To Honor and Trust

Come home to magnificent Bridal Veil Island resort 

This invitation is offered to readers in the new book, To Honor and Trust, by authors Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller.

It is a pleasure to read another book from the Bridal Veil Island series.

        Bridal Veil Island, Georgia 1913

Callie Deboyer arrives at Bridal Veil Island to spend the winter working as a governess for the Bridgeport family. However, she finds she can't fully enjoy the beautiful resort because questions about her future weigh heavily on her mind: Should she continue in this job she enjoys, or is God calling her to join her parents in their missionary work?

When she enrolls young Thomas Bridgeport in golf lessons, Callie meets instructor Wesley Townsend, who urges Callie to take lessons, as well. During their time together, Callie comes to care for Wes--until she discovers that he's been hiding something very important from her.

Then expensive pieces go missing from various homes around the island, and suspicion is aimed in Callie's direction. Callie wonders if this is a sign she should leave it all behind and join her parents in Africa. Considering Wesley's deceit, will he ever be a man Callie can honor and trust for the rest of her life?

The atmosphere of this book provides a good escape and reminds me of an era when wealthy families often escaped to warmer climates. Callie's story involves her devotion to the Bridgeport family as their governess and her character inspires the high standards she has set for herself while accepting almost everyone she meets. After getting to know Wes, she begins to have a little bit of hope for her future.

There are episodes of suspense within the story, including a jewel thief, and when little Daisy is bitten by a dangerous spider.

The one thought I found as I read this book is how much to reveal when telling the the truth. I imagine most of us have told the truth, but maybe not told all of the information we know because we felt it might cause hurt feelings. This book is a good example of how to handle what, when and how to share our thoughts and build a trusting relationship with someone.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are 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

Secrets over Sweet Tea, by Denise Hildreth Jones

SECRETS OVER SWEET TEA



Three troubled characters, Scarlett, Grace, and Zach, each with their own secrets. We think secrets keep us safe, but more often than not, they spill out when we least expect and make a mess out of everything. It’s a truth Scarlett Jo Newberry - a boisterous pastor's wife knows all too well—a truth Grace Shepherd - a polished news anchor and Zach Craig - a beleaguered divorce attorney are about to learn the hard way. As each of their lives intersect in the tree-lined streets of Franklin, Tennessee, scandal threatens to topple their carefully constructed worlds. Grasping at survival, they embark on a journey of friendship and courage, each seeking to find a way back to laughter, love, and life.


I confess to being a tea-a-holic so just the title alone gave me hope that Denise Hildreth Jones would create a "tasty" story and she did! There were never any dull moments in the story. And once Scarlett entered into the lives of Grace and Zach, there were some interesting moments. I bet we would all like to have a character like Scarlett in our lives. She is funny, yet she has her own tragic secret. As for Grace, I believe there are many readers who may identify with her situation. I was surprised, but glad that Zach chose to resolve his secret in a way I didn't expect.

I would recommend this book for those who love southern styles, friendships, and a good plot.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Denise Hildreth Jones Denise Hildreth Jones has spent the last eight years writing fiction that has been hailed as both "smart and witty." Her ability to express the heart of the Southern voice has led to her being featured twice in Southern Living and receiving the accolades of readers and reviewers alike, but it is the simple joy of writing stories that keeps them coming. Her previous novels include the Savannah series, Flies on the Butter, The Will of Wisteria, Hurricanes in Paradise, The First Gardener, andSecrets Over Sweet Tea. She has also written two works of nonfiction—Flying Solo and Reclaiming Your Heart. Denise makes her home in Franklin, Tennessee, with her husband, five bonus children, and her dog. And on her days off, she will settle for a long walk or a good book and a Coca-Cola. Visit Denise's website at www.denisehildrethjones.com  Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

The Anniversary Waltz, by Darrel Nelson

At their sixtieth anniversary party, Adam Carlson asks his wife, Elizabeth, for their customary waltz. After the dance they gather the family and share their story—a story of love and courage overcoming adversity and thriving in the face of overwhelming odds.

It’s the summer of 1946, and Adam has just returned from the war to his home in Reunion, Montana. At a town festival he meets Elizabeth Baxter, a young woman going steady with his former high school rival and now influential banker, Nathan Roberts.

When Adam and Elizabeth share a waltz in a deserted pavilion one evening, their feelings begin to grow and they embark on a journey, and a dance, that will last a lifetime.

This was a sweet little book, since I was ready to read a piece of period fiction and I wasn't disappointed. The characters seemed very real to me. Adam, who had just come back home after serving in the Army, was eagerly greeted by his mother, but his father refused to acknowledge his return. As the story continued, we learn of the burden his parents carried when Adam enlisted and left his parents to work the farm.

And then we learn of Elizabeth who was raised by her aunt and uncle. She works at the smal dry cleaners at the time Adam comes home. When he comes in to have his uniform cleaned and pressed for the town festival, they begin a conversation that leads to an invitation for Adam to come for dinner. This excerpt gives you some thought as to the challenges that faced Adam that afternoon.

"I enjoyed your contribution to the service today," she said.  "Thank you," he replied. "The music was inspriring, and the company was exceptional." He winked at Elizabeth.  Wil noticed but said nothing.  Lenora noticed too and asked, "Do you plan to make regular church attendance a part of your life?"

The correct answer was yes, of course, Adam knew that any other answer would end his chances of ever being around Elizabeth with Lenora's approval, however slight it might be. But he answered honestly, without pretext.  "I admit I didn't attend church much before the war.  Somehow in my youth, it didn't seem important.  But in Italy I got back in touch with God.  We all did.  I made a deal with Him.  He kept His end of the bargain, and I intend to keep mine."

"What deal did you make, if you don't mind my asking?"  Lenora inquired.

So, now I won't share anymore of the story.  But it's a book I recommend to encourage you.  A book to give you hope that when you're discouraged not to give up.

This is the first novel by Darrel Nelson, and I hope he will give us more stories.

I'm sharing this review free without any obligations to the publisher. 

Fire of the Raging Dragon, The Pacific Rim Series

"In the very near future, China, now the world’s largest industrial producer and consumer of Mideast Oil, passes a law that all new cars manufactured in that nation will be operated on natural gas. Beneath the floor of the South China Sea, around the contested Spratly Islands, billions of gallons of natural gas wait to be mined. "

Bestselling author Don Brown has built a loyal fan base by writing what he knows best: thrillers with heart. A former Navy JAG officer and action-officer at the Pentagon, Brown pens action-packed plots and finely-drawn characters that are credible and compelling.

In Fire of the Raging Dragon -the second book in Brown's bestselling Pacific Rim Series-Stephanie Surber is stationed on board a submarine tender in the South China Sea when a naval war breaks out. After a gruesome discovery escalates America's involvement, Stephanie's father, U.S. President Douglas Surber, must choose to take a stand against evil … or save the life of his daughter.

This is my first book by action author, Don Brown, and I'm his newest fan.   It is a political thriller like no other. Don, who served five years in the U.S. Navy, writes a fast-paced book making good use of his knowledge about the military and their operations. This political thriller uses sub-headings as the storyline develops it's plots and subplots with twists and turns that begin to challenge what part of the story I'm reading, but yet I couldn't put the book down. I like a book that offers fairly accurate information and based on the author's background, his descriptions of the military and political situations throughout the story are guaranteed to engage any reader right to the conclusion.  Also interesting is the background of history for both sides in the conflict. Readers won't miss the lack of profanity since the idea that this situation could actually occur today are described by an author whose knowledge of current affiars make this a thriller of a book! I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy suspense and action.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 I was not compensated for this review and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own.

Voice In The Wind, by Francine Rivers

The first book in the bestselling Mark of the Lion series, A Voice in the Wind brings readers back to the first century and introduces them to a character they will never forget—Hadassah. Torn by her love for a handsome aristocrat, this young slave girl clings to her faith in the living God for deliverance from the forces of decadent Rome.

This classic series has already inspired nearly 2 million readers, but both loyal fans and new readers will want this 20th anniversary edition of a Christian classic, which includes a foreword from the publisher, a letter from and Q & A with Francine Rivers, color map, an illustrated glossary, and discussion questions suitable for personal and group use.


As I began reading this 20th Anniversary Edition of A Voice In The Wind, by Francine Rivers, I became anxious at the vivid descriptions in the opening paragraph, 

"The city was silently bloating in the hot sun, rotting like the thousands of bodies that lay where they had fallen in street battles.  An oppressive, hot wind blew from the southeast, carrying with it the putrefying stench of decay."

My apprehension to continue reading a story that claims to be a classic was resolved by my commitment to give an honest review of this book for the publisher.
The book surprised me by it's story of life in the first century.  I believe the author has thoroughly researched  the background for the book.  Each chapter brought me closer to experiencing the sights and sounds and emotions of Hadassah and those living through Rome's persecution of Christians.

This special edition has the addition of the discussion questions which would make an interesting home-study with friends.

Even though I'm still not comfortable reading script with horrific details, this book deserves to be on any best seller list.  Understanding and experiencing what life must have been like for Christians in the very early years through this story helps me appreciate the perseverance of all those believers who have come before me.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.

To Love and Cherish "Bridal Veil Island"

 Escape to a Beautiful, Historic Island Resort

                            Bridal Veil Island, Georgia
                                             1898   


Melinda Colson has been waiting months for Evan, the assistant gamekeeper at the Bridal Veil Island resort, to propose. Without an offer of marriage, she must return to Cleveland with the family she works for as a lady's maid.

Evan isn't afraid of hard work, and he hopes to be promoted soon. He wants to marry Melinda--but not until he's sure he can support her and a family.

Letters strengthen their romance until a devastating storm strikes the island. With no word from Evan, Melinda knows she must journey back to Bridal Veil in search of her beloved.

But the hurricane isn't the last calamity to shake up Bridal Veil. Melinda finds a new job on the island, but still no offer of marriage comes her way. Has she given her heart to the wrong person? Will she ever find a man to love and cherish?

As I began reading this story, I could imagine myself in this beautiful resort off the Georgia coast.  Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller have mastered their talents with helping me escape to another time and another place.  I was a bit frustrated with the story as far as Evan was concerned.  Instead of expressing his thoughts about his future and his feelings for Melinda, he kept them to himself.  Meanwhile, Melinda, with her "take charge" attitude, made up her mind to marry Evan, yet she gets the impression he doesn't have the same feelings for her.  I would recommend this book as light romance but with interesting historical aspects.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their blogger review program.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are 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

Against The Tide, by Elizabeth Camden

After a childhood rampant with uncertainty, Lydia Pallas has carved out a perfect life for herself. She spends her days within sight of the bustling Boston Harbor, where her skill with languages has landed her an enviable position as a translator for the U.S. Navy. 

Lydia's talents bring her to the attention of Alexander Banebridge, a mysterious man in need of a translator. Driven by a campaign to end the opium trade, Bane is coolly analytical and relentless in his quest. He cannot afford to fall for Lydia and must fight the bittersweet love growing between them.

When Bane's enemies gain the upper hand, he is forced to turn to Lydia for help. Determined to prove her worth, Lydia soon discovers that carrying out Bane's mission will test her wits and her courage to the very limits.

This was my first book to read by author, Elizabeth Camden, and I was hooked right away as the heroine, Lydia Pallas, was left an orphan.  Against The Tide is set with a historical setting, the Office of Naval Intelligence, where Lydia uses her skills and knowledge of several languages to assist with translating.

The story interjects humor as Lydia, who prefers order, is challenged by those characters who enjoy teasing her.  Lydia always keeps her desk in particular order, eats the same foods, and her predictictable nature makes it a challenge when she is asked to help Alexander Banebridge stop the opium trade.

There is a dark side to the story with a very evil Professor and his control of so many lives.  The mystery and continuing relationship between Lydia and Alexander give the story action plus excitement.  I would definitely recommend this book.   The writing and imagery are well-done.  I would read more of Elizabeth Camden's novels as I found her dialogue and the plots keep my interest.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their blogger review program.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are 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