Chasing Mona Lisa - Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey

THE BOOK:

One enigmatic smile. Two passionate protectors. And a relentlessly ticking clock.

August 1944. Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country and steal countless pieces of irreplaceable art. In fact, Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all--the Mona Lisa--as a postwar bargaining chip.

But the woman with the mysterious smile has some very determined protectors. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

With nonstop action and intrigue, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh Swiss chateau, the race is on--and the runners are playing for keeps.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: ***

Political intrigues and personal motives run high in a plot that surrounds the priceless painting, the Mona Lisa. The different Resistance groups in France has finally driven out the Germans from their beloved city. But the danger and adventure is far from over for four certain people. When Swiss spies, Eric and Gabi, learn that the Mona Lisa is in danger, they join up with Resistance member Bernard and art curator Colette and head off to get to the painting before the thief’s do!

Unfortunately, I just couldn’t warm to this book. Especially when it came to the characters—I just couldn’t really connect with them. They didn’t seem real to me. And the writing style turned me off a bit—there was too much telling and not enough showing.

The ending confused me a bit. Not with Eric and Gabi’s story, but with Bernard and Colette. Maybe I missed something, but when the end came…I was left wondering what, exactly, happened to those two.

While I wasn’t as enthralled with Chasing Mona Lisa as I’d like to with a book that says it’s an action/adventure, I did enjoy the read. Lots of history packed within these pages, to be sure! Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey weave really rich facts and dive deep into French art and how France was liberated from German control.

I reviewed this book for Revell via Litfuse. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.



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Firethorn - Ronie Kendig

THE BOOK:

Blown and dismantled, Nightshade is ready to repay the favor.

Former Marine and current Nightshade team member Griffin "Legend" Riddell is comfortable. So comfortable he never sees the set up that lands him in a maximum security prison, charged with murder. How can he prove his innocence behind bars?

Covert operative Kazi Faron is tasked with reassembling Nightshade—the black ops team someone dissected. Breaking Griffin out of a federal penitentiary amid explosive confusion may turn out to be her last assignment. What will it take to convince the fugitive that whoever set him up has also dissected the Nightshade team? As Kazi and Griffin race to rescue the others and discover the traitor, love begins to awaken in their hearts.

Can a covert operative and the felon she's freed overcome their mutual distrust long enough to save Nightshade? Will anything prepare them for who—or what is coming?

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

Anyone who’s read anything by Ronie Kendig knows that she can deliver “rapid-fire fiction”, and she does not disappoint in Firethorn, the grand finale for the Discarded Heroes series! Open this book and instantly you will be sucked into the latest adventure for the Nightshade team. Except, instead of being sent on a mission…they are the mission—to regroup back together and hunt down whoever tried to permanently dismantle the Nightshade team.

What I found most intriguing about Firethorn is that it wasn’t just about Griffin (Legend) and Kazi—though they are very central characters—but touches on each one of the members of the Nightshade team. Including their wives. Getting to see the men and their families from previous books—Max and Sydney, Colton and Piper, Canyon and Dani—fight for their livelihood was the most gripping part of the book. After growing so attached to all of them in Nightshade, Digitalis, and Wolfsbane, I was nearly out of my mind with worry when the Nightshade was targeted and the members scattered.

Bringing in Kazi—an assassin who’s always worked alone—was a really neat twist in contrast to the tight teamwork that Griffin is used to with the Nightshade team. This book almost rivaled Wolfsbane’s position as my favorite out of the series. Almost. I admit I was a little depressed on finishing this book—one ending just completely took me by surprise. And while I don’t hate the book—by any means!—it still...really saddened me. (No spoilers in this review, so that’s all I’m saying!)

Ronie Kendig is at the top of her game with Firethorn. The writing grips you, the characters (once again) spring from the pages, and the action is non-stop! It’s so hard to believe the Discarded Heroes series has come to an end. The characters have become so special and personal to me! But I know whatever book/series she comes out with next, I am going to love—It’s Ronie Kendig we’re talkin’ about here, a lady who writes my kind of suspense...how can I not?? 

I reviewed this book for FIRST Wild Card Blog Tours. Special thanks to Ronie Kendig for sending me a review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done. 

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Shadowed in Silk - Christine Lindsay

THE BOOK:

She was invisible to those who should have loved her.

After the Great War, Abby Fraser returns to India, where her husband is stationed with the British army. She has longed to go home to the land of glittering palaces and veiled women . . . but Nick has become a cruel stranger and a cruel father to their three-year old son. It will take more than her American pluck to survive.

Major Geoff Richards, broken over the loss of so many of his men in the trenches of France, returns to his cavalry post in Amritsar. His faith does little to help him understand the ruthlessness of his British peers toward the Indian people he loves. Nor does it explain how he is to protect Abby Fraser and her child from the husband who mistreats them.

Amid political unrest, inhospitable deserts, and Russian spies, tensions rise in India as the people cry for the freedom espoused by Gandhi. Caught between their own ideals and duty, Geoff and Abby stumble into sinister secrets . . . secrets that will thrust them out of the shadows and straight into the fire of revolution.

MY REVIEW:

Star Rating: *****

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book set in this specific time period—the British Raj. Before reading Shadowed in Silk, I knew nothing about this. That all changed once I finished this book. Christine Lindsay has written a wonderful debut—the first in a series, too, looks like! I look forward to reading and hearing more about this talented author in the future.

Cam was such a dear. Through and through. I loved seeing the affections between mother and son as Abby watched over and protected her precious son. Geoff seemed like a great guy to get to know. Protective, kind, passionate…all the quality’s you want in a husband. And Abby discovered that right off! I felt for her, as she tried to deal with being married to a man who never cared for you. How sad!

The numerous Indian words, on occasion, got frustration, as I would have to go back to the beginning, find out what the word meant, before continuing on. But maybe that’s because I have such a bad memory, I couldn’t remember more than “Ayah” (Nanny), and was always forgetting what I’d just looked up. The plot was ingenious, and I loved the mystery of who “Vadik” was. Very well done!

Having a romance where one of them is married is always tricky, but I’m delighted to say that Lindsay handles the situation very well. Both Abby and Geoff continually steer away from their affections toward each other and don’t even voice it to the other until Abby’s situation changes. There is a husband who has a mistress while his wife is away, but besides this, the book is entirely clean and a wealth of historical information about the British Raj.

Debut books are always so crucial to an author, as that’s their “first impression” to the reading world. And I am glad to say that Christine Lindsay’s book passed with flying colors! Shadowed in Silk was brilliant, unique, and touching on a subject that I haven’t really seen in Christian fiction.

I reviewed this book for FIRST Wild Card Blog Tours. Special thanks to Christine Lindsay for sending me a review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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His Steadfast Love - Golden Keyes Parsons

THE BOOK:

It isn't until the Civil War comes to her doorstep that Amanda Bell must choose between love and family.

It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Amanda never thought she would marry because of a promise she made to her dying mother, but her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.

When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel aligns with the Confederate States, while Kent remains with the Union troops.

Her heart is torn between the two men she is closest to and the two sides of the conflict. Amanda prays to God for direction and support, but hears only silence. Where is God in the atrocities of war-and whose side is He on?

Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. She must trust God to deliver her family through the chaos of war with her heart and her faith intact.

MY REVIEW:


Star Rating: ***

Reading His Steadfast Love was almost like stepping inside the movie Gods and Generals…almost. The setting, the characters, the things that they have to go through during the war all came to life through Golden Parsons writing style. Why do I say “almost”? Because I personally think the movie portrayed the reasons and politics behind the war better than this book did.

While the writing was good, I wasn’t overly impressed with the book as a whole, sadly. The characters seemed flat—I never really connected with them. And there were several scenes that I felt too awkward/unnatural. (Like when someone is suddenly sick, within an hour the doctor proclaimed the invalid was going to die. Just like that. And in front of invalid, too! All I could think was “What terrible bedside manners!”)

The point that Parson takes—that slavery was THE reason for the war—bugged me. A lot! Several times characters within His Steadfast Love mentioned how the war was fought because of slavery…when it really wasn’t. Not all the way, at least. Slavery was only a part of it. This particular annoyance is more than likely something only I would find frustrating. But there it is. But I did like how Parsons showed the gradual change in Amanda’s behavior toward her slaves. Very well done!

Parsons detail to historical times was really good, taking the reader back in time and throwing them into such a difficult time period in our country’s history. The romance wasn’t my favorite, but that may be because I never really was able to connect to either of the main characters. Her writing style was tight and well done, and while I didn’t enjoy His Steadfast Love as much as I had hoped, I am sure there are other readers who would enjoy this book. 

I reviewed this book for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. Thanks to the publishers, Thomas Nelson, for sending me my review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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The Captive Heart - Dale Cramer

THE BOOK:

The Epic Story of  an Amish Community in Peril.

Ravaged by disease, preyed upon by ruthless bandits, the Bender family’s second year in Mexico has taken a grievous turn. Faced with impossible choices, the expatriate Amish discover, more than ever before, what it means to live by faith and not by sight.

But it’s Miriam who must make the hardest choice as her heart takes her on a new and dangerous course. Domingo. “He is gentle,” his sister said, “until someone he loves is threatened.” Is Miriam that someone?

“Cualnezqui,” he often calls her – the Nahuatl word for Beautiful one. The chiseled native has proven himself a man of principle, grace, and power. Yet is he the pearl of great price for whom Miriam would sacrifice everything, or is he merely a friend? Tormented by conflicting emotions, she’s haunted by vivid dreams: Dressed in the coarse cotton pants and shirt of a peasant, she stands on the precipice of a sun-washed ridge searching desperately for Domingo. Domingo the fierce. Domingo the protector. Domingo the forbidden.

Inspired by actual events!

MY REVIEW: 

Star Rating: ***

While The Captive Heart had more events and action packed within its pages than the first book in the series, I still wasn't crazy about the book. Mostly because I felt there were so many loose ends when the book ended. I understand an author wanting to leave some questions there, in anticipation of another book, but I personally felt it was too many. There wasn’t enough closer.

The book takes off much faster than the first, combining more adventure into this tale! When Rachel is kidnapped and taken by bandits to be sold as a slave…oh yeah, that amps it up! And when Jake sets out to save her—though he won’t kill anyone—gives the story an interesting twist. I easily flew through the pages, enjoying this book now that I was used to Dale Cramer’s writing style.

There was one interesting part when the Bender sisters are talking about “Bed courtship” that I thought a bit…interesting! The author does specify that the practice has kinda died away, but I'm just surprised that it ever begun! Yikes, sounds kinda...out there!

I don’t mean for this review to sound like I am totally negative about The Captive Heart, as there were some things I enjoyed. And doubtless others would enjoy this book more than I did. And if Dale Cramer did publish a third book to this series, I would probably get it to read. Just so I can know how everything ends up for the Bender family! :-) 

I reviewed this book for Bethany House Publishers. Thanks to Jim for sending me a review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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Paradise Valley - Dale Cramer

THE BOOK:

Inspired by Actual Events!

"I would do a great many things for you." Even at 16, Jake's handsome features hold the calm certainty and patient confidence of a man, and Rachel Bender knows--Jake Weaver is the one.

Rachel will grow into a strong young woman with powerful gifts--but in a far away country without her Jake. In 1921, Ohio's new law forces Caleb Bender's family to seek santucary in the wilds of Mexico, where the government will not interfvere with their Amish way of life or take their children from them. Nor will it protect them from the bandits terrorizing the countryside.

In an unfamiliar land where no one speaks thier language or knows their ways, the Benders establish a homestead in exile. Sisters Emma, Rachel, and Miriam find strengths unimagined, gifts unexpected, and yearnings beyong their deepest dreams. Even steadfast Caleb is compelled to wrestle with the demands of faith, only to discover that love has its own demands.

Paradise Valley -- a tale of love, danger, and redeeming faith.

MY REVIEW:

 Star Rating: ***

I am not a big Amish fan, but Dale Cramer's book, Paradise Valley, was very interesting and very different than other Amish books I’ve read. Which was a nice change. I mean, these Amish people came face to face with bandits and several times the girls were nearly abducted! Yep, not a typical docile Amish story, to be sure! And the fact that this is based on real events—that there really was an Amish family who went to Mexico to start a new colony—was awesome!

I think maybe my biggest problem with this book was the writing style. It was very different than what I usually like—told more as a narration of Rachel's story then from deep POV "IN" Rachel's head. And the book was rather slow paced for a good majority of it. There are two characters who sleep together, and while there are no details given, I had a slight problem with it. There are never any consequences or recuperations after their sin is found out by the parents. I just wished I could have seen some repenting for their sin.

That aside, Paradise Valley makes for a good story, and I did enjoy reading it—even if I did start skimming a lot. The characters are warm and endearing, and while sometimes the emotions seemed a bit stilted, by the end of the book this Amish family had grown on me. It’s amazing how, because they couldn’t teach their children their own way, they embarked on an adventure that forever changed the lives of each character. Paradise Valley is a book Amish fans will enjoy.

I reviewed this book for Bethany House Publishers. Thanks to Jim for sending me a review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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The Accidental Bride - Denise Hunter

THE BOOK:

Two high-school sweethearts, a wedding reenactment, and one absent-minded preacher. Is it a recipe for disaster or a chance for a new beginning?

 

Shay Brandenberger is a survivor. She's lived through a crazy childhood, a failed marriage, and single parenthood-with her confidence intact.

But not for long. Because when Shay participates in her town's Founder's Day wedding reenactment, she finds herself face-to-face with the one man who takes her breath away and leaves her weak in the knees: Travis McCoy.

Travis is back in town after years way on the rodeo circuit. His one regret in life is breaking Shay's heart when they were high-school sweethearts. He's determined to get it right this time. 

So when their Founder's Day "marriage" is accidentally made official, Travis seizes the day. Can Shay put aside her pride to let Travis help her, or will their accidental marriage be dissolved before it can begin? 

MY REVIEW: 

Star Rating: ****

The Accidental Bride will have you gripping the pages, breathless. And not the kind of suspense 'breathless-ness' us thriller-readers might think. But a romantic kinda suspense that has you cheering—urging—Travis to prove to Shay that he's a changed man. It's definitely a book that, when you read the last page, you close with a content sigh. You go through such turmoil to get to the 'happy ever after', you're just too thrilled to think of anything but, "He did it! They're together! Yay!"

Travis was great. Sure, he was a knucklehead in his youth, but now he’s wiser—gotta love a guy who admits he was wrong and tries so hard to fix it! Shay, personally, was a little harder for me to like. Okay, a lot harder! There were a few times I wanted to knock her upside the head and tell her to open her eyes—to see what an awesome man Travis turned out to be. I do understand some of her hesitation…but after five months?! How could she keep doubting?

In The Accidental Bride, there comes a point where their vows are consummated, and there are several passionate kisses. Kisses are described, but past that, the author doesn't go into too much detail except to mention that it takes place. There’s also mentioning of a "necking" in the hay stall and them taking a shower together. It could have done without some of the more heated, intimate scenes, but Denise Hunter more just toed the line, in my opinion.

The idea of becoming accidentally, and so irreversibly, married to someone without even knowing was kinda far-fetched for me. And the author even says that she stretched a few laws and such to make it work. But it did make for an interesting story. I loved the writing style in this book—so sharp and bold, carrying the thoughts, feelings, and reactions of the character right to the reader. It felt so real, so believable. The Accidental Bride is a book that fans of Denise Hunter are going to love! :-)

I reviewed this book for FIRST Wild Card Blog Tours. Special thanks to Audra Jennings at the B&B  Media Group for sending me a review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

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