Hawk by Ronnie Kendig

Photo from www.barnesandnoble.com

Hawk, Book 2 The Quite Professionals by Ronnie Kendig 
ISBN 9781624163180
Christian Fiction, Military, Suspense
  Staff Sergeant Brian “Hawk” Bledsoe comes to Fekiria Haidary’s aide and ends up in jail for his trouble with his military career on the line. Fekiria is an Afghan pilot, hiding the truth about her life from everyone. She has defied her father and brother by joining the AAF and studying to be a pilot. She has disdain for Americans but is slowly coming around. They are thrown together after she accidentally bombs his team. They are on the run from the Taliban and Chinese. Their lives and the lives of the children in her friends care are on the line. His team is in jeopardy as they are targets and their communications are compromised.
  This story is sure to keep you at the edge of your seat,  it is action packed and intense. The author did a great job of developing characters they are multi-dimensional and passionate. Faith is a strong aspect of this story. With characters sold out for Jesus, some questioning their beliefs and searching for answers. I enjoyed the faith aspect of Hawk. But you better duck because the bullets are flying.
  Hawk is book two in The Quite Professionals Series. I enjoyed it and had no problem following even though I have not read book one, Raptor 6. I give this book 4 stars and think all suspense and military lovers will really enjoy Hawk. I was very upset with the ending, I feel I was left hanging. So I guess I will be reading Book 3, Falcon to see what happened.
  I want to thank the author Ronie Kendig and publisher Shiloh for bringing good clean, compelling Christian books that are entertaining and give hope to the reader with stories of faith.  I would also like to thank The Book Club Network Inc. for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Back cover from www.christianbook.com

A Question of Destiny by Anita Higman

Book description and photo from Amazon.

A Question of Destiny

 

Publication Date: October 29, 2014

 

Lucy O’Brien is about to be given ten millions dollars and a chance to live a life she never imagined. Will this new found wealth be Lucy’s undoing, or can she rise above the temptations within high society and choose to become a nobler version of herself? And will the solitary Andrew Whitfield—a man who watches over Lucy as she adapts to her new lifestyle—cause her to close the door on her dreams or be the key that opens the rest of Lucy’s destiny?

My review:  A Question of Destiny by Anita Higman 

Contemporary, Christian, Romance

 They say your life can change in a second. Lucy and her boyfriend are waking down the street when they see an elderly woman being robbed. She takes off after the robber while her boyfriend tucks tail and runs for the hills. For humble Lucy O’Brien her good deed turned into a 10 million dollar reward. Her destiny is forever changed. 

   Ian a multimillionaire decides to reward Lucy for her good deed and her service to the community. But he has an ulterior motive. He would love nothing more than to play match maker to his friend and personal assistant Andy. Andy has been Ian’s loyal employee, friend and like a son to him. He would do anything to help Ian. So when he is asked to be a mentor of sorts to Lucy of coarse he say‘s yes. Lucy had no idea how crazy her life will become. She now has a choice as to her destiny. 

   Faith is interwoven through this fantastic story.  She can chose forgiveness, restoration of family, and love. She also has the chance to bless others or spend it on herself. I highly recommend this novel; it is well worth your time. 

   Wow another 5 star book by Anita Higman. A Question of Destiny is a fun and fast paced read. The author has done a great job of making this light read entertaining. It is well written with characters you are sure to fall in love with. I am hoping there is a sequel to follow. 

   I want to give a high-five to the author Anita Higman and publisher for bringing compelling Christian books that are entertaining and give hope to the reader with stories of faith. I was provided with this book in exchange for my honest review and I am so grateful the authors and publishers generosity. 

The author has graciously answered a few questions about 

A Question of Destiny 

Can you tell me a little bit about your novel A Question of Destiny?

I'd be happy to. It's basically rags to riches story with a few surprises along the way.

 Here's a short blurb to give you a few more details.

 Lucy O'Brien is about to be given $10 million and a chance to live a life she never imagined. Will this new found wealth be Lucy's undoing, or can she rise above the temptations within high society and choose to become a nobler version of herself? And will the solitary Andrew Whitfield- a man who watches over Lucy as she adapts to the new lifestyle- cause her to close the door on her dreams or be the key that opens the rest of Lucy's  destiny?

How did you come up with this story? 

I've always thought the rags-to-riches concept was fascinating. There's so much ready-made conflict. Even though we've been told by the world that to receive a windfall would be an idyllic situation, in reality, a lot can go wrong. You can truly lose your way. In life, love, faith. Everything. Since a writer needs a lot of conflict to keep those lovely readers turning the pages, I thought this would be a good place a good plot element to add to the love story.

In A Question of Destiny you have the hero loving the city while the heroine loves the country, and it becomes a sticky point between them. Where did you get your inspiration for this conflict? 

I suppose both of these viewpoints are inside me. I grew up on a farm, but I now live near Houston. I love the city and and the country equally, and so does my husband. So, we are building our retirement home in the country, but because of the soon-to-be-built freeway nearby, we will have access to the city. But I won't tell you how my heroine and hero work out this intense disagreement!

What is the farthest place from home you've ever been? 

Melbourne, Australia. I loved it there. It's such a beautiful and fascinating city. So much so, I set part of a novel there, which was entitled, Winter in Full Bloom. I'd love to go back to Australia someday, but it's expensive, and it's a very, very long flight!

Want to share one of your dreams? 

I would love to have one of my books made into a movie. Right now two of  my novels are optioned for movies, so I'm hoping something exciting will transpire from that.

How long have you know that you wanted to be a writer? 

Growing up I dreamed of telling stories. When I was very young I started working on a novel about a man from Mars who wanted to go to college in New York. I never finished that novel, but it left an impression on me. I knew deep down that writing was my dream, even though I didn't get around to fulfilling it until I was in my thirties.

What do you hope your readers will come away with after reading one of your novels? 

I would love for them to be inspired, challenged, and entertained. If I accomplish even one of these things I would feel my writing time wasn't wasted.

If you could have dinner with two well-known people, who would they be? 

Josh Groban, because his music inspires me and Leif Enger, because I love the way he writes.

Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?

 I love licorice ice cream, but it's rare find.

Any advice for new readers? 

My advice would be, "Don't rush the process. Take your time. Read and learn about the craft, network, and attend conferences. Start a blog, and following your own unique voice. Be faithful to your stories and write every day. If you really have a passion for writing, you won't fine my suggestions to be punishment – but a pleasure."

How can your readers connect with you?

 I would love for you to visit my website at Anita Higman.com and connect with me through the "Contact Me" button, or you can go to my FaceBook Reader Page.

Amazon

Trails & Targets, Dangerous Darlyns Series by Kelly Eileen Hake

Photo from Barnes & Noble

 

Back Cover:  A Darlyn in Distress
Beatrix Darlyn holds her family together. Plentiful prayers and unconventional interests enliven hard work on the family farm, but talent with a trigger won’t pay her father’s debts. For the sake of her three sisters, Bea pushes her pride aside to take a leap of faith.

A Reluctant Rescuer
Greyson Wilder can’t outrun the pain of his past—but he does his best to bury it. A man who’s outlived all his loved ones can’t find a better business than selling the skeletons of slaughtered buffalo. There’s no one to care for, but no one to disappoint—until a sharpshooting farm girl waylays him with an irresistible offer.

An Unlikely Partnership
When their plans go awry, Greyson finds himself saddled with the sisters, who surprising skills might be the ticket to surviving the Wild West. Whether it’s trick shots or throwing knives, these women aim to succeed and never miss a target. Can Greyson convince Bea to set her sights on him, or will they both miss their shot at love?

 

My Review: 

Trails & Tangles, Book 1 of the Dangerous Darlyns series by Kelly Eileen Hake
Shiloh Run Press
ISBN 9781628367720
Christian Fiction, Historical, Western Romance

  The Darlyns are four bachrlorette’s, that live with their ill father in the Old West. He has taught them to take care of themselves. They can out shoot, throw a knife, ride and rope better than any of the men around. They are also smart, quick witted and great cooks. Beatrix “Bea” being the oldest tries to keep everyone in line and take care of her family. Bea is being harassed by the town bully. When Grayson runs into Bea and her sister in town he comes to their rescue. He follows them home for a thank you dinner and stays for an extended period of time. Can Grey help save her family home and win Bea’s heart? Well you will have to read this wonderful four star book to find out.
  Kelly Eileen Hake did a great job of bringing life to the characters. They were adventurous, witty and strong women of noble character and faith. I give Trails & Tangles 4 stars.
  Quote: “ The Dalyns would stand out in any setting, but Grey couldn’t help thinking they’d find more acceptance and appreciation in a larger, more diverse town. Not that they showed any indication to leave. Drought and debt inspired redoubled efforts,  not despair. Their crops might fail but Darlyn roots ran too deep for them to seek out greener pastures elsewhere.
  Impractical, but understandable. When they’d cut a road into a ravine and coaxed crops from a dry stream bed, they’d build more than a farm. They carved a place for themselves amid the unforgiving plains, a home so cozy that even Grey fought a reluctance to leave.” 
  I want to thank the author Kelly Eileen Hake and publisher Shiloh Run Press for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to readers like me. I would also like to thank The Book Club Network Inc. for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Barnes & Noble.com

Author Kelly Eileen Hake

Facebook

The Bachelor Book 2 of Plain City Peace series by Stephanie Reed

Photo from barnesandnoble.com

My Review:  The Bachelor Book Two of Plain City Peace Series by Stephanie Reed
Kregel Publications
ISBN 9780825442162
Amish, Christian Fiction

  The Bachelor is set in 1970’s around the Vietnam war and draft. Bestie Troyer lives in Plain City where she is raising her two younger siblings and taking care of a English girl. Her biggest prayer is for her parents and aunt to return to Amish life. They left the Amish life to live out their new-found faith in Jesus. Bestie is promised to Charley but has a intense friendship with Englisher Michael.  Among much confusion she has to decide who to give her heart to and which faith she will follow.
  The author Stephanie Reed did a great job explaining salvation in this story. I really enjoyed learning how the Amish and English view faith and salvation. It was an eye opening experience to see the contrast of faith between Bestie who is Amish and Englisher Sheila. They both had such strong beliefs. The Bachelor is book 2 in Plain City Peace series but it stands alone. I have not read the first book The Bargain but after enjoying this one so much I will.
  I loved this fast paced Amish novel. It was thought provoking, well written and filled with faith. I give The Bachelor 5 stars. And a high-five to the author Stephanie Reed and publisher Kregel Publications for bringing compelling Christian books that are entertaining and give hope to the reader with stories of faith. The Book Club Network Inc. provided me with this book in exchange for my honest review and I am so grateful for their, the authors and publishers generosity.  

Who is Jesus by Mary Ann Diorio

Photo from Barnes & Noble

Back Cover: WHO IS JESUS? presents a biblical picture of our Savior in a way that will help your child recognize Him as Love Personified. Little children will come to know Jesus as the essence of all that is good, holy, and true. As you read this book to your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or students, the will learn that Jesus Christ cares about them and loves them with a perfect love.

My Review: Who Jesus Is? By MaryAnn Diorio TBN
Top Notch Press
ISBN 9780930037154
Christian Fiction, Children
  Ever child I know asks a bunch of questions. This book has the answer to who is Jesus. The author MaryAnn Diorio answers the tough question with everyday situations of will Jesus love me when I do wrong, does He love me when I hurt or cry, and does He love me when I can’t see Him. She includes a scripture to each question and an illustrated picture. I read this book to my grandchildren and they loved it. It was written in a way that a 2 yr old, 5 yr old and 8 yr old could understand it. The illustrations really caught their attention and helped them to understand better. They give this book 5 stars.
  I want to thank the author MaryAnn Diorio and publisher Top Notch Press for bringing good  Christian books like this one to the youngest readers. I would also like to thank The Book Club Network Inc. for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Mary Ann Diorio

Facebook

Treacherous Tart by Ellie Grant

Photo from Barnes & Noble

Back Cover: Festive pastries are flying off the shelves at Pie in the Sky, where Maggie Grady and her Aunt Clara sell the best desserts in Durham, North Carolina. Yet it;s not the tantalizing scents of cinnamon and nutmeg in the air, for murder is on the menu too...

 As Christmas approaches, Aunt Clara's love life is heating up. Maggie likes seeing her beloved partner-in-pie happy with her new beau, Donald Wickerson- until Maggie's own boyfriend, local reporter Ryan Summerour, discovers that several of Donald's wealthy exes met with unfortunate "accidents."

  Is Clars's boyfriens just looking to fatten his bank account? Before Maggie ca discover, a dying Donaldstumbles into Pie in the Sky. The way to a man's heart may be through his stomach, but someone found a handgun more effective. Even worse, Clara-who was out back feeding a stray cat at the time- had motive, means, and no human witnesses. 

  To clear Clara's name, Maggie and Ryan start sifting through suspects. Could the murderer be one of Donald's numerous former in-laws, or an emitted flame? And can Maggie find the culprit before the killer serves up a second helping?

My Review: Treacherous Tart, Pie in the Sky Mystery by Ellie Grant
Pocket Books
Christmas, Cozy Mystery
ISBN 9781451689563
   Donald Wickerson has had six wealthy wives die suspiciously. Now he has his eyes set on Aunt Clara, one of the owners of Pie in the Sky. He walks into the pie shop, calls out to Aunt Clara and drops dead. Who might have killed him? It could be any number of people that he has taken advantage of or maybe one of the many ladies he is dating. Maggie and Ryan are determined not to allow Aunt Clara to take the fall for a crime they know she could not commit. They are doing their best to keep her out of the big house while creating new pies and keeping the newspaper afloat. Aunt Clara insists that they are wrong about her beloved.
   Aunt Clara’s story is filled with vibrant and spirited characters. They bring life and laughter to this novel. The author Ellie Grant did a great job with the storyline and plot it was well written. There is action, laughter and cats, you could not ask for a better lineup unless you add pie, which she has. Treacherous Tart’s is a fun, fast paced and clean read. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys cozy mysteries. I give it 5 stars.
Quote: “Freeze it? Bite your tongue, Maggie Grady! Frozen crust never tastes the same. I thought I taught you better than that.”
There are worse crimes than using frozen crust….
  I want to thank the author Ellie Grant and publisher Pocket Books for bringing good clean  books like this one to readers like me. I was provided with this book in exchange for my honest review. 

Ellie Grant

Facebook