Book Review: Taken

From the Back:

An investigator who knows tragic loss firsthand,
and his new client, missing far too long...

Abducted at the age of sixteen and coerced into assisting the Jacoby crime family, Shannon Bliss has finally found a way out. She desperately wants to resume some semblance of normal life, but she also knows she has some unfinished business to attend to. She might have enough evidence to put her captors behind bars for a very long time.

When Shannon contacts private investigator Matthew Dane, a former cop, to help her navigate her reentry into society, he quickly discovers that gaining her freedom doesn't mean her troubles are over. If the Jacoby family learns she is still alive, they'll stop at nothing to silence her.

If justice is to be done, and if Shannon's life is ever to get on track again, Matthew will need to discover exactly what happened to her--even if it means stirring up a hornet's nest of secrets.

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My Reflections:

Once again Dee Henderson had penned a Phenomenal novel with her latest book Taken.
Her writing style has the quality and infinite attention to detail that we don't often see.
The plot is complex, character line up impressive and level of interest is kept thought the story. That is impressive as this is a hefty book at over 400 spellbinding pages. It was such an absolute pleasure to read this novel.

Shannon Bliss was abducted at the tender age of 16. having escaped her captors 11 years later she is ready to try to put her life back in order and move on.

Matthew Dane may just be Shannon's ticket, a former police officer and private investigator, who's own daughter was also kidnapped. Can this man help Shannon confront her past, and will there be more to their relationship?

Taken is written from Matthew's point of view which gives this book a very unique perspective and feel. Readers are given insight on what it would be like to escape from such a heinous situation and just how hard it is to transition back to normal life, after such traumatic crime.

I loved how this story unfolds Taken is very much a layered, slow unavailing of a deep and meaningful plot.  I am confident in saying that if you are looking for a novel that will exceed your hopes you will not be disappointed in Henderson, newest book, Taken.

I received this book free of Charge in return for my honest review from Graf -Martin Communications, Thank you Graf Martin!

The Author

1. 

   Dee Henderson

   Dee Henderson is the bestselling, award-winning author of nineteen previous novels, including the acclaimed O'Malley series, the Uncommon Heroes series, and the New York Times bestselling Full Disclosure. She is a lifelong resident of...
   

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Book Review: A Love Like Ours

From The Back:

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake's childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion's reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake's will, Lyndie's sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he's built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he'd thought he'd lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

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My Reflections:

A love Like ours is the third book in the Porter Family series. It focuses on Jake Porter a conflicted character who battles with the effects of PTSD, and the resulting consequences of his attitude and choices.  My heart ached for this man and all he had been through, and I waited in earnest for him to turn his life over to God and find the peace he so yearned for.

Lyndie is a compassionate, bubbly young woman who I connected with right away. How can you not be drawn in to such a fun and loving character? She is fiercely protective of her adult sister who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. You get the sense right away that these two lead characters are a perfect match. Lyndie's sensitive compassionate loving side tempers the broody, serious, hard working and loyal Jake. The romantic tension is felt quite quickly once Jake lets down some of the walls protecting his jaded heart.

This novel is a heart tugging read. We experience along side these two complex characters the joys, trials and their anguish as they confront their issues and move toward a happy healthy future. 

All and all a good read if you are looking for a sweet contemporary drama this may be your next novel.

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Graf-Martin Communications. Thank you Graf-Martin!

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The Author

1. 

   Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography

   Becky Wade

   Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue...
   

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Book Review: Until the Harvest

From The Back:

Take This Journey of Broken Souls Restored
and Tentative Hearts Brought Fully to Life
When family tragedy derails Henry Phillips's college studies, he's left unmoored and feeling abandoned. The only things that can tamp down his grief are the family farm, his fiddle, and an unexpected friendship with sweet but unusual preteen Mayfair Hoffman.

Unfortunately, Mayfair's older sister, Margaret, despite her spray of freckles and cute, turned-up nose, has a completely different effect. His grandmother's helper, she's always around, ready to push his buttons, and it seems at first that she doesn't care about his troubles.
 
Henry soon realizes, though, that Margaret's facing her own struggles. Mayfair's health and unique gift sit at the heart of those worries. Henry and Margaret soon find themselves relying on each other as potential tragedy collides with growing hope in a warm story of family bonds and the surprising ways healing finds us all.

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My Reflections:

Until the Harvest, the sequel to A Miracle in a Dry Season, is another engaging read. Having had the opportunity to read both books I can say this could be a stand-alone novel, but to enjoy the continued character development reading in order is an added treat.

I so enjoyed revisiting the characters from Loudin Thomas’s earlier novels; Henry and Perla are fun and interesting each in their own unique ways.

Sarah Loudin Thomas has the gift of writing her novels ground you and bring you back to a time when life was just a little slower and times a little quieter. This novel gives the feeling of small town farm life, and the joys and trials that the “simple” life brings.

Henry the fiddle loving country boy wants to pursue his passion but is persuaded by his father to stay in school for the last year, rebellious and headstrong Henry yarns to follow his own path. When his father dies suddenly, Henry struggles with unwise choices and starts to deal in illegal substances. Thinking he is invincible he continues down this path until faced with consequences beyond his control. It is a beautiful progression to watch this character grow and come to the bottom of him self to realize that life is more than his own poor choices and self-indulgence and more about the life God has planned for him.

Margret Hoffman is determined to protect her sister Mayfair where she can; Mayfair is frail in health due to her diabetes. Working for Henry’s grandmother Emily, allows for Margret to bring her sister with her to work, thus keeping watch over her.

Mayfair a shy and loving girl is blessed with a special gift that helps may people she comes in contact with. Mayfair impacts the people in her life and helps them to realize the importance of family and love and that those two values aren’t just reserved for family.

Overall a satisfying read, loved the character development and the theme of God given gifts and how we can impact the people around us.

I received this book free of charge in return for my honest review from Graf-Martin Communications, thank you Graf-Martin!

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About The Author

1. 

   © Kristen Delliveniri

   Sarah Loudin Thomas

   Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fundraiser for a children's ministry, who has also written for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times. Her debut novel was Miracle in a Dry...
   
   

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Book Review: Together With You

 

 From the Back

Sometimes the most unexpected love can be exactly what a heart needs...
When a Lost Child warning blares over the mall's PA system, Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that the child suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly's past suddenly confronts her. Never again will she become personally involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny--and Penny's handsome father--tugs at Carly's heart.

Dr. Ryan Tremaine is trying to put his life back together. With his ex-wife remarried and on a trip far away, his two teenage sons and Penny are living under his roof full time. Ryan has put his faith in his Sink-or-Swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruit Carly Mason to be Penny's nanny.

Ryan never anticipated being so drawn to Carly, an attraction Carly seems to fight as much as he does. Could Carly be the missing piece that helps his family stay afloat, or will their blossoming romance only complicate things further?

Known for her realistic and engaging characters, Victoria Bylin delivers an emotion-packed story reminiscent of The Sound of Music, one that reminds us all to believe in the power of faith and love.

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My Reflections:

Together with you is a moving and sweet read. Though the story line moves slowly, it gives the reader the opportunity to savour the slow progression of relationships made and mistakes forgiven.

Dr. Ryan Tremaine feels as if there is no grace big enough to cover his transgressions, his daughter is living proof of his misconduct and Ryan will do anything to make it right for his broken family. Penny his daughter is often misunderstood, yet a sweet little sprite.

Diagnosed with FAS (Fatal Alcohol Syndrome) She faces a host of challenges, however the nurturing, love and support her father lavishes on her make a world of difference in her young life.

Carly Mason is also trying to forget a mistake she made in her professional career, will Carly and her father Ryan be the answer to helping Carly overcome her guilt. Will something else more sweet bloom from the two of them coming together to support Penny?

This novel boasts the thread of forgiving ones mistakes, trusting God to work out the details and moving onto a healthy productive future. It is true to life, and highlights the challenges and struggles one may face when dealing with a child with FAS, Although no one can truly understand what a parent faces when dealt with the unique challenges FAS presents, this book does a good job of bringing these issues to light.

Overall an interesting read, I quite enjoyed how the author was able to weave together an array of experiences and life moments and to create a well flowing storyline. I am a sucker for a happy ending and this one was not a disappointment.

Book provided free of charge in return for my honest review from Graf Martin Communications. Thank you Graf Martin!

About The Author

1. 

   © Scott Walz

   Victoria Bylin

   Victoria Bylin is a romance author acclaimed for her realistic and relatable characters. Her books have finaled in multiple contests, including the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and RT Magazine's Reviewers Choice Award. A native of California, Vicki and her husband...
   

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