"Out of the Ordinary" by Jen Turano

Out of the Ordinary (Nov. 7, 2017) by Jen Turano.*

Working as a paid companion is nothing out of the ordinary in 1883, but Miss Gertrude Cadwalader’s employer tends to exhibit peculiar tendencies, often making Gertrude’s job unpredictable. She does all manner of things from wearing a birdcage on her behind (in the name of “fashion” … and large bustles) to returning pilfered items (not hers, but Mrs. Davenport’s, her employer and lady of the elite set). Upon returning pilfered items to wealthy shipping magnate Harrison Sinclair’s yacht, she is caught by Harrison’s mother, the indomitable Mrs. Sinclair, who immediately thinks the worst of Gertrude.

            Harrison cannot stand for his mother to think ill of Gertrude. Not only does he consider Gertrude to be a good friend, she also has a “delightful figure,” which is alarming only in that he doesn’t tend to notice such things about women. But with other thefts, including at the Manhattan Beach Hotel (considered a swanky place amongst the elite set), things aren’t looking so positive for Gertrude or Mrs. Davenport. Before Harrison can properly court Gertrude, there’s a mystery to be solved. Is he ready for the adventures?

            Like Turano’s other stories, I found “Out of the Ordinary” to be a delightful, fizzy, light-hearted tale. Gertrude is an independent woman who does questionable things (like return pilfered items) out of a dependence on her only source of income. Harrison is confident in his shipping work, but is something of a bumble despite all of his sisters’ romance novels that he secretly reads. Both of them are imperfect, yet are just right for this story. It is bright with humor and liveliness, but there are moments, too, where you shake your head with empathy. Gertrude may think herself ordinary, but she shouldn’t, and neither should we. After all, “God doesn’t expect His children to live ordinary lives, but extraordinary ones” (p. 123).

            Apart from the Crowd: Book One: Behind the Scenes

* 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.”

"Dangerous Illusions" by Irene Hannon

Dangerous Illusions (Oct. 3, 2017) by Irene Hannon.*

You know the saying about kicking you when you’re down? That is probably how Trish Bailey feels right now. She’s stressed with the demands of her teaching job, her ailing mother and tragedy from her not-too-distant past. And, as her mother’s accountant, Matthew Parker, has pointed out, Trish has been having memory lapses. Could it be that one of those lapses led to a tragic death? Trish is certainly wondering and doubting herself, not to mention the scrutiny she’s now receiving from the police.

            Because he’s on a night shift rotation, Detective Colin Flynn gets called onto the case. He’s immediately drawn to Trish, but he mustn’t let personal feelings interfere with workplace professionalism. As new details emerge and answers come for some things, he realizes that there is more than just an accidental death – like, it likely wasn’t accidental. What is at work isn’t just dangerous, it could be deadly, and Trish could be in the line of fire, even as an innocent.

            “Dangerous Illusions” is an inspirational, romantic suspense fiction novel. It is the first in Hannon’s Code of Honor series. In the only other book I’d read from this author, I found myself wanting more from the story, but that was not the case with this story. There was intrigue and a smart twist revolving around the antagonist. The female protagonist, while not immune to vulnerability, showed grit and strength against all that was stacked against her. Her life has been fractured multiple times over, but she perseveres and endures. And while Colin wants to be her constant rescuer, he also acknowledges her strength. They both need strength to stay afloat in the murky, turbulent waters that are beneath the placid surface of the seemingly straightforward plotline. This was a good start to a new series.

* 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.”

"Too Far Down" by Mary Connealy

Too Far Down (Oct. 3, 2017) by Mary Connealy.*

All of the danger has not passed. In fact, there may be more danger. Cole Boden, who’s both of the western life and of the city, has to deal with an explosion at the mines he oversees. People die, one of which was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but for the others, their injuries are too consistent to be just an accident. Together with his brother Justin, brother-in-law Heath, Melanie “Mel” Blake and her Uncle Walt, they discover a series of tunnels connecting a series of mines, including those belonging to the deceased. The Boden parents are still in Denver, where Chance’s leg continues to heal, but he and Veronica (a.k.a. Ronnie) aren’t free of danger, either. The entire family is determined to put an end to those who threaten them, the CR Mining Company and those that work with them before anyone else is put in harm’s way.

            This includes Mel Blake. A cowgirl who’s a regular tomboy (in fact, even in 1881, she’d rather wear pants than dresses), Mel’s a tough young woman who’s comfortable in her own skin. As long as her own skin is around horses or cattle in the outdoors and not stuffed inside a kitchen or sewing room. She’s great with a lasso and an even better shot. Despite thinking that Cole is a well-studied worm, she still wants to help the Boden family. But will helping them mean putting herself in direct danger?

            I have read all three books in this trilogy, and I have enjoyed every one. “Too Far Down” is an inspirational, historical fiction novel that is steeped in fast-paced adventure and set in a West that is more wild than tame. Although the Boden siblings have spats like any other siblings, I appreciate the bonds of this family, because their bond goes beyond just their family unit; it extends to the boundaries of the Cimarron Ranch, all who work with them and their neighbors beyond. For anyone who likes stories with a dash of romance and plenty of daring, while sporting a historical setting and a western feature, I recommend this trilogy from start to finish!

            Book One: No Way Up

            Book Two: Long Time Gone

"An Inconvenient Beauty" by Kristi Ann Hunter

An Inconvenient Beauty (Sept. 5, 2017) by Kristi Ann Hunter.*

One thing that Griffith, Duke of Riverton, learned from his childhood was that he would remain in control. Always. He prefers order, logic and sensibility, and he applies that rationale to his choice of a bride. He’s logically certain that Miss Frederica St. Claire is his perfect choice for a wife. As it were, she appears to ignore his interest, but it doesn’t stop him from trying to pursue her. Distractingly, though, where Frederica is, there too is Miss Isabella Breckenridge, Frederica’s stunningly beautiful cousin. As often as he tells himself to forget about Isabella, thoughts of her continue to sneak in.

            Isabella has been presented to the London elite for her society debut in 1815. Unfortunately, she cannot enjoy it due to a bargain she accepted out of desperation for her family’s difficult circumstances. Although she finds herself drawn to the Duke of Riverton, she quashes it, knowing that her regretful agreement dashes any romantic hopes she may have for a man of her choosing. And weighs heavily on her conscience as well.

            Not having read a story from this author, I didn’t know what to expect. I’m happy to report that I really enjoyed this story from the Hawthorne House series. It was as delightful as a sunshiny spring day, and I didn’t feel lost in a maze even though I did not read the preceding novels. Hunter writes characters who have substance and are not all frou-frou. She also writes with wit, as more than once did I laugh out loud. Yes, there’s struggle and regret and heartache. Yes, there’s humor and laughter, faith, prayer and love. There are passion projects for the right reasons and passions displaced. And that sounds a lot like life, whether in 1815 or 2017.

* 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 Promise of Dawn" by Lauraine Snelling

The Promise of Dawn (Aug. 1, 2017) by Lauraine Snelling.*

Moving from Norway to Minnesota in 1909 is dauntingly life-changing, but with opportunities scarce in Norway and Rune Carlson’s uncle, Einar Strand, offering to loan them money for passage to America, it seems the most viable option. Still, Signe Carlson hesitates to leave home, especially as she suspects she is pregnant with the couple’s fourth child after multiple miscarriages. But Einar has promised them land of their own, something they’d never be able to afford in Norway.

            Rune and Signe, with their three sons Bjorn, Knute and Leif, travel to Minnesota. They are no strangers to hard work, but Uncle Einar and Aunt Gerd are a very demanding and seemingly callous couple. Einar, Rune and Bjorn make it a daily task to fell trees, while Signe has the unenviable task of getting a house back in shape after months of neglect with Gerd fallen ill. As Einar’s demands and his expectations put someone she loves in striking distance of grave danger, Signe’s faith wobbles. Rune is there to encourage her faith as he keeps his. Can Signe find the fortitude she needs to help lead her family and protect them in this new land?

            I have not read many books by Lauraine Snelling, but I was first drawn to this story when I read that the characters emigrate from Norway to Minnesota. It reminded me of American Girl character Kirsten Larson. “The Promise of Dawn” did not disappoint. It is clear that Snelling has put in a great deal of historical research. Reading the story was an immersive experience. It was also emotional, as I’d have strong feelings toward Einar’s treatment of, well, everyone, and Gerd’s apparent dissatisfaction of everything. The amount of love Signe and Rune have for their family is astounding, but their lifestyle in Minnesota isn’t just honest hard work. The environment they’re in is toxic, and I’m not talking environmentally. Patience is a virtue oft-displayed by the Carlson family. They also show us what hard work is and what it means to endure. I was wrapped up in this book and look forward to reading the next installments in the Under Northern Skies series.

* 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.”

Trondhjem's Pie & Ice Cream Social 2017

Trondhjem’s Pie & Ice Cream Social 2017

Could you go for a “famous” sloppy joe reload?

Then come on out to Trondhjem down the gravel road.

On September 17^th, bring your appetite.

Arrive at 5 for your prime, pie-picking delight!

What flavors shall brighten your taste buds this year?

To rhubarb, raspberry or pumpkin would you steer?

How about chocolate, peanut butter or peach?

Do you wish you could have a sample of each?

Please peruse our silent auction and baked goods tables.

They are upstairs; head up as your time enables.

There will be crafts, woodwork, perhaps books of fiction,

Gift baskets, collectibles, so bid with conviction.

Be sure to stock up on an assortment of baked goods

Featuring treats made by our church neighborhood.

Will we see lefse, doughnuts, kolaches or bread?

Might you buy cookies, bars or apple crisp instead?

This year’s quilt raffle by WELCA fits a queen.

Deb’s quilt top, with all quilters, show skill that is seen.

Hayward’s Calico Hutch came in with the assist.

Tickets are $1 each, a price you can’t resist.

We hope you’re free to mark your calendars now

And also hope that your schedules will allow

You to come on September 17^th at 5

To a hub where food, fun and fellowship thrive.

"A Name Unknown" by Roseanna M. White

A Name Unknown (July 4, 2017) by Roseanna M. White.*

She is a former street urchin; he is friends with the king. She is a professional thief with a large family-of-sorts. He is a solitary, mostly antisocial sort (due to self-consciousness of his stutter) who spends much of his time click-clacking away at a typewriter. Rosemary Gresham leaves the familiarity of London in 1914 to become a librarian to Peter Holstein in southwest Cornwall. The thing is, she knows nothing about being a librarian and to her family, it is comical that she should have to play at one. But Mr. V has sent Rosemary to become just that. For her and her family, it’s a substantial amount of money, but she is supposed to find hard evidence that Peter is against the Crown because of his German surname and lineage. How can she do that when the evidence points to his goodness? How can she do that when she realizes she cares for him?

            In this first book in White’s Shadows Over England series, this inspirational, historical fiction novel is as charming as a picturesque cottage on a clear, sunny day, but with a sheen of suspicion lurking around the bend by those who would cast aspersions on Peter. It is crafty and witty, and I very much enjoyed the story. The characters are well-developed and each distinct, including the supporting characters. I appreciated that Peter, for all the usual good-looking attributes we get so used to reading about in stories, has something which he is obviously self-conscious about, though he doesn’t let that stall his faith. I look forward to continuing this series and getting to know better Rosemary’s family. After all, surely Mr. V has more in store for them …

            Extra: My favorite passage is heralded on p. 152 when Peter is recalling words of his father. “All a man has is his name, son. The reputation we make with it. Whether it brings a smile or a frown, love or fear to those who hear it. All a man has is his name – that’s who he is before the Almighty.”

* 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.”

"Dark Deception" by Nancy Mehl

Dark Deception (June 6, 2017) by Nancy Mehl.*

In fictional Shelter Cove, Arkansas, Emily Lockhart has been running the Shelter Café diner. Her cook, Bella, is probably the closest person to a friend she has in the small town, though Bobby Wade – who runs the fishing resort – and Sheriff’s Deputy Warren Killian are good to look out for her. It’s unfortunate that she can’t share with them her deepest secret. That her name is not Emily Lockhart, but Kate O’Brien. Her twin sister was brutally murdered six years ago, and she almost died, too. Kate has felt safe in Shelter Cove until the day Tony DeLuca, the Deputy U.S. Marshal who protected her in the original trial, arrives in her small town with the devastating news that the man convicted of murdering her sister might’ve been wrongly convicted. And because of that doubt, he might go free, which is why she’s been subpoenaed to testify.

            Since Kate thinks she’s put the past behind her, she doesn’t want to delve into those dark, scary memories. But it may be that she didn’t really give herself time to process and grieve. Seeing Tony doesn’t help, either. She loved him all those years ago, but she chalked it up to her youth and the situation she was in. And with Tony seven years her senior, he can’t see her as more than a kid, right? But before a relationship can be pursued, they’ve both got to survive first, because Kate isn’t the only one threatened.

            Sometimes the past comes back to haunt us and getting through it takes more inner strength and faith than Kate knew she had. As she struggles with her faith, she realizes that, “No matter what happened in life, God’s love and grace were constant.” Lines like those – like little “Aha!” moments – send a message without being preachy. Mehl’s story takes off running, and while it slows down in spots during the novel, it generally keeps up the pace. I’m almost always up for a suspense novel, though it seems to me that considering it romantic is a bit of a stretch. Budding romance, sure, but nothing beyond that. Love is always rather tentative in such stories of late, which is fine by me, as I’m looking toward the suspense of the novel, not the dewy eyes and nervous butterflies. I thought the main antagonists were strong. However, I feel as though we could’ve known more about Tony and Kate, but they were still likable main characters. I didn’t like this story better than the first one in the Defenders of Justice series, but it’s still one I’m glad to have picked up.

            Book One: Fatal Frost

* 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.”

GoServ Global

Last year marked 125 years of Trondhjem Lutheran Church. We are a small, rural church with approximately 30 active members. Despite our small number, we embarked on a new mission for Haiti through GoServ Global. GoServ Global is a Christian, non-profit organization based out of Eagle Grove, Iowa. A couple congregants had heard of a need for a Birthing Center and a Safe T Home®. We answered the call and not only ensured they’d have the funding for the Birthing Center’s land, but also that they’d have EIGHT Safe T Homes®! We are excited to know that a women’s medical center will help to save the lives of mothers and their newborns.

The Birthing Center has not yet been built. Hurricane Matthew devastated the area in which GoServ Global serves and caused much devastation last fall, but we are hopeful the building process will happen this year.

Below is a photo of a Safe T Home®. (Photo deleted, as it's no longer available.) A Safe T Home® is a modified grain bin that is used for compassionate housing. GoServ Global teamed up with Sukup Manufacturing to create the Safe T Home® (https://www.sukup.com/Buildings/144/Safe-T-Home).

For more information about GoServ Global, please visit their website: http://goservglobal.org/.

If you shop on Amazon, please consider shopping through Amazon Smile. For all eligible Smile items, Amazon will donate 0.5% to a charitable organization of your choice. My choice is GoServ Global. Even if yours is not, please consider making Amazon Smile part of your Amazon repertoire. Find the website at: https://smile.amazon.com/.

 [Disclaimer: This post is based on information I have accrued from the websites and my parents. It is not endorsed, encouraged or prompted by my parents, our church congregation, the GoServ Global founders or anyone associated with GoServ Global, Sukup Manufacturing or Amazon. Everything listed below I have compiled myself with the only intent being to inform and hopefully encourage others to find their own passion projects that help others outside of themselves. And, if one builds upon her/his own character, then that is a blessed bonus!]

"A Love So True" by Melissa Jagears

A Love So True (May 2, 2017) by Melissa Jagears.*

A servant’s heart. That is the kind of heart Evelyn Wisely has. She loves working at the local orphanage with her parents and feels called to do so. The children there are offspring of “women of ill repute.” But her love doesn’t stop at the children, for she wishes to help those women, too. She wants to build a shelter for them, and her boss will help fund it, but not without the financial support of at least two other businessmen. One of those men might be David Kingsman. He only plans to be in Teaville, Kansas, long enough to turn a business around and then he’s straight back to Kansas City. There’s little time to connect, right? Wrong. Evelyn and David are drawn to each other, but Evelyn holds back. She’s convinced society that she’ll reject any man’s attentions, because she has convinced herself she’s not worthy of love. But she has plenty of love for those children and the women of the red-light district. Can she keep the faith when the odds seem stacked against her?

            Although I missed the first book in the Teaville Moral Society series, Jagears has written this second installment so smartly that I was not running lost in a shifty neighborhood. Her characters are fleshed out and believable, Evelyn’s servant attitude is inspiring, and the romance is charming. The storyline is thought-provoking and shows the goodness of charity, but also the commitment and hard work that it involves. This compelling story opens readers’ eyes to embracing everyone, every neighbor, no matter their circumstance. This series appears to have substance and yes, it has faith and abundant love. Although referring to Evelyn and David, it also applies to us that God’s love is “a love so true, so consuming, and so good.” Don’t forget that!

* 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.”

"Behind the Scenes" by Jen Turano

Behind the Scenes (Apr. 18, 2017) by Jen Turano.*

Just because she’s long been a member of the wallflower set doesn’t mean that Miss Permilia Griswold twiddles her thumbs. Indeed not! Working under the pseudonym “Miss Quill,” she fills the society gossip column of the New York Sun with such goings-on of the upper-crust that only an insider would know. With a reporter’s ear, she overhears a threat against Mr. Asher Rutherford, a dashing fellow, most eligible bachelor and owner of a top up-and-coming department store in New York City. When she informs him ever-so-helpfully, he doesn’t believe her, so she takes it upon herself to look out for him. Her fellow wallflower, Miss Gertrude Cadwalader, provides an assist, as does Asher’s good friend, Mr. Harrison Sinclair. Asher eventually realizes the threat to him is real, and Permilia, in trying to protect him, puts herself in danger as well. When they’re not annoying each other, they will find that they make a pretty good team. Now all they have to do is pinpoint their would-be killer. And would it hurt Asher to understand the value of a progressive woman in 1883?

            I love Turano’s books, and I don’t say that lightly. There are only a few authors that I’ve been introduced to through the blogger review program of whom I’ve gone out of my way to purchase their books if I didn’t already have them, and Jen Turano is one of them!

            This first story in her Apart from the Crowd series has me hooked. It has the charm of a picturesque village, the satisfaction of any happily-ever-after story and humor to tickle the funny bone. The sweet romance is tempered with a fascinatingly impulsive leading lady butting heads with a charming man, a dash of danger, a sense of fashion and cupfuls of faith. “Behind the Scenes” has dimension and history, but does not skimp on the light-hearted moments. It’s an inspirational fictional tale for the [Gilded] ages!

* 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 Positive Page-turner's Challenge: Take 3

Though a handful of days into May, I made the final decision that I will, in fact, hand myself another Positive Page-turner’s Challenge. These books have been accumulating since the Challenge I posted on February 1, with the exception that one of the books I’d inadvertently left out of that photo is now in this one. Currently, only one book from this photo is in progress, so I’ve a ways to go!

            As in February, I plan to donate $25 for every 500 pages I read. My donation will go toward a fund through my home church. There’s a good chance I’ll gift it to the Haiti Project, but I’m leaving myself open to donating it to another fund (e.g. Sunday School).

            Do you have a passion project coursing through you? If so, what is it? Remember that a project doesn’t have to start off huge. There is nothing wrong with starting small and watching that small flame rise higher and become brighter. There is also nothing wrong with staying steady with your project, as endurance is a test as well. Take soap for example. Soap bars are small and seem like such a simple, minute thing. But there is nothing small about soap when you’re in need of it and you have none available to you. Recently, I sent a box of soap with a trailer full of items (including food packaged through Real Hope for the Hungry) to GoServ Global. It doesn’t take up much space, but it was crammed full. A box that can fit in the mailbox that contained 22 pounds of bar soap!

"Pursued" by Lisa Harris

Pursued (Apr. 4, 2017) by Lisa Harris.*

The plane crash is traumatic enough and now Special Agent Nikki Boyd with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is right back on the job when a passenger who’s not listed on the manifesto, but whom she sat right next to, goes missing. Erika Hamilton is a key witness in a grand jury trial, and they have 48 hours to find her. The fact that she left the accident scene suggests she is afraid and with good reason, as she is clearly being pursued. Nikki and her team are also trying to locate her, but they’re the good guys. A body count does not bother the bad guys in the least. The bad guys are obvious, but how do you bring someone down with far-reaching contacts, disposable cash and a philanthropic public persona?

            Harris flies out of the starting gate in the first chapter of this story, and it sets the pace for a swiftly-moving storyline. Nikki hardly has time to begin processing what she’s just gone through when she’s thrust into a new case. Her faith is strong, but she’s also human, so to doubt and worry is understandable. “Pursued” is an inspirational, romantic suspense fiction novel, but I found the romance to be lacking, and no, this is not a detriment to the story. The budding romance between Nikki and Tyler Grant is trying to blossom into something beautiful, but with one thing after another going on with Nikki’s working life, Tyler, regrettably, is often put on the backburner, much to Nikki’s worry and chagrin. They have things to discuss. And because of those very human things, Harris strengthens these two as relatable characters. The race against time makes the suspense feel real. I was riveted to the story – to the drama and suspense of it – but with danger around each bend, we can all be glad it’s a work of fiction.

            Book One: Vendetta

            Book Two: Missing

* 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.”

"Long Time Gone" by Mary Connealy

Long Time Gone (Feb. 28, 2017) by Mary Connealy.*

With Ma and Pa in Denver, and his brother, Cole, in mortal danger, Justin Boden feels the weight of the Cimarron Ranch (CR) on his shoulders out in New Mexico Territory in 1880. Sadie and Heath are around, as is Rosita, who works for them. The dangers are not behind them, as they had thought. There is a plot that goes back decades, and if the enemy’s plot succeeds, the CR will be lost to the Bodens, as will many of their lives. They must all put their minds together in order to fit the pieces of the story. But there is a traitor working on the CR. Can they root the person out before someone else is hurt? Someone innocent like Angelique “Angie” DuPree? She finds herself at the CR to assist the doctor in tending to Cole’s injury. It is risky for Angie to be there – to associate with the Bodens – but Angie puts her worry over the Bodens above the threat of menace. This clearly bothers Justin, and he doesn’t know if he should banish her to the orphanage or keep her close. She’s as distracting to him as he is to her.

            This next book in The Cimarron Legacy did not disappoint. I’ve found that I generally like reading historical suspense fiction, and this novel was fast-paced. We met Angie but briefly in the first book, so I was glad to see her story fleshed out in this next installment. “Long Time Gone” is an inspirational fiction western packed with history, suspense and at least one honest cowboy! It is the opposite of a dry gulch; Connealy fills her tale with a lush plot, engaging characters, faith and humor, but also self-doubt, dangerous anger and, naturally, bad guys. A rich tale indeed!

            Book One: No Way Up

* 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.”

"Still Life" by Dani Pettrey

Still Life (Jan. 31, 2017) by Dani Pettrey.*

When one door closes, another opens. When Avery Tate was blacklisted in the photography world, she answered an ad for a crime-scene photographer and, much to her surprise, nabbed it. Crime-scene analyst Dr. Parker Mitchell changed her life and her heart, so she left his employ after only six months.

            Avery has returned to the photography world to support her childhood friend, Skylar Pierce, as she headlines an “it” photographer’s Black-Dahlia-esque showing. But Skylar doesn’t show up, and all Avery sees is a chilling photo that the photographer didn’t take featuring a friend who appears dead. With the photographer dramatically calling foul, the FBI is called in, and Special Agent Declan Grey arrives on scene, covering for the coworker who usually handles art theft. And Skylar calls Parker when she can’t find Skylar, and it’s obvious that someone has cased her trailer home. In the search for Skylar, one of their suspects has perverse interests and stalker tendencies. But is he a cold-blooded killer? Avery, Parker and their friends will have to solve that mystery and bring the solution into focus.

            With appealing protagonists, a complex plot, certain creatively eccentric (that’s putting it nicely) characters and a probable killer, this second inspirational romantic suspense fiction story in Pettrey’s Chesapeake Valor series is both harrowing and exciting. The story was fast-paced from the Prologue to the end. There was a sub-plot that didn’t entirely seem to fit, one involving Declan, but I’m guessing it is setting up the next story. Whether or not you’re a reader of inspirational novels, Pettrey’s stories are standouts if you enjoy suspense fiction. It’s a rollercoaster that drops you, takes you upside down and goes at high speeds, but also has moments like you might find in a Disney ride when you move calmly through nice, happy scenes … and then get dropped down a waterfall. When the next story is released, I’ll happily hop on that rollercoaster ride again!

* 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.”

"Moving Target" by Lynette Eason

Moving Target (Jan. 31, 2017) by Lynette Eason.*

While his friends know that he’d oppose a birthday party in his honor, they also know that something’s very wrong when Detective Quinn Holcombe and bodyguard Maddy McKay don’t show up. No word, no heads up. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Maddy and Quinn awake in a cement room with a map mural of an island. A madman calling himself the Chosen One abducted them for his games. His hunting games are like something out of “The Hunger Games,” except there’s only one killer, and his games are one-sided. As in, he wins, and his victims die. Always.

            Until Maddy and Quinn win the first round – so far, the only prey to do so – and now they have the “honored privilege” of advancing to the next round. The killer declares that it’ll get personal now, though fighting for one’s life and survival seems rather personal already. It’ll take the combined efforts of Maddy’s Elite Guardians coworkers and their other friends to outwit this killer. In his twisted beliefs, the killer believes that he is called to kill for a specific purpose. He’s twisted biblical numerology to fit his death system.

            The third book in the Elite Guardians series hits the ground running. An inspirational romantic suspense novel, there is a romance budding between Maddy and Quinn, who’ve been friends now for years, but the suspense is not for the faint of heart. If you’ve a very active imagination, there are certain scenes that may overwhelm your psyche and sour your stomach, even though they’re not explained in great detail. This story is a race with many obstacles, and it’s a turbulent ride. It makes for fast reading, as the active plot grabs you. But there is also warmth in the camaraderie of the Elite Guardians and their friends and in the strong faith of many of the characters, though there are those, like Quinn, who are struggling to keep their faith above water. We’ve all had to tread water at some point, and, like Quinn, hopefully we’ve come out the stronger for it.

* 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.”

"In the Shadow of Denali" by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

In the Shadow of Denali (Jan. 3, 2017) by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse.*

Six years prior, John Ivanoff lost a man on a mountain. It is now 1923, and he continues his expert work as a wilderness and exploration guide. He works for the new and prestigious Curry Hotel where his daughter, Cassidy, works as Cook’s assistant. It is a busy time with the planned visit of the President and his elite entourage. They’re dedicating the new national park at Mount McKinley (“Denali, as it’s still called by the natives.”). This is an honor, and it will also put Curry, Alaska, on the map. During the hubbub leading up to the President’s arrival, Allan Brennan arrives at the Curry Hotel. He is apprenticed to John, though at first neither is aware of their connection – Allan’s dad, Henry, is the man who died on the mountain and whose body was never recovered. Allan bears much anger toward God and John, whom he’s been told is at fault for his dad’s death. But as Allan gets to know John, he sees a far different man from the version told to him by Frank Irving, his late father’s friend and business partner. He finds a good friend in Cassidy, and, in the shadow of Denali, they discover that Henry’s death wasn’t an accident.

            This novel is the first out of the gate in the dual authors’ “The Heart of Alaska” series. While Curry was an actual place in Alaska, it now belongs to a bygone era, but one that you can’t help but wish you could visit after reading this story. Filled with historical realism and a setting ripe with details, “In the Shadow of Denali” is smartly written. I found the story to move swiftly forward. The characters were distinct, including the supporting characters. I would love to stand in the middle of this Curry Hotel and bask in the bustle and busyness of it all at such an historic phase. But, since I can’t go back in time and do that, I will take this story and its successors any day!

Extra (maybe learn something new!):

• Ahtna-Athabaskan: Alaska Native of the Athabaskan-speaking ethnolinguistic group of Alaska’s Copper River a.k.a. Ahtna River. (Wikipedia)

• Denali = the High One (a.k.a. Mount McKinley); Sultana = the Wife (a.k.a. Mount Foraker). (p. 38)

• “I’m part Athabaskan. That’s one of the native peoples in this part of Alaska. There are many groups – tribes, if you would. Those normally thought of as Eskimo are actually Inuit, Inupiat, and Yuit.” (pgs. 122-123)

• tsistl’unni (sounds like chist-loo-nee): hill snowshoes. “What you will need to climb the glacier.” (p. 270)

* 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.”

"For the Record" by Regina Jennings

For the Record (Dec. 6, 2016) by Regina Jennings.*

In the [fictional] town of Pine Gap, Missouri, Betsy Huckabee has dreams of writing for a major newspaper and has written off the notion of finding a special someone. What single men there are in the area have long since moved on, and no one catches her eye anyway. That is, not until Deputy Joel Puckett arrives in town by order of the governor. He’s a bona fide cowboy, he is, from his Stetson hat to his shiny cowboy boots. And, to boot, he hails from Texas. But he has a past that he’d rather not share with the residents of Pine Gap, probably especially the Bald Knobbers, who work toward their own justice in perhaps not the most lawful of manners. And when Betsy finds herself creating a character based on the deputy’s dashing good looks, her Dashing Deputy stories may dash the small sliver of reputable reputation Joel has gained in Pine Gap, for word may get back to the wrong people.

            I found myself quite enjoying this historical fiction novel. Jennings creates a storyscape filled with all the things we’d expect of a good story: strong characters, a detailed setting, a robust plot and a satisfying conclusion. I’ve said this before, but I appreciate stories that feature a strong female lead, and Betsy is definitely that. Full of sass and verve, Betsy is an independent young woman who loves the Lord. She has dreams, but isn’t all head-in-the-clouds, either. As she points out, “God made her for trouble, equipped her for hardship.” Like us, she’ll overcome obstacles as need be and buttress others when times arise. Betsy’s faith is strong, but Joel’s has waned. Someone tells him through his struggle, “You didn’t expect this blow, but if it’s gonna knock you down, make sure you fall toward God, not away.” And that’s sound advice for any year, whether it’s 1885 or 2017!

* 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 Positive Page-turner's Challenge: Take 2

Happy February! The picture I’m sharing reflects many of the books I’ve had on hand since the photo I posted on November 1^st. I have not made a big dent in this pile, and I’ve already discovered a novel that I had settled elsewhere that I would’ve liked to include in this photo. Ah, well, maybe next time.

            If you read the post’s title, you’ll know that I’m again trying my “Positive Page-turner’s Challenge.” I’ve made a couple major changes, which make up my challenge. Instead of donating $50 for every 875 pages I read, I’m going to donate $25 for every 500 pages I read. I’m hopeful that I’ll do much better this month than in November/December, even though February is the shortest month. My donation will again go toward the Haiti Project through my home church.

            What is going on in your life? Do you have a passion project you’d like to share? If you’d be interested in learning more about GoServ Global in Haiti or want to get involved at any level, please let me know! (FYI in the random: While getting cat food today, I also bought three 10-packs of bar soap. Again, I am ALWAYS collecting bar soap to send to Haiti via GoServ Global.)

            Blessings and happy reading to you all. Love, Lisa.

"Fatal Frost" by Nancy Mehl

Fatal Frost (Nov. 1, 2016) by Nancy Mehl.*

Although her father was mostly absent during her growing up years, U.S. Marshal Mercy Brennan still followed in his law enforcement footsteps. Her father’s recent reappearance in St. Louis (STL) has put Mercy in the sights of STL’s most powerful gang, and this puts her in danger enough that could end her career. Or worse, her life. Because of these very valid concerns, Mercy’s boss assigns Deputy U.S. Marshal Mark St. Laurent – Mercy’s ex-boyfriend – and the St. Louis PD allows her best friend, Lieutenant Tally Williams, to provide protection for her. She does not know the true story, but when they are stranded in a remote, unknown location during a blizzard/ice storm, the seriousness of their situation becomes crystal clear. They have not reached their destination of Piedmont, MO, and they have no way to contact their bosses with communications down. Mother Nature and the potential enemy lurking nearby (maybe in that barn over there) puts everyone in significant danger. How do you find someone when you don’t know where they are?

            A remote location, danger in the storm and bad guys stir the pot to brew up this suspenseful, inspirational fiction caper. This story throws you right into the action from the first chapter and keeps going. I could do without the romantic plight, but that is trivial. The tension can be gripping, and you root for Mercy, the strong female lead who’s so good at hiding her emotions, but that you can also tell struggles, especially with her faith. Like all of us, she has room to grow, and Mehl displays that, while balancing Mercy’s obvious strength and independence. This romantic suspense series is one I wouldn’t mind following as this literary journey continues beyond this first story in her ‘Defenders of Justice’ series.

* 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.”

"A Primary Decision" by Dr. Kevin Leman & Jeff Nesbit

A Primary Decision (Oct. 18, 2016) by Dr. Kevin Leman and Jeff Nesbit.*

There are secrets. Secrets are powerful, especially in the wrong hands where they may be used with malicious intent and/or manipulation. As an attorney working for the Department of Justice, Sarah Worthington is used to being incredibly good at ferreting out secrets and getting to the bottom of everything. Unfortunately, there is a secret, even within her family, that she’s yet to hear. It’ll be a tough pill to swallow, since some secrets “had so many interweaving threads that they could only be pulled one at a time without making a mess of the complete tapestry.” Still, nothing will deter Sarah from moving forward. She’ll make a mark on the world, overcoming threats to her family and possibly balancing a personal life (cue Jon Gillibrand), but with honesty. “Secrets breed gossip, mistrust, and even hatred. We’ve had enough of that in American politics.” Well said, Sarah Katherine Worthington, well said!

            With this inspirational, contemporary fiction novel focusing on politics, I’ll readily admit that I didn’t have high initial hopes for liking this story. But after reading it, I stand corrected. I found this story to be very smart with high energy.  There are perils to overcome, battles to be won, and mysteries to be solved.  There is strong faith and faith tested.  There is political intrigue, apparently centered around a homicide featured in one or both of the previous books, this story being the final book in The Worthington Destiny trilogy. There are definitely back stories that I am missing, but overall this book read smoothly, and I didn’t feel totally lost not having read either of the previous books. I was actually impressed by the prose and how well it flowed, able to capture my interest even though I don’t naturally gravitate toward politics-centric material. Sarah is a strong, brilliant female character, and I appreciate that they created her in such a light, including staging her in an arena dominated by men. She’ll show them!  Is Sarah Worthington too good to be true? Well, sure, why not? She is a fictional character, after all, but she’s still got my vote!

* 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 Fred Factor" by Mark Sanborn

The Fred Factor (Apr. 20, 2004) by Mark Sanborn.*

Who is Fred? The author’s Fred, Fred Shea, the first Fred, was a mail carrier (Sanborn was one of his customers).** What is the significance of a Fred? That is up to you -- not just to strive to be a Fred but to recognize other Freds. The simple answer is that a Fred is anyone who is taking pride in one’s work – no matter the profession – and turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. That does not mean running yourself ragged to go above and beyond at full throttle, giving 200%, and wearing yourself so thin that you get stress hives. No. It can be as simple as offering someone encouragement in a time of need or standing out in the winter cold for ten more seconds to hold the door open for someone.

            The author, Mark Sanborn, is a motivational speaker. His former mail carrier inspired him to “be a Fred.” The book has distinct focuses on defining Freds, how to become one and even how to develop other Freds. It’s a book of advice, encouragement and leading by example.

            Of the many examples, one shines out at me. He was relaying the story of a man who was dying of cancer. Even at his most frail, just days before passing, he said to a visitor, “How can I serve you?” And this leads me to a memory from college where one of my hall-mates had a handwritten sign in her room right above her door that read, “Servant’s Entrance.” To her, it signified being a servant and child of God and reminding herself to be as such when she left her dorm room each day, but it is fitting to this slim book as well. For anyone in customer service or who works with people on a frequent basis, to be a servant isn’t a chore. It can also be about making the best better, continually reinventing yourself to serve others more effectively and transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

            I don’t tend to read books “like this.” And by that I mean books that focus on motivation and encouragement (but also non-fiction literature in general). I appreciate the insight that Sanborn has. Anyone who ever deals with people should read this book. To be a Fred isn’t a mundane thing, but a remarkable one. To have Fred moments isn’t tedious but noteworthy. To witness Fred moments isn’t lackluster but inspiring. Life is a work in progress, so why not work to be a Fred while you’re going about it all?

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I was loaned this book by my boss. I was not required to write a positive review, nor a review of any kind. The opinions are expressly my own and do not reflect the opinions of my boss, the author, the publisher or any entities associated with any of the aforementioned. 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.”

** Fred Shea retired in 2013. [Google linked me to a post on the author’s Facebook page.]