On My Kindle - Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

Mary Elizabeth Chapman's world is turned upside down when her father announces they are going to the New World with their congregation. Things are not easy for the Separatists in Holland, but it's home.

William Lytton is urged by his mentor to travel to the New World where his carpentry skills will be a valuable asset and his past will be unknown. He's been taught well and has an excellent reputation, but he wants nothing to do with God.

When the two young people meet on board the Mayflower, sparks fly. Yet Mary  Elizabeth feels guilty because he's not part of their congregation. Her father would never agree to a match with those they call, "Strangers."

Will they ever have a chance at love? For that matter, will they survive the journey to the New World and the troubles that await them?

Kimberley Woodhouse is a new-to-me author. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of history and fiction. It made me grateful for those hardy souls, who braved unspeakable hardship to settle this country. She also shared her research and how she went about writing this book. It was a fascinating behind-the-scenes story.

I'll be looking for more of her stories. 5 stars for the Mayflower Bride.

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Writers and Readers:  Do you find historical fiction educational? Who are some of your favorite authors?

On My Kindle - The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

Amelia, a successful concert violinist, has a secret passion. As Amy Lee, she enters contests and plays the fiddle at major venues. It's her way of breaking free from the control of her father and agent. She's tired of the constant traveling and a romance that has grown stale.

Michael, a young Amishman, still sits on the fence whether or not to join the church or walk away from that life. He still honors God, but the restrictions of his community leave him frustrated and unhappy.

On her way home from a fiddling gig, Amelia/Amy gets lost in a raging storm. She happens upon a cabin in Amish country and meets the kind Amishman. There's no way their worlds can intersect unless...

It's been years since I read a Beverly Lewis Amish novel. After sampling a number of other authors in this genre, I moved on to explore other books. Out of all the Amish authors, Ms. Lewis has been my favorite.

"The Fiddler," was a happy choice. The storytelling, characters, and setting captured my imagination, and I spent many hours enjoying Hickory Hollow. I might even pick up the next book in the series. It was a pleasant change of pace for me.

Five Stars!

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions expressed, as always, are mine and mine alone.

Writers and Readers:  Have you every grown tired of the genre you prefer and moved on to other types of books? Would you consider going back and sampling the latest offerings in that favorite genre?

On My Nightstand - The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White

Margot DeWilde works as a crytologist (code breaker) during World War II. A brilliant mathematician, she's a great asset to the Intelligence community. Her life centers around logic and math even though her faith is strong. She doesn't see how matters of the heart and head can work together. She's about to get some big lessons.

Drake Elton is stationed in Spain, working undercover for Great Britain. His instincts and prayers have helped him successfully foil German plots. His opposite number in the German spy network manages to severely wound him. He's flown back to England, where he faces a long, difficult recovery.

He's fascinated by the beautiful, but unconventional, Margot. What chance does he have of capturing her heart when so many others have tried and failed?

The author created characters of such depth it was hard to believe this was a novel. I've read quite a few of her books, and this ranks as one of my favorites. It would be helpful for the reader to pick up the previous series before starting the Codebreaker Series. While a stand-alone novel, having the background from the other books made this a richer experience.

Roseanna M. White is fast becoming one of my go-to authors. I can't wait for the next book in this series. 5 Stars for The Number of Love.

Disclaimer:  Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions expressed, as always, are mine and mine alone.

Writers and Readers: What are your favorite elements in the Historical Romantic Suspense genre? Please share.

On My Kindle - Escape to the Biltmore by Patricia Riddle-Gaddis

Women doctors faced a lot of discrimination in the late 1800's. Dr. Anna St. James was fortunate that her wealthy father encouraged and supported her efforts to get training. His death puts her at the mercy of her father's business partner, and she soon finds herself without resources. She accepts an invitation from her dear friend to attend a party at the Biltmore.

Dr. Richard Wellington's encounter with the intelligent young woman rocks all his pre-conceived ideas about women doctors. As they get to know each other on a long train ride to Asheville, North Carolina, not only his respect for her grows, but also his attraction.

Anna isn't giving up her dream for anyone. Will Richard open his mind and heart or will he land on the side of tradition?

Patricia Riddle-Gaddis is a new-to-me author. The historical romance is heartwarming and the characters engaging. I sympathized with both Anna and Richard as they tried to work out their differences.

While I enjoyed the book, I did feel like I was being pounded with the whole discrimination thing. At times, I could almost see the author jumping on the page and lecturing. Please note this is my opinion. Others might find those parts of the book quite educational.

Still, it was a pleasant read with enough tension to keep me turning pages. I'll check out some of her other books. I'm giving Escape to Biltmore 4 Stars.

Disclaimer:  Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Writers and Readers: What is your opinion on books that seem more focused on a particular agenda than the story itself?

On My Kindle - Perilous Treasure by Dan Walsh

Trouble has a way of finding history professor, Jack Turner, much to his wife's chagrin. His friend, Detective Joe Boyd, discovers a great way to de-stress and get some exercise - metal detecting. The surrounding property in Culpepper, Georgia provides many opportunities to discover Civil War relics.

Jack goes to a club meeting with Joe and meets other metal-detecting enthusiasts. His meet-and-greet speech includes his specialty of WWII history. When two old codgers in the group make a startling discovery during one of their outings, they 're reminded of Jack's expertise.

They're not the only ones interested in the treasure. Inquiries on the Internet put them in touch with a fine arts dealer, but they get more than they expect - a boatload of trouble.

Dan Walsh has a knack for creating likable, interesting characters. Both Jack Turner and Joe Boyd are the kind of people you'd want for friends. A peek at Joe's family gives the reader insight into his family life, as well as his professional life as a detective.

The author's other talent is creating heart-stopping suspense. You can see the tension building and know you're in for one wild ride once everything breaks loose.

This is the fourth book in the Jack Turner series. While it's helpful to read the other books, it's not essential. This is a stand-alone novel.

Five stars!

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid me to give a favorable review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  If you write fiction, do any of your characters have an interesting hobby? Please share.

Readers:  Do you enjoy the suspense genre? Who are your favorite authors?

On My Kindle - Unintended Consequences by Dan Walsh

Jack Turner and his bride, Rachel, include a stop at his grandmother's house during their honeymoon trip. He's unexpectedly called away on an emergency, so Rachel stays with his grandmother for a couple of days.

Renee Turner shares the amazing love story that took place during WWII in England and France. Dan Walsh knows how to tell a good story. I blasted through this book in record time.

Unintended Consequences is the third book in the Jack Turner suspense series. It's different from the other books because it focuses on Jack's grandparents. However, you can see where the younger man got his thirst for adventure and love of history.

5 Stars - You'll be fine if you pick up Book 3, but it's so much better to read a series in order. I just picked up the next book in  the series and can't wait to dig into it. :)

Writers:  Have you ever thought of writing a series? Please share.

Readers:  How do you approach series books? Do you wait for all of them to be available before starting or do you read each one as it's released?

On My Kindle - And You Came Along - Elaine Stock

After losing her job and being evicted, Jacey and her young son pack up and head for a friend's house. On the way, a blizzard and an accident delay their progress.

Zander is headed to see his family and relocate near them after a horrific on-the-job incident. When he's involved in the crash with Jacey, he worries that his painful injuries will worsen.

A Good Samaritan helps them and urges them to stay in the cabin on his property. As the storm rages outside, Jacey and Zander deal with their own internal storms. Each day, their attraction grows stronger.

They're about to make some big decisions, when a revelation threatens to turn this fairytale romance into a, "no deal."

Elaine Stock does a nice job with her characters and their story. The novella-length makes it a fast read, while the sweet romance is perfect for an afternoon at the beach.

4 Stars for this light romance.

Disclaimer: The author did not pay me for a favorable review. All opinions, as usual, are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  Have you tried writing a novella-length book? What challenges did you encounter?

Readers:  Do you prefer novellas or longer books? Why?

On My Nightstand - The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke

After reading all of Cathy Gohlke's novels, I knew The Medallion would be a great story. I was totally unprepared for the effect it had on me.

Based on true events from WWII in Poland, it alternately horrified and inspired me. There's something about hearing of war in abstract terms and quite another thing when the lives of people are highlighted. It reminded me of 9/11 and the individual stories of death and survival.

Throughout the story, Cathy wove in how faith affected the characters' decisions. The escapes from desperate circumstances reflected the hand of God on their lives. In the midst of the worst situations, they made sacrifices to preserve the lives of their fellow man.

The underground went to great lengths to rescue children. Each person did what they could, and together they made an impact that will echo into eternity. Can we do any less than speak out for infants, who modern pharoahs look to exterminate? Can we do any less to protect the elderly, those with disabilities, and those battling serious illnesses?

Five stars.

Disclaimer:  Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. I pre-ordered this book on my own, and all opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  Have you ever written something after being inspired by a true story? How did you discover the story?

Readers:  Has a novel ever moved you to become more involved in a cause? Please share.

On My Kindle - Remembering Dresden by Dan Walsh

Jack Turner rents a cabin to work on his thesis. He's ready to settle down to a normal life after his hair-raising adventures. His research and a haunting discovery make his time at the cabin anything but restful. Fortunately, Jack is more prepared to handle the mystery sitting in front of him.

Rachel, his girlfriend, isn't crazy about the idea of another mystery. The last one almost got them killed. However, she agrees to help him translate a journal. What they find links the past and present in the most horrifying ways.

Dan Walsh's first book in this series, "When Night Comes," should be read to get the full effect of this one. Although many references are made to the previous story, I'm glad I read the series in order.

Once again, the book grabbed my attention and didn't let go until the end. The author knows how to write a compelling tale of tragedy, revenge, and political intrigue.  I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

5 Stars! I can't wait to attend the author's Learning Lab at the Greater Philadelphia Writers Conference.

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid me anything to give a favorable review. As always, all opinions are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  Have you ever attended a workshop given by one of your favorite authors? Did it meet your expectations? What did you learn?

Readers:  Do you enjoy mystery/suspense novels or do you find them too scary/exhausting? Please share.

On My Kindle - The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

Taylor Branson and Jack Forester eloped after a whirlwind courtship. Neither reckoned with how their past hurts would affect their marriage. Would they find their way back to each other or was this union doomed?

The story switches back and forth between the late 1940's-early 1950's to modern times. Jimmy and Colette declared their love for each other and planned to get married. When Uncle Sam called Jimmy and sent him to Korea, their relationship fell apart. Could love survive decades of secrets and misunderstandings or was it too late to recapture what they once enjoyed?

I've been fascinated with Rachel's character-driven stories, and this one was no exception. She digs deep into their feelings and motivations. Themes of repentance and forgiveness are woven throughout like a silk thread.

Five stars for this romantic offering that reaches into the heart and pulls you in.

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  What type of stories do you craft? Plot driven and/or character driven?

Readers: Do you enjoy books that go beyond surface relationships? Please share.

On My Nightstand - A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White

Willa Forsythe loves music and playing the violin. She's also an accomplished thief. When she's given an assignment to locate a key to unlock coded messages, she's ready for the challenge. Others are also looking for the mysterious key and danger stalks her every move.

Lukas De Wilde is a world renowned violinist. Wounded from his narrow escape from German-dominated Brussels, he's frantic to get news of his family. When he meets Willa, she captivates him with her quick mind and phenomenal talent.

Even while drawn to each other, Willa knows they're on a collision course that will doom the relationship. She must steel herself against getting too close or her family could be destroyed.

I can't believe I let this book sit on my To-Be-Read pile for so long, especially after reading the first book in the series (Shadows Over England). Wow! With my limited reading time, I couldn't wait to get back to this story.

Roseanna M. White knows how to create many-layered characters. The conflict and emotion leaps off the page, leaving one breathless for more. There's no way to guess how things will turn out for these two people.

If you haven't already figured it out, I'm giving this book 5 massive stars. This author is fast becoming one of my favorites.

Disclaimer: I purchased this book on Amazon. Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. As always, all opinions are mine  and mine alone.

Writers and Readers:  Who are some of your favorite Christian Fiction authors? Why?

On My Kindle - Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt

Gabby St. Claire's unique job as a crime scene cleaner stirs her curiosity about the murder of a politician's wife. From there, it's one wild and dangerous ride.

This is the first book in a series, so there's a tantalizing ending in relation to her love interest. Christy Barritt is a new-to-me author, and I'm so glad I picked up this book. Her writing voice and these characters sent me into giggles one minute and heart-stopping suspense the next. It's written in first person, and the author did a great job with it.

I could see this book being a great beach read. It's light enough to read in a day and has enough meat to hold your interest throughout.

5 Stars for this delightful tale. I'll be picking up Book 2 in this squeaky-clean series in the near future.

Writers:  Have you ever written something (fiction or non-fiction) in first person? Please share your struggles/joys with using this tense.

Readers:  Do you like reading books written from a first-person perspective? I'd be interested in your thoughts.

On My Kindle - A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz

This story takes place in Scotland, Virginia, and Jamaica during pre-Revolutionary War times. The heroine, Lark, comes from a high-born Scottish line that's fallen on hard times. Our hero, Magnus MacLeish, grew up and was educated with Lark. Their friendship spanned many years, but their lives took different paths.

I'm not going to give even a little bit of a recap because I don't want to spoil this epic story of hardship, suffering, and great love. The author shared this was the story of her heart since her ancestors came from Scotland.

At first, I was put off by the long glossary of Scottish/Gaelic words, but it worked better than I could have imagined. By the end of the book, I was almost using them myself. :)

5 Stars for this bonny tale.

Writers:  Do you include words/expressions from other languages in your writing? How do you handle this so the reader isn't overwhelmed?

Readers:  How do you feel about a lot of foreign words in a story? Please share.
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On My Kindle - Freefall by Kristen Heitzmann

A tumble into the water and a nasty bump on the head render our heroine without a memory. She emerges out of the mountains of Kauai and meets a caring islander, Monica "Nica" Pierce.

Cameron "Kai" Pierce investigates all manner of fraud on the mainland. When his sister sends him an S.O.S. about her unexpected guest, he flies back to help her out. Jade, as his sister has dubbed the woman, is an enigma he is determined to either expose or protect. Whatever happens with her, his sister's safety is paramount.

Wow! This story took off from the first page and kept me riveted. I've read many of the author's books and always savored the mix of mystery, suspense, danger, and romance. Freefall delivered on all counts.

5 Stars for this book!

Writers:  Have you crafted stories with multiple elements? Please share.

Readers:  Many books stay with one element like romance, Sci-Fi, etc. Others combine elements. For example: Historical romance is popular. What's your favorite genre/genre combo?

On My Kindle - A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden

Lucy Drake and her brother, Nick, fight a legal battle going back to their grandfather's time. Their Uncle Thomas uses every dirty trick in the book to make their lives miserable. Both of them wonder if pursuing the case is worth the hardship and financial drain.

Sir Colin Beckwith, Head of the New York Reuters news agency has his own troubles. His dilapidated estate back in England needs far more work than he can afford. Concerns for his sister and their 90 tenants propel him into a hunt for a rich, American heiress. Once he meets Lucy Drake, he has a hard time focusing on his plan.

This historical romance by Ms. Camden contained many interesting elements. The main characters' unusual careers, the political intrigue, the romance between an ordinary young woman and a titled British gentleman all produced a captivating story. The tension and the impossibility of their situation kept me turning pages to see how it would be resolved.

There were several things that pulled me out of the story. I couldn't figure out if one character was a good guy or a bad guy. This didn't appear to be the proverbial red herring. It seemed like the writer wasn't sure how to work him into the mix. I also came across a saying, which I think is more recent than the historical setting, and it was used more than once. The villains all seemed to be without any redeeming qualities, which produced pictures in my head of a fair maiden tied to railroad tracks and an evil man twirling a mustache.

Even with the negatives, I'm still giving this book four stars. The good far outweighed any shortcomings. I'll definitely look for more of Ms. Camden's books.

Disclaimer:  Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  When writing anything in a historical context, do you research whether or not a saying was used at that time? Please share.

Readers:  What type of situation jars your senses when reading a historical romance? Please share.

On My Kindle - A Heart's Gift: A Love's Road Home Novel by Lena Nelson Dooley

Lorinda Sullivan grew up in an abusive home after her mother died. When she married Mike Sullivan, her life took on new meaning. Her happiness came to an abrupt halt when news of his murder came via a neighbor.

Franklin Vine vowed he'd never give his heart to another woman. It hurt too much when she ran off with his best friend. The plight of the young widow touched his heart. He could help her get on her feet and then move on. Or so he thought...

I've been on Lena Nelson Dooley's blog and seen her around the Net. (The Christian writing community is a small world.) This is the first book I've read by this author.

The main characters were likable, and the touch of mystery added depth to the story. I wish the author had gone a little deeper with the suspense element. All in all, A Heart's Gift kept me engaged. I enjoyed the story, as well as the satisfactory conclusion.

Four starts for this novel.

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. As always, the opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

On My Kindle - To The Moon and Back by Kathi Macias

Rachel Beckwith cares for her disabled husband, but has a harder and harder time with the simple tasks of life. She becomes more reclusive with every passing day, afraid to venture outside for fear of becoming lost.

Her husband, Pete, blames Rachel for his condition. Bitterness and resentment mark his every interaction with her. He can't understand why she's become so inept at keeping house or taking care of him.

Author Kathi Macias does a masterful job at portraying this family and the challenges they go through dealing with Alzheimer's Disease. Her tender treatment of the relationship dynamics and the hope infused through relationship with the Lord and the community make this especially heart warming.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Alzheimer's and dementia are  a growing problem in this country as the population ages. The story promotes both understanding and encouragement for those who act as caregivers.

Five Stars!

Disclaimer: I picked up this book on a free promotional day. Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions expressed, as always, are mine and  mine alone.

Writers:  Have you ever considered/used a character in your stories with a disability? Please share.

Readers: How do you feel about books that deal with real-life i

On My Kindle - Roswell's Secret by Vannetta Chapman

I recently reviewed the first book in this series, Coyote's Revenge. Both of these books come under the heading of, "Thriller." The second book, "Roswell's Secret," follows Agent Dean Dreiser.

He's more than a little perturbed when his boss assigns Dr. Lucinda Brown to work with him on a case of biological attack. He sees her as a newbie agent with zero experience in the field. How is she ever going to help him without getting them both killed? He also didn't figure on her being an attractive Latina, brilliant scientist.

Lucinda Brown is on a mission to prevent a biologic attack. She'd seen close up what it could do to a person. When she's paired with Dean, she views him as the exact kind of person she didn't want to love.

The research that went into this book had to be staggering. Vannetta Chapman sure did her homework, and the results are apparent in the vivid details.

I would have liked to see a stronger spiritual thread. Lucinda had what the author called, "second sight." She would see things before they happened. Other than that and some references to the characters praying (even though they weren't sure they believed), the story was skinny when it came to God being involved. It is a clean read, but did have one mild expletive.

If you're into heart-stopping suspense, this series is a winner. I'm giving it five stars for technical excellence and four stars for story content.

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  How involved is God in the life of your characters? How do you strike a balance between making them realistic in their struggles yet strong in their faith?

Readers:  When reading Christian fiction, does it bother you when there's minimal spiritual content? Please share your thoughts.

On My Kindle - Coyote's Revenge by Vannetta Chapman

Madison Hart takes a job in another state to fulfill a promise made to her dying mother. A harrowing plane ride ends with meeting a mysterious Good Samaritan. While she finds him attractive, his strange disappearances make her wary. He's probably like all the other men she's dated, abandoning her when life gets tough.

Aiden Lewis is a government agent trying to prevent a massive terror attack. His cool head during dangerous situations earned him the nickname, "Iceman." For years, he's tried to make up for his perceived failure to save his father's life. Madison is the first woman to reach his heart. Can he convince her of his love even though his mission must remain a secret?

I've always associated Vanetta Chapman with her Amish novels. When I saw she'd branched out into Romantic Suspense, I decided to give her books a try. Wow! This lady knows how to write an excellent suspense story. After finishing Coyote, I started her second book in the series.

5 Stars for this book - you won't want to put it down.

Writers:  If you write fiction, have you considered tackling another genre? Please share.

Readers:  When one of your favorite authors switches gears and presents a new type of story, do you give it a try? Why? Why not?

On My Kindle - Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish

Unlike most of the Christian Fiction I read, this story is character driven rather than story driven. Christa Parrish does a fabulous job exploring the internal struggles of Liesl McNamara, an expert bread maker.

Liesl's entire identity is wrapped up in her love for the craft. It's her way of avoiding the deeper issues of life and connecting with the people around her. When Seamus and his six-year-old daughter, Cecelia, enter her life, she senses the stirrings of true caring.

Just when her life seems to be taking a positive turn, a revelation concerning her past nearly destroys her. Will she move forward or be forever stuck in the past?

The author's insightful dialogue, both external and internal, made me think about how we process our life experiences. There are strong spiritual threads throughout the book as the character searches for her purpose in life.

In addition, Christa gave a delightful view of running a bakery and the art versus the business of food. Readers drawn to the foodie world will find delight in the many intricate recipes for bread.

If you're looking for a change of pace from romantic suspense, this story will provide some different views on life and love.

5 Stars for an excellent, well-written story.

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for a favorable review. All opinions expressed, as usual, are mine and  mine alone.

Writers: Have you every considered writing a character-driven novel, short story, or article? Please share.

Readers: This book has other characters, but everything is seen through Liesl's eyes. Do you enjoy this type of story or prefer more action/adventure with multiple character point of views? Please share.