Book Review: Echoes Among The Stones

From The Back:

After Aggie Dunkirk's career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her vintage, though very outdated, home. Aggie didn't plan for how eccentric Mumsie has become, obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene--even going so far as to re-create it in a dollhouse.

Mystery seems to follow Aggie when she finds work as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the town's cemetery. Forced to work with a puzzling yet attractive archaeologist, she exhumes the past's secrets and unwittingly uncovers a crime that some will go to any length to keep hidden--even if that means silencing Aggie.

In 1946, Imogene Grayson works in a beauty salon but has her sights set on Hollywood. But coming home to discover her younger sister's body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the burgeoning world of forensic science and, as a woman, not particularly welcomed into the investigation, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved. As her sister's case grows cold, Imogene vows to find justice . . . no matter the cost.

My Reflections:

This dual timeline story connects past and present in a magnificent fashion. Jamie Jo Wright is one of my go-to authors, her novels are remarkably unpredictable and have an edgy feel to them that is something I am not seeing from other writers these days. 

I found I could connect with the main character right from the start. Her life has been turned upside-down, and Aggie Dunkirk un-enthusiastically moves to Wisconsin to help care for her ageing grandmother Mumsie. Now Mumsie has got to be one of my favourite characters, her spunk and determination is hilarious and inspiring all in the same breath.  I also so enjoyed Aggie's co-worker Collin with his accents, charm and ever-present help at just the right moments. I laughed when he mentioned that he irons his cotton pyjamas, ha! Really?

In the connecting story set in 1946, my heart bleeds for dear Imogene (Mumsie) Her sister's murder hits her deep and shakes her to her core, a life long mystery that has haunted her every day of her life. Imogene is determined to solve the mysteries surrounding the death of her sister, so far as to put her very life in danger. But her main task is to balance this investigation with the new secretarial job she was hired for, to organize a flooded out cemetery. Things are happening that keep everyone on edge as mysterious letters and envelopes of bones keep showing up in the most unexpected times.

In this novel, you get everything a reader would want. mystery, drama, suspense, interesting and multidimensional characters and just a dash of romance.

I highly recommend Jamie Jo Weight's works if you like something just a little different, fresh and spellbinding.

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

Jaime Jo Wright (www.jaimewrightbooks.com) is winner of the Christy, Carol, Daphne du Maurier, and INSPY Awards. She's also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of three novellas. Jaime works as a human resources director in Wisconsin, where she...

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Book Review: The Bridge to Belle Island

From The Back:

After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon Ben finds himself falling for the main suspect--a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But is he a fool to believe her?

On Belle Island, Isabelle Wilder feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory?

When a second person dies and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know whom to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on Belle Island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.

My Reflections:

I have had the pleasure of reading many Julie Klassen novels and always leave the experience satisfied and hungry for more. 

Benjamin Booker is a lawyer by trade but after a humiliating mistake his trust issues run deep, especially with beautiful women. Unfortunately he is need to help clear the name of another beautiful face. After the death of one of his superiors Percival Norris, Benjamin is asked to go to Belle Island to investigate. How can he say no to Mr. Hardy, he took the risk and helped him go from inexperienced youth to his present position now?

Isabelle Wilder, a 30 year old spinster suffers from agoraphobia and sever anxiety issues. Trapped on the island by her affliction and fears she is tethered to her home on Belle Island. Her life spins wildly out of control after she becomes the main suspect in the murder of her trustees untimely death. Thing is she has not left the Island. 

The slow building suspense and plethora of possible suspects makes this who done it an intriguing mystery right up until the end. Fans who love Julie Klassen will be sure to enjoy this slightly different flavor in her usual writing style. 

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

Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen (www.julieklassen.com) loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and three of...

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Book Review: An Uncommon Woman

From The Back:

Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with.

Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.

Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand--and heart--are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.

My Reflections:

I am over the moon to have been able to review this novel. I can always expect to be captured within the pages of a Laura Frantz novel. Her characters are always so multidimensional  they leap off the pages and become apart of your life for the short time you spend with them.

Tessa had to be my favourite, goodness she made the story! Down to earth, compassionate and humble willing to serve with a open and kind heart, she drew my admiration for her. I can't imagine the living in this time period with all these trials, hunger, wild animals, and the incessant fear of Indian attacks. This Young woman is a force to be recond with!

Clay has overcome so much in his life. Having been taken at a tender age from his family by Natives has given him experiences and heartache more than any man should endure, yet he is strong courageous and willing to do what it takes to do the right thing.

Historical romances are some of my favourite reads so it is no surprise that I adored this book for its many characters, the way it wove faith and human kindness into the storyline was simply splendid. 

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

Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of eleven novels, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, The Lacemaker, and A Bound Heart. Learn more at...

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Book Revew: Seconds To Live

From The Back:

The Seconds Are Ticking Down before Someone Dies

When cybercriminals hack into the U.S. Marshals' Witness Protection database and auction off witnesses' personal details to the highest bidders, the RED Team, led by FBI Agent Sean Nichols, begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. But before he can even get started, the first witness is targeted and barely escapes with her life. Sean believes Phantom, an obsessed hacker who previously outwitted the top minds in the field, is behind the attack, and Sean needs this witness's help, as she's the person who has come closest to discovering Phantom's identity.

Trouble is, she's under the care of U.S. Marshal Taylor Mills, and Sean is reluctant to work with the captivating Marshal who knows his deepest secrets. But Phantom seems to be one step ahead at every turn and will stop at nothing to kill the witness. To stop the hacker, Sean and Taylor must learn to trust each other as danger draws ever closer.

My Reflections:

Susan Sleeman grabs her readers with just the right balance of excitement, intrigue and romance. This book will surely keep you up waiting for the good guys to come out on top!

I enjoyed the constant guessing game with this complex cast of characters. 

I loved the two main characters Sean and Taylor. Both have issues of their own and must overcome them in order to solve the case. Sean is an FBI agent and a member of the Red team within the Cyber Crime Centre. When it is discovered that someone has hacked into the (WITSEC) witness security program time is of the essence to protect many innocent lives.

Sean is trying to excel in his position and when he receives a promising lead he jumps on it. Will he be able to pull it off or with the task be too much too soon?

Taylor Mills is ensnared in the red team as she tries to help bring down the Phantom, the one responsible for wrecking havoc on the online system. Dusttee is a also involved as she was a key witness who testified against the Phantom in the past. Taylor unfortunately has her own wee problem with hacking and is on probation for her addiction.  Lives are on the line, where will the clues lead them? How many will be murdered before the catch the bad guy?

If you are looking for a good action packed novel with a nice balance, this may just be your new choice.

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

Susan Sleeman

Susan Sleeman (www.susansleeman.com) is the bestselling author of more than 35 romantic suspense novels with more than 1 million books sold. She has won several awards, including the ACFW Carol Award for Suspense for Fatal Mistake and the...

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Book Review: Christmas In Winter Hill

From The Back:

Spend this holiday season in a town you'll never forget--and never want to leave.
"That sign says Home of Christmasville--what does that mean? Does Santa Claus live here?" Emily giggled like she knew better.
"What do you think?" Krista grimaced at the plywood Christmas tree alongside the welcome sign. It could use a new coat of paint.
"I know, Santa isn't really real. But are we near the North Pole now? You said it snowed a lot here." Emily peered eagerly out the window, almost as if she expected to see snowflakes flying.
"It does snow here," Krista confirmed. "But it's still late autumn, Emily." She pointed to where some orange and gold leaves still clung to a large tree, vibrating in the afternoon breeze.
"But why did that sign say Home of Christmasville?" Emily persisted.
"I'm not sure."


Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn't always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, "Where's the snow?"

Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista's Christmas spirit before the big day?

My Reflections:
Melody Carlson has become well known for her holiday-inspired novels along with her YA material. Christmas In Winter Hill is no exception, you can always expect a clean, upbeat storyline with just enough depth and drama to satisfy most readers. 

Krista Galloway and her daughter Emily are striving for a brand new start after the end of Krista's marriage. Things aren't quite as they expect when they arrive in the sleepy little town of Winter Hill, Washington. 
It seems like you can run but the past always catches up to you. As Krista Delves into her new role as the city manager, she finds that she is responsible for the annual Christmas festival. The problem lies in the fact that Christa had been raised in multiple foster homes and being disappointed time and time again over Christmas traditions and "family love" has made Krista slightly grinchy when it comes to this beloved season. Emily, however, seems to thrive in her new town but will Krista be able to stick it out? There are a lot of butting heads with a few of the locals making the transition a little rocky.

If you are looking for a touching story this Christmas tale will most certainly make you take a look at the people around you and try to see things through others' eyes. Christmas can be a hard time for many people, and being sensitive to this fact can go a long way in loving our fellow humans. I know Christmas is over, but I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who may relate to Krista. I will certainly be watching for more books by this author!

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

Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over 200 books with sales of more than 7 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the...

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Book Review: Aiming For Love

From The Back:

When Strangers Intrude
on Three Wild Sisters' Hidden Mountain Life,
Their World Will Never Be the Same. Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world--a world she's been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls' secret home, her older sister is especially frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

David's parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. But his father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?

My Reflections:
Mary Connealy can always be counted on to pen a heartwarming, thought-provoking and well-planned novel. I am overjoyed that she has this new series out. The "Brides Of Hope Mountain" have once again proven my assumptions, another strong start to another fantastic series! 

Nestled deep in the Colorado mountains in the year 1873 live three sisters. They have a knack for living off the land and have not encountered another person other than their own family members for the entirety of their lives. Imagine meeting not just one person but a whole bunch of people, talk about socially inept! 

Jo Nordegren is spunky and adventurous, her curiosity will play a vital role in leading her and her sisters into a terrifyingly exciting new adventure. 

David and his family along with all the crew escape to the deep mountains with their extensive herd of cattle, and a few chickens. They manage to outrun the outlaws who are bent at taking over the ranch no matter the cost. David is completely thrown off balance when he discovers Jo sneaking around his camp. Where did she come from and what on earth is she doing in the middle of this rugged out country? Will the three sisters be able to help this massive intrusive bunch? Will civilization be able to tame these sisters' wild ways, or will it prove too much too soon? 

There are plenty of challenges and hurdles to climb in this delightfully engaging new series, it is sure to delight readers of all ages! I am eagerly anticipating book two, so Mary Connealy don't make us wait too long!

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

Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid...

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Book Review: Dark Ambitions

From The Back:

Danger lurks when ambitions turn deadly . . .
Former Army Night Stalker Rick Jordan usually has his camp for foster children to himself during the winter months. But someone has visited recently--leaving a trail of blood. One of the two clues left behind tips Rick off to the identity of his visitor, who soon turns up dead. The police deem it an accident, but Rick isn't convinced.

With the help of private investigator Heather Shields, he sets out to decipher the remaining clue. Except someone doesn't want them to succeed--and will stop at nothing to keep them from finding the truth

My Reflections:
Ohh, Irene Hannon, you have done it again! This just might be one of my favourite novels penned by Hannon. Her attention to detail and the tension created in the plot kept me reading well past an appropriate time!

The story opens with Former army night stalker Rick Jordan (who has reformed his life to helping run a camp for foster children) Rick comes across what looks to be blood on the ice of his tranquil pond. After further examination, he realizes this may be bigger than he was prepared for. 
When indeed it looks like this could be a message from his long-ago army buddy, Rick knows he will not rest until he knows what is going on.

Desperate for answers he turns to Phoenix Inc where he meets investigator Heather Shields, the attraction is immediate on both sides and they both strive to maintain a cool and composed business relationship. Knowing this investigation hinges on putting their feelings on the back burner both dive into the evidence and truth available to them.

This book will keep you guessing until the end, which is the hallmark of an expert suspense author.
I found myself deeply engaged in all aspects of this story and am pretty confident my readers who love suspense will eat this one up as well!

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

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including Hope Harbor, Sea Rose Lane, Sandpiper Cove, Pelican Point, and Driftwood Bay, as well as the Code of Honor, Private Justice, and Men of Valor...

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