and satisfying conclusions. This enabled each short story to contain a rich storyscape immersed in mystery, intrigue, suspense and faith.

           Unlike with the previous novella collection I read, I did rank the stories. My favorite was Dani Pettrey’s. She’s the one author of these three whose stories I’d read, but I didn’t choose her story as my favorite based on the author. No. I favored it because (1) I didn’t correctly guess who the bad guy was, but what catapulted it to the top for me was (2) that this is the pivotal story of how the McKenna siblings’ parents in her Alaskan Courage series met. Next in line was Lynette Eason’s. Hers was a fast-paced story as well, and I also incorrectly guessed who the bad guy was. But once I found out who it was, I was kicking myself for not realizing it sooner. Unfortunately, with Dee Henderson’s story, I guessed who the abductor was pretty early on, and that was disappointing to me. But that was the only disappointment of this 378-page book, so that’s not bad at all! Throughout all of the stories, certain themes are present. First, that God brings comfort and understanding. Also that, no matter how impossible it is to forget the sins of the past, they “… are just that. In the past. As far as the east is from the west. Gone.”

           “And forgiven.”

           “Forever.”

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"The Midwife's Dilemma" by Delia Parr

The Midwife’s Dilemma (Apr. 5, 2016) by Delia Parr.*

Change is difficult, but times will change whether we want them to or not. Trinity’s midwife, Martha Cade, is certain that she will marry Thomas Dillon when he returns in February. But even her confidence in that falls short when he pushes her to move up their wedding date, presses her to go to New York with him (hence moving up their wedding) and strongly encourages her to end her days as a midwife. But even if she weren’t as passionate about her job, her career, her calling, as she is, she wouldn’t abandon the expectant mothers without a midwife to take her place. She is searching for a replacement, though she is not having any luck.

            Possibly ending her career isn’t the only change weighing on Martha’s shoulders. Her daughter, Victoria, is falling for young Dr. Benjamin McMillan. Despite their tenuous start, he and Martha are in accord, willing to utilize the other’s expertise in various matters. Fern and Ivy are back to their bakery, but, interestingly, they bring back Widow Jane Trew and her daughter, Cassie. There’s also a horse named Bella that was gifted to Martha, but she only seems to want to cause Martha harm. And then she’s back to Thomas. He loves her and she him, but his doggedness to rush her along is really dragging her down. She will need every ounce of faith and will to overcome obstacles and accept the changes that seem to come daily to Trinity.

            What I especially like about Delia Parr’s Martha Cade is that she’s created an admirable character, replete with flaws and worries like the rest of us. It doesn’t matter that her story takes place in 1831 in a small but growing town. Martha is something truly inspiring, for not only is she dedicated to her role as Trinity’s midwife, she’s passionate about it. She knows that she was called to that position. I think, too often these days, we are so busy being pulled in multiple directions that we don’t always know what our calling is. Or, if we think we do, how we go about living it and putting it to use in our lives.

            It is clear that Delia Parr writes skillfully with attention to historical detail, but I did not enjoy this novel like I did the first two books. The pace felt slower to me, so my attention sometimes waned, but it’s still a good story. It rounded out the series in a happily conclusive manner. The book’s message is so good, too. Aunt Hilda says it best, “Follow God, follow your heart, and follow your dreams. And if you ever have any doubt about what to do, just trust that He’ll guide you to the life He means for you to have.” That’s spectacular advice for anyone, at any age, no matter the era.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Silence in the Dark" by Patricia Bradley

Silence in the Dark (Apr. 19, 2016) by Patricia Bradley.*

She was a runaway fiancée. When Bailey Adams doubted how good a man could truly be, she high-tailed it out of Logan Point and went to Chihuahua, Mexico, as a teacher/missionary. That was two years ago, but she will soon return to Logan Point, Mississippi, to visit family while also accompanying four-year-old Maria Montoya to meet her maternal grandparents for the first time. Bailey is Maria’s teacher, and she is being raised by her uncle, Joel McDermott, since both her parents are deceased. Plans change the day they are scheduled to fly to the States. Joel is abducted, and Bailey and Maria flee. Bailey is fairly resourceful, but she wisely accepts Danny Maxwell’s help.

            Danny is Bailey’s ex-fiancée. He still loves her, and it is highly probable that she still loves him. But she’s been living in the shadow of the person she thinks she should be, that being a person that is “good enough” for God. Despite what she tells the women during Bible Studies and tea parties, she does not necessarily practice what she preaches. She feels like a fraud, and now her life is in danger on top of it. People from the city’s drug cartel, La Calatrava, are after her or Maria, and she suspects that Father Horatio is part of the cartel, or at least has ties to them. But Danny is determined to stick with her and protect her. He’s teamed up with Angel Guerrera, well-known to the small businesses of the town as the “Angel of the Streets.” He and his men have their own beef with the Calatrava, and it is very personal. A waitress named Solana – with a painful past of her own – finds herself with the group after her assistance aids in the safety of Bailey and Maria.

            The danger follows them to Logan Point. As does one Sergeant Quinten Chavez of the Policía Federal Ministerial (PFM). Bailey knows that her usual course of action is to run, but she can’t run this time. Can she face what is coming, especially with Danny so near?

            The novel had a dramatic start, and the story was fast-paced from there. I appreciated my first story from Patricia Bradley, and I also appreciated that I did not feel lost to tons of back-story, considering this is Book 4 in the Logan Point series. This Christian fiction, romantic suspense novel was a thrill of a ride with love and resistance, hope and despair, faith and doubt, tension, danger and not always safety in numbers. Bradley tells through story that faith doesn’t generally come easy, nor does it come without troubles. When Bailey considers herself a fraud, it isn’t over one incident. No. The first trouble “was just meringue on the pie.” And so perhaps that is the case for all of us at times, though hopefully in far less dramatic and dangerous fashion than what Bailey goes through!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"The Magnolia Duchess" by Beth White

The Magnolia Duchess (Apr. 16, 2016) by Beth White.*

The United States is still very young as the War of 1812 rages on. On the bay side of the isthmus in Mobile Point, which separates Mobile Bay from the Gulf of Mexico, Fiona Lanier is not a frilly girl. It could be because she grew up with three older brothers and no sisters, but she’s always been more of a tomboy – one of “a bookish, horse-crazy” nature. Fiona is the best horse breeder and trainer on the coast, and she won’t shy away from negotiating a fair deal all on her own. No brothers necessary! If only that were the only thing on her mind. Unfortunately, her brother, Sullivan, has been taken prisoner by the British Navy. And a boy from her youth – now a man – has re-entered her life, though he doesn’t recognize her at all at first glance. He barely recalls who he is.

            Charlie Kincaid is washed up – literally – when Fiona finds him. When memory returns, he is “Lieutenant Charles Kincaid of His Majesty’s Royal Navy” and is also grandson to an admiral and lord. But why was he where he was? Is he a spy? Was he a prisoner somewhere? As his love for Fiona grows, how can he balance duty to his native country and love for a woman in a land he’s supposed to be fighting against?

            This third installment in the Gulf Coast Chronicles series was a pleasant read. This being my first story from Beth White, I was swept up in the budding romance replete with trials and danger, but also the historical resonance within. The War of 1812 is a central part of the story, and White involves persons from the actual history of the war as easily as if she created them as original characters from scratch. She made it so interesting – enough so that I wish my War-of-1812 history wasn’t so rusty – with likeable characters. What I found most confusing were the characters and how they are related to each other. Their ancestors span ethnic backgrounds as well, so while that enhanced the wealth of characters, it also added to the learning curve. It would’ve likely helped me know the characters more if I’d begun the series at the beginning. That said, while I do recommend this novel, I ALSO strongly suggest starting with the first book, “The Pelican Bride,” which is followed by “The Creole Princess.”

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”