Book Review: The Lost Boys of Barlow Theater

 From the back:

It promises beauty but steals life instead. Will the ghosts of Barlowe Theater entomb them all?

Barlowe Theater stole the life of Greta Mercy's eldest brother during its construction. Now in 1915, the completed theater appears every bit as deadly. When Greta's younger brother goes missing after breaking into the building, Greta engages the assistance of a local police officer to help her unveil the already ghostly secrets of the theater. But when help comes from an unlikely source, Greta decides that to save her family she must uncover the evil that haunts the theater and put its threat to rest.

Decades later, Kit Boyd's best friend vanishes during a ghost walk at the Barlowe Theater, and old stories of mysterious disappearances and ghoulish happenings are revived. Then television ghost-hunting host and skeptic Evan Fisher joins Kit in the quest to identify the truth behind the theater's history. Kit reluctantly agrees to work with him in hopes of finding her missing friend. As the theater's curse unravels Kit's life, she is determined to put an end to the evil that has marked the theater and their hometown for the last century.

From the back:

Jamie Jo Wright never does me wrong. 

Are you up for a good ghost story? Do you love Ghost Busters, Scooby-Do? If so this book is for you my friends! The fist couple of chapters I kind of thought, "ugh, what have I got myself into?" the dark paranormal aspects I have to admit creeped me out at first. I was not sure where the story was going, but by then I was all in, there was no turning back!

This dual timeline was executed with perfection, it moved seamlessly between present day and 1915.

(1915) Greta Mercy's story drew me in instantly. Her struggle to keep her brother and herself out of the poor house had my heart strings pulled taunt. When Greta witnesses a lady in white throw a baby from the balcony of the Barlow theater things start to really get twisted. Thing is no one else actually saw a baby fall other than Greta. Then comes the disappearance of her brother and two other local boys who went into the theater, but never came out. 

(present-day) Kit Boyd's best friend disappeared in the very same theater decades later while taping a show called the psychic and the Skeptic. They have just scratched the surface of the theatre past, the lost boys the woman in White. What is behind this disappearance an ages-old curse or a perfectly sane explanation?

Delving into the injustices of the 1915 period really had me thinking. The struggles of the less fortunate the stigma of mental illness, and the disparity of the classes made me ponder about how nothing has actually changed in all those years. It's sad really. Anyway, I digress.

It's funny how during the whole novel I was sure there would be a non paranormal explanation for all of the sightings and disappearances but as I read, I seriously could not figure out the clues! This is such a fun story, abet a little creepy. I always find that when I get to the last page of a novel penned by Jamie Jo Wright, I feel a little bit let down. Not because I didn't love the story, but because I came to the end of the book and would have to wait for her next addition!

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Jaime Jo Wright

Jaime Jo Wright (JaimeWrightBooks.com) is the author of ten novels, including Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award-winner The House on Foster Hill and Carol Award winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She's also a two-time...

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Book Review: Cold Pursuit

 

From the Back:

Ex-FBI profiler River Ryland still suffers from PTSD after a case went horribly wrong. Needing a fresh start, she moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing mother and opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony St. Clair. They're soon approached by a grieving mother who wants them to find out what happened to her teenaged son, who disappeared four years ago. River knows there's almost no hope the boy is still alive, but his mother needs closure, and River and Tony need a case, no matter how cold it might be.

But as they follow the boy's trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who gets in his way. As River and Tony race to stop him before he kills again, an even more dangerous threat emerges, stirring up the past that haunts River and plotting an end to her future.

My Reflections:

Ahh, Nancy Mehl has done it again!

Book One in the Ryland + St. Clair series is the newest novel by Mehl. I can't wait to read the next edition, as I never tire of Mehl's writing style. Her no-nonsense approach to getting right to the plot gets me every time!

In this novel, we follow River Ryland and Tony St. Clair as they search for answers in a cold case involving the disappearance of a young teenager. Their journey leads them to unexpectedly dark places.

The duo, who both experienced serious trauma, worked together using their strengths to crack the case. The troubled and twisted villain with synesthesia fascinated me, leading me down a rabbit hole of investigation. 

This book's unexpected plot twists kept me glued to the pages. If you are a fan of Nancy Mehl, you certainly will not be disappointed with this one!

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Nancy Mehl

Nancy Mehl (nancymehl.com) is the author of more than fifty books, a Parable bestseller, and the winner of an ACFW Book of the Year Award, a Carol Award, and the Daphne du Maurier Award. She has also been a finalist for two Carol Awards and the Christy Award....

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Book Review: Targeted

 

From the Back:

Three women. Three men. Three unsuspecting targets.

Get ready for triple the thrills with three heart-stopping stories from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In On the Run, IT Specialist Daria Nevsky is a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead--and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone.

In Deadly Objective, physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper are committed to keeping their relationship professional. But when the vice president's son enters the crosshairs of a killer, some lines will have to be crossed in order to keep him safe.

In Caught in the Crosshairs, there is no love lost between former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman and CIA officer Claudia Gallegos after Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. But to prevent a coup that would put America at risk, they'll have to learn to trust each other--before it's too late.

My Reflections:

Though I love to sink my teeth into a gool full length novel, once and awhile it is nice to dip your feet in a melody of short stories. What is better than a novella with three of my favorite authors. Lynette Easton, Lynn H. Blackburn and Natalie Walters all had well developed characters, a perfectly thought out plot with faith based threads. Some how they packed all of this into a short 120 ish page feast for the senses. If asked I couldn't pick a favorite, each were wildly different yet had the same thrilling elements that you would expect form these authors.

It was delightful how the authors weaved previous stories into their collections. In the depths of the pages you will find stories that are packed with heart warming romance and spine tingling suspense. The characters are well fleshed out and the story lines were full bodied and satisfying. I feel these short stories could be read as a stand alone. It actually would be a perfect introduction to each authors unique penmanship.

I highly recommend this novella, especially for those cold winter nights.

A perfect read for the holidays!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Lynette Eason

1. Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of Life Flight, Crossfire, and Critical Threat, as well as the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite...

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2. Lynn H. Blackburn

   Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat and Malicious Intent, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift...

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3. Natalie Walters

   Natalie Walters is the author of Lights Out and Fatal Code, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. A military wife, she currently resides in Texas with her soldier husband and is the proud mom of three. She loves traveling, spending time with...

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Book Review: To Win A Prince

 

From the Back:

Can she stop herself from falling before she's too far gone?

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Ọlọrọ Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a sustainable clothing line to help citizens in impoverished areas and honor the country's resources. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo--the man who betrayed her best friend--will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his fellow Ọlọrans. To pay for his actions against Ọlọrọ Ilé, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely--but he can't allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

Though they come from vastly different worlds, Iris and Ekon are both determined to reach their goals, and the only way to do that is to work together--if they can just keep their hearts from getting in the way . . .

My Reflections:

This is Shiloh's sequel to her first book "In Search of A Prince." I absolutely loved that book and  was excited to see what was in store for Iris Blakey, the bff to Brielle who is the Queen of Oloro Ile.

Iris, is an exuberant lively character full of emotions and love for people. Having just started up her new fashion business. Her plan is not only to create a sustainable clothing line but also to give back to Oloro Ile and it's people. Filled with excitement and dreams Iris launches full steam ahead into making those dreams a reality.

It is not easy sailing however, the business sustains all kinds of road blocks that keep Iris on her toes. One thing that is forefront in her mind is the matter of her new Business consultant, Ekon.

Ekon is not your typical Business consultant he is actually the fallen prince who tried to betray Queen Brielle's title. As punishment he is ordered by the council to do community service along with helping Iris as she launches her new career. Thing is Pampered Ekon is holding onto so much resentment and bitterness for his punishment he can't see past his own nose to care about anything other than restoring the good graces with his father and the upper-class citizens of Oloro Ile. 

Iris and Ekon come to an understanding from the start, this is just a business deal and a way to complete Ekon's sentence and community service hours. It all seems so simple..

Ah, not so. As Ekon grows and matures and with the help of Iris his heart starts to soften. The blinds are slowly peeled back layer by layer until he is reduced to face his past and the person he was. Does it come too late? (I loved the fantastic plot twist, it really added depth to the story.)

Iris tries to keep focused on the tasks at hand, but her heart has other ideas. Torn with what she knows is right and what her heart is telling her she must lean on God to find out his true plan for her life. This is no easy task for a dreamer. Is there any hope for Ekon? Can he turn around his life? What about his heart, is he brave enough to be vulnerable?

I loved the depth this story had, it comes off as a fluffy dreamy type novel but in truth it is filled with the struggles of character, the call to faith and the courage to rise above and follow a path less traveled. There are quite a few surprises to be had in this story! I was entertained by the musings of both characters and their crazy antics. And yes, I fell in love with the Suck up Ekon, he won my heart by the end of the novel. If you love fairytales and happily ever after you will love Shiloh's newest novel, but do your self a favor and read book one!

Well done Toni Shiloh, I can't wait for what you have in store for us in your next!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Toni Shiloh

Toni Shiloh (www.tonishiloh.com) is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a Prince has been praised by OprahDaily.com, Popsugar, Library Journal, and Booklist, and is a Parable...

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Book Review: Dangerous Beauty

From the Back:

What is the price of freedom?

Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She's not a victim, she's a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she's determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers. But she can't stay safely in America--unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her.

Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Instead, he becomes the key to Liliana's rescue. If he can keep his secrets hidden, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him.

My Reflections:

"Dangerous Beauty" is a poignant and raw novel about the travesty of human trafficking. Melissa Koslin has written a moving yet powerful story, filled grit and honesty. She tackles the subject with tact, giving readers just enough detail to become engaged and embroiled in the story, without becoming traumatized by the sensitive subject matter. 

Taken by the Cartel and sold Liliana finds herself in a new country fraught with dangers. She manages a harrowing escape and is mercifully helped by a complete stranger. Liliana must trust this man as she finds he is the only way out to safety. Meric her rescuer is a man of secrets, he is stoic in his interactions, and Liliana is not sure where she stands. Struggling to learn a new language, and gently testing the boundaries around her she grapples to find her way and navigate the dangers and beauty of this new country.

In a blink of an eye, Meric has turned his world upside down. In his rash attempt to help Liliana he has opened up wounds he has been trying to bury for as long as he can remember. Afraid that he will lose control of his tightly held secrets he tries his best to close himself off and keep Liliana at a distance. It is impossible however to ignore the pain this woman has experienced and he finds himself trying his best to help her deal with her trauma and heal.

Their relationship is tenuous at best and they make quite an odd couple. Having both seen a dark side of life that few have, they must both work hard to find a way to healing and happiness.

Melissa Koslin is a master storyteller. She addresses human trafficking head on painting an accurate picture of the ugliness of the situation, yet showing us the strength of the human heart when we let God's love and grace unravel the pain.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Melissa Koslin

Melissa Koslin is a fourth-degree black belt in and certified instructor of Songahm Taekwondo. In her day job as a commercial property manager, she secretly notes personal quirks and funny situations, ready to tweak them into colorful additions for her books....

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Book Review: When The Meadow Blooms

 From the back:

If any place on God's earth was designed to help one heal, it is Meadowland. Surely here, at her brother-in-law's Kentucky farm, Rose and her daughters can recover from the events of the recent past--the loss of her husband during the 1918 influenza epidemic, her struggle with tuberculosis that required a stay at a sanatorium, and her girls' experience in an orphanage during her illness. At Meadowland, past troubles become rich soil in which faith can grow.

Dirk Meadows may have opened his home to his late brother's widow and her girls, but he keeps his heart tightly closed. The roots of his pain run deep, and the evidence of it is written across his face. Badly scarred by a fire and abandoned by the woman he loved, Dirk fiercely guards his heart from being hurt again.

But it may be that his visitors will bring light back into his world and unlock the secret to true healing.

My Reflections: 

When the Meadow Blooms is set in Kentucky in 1925. 

This is a touching story of hardship and sorrow and the will to overcome it.

Rose fights to become strong enough to overcome her battle with tuberculosis. The only thing she can think of is her two children Calla and Sienna, who are being cared for at an orphanage.

Having lost her husband she must face her battle alone, that is until she becomes desperate enough to ask her brother-in-law for help.

Dirk has his own history and must work through his troubled past to help his kin who are near strangers.

Living as a recluse is he ready to unchain his heart and move into a new life.

I think my favorite character if I had to pick one would be little Sienna, her keen observations and sweet nature stole my heart. She is a sensitive child who often sees the little details most of us are oblivious to. 

This is a poignant story that highlights God's redeeming love, no matter our past. I so enjoyed traveling with Rose, Calla, Sienna, and Dirk throughout this novel. The story ends neat and tidy making me wish for a sequel. 

I cried I rejoiced and I smiled. This will be a keeper on my library shelves.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Along a Storied Trail, An Appalachian Summer, River to Redemption, These Healing Hills, and Angel Sister, along with several Shaker novels--The Refuge, The Outsider,...

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Book Review: Sea Glass Cottage

 

From the Back:

When painful pasts collide, can love overcome heartache--and triumph despite the odds?

Christi Reece is desperate. The one-time golden girl's life has tarnished, and a cascade of setbacks has left her reeling. She needs help, and she's certain Jack Colby is in a position to provide it.

When she shows up in Hope Harbor, however, Jack wants nothing to do with the woman who betrayed him. He's built a new life on the Oregon coast--and there's no room in it for Christi, even after she takes refuge in a charming but mysterious cottage nearby. Yet it soon becomes apparent his opinion of her may need revising . . . especially when he ends up needing her help.

Can these two hurting souls open their hearts to a new beginning?

My Reflections:

This sweet story about forgiveness and reconciliation hit all the right spots. set in the quaint little town of Hope Harbor, Oregon the inhabitants are quirky and genuine.

Christi is treading on thin ice. After a failed marriage and losing her inheritance she does the only thing she can think of. Asking for a loan from a long ago summer fling is desperation even she couldn't have fathomed. Growing up in a privileged upper class society Christi has learned some hard lessons, now she just has to prove the hard won change to Jack the person she hurt all those long years ago. Hope Harbor draws Christi in with a series of blessings, which encourages her to stay awhile and explore the path God has for her life.

Jack finds his oasis in Hope Harbor living a peaceful life as a police officer and writer. His world is upended in two major ways when Christi walks back into his life. Not only is she fanning the past hurt in his life but she is also fanning feelings he thought were long dead. 

A cast of characters adds life to this story. You have Charley the artist and taco stand owner who seems God inspired with his spot-on wisdom and nuggets of truth. Father Murphy and reverend Baker who love to banter back and forth, Gladys and Floyd and let's not forget those crazy seagulls!

This is a second-chance love story you won't want to miss. If you are looking for a story that is an easy-to-read fun getaway from life's demands this just very well is what you are after!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is...

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Book Review: Come Back to Me

 

From the Back:

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight, comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

My Reflections: 

I am usually not the time travel type, but I adore Jody Hedlund's work so much that I went for the leap. I was pleasantly surprised at how this book transformed my previous assumptions. Her spin on time travel was unique and certainly nothing like what I have read before.  

"Come Back to Me" revolves around the medieval time period of 1381, England and the present time. Will Derham a handsome and chivalrous knight, rescues Marian Creighton from an upcoming beating. In return for his protection, he offers her his hand in marriage. The thing is Marian needs to locate the vial of holy water in order to heal her father who is in a coma and save her sister who suffers from a genetic condition. Then there is the small fact that she is travelling in a different time period. Marian must act quickly as her father's and sister's very lives depend on her. Confused by her growing attraction to Will and her quest for the holy water, Marian must make some hard decisions.

Hedlund has certainly done her research for this novel. Moving seamlessly from present time to 1381 is no small feat I'm sure! The Historical details made the book jump to life and her characters were spot on for both time periods. This was such a fun book to read. Even though I normally don't go for this type of genre Hedlund masterfully weaves an unforgettable tale sure to please.

Book Review: A Man With A Past

 

From the back:

He must piece together his past if he's to have any chance at a future.

Falcon Hunt traveled west, compelled to start a new life by a surprise telegram that promised him an inheritance and a family in Wyoming. But shortly after arriving, he wakes in a river, completely unaware of who or where he is. As he tries to regain his memory, he meets two men who claim to be his half brothers and the prettiest woman in the area, Cheyenne Brewster. Only trouble is, a few flashes of memory make Falcon wonder if he's already married.

Falcon immediately draws Cheyenne's ire as he so closely resembles her no-good stepfather who swindled her out of inheriting her mother's property. But despite her resentments, she has to admit these newcomers' presence has some appeal, especially after Falcon steals a kiss.

When shootings start happening on the ranch, it's clear someone is gunning for the Hunt brothers. Falcon and Cheyenne set out to find who is behind the attacks, but it'll take all their savvy and skill to deal with their enemies and the potentially forbidden love growing between them.

My Reflections:

In Mary Connealy's second book "The Brothers in Arms" series, you will expect to be entertained for many solid hours. I have to admit this author consistently has me reading well into the wee hours of the night, I simply must keep reading! 

This book is no exception, in this series the plot builds onto the first book "Braced For Love." Readers can expect a good recap, for this reason, I would suggest this not be read as a standalone, read them in order to get the full benefits of the story!

A Man With A Past continues with the story of the Hunt Brothers. Falcon Hunt seems to have lost his memory putting him in a rather awkward situation. He can't recall the two men who claim to be his brothers, but he sure wants to get to know the beautiful lady named Cheyenne. When flashes of his past life come to light Falcon struggles with his building interest in this beautiful lady. Being the honourable man he is, he tries to live by his deep-rooted values hoping to remember enough of his past in order to build a future.

Cheyenne is the half-sister to Wyatt Hunt she is a firecracker of a woman who holds her resentment close after being cut off from the ranch she was raised on. When more confusion comes her way in the form of a handsome cowboy with no memory, things get really interesting!

I love that Mary Connealy weaves other characters into her novels interconnecting stories to add to her future series. I can't wait for book three! If you are looking for a novel packed with handsome cowboys, adventure and a sprinkle of humour this just might be the book you are searching for!

Book Review: The Heart's Charge

 

From the Back:

For Years They've Been Nomads for Justice, but a Final Mission May Just Lead Their Hearts Home.

Members of the legendary Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd help deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he nearly married a decade ago.

After failing at love, Katherine Palmer has dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold, being illegitimate and of mixed ancestry. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her by defying all her stereotypes of men, but there are secrets behind his eyes--ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.

When the Horsemen hear rumors of missing children, they stay to investigate, sticking close to Harmony House and its beautiful owners. As they work together to uncover the truth, love and danger grow hand in hand until a final sinister scheme threatens to destroy them all.

My Reflections:

I adore Karen Witemeyer's ability to take a novel and turn a story into a masterpiece!

From start to finish I was captivated. 

In this fast-paced novel, there are mini-stories within the main plot. I loved all the characters from big to small, the children at Harmony House were so charming, they each have their story to tell. Mark and Jonah, they made me laugh out loud at their bumbling ways and inner thoughts. That

is what I enjoyed about this story you get inside the character's heads and really understand their perspective.

Katherine's dedication to the children at Harmony House and her tender heart make her truly a remarkable yet fragile character. Eliza was another story she was not going to let any man hurt anyone she loved especially her...until she started to get soft with Jonah that is. 

Kindness, love, and a smidgen of suspense make this a well-rounded read. If you are looking for the perfect summer read I would highly recommend "The Heart's Charge" 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Karen Witemeyer

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer (www.karenwitemeyer.com) offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas...

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