Book Review #25: From the Start by Melissa Tagg

From the Start by Melissa Tagg is her newest series that introduces the Walker Family to her readers. If you are a fan of Susan May Warren's Christiansen Family series than you will love this book. It has everything from romance to characters dealing with loss and healing, humor, plus the characters are written with flaws and great qualities that make them so relateable and a thrill to read. From the Start is the perfect April read for 2015! 

Summary 

Kate Walker used to believe in true love and happily ever after. While her own love life may have left her brokenhearted, it hasn't kept her from churning out made-for-TV romance movie screenplays...until a major career slump and a longing to do something meaningful send her running back to her hometown of Maple Valley.

Permanently sidelined by an injury, former NFL quarterback Colton Greene is temporarily hiding out in a friend's hometown to avoid the media and the reminders of all he's lost. Maple Valley seems like the perfect place to learn how to adjust to normal life. The only trouble is he's never really done normal before.

While Kate plays things safe and Colton is all about big risks and grand gestures, they both get what it's like to desperately need direction in life. An unexpected project gives them both a chance to jumpstart their new lives, but old wounds and new dreams are hard to ignore. Starting over wasn't part of the plan, but could it be the best thing that's ever happened to them?

My Thoughts 

Oh my gosh, yes. Just thank you Tagg, thank you! Now I have a new series to fill the void of the emptiness I feel when waiting for Warren's Christiansen series. Disclaimer: this book is anything but something to fill a void, it will start a new one. I need to read the next one now, but on with the review. 

Tagg's writing style is always an enjoyment to read for me. I have never laughed or smiled more than when I read her books. She has this wonderful ability to incorporate personalities of characters that aren't usually seen in "typical" Christian contemporary fiction. Also, the way in which she tells a story is amazing. She  knows how to pace well for her readers and gives just enough that makes us want to keep reading to get more. And as I said in a review long ago about her first book,                               

"the development spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically for all of Tagg's characters [is] genuine and honest,"

and Tagg keeps this the same for her writing still which for me makes it a solid read. 

Kate Walker is the first of the Walker clan to have her story told and it was a great choice. She was a strong independent woman who wrote scripts for romance movies, but the romance in her life was a bit closed off due to a past relationship. Kate had a crazy amount of growth in this book: from opening up to having a moment of healing and moving on with the man from the past relationship. It was a full circle for her I felt which I loved. Kate wasn't just passionate about writing romance either, but had a passion for  writing grants because of how it connected her to her late mother. This showed that she wasn't just plugged into one certain area of writing and that choice for Kate showed that Tagg really cares about her characters and makes them as real as a writer can. My favorite line from the book that relates back to Kate is "Be the girl who takes the risk and goes after what she wants."

Colton Greene is the embodiment of  the protagonist male. He was injured both mentally and physically. Colton had a lot of growth in this story. He has a few flashbacks to the death of his parents that make him physically shaken up and this part of his story was the most interesting. It wasn't until the last like four chapters that the complete truth is revealed to not only the readers but to Colton as well, and I have to say it was a curve ball for sure! I liked how Tagg used his storyline of being in foster care as a way for him to start a foundation for transitioning young men in the same situation. It was just another element that Tagg gives her characters that make them dimensional and great to read. 

As for the cover: gorgeous! Do not be fooled by the huge scarf that Colton is wearing: there is a story there! Also, please please please please let the next story be about Rae and Bear. I am just already hoping and praying that they have a story. Can we get a hint, Tagg? 2016 is too far away to wait. Just a snippet? 

Warning: be prepared to get attached to a new family of characters and a small town with even more well developed characters that have stories that are raw and real and make you want to read about them forever. 

Melissa Tagg, you are now on my auto-buy list. Great work! 

Rating: 5 out of 5 bookshelves
I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.

About the Author 

Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter, and Goodreads 
Purchase her book: Amazon and B&N


Happy Reading~! 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid

Book Review #24: Sabotaged (Alaskan Courage #5) by Dani Pettrey

Sabotaged (Alaskan Courage #5) is the fifth installment in her thriller series set in the Alaskan wilderness. With the elements of nature, blackmail, kidnapping, and multiple accounts of attempt murder along with a possible loving relationship starting to bloom this book is jam packed from beginning to end. If you love the intense moments of spy movies and the complexity of crime shows this book has combined these two into a great read. 

Summary 

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey's search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light. Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits.

Kirra's uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank's daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper's bidding or she will die. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl's life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

My Thoughts 

This book has a lot. I mean a lot of stuff. Because it is the fifth book there isn't much character introduction due to the fact that all of these characters have been in previously introduced already in the other four books. For this reason, I would highly recommend reading the other four. I would only benefit you more as the reader. I have read two out of the four before this book, and I still had to go back and refresh my memory for characters. Other than that it is a good read. 
  
I loved though that Pettrey didn't waste much time with this novel, she just got right to it with her writing. As the readers, we are introduced to the Iditarod race where Kirra and Reef are on watch together and Kirra's uncle goes missing from check-in. This starts all the roller coaster of thrill and high stakes of life and death begins and continues until the end of the novel. 

Kirra was an interesting character. She takes on the responsibility to find out the men who are blackmailing her uncle as he is partaking in the race. With that it brings up a lot of past events that still haven't fully healed her mental, physical and spiritual scars. There were moments where I felt Kirra was a bit too forced as a written character but I think that might just be a personal thought. I did like her though for her courage, dedication to her family and how willing she was to look past Reef's image. 

Now for Reef. He was introduced in the second novel I believe wanted for murder or under suspicion for it, spoiler alert it wasn't him. Anyways he is known as the bad boy.  In this novel we finally get to see what Reef is thinking and feeling which is refreshing. I like the idea of introducing characters in a story that have a complete background in that book and than get to have their own book where they are really introduced. Reef is just like any strong male character, easily likeable. He is the type of character that always is wanted in a novel. His interaction and relationship with Kirra was good. Sometimes it felt that because of all of the tense drama the love component of their relationship was pushed the side. Which is fine, it's just not a type of book where the characters have a sit down dinner and talk about their feelings. 

If you loved the other novels and have been following this series from the beginning then you will be happy to know that each character makes an appearance in this novel as well. They even get a part of the action. As always this book has strong family dynamics with siblings that are willing to do whatever they need to do for family. 

Rating: 3 out of 5 bookshelves  
I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.

About the Author  

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one's faith and plenty of romance. She's a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads
Purchase her Book: Amazon and B&N

Happy Reading~! 
In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid   

Book Review #23: Dauntless (Valiant Hearts #1) by Dina L. Sleiman

Dauntless (Valiant Hearts #1) by Dina L. Sleiman is mixing the story of Robin Hood with the arrow skills of Katniss Everdeen while blending in the issue of faith. If the synopsis of this book doesn't already make you want to pick up this book and start reading, I encourage you to read the book anyways because this is a new series that you will want to be reading.  It's fresh, it's engaging, it's exciting, and it's just plain fun to read. These are the kinds of stories that can be read from ages 9 to 99. 

Summary
 
Though once a baron's daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village. Dubbed "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest," her band of followers soon become enemies of the throne when they hijack ill-gotten gold meant for the king.

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, will he choose fame or love?

My Thoughts 

As for the components of the book such as: characters, plot, message, creativeness, etc.  I was really impressed.  Merry is a really strong female character, and she has a lot of compassion and willingness to protect others.  I liked how she was someone who was going through doubt in terms of her faith, and that might sound weird.  But I like reading about characters that are going through things that are human, such as doubt. Then throughout the story she struggles and ends up coming closer to God. It’s not clean or a simple answer that does it, but it’s her searching and that’s what I liked about it. Another side note, is when reading this I saw Merry like the Keira Knightley's movie, Princess of Thieves which I really liked so basically Merry is awesome. A good thing to keep in mind when reading.

Timothy was another character that was a good opposite for Merry.  He was someone who just like her has a lot of compassion and willingness to help others.  For Timothy he yearns to save Merry from her troubles, and to help lessen her burden.  I loved his selflessness and dedication to Merry.  It wasn’t that he thought she was helpless or a damsel in distress, but he truly wanted to help her.  It’s throughout the story that he learns and sees for himself how much Merry is capable of, which makes his love for her grow even more. 

If you have ever read YA fiction this book definitely reminded me of Graceling.  Merry is a strong character that will have fans of the Hunger Games or Divergent series excited to read this book.  So excited for the characters of this book to be further developed in the next books to come!  By the way, the covers are gorgeous! 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 bookshelves 

I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.

About the Author  

Novelist, Poet, Dancer, Wife, Mother and Passionate Follower of Christ. Check out her novels, Dance of the Dandelion, Love in Three Quarter Time, Dance from Deep Within, Dauntless and Chivalrous.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads
Purchase her book: Amazon, B&N

Seriously, don't miss out on this new series. You'll want to join this thrilling medieval bandwagon.

Happy Reading~!
In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Do you love all things fairytales, romance and charming princes that have emotional scars? Do you love strong females protagonists that have a great sense of humor and love others well? Look no further than How to Catch a Prince, the third book of The Royal Wedding Series, by Rachel Hauck because it has all of the above and more. It's one of the must 2015 spring reads this year!

Summary 

Prince Stephen came to America to escape responsibility. But what he found complicates his life more than ever.

Corina Del Rey is happy with her life in Melbourne, Florida. She spends her days engrossed in her career as a journalist and has her sights set on climbing the corporate ladder if for no other reason, to distract herself from her dissolving family. But when she is confronted with the past she fought so hard to put behind her, she struggles to make sense of her future.

Prince Stephen of Brighton Kingdom has moved on since the tragic death of his buddies in Afghanistan. A star professional rugby player, he has no intention of looking over his shoulder at what could've been.

But when a notice arrives in the mail requiring his and his wife s appearance before the courts to dissolve their marriage, he must deal with the questions rumbling around in his heart. He thought his marriage had been annulled long ago, but his memories of Corina Del Rey remain close. Does he still love her? Can he even find her? Above all, can he tell her the truth about that fateful night in Afghanistan seven years ago? If he does, he might really lose her forever."

My Thoughts 
 
This is the third and final book in the Royal Weddings Series written by the queen of Christian romance, Rachel Hauck. This novel has all the romance, humor and even a dash of the supernatural (think more along the line of angels) that makes it a most enjoyable read. 

Now, if you haven’t read the other two books I would highly recommend that you do. But, if you just want to read this book, that’s fine too. Hauck does really well at writing series that can be all read together or even as a stand-alone. 

As for the book, I loved it. Hauck has this knack for writing female leads that are both hilarious and likeable.  They are the kinds of characters that you want to read, and they don’t let down.  Corina is a wonderful addition to the two other great female leads from the two other books in this series.  She isn’t just spunky, but she has a lot of grief that she is still struggling and dealing with as we meet her in this story.  I really liked how well Hauck handled a really tough issue with her characters that involved war and death.  I felt that it didn’t depress the plot in any way, but made it more humanized and emotionally powerful.  Stephen (the prince, cue swooning) is the mysterious younger brother that was introduced in the first book. I knew from his introduction he would have his own story, and it was refreshing to read his.  He as well as Corina was dealing with a lot of grief and regrets for his past mistakes and it’s through his rekindling with Corina that he begins to live again and move forward. Also, it doesn’t hurt that he also have a great personality. 

Overall, this is a good book.  Aside from some corny conversations that felt a little too much. I did enjoy this read.  It’s the perfect modern day fairy tale that intertwines faith, forgiveness, healing and how God leads someone through all of that.  If you love romance, humor, and modern day princes that fall in love with the modern day female who is strong and funny than this is the book for you! Pick up your copy today!! 

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves 
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.                 

If are you interested in at all about my thoughts on the other two books here are the reviews to Once Upon a Prince and Princess Ever After.

About the Author 

RITA finalist and award winning author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida. With strong southern stories, she infuses faith and real life into the lives of her fictional characters.

Rachel loves to encourage new writers and is the book therapist for My Book Therapy and writing community founded by Susan May Warren. Rachel graduated from Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism. She's and avid OSU football fan.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads 
Purchase her book: Amazon and B&N 

GIVEAWAY******
An American heiress and a crown prince seem destined to be together. Will the devastation of war keep them apart forever? Find out in Rachel Hauck's new book, How to Catch a Prince. True love has a destiny all its own. With a little heavenly help, Prince Stephen and Corina embark on a journey of truth. But when the secrets are revealed, can they overcome, move forward, and find love again?

Enter to win a "royal" prize pack! 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A royal-themed Brighton charm bracelet
• 2 tickets to see the new Cinderella movie
• The Royal Wedding series (Once Upon a Prince, Princess Ever After, and How to Catch a Prince)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 23rd. Winner will be announced March 24th on Rachel's blog.


{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}  

Happy Reading~! 

In His Grace, 

Taylor Reid 

Litfuse Blog Book Tour: Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

Remember the Lilies  is another wonderful romance war story written by the lovely Lis Tolsma. This book will bring your senses to life as a reader and have you pawing through the pages to finish! This is a show-stopper book: it has history, it has war, it has romance, and amazing character's both primary and secondary! Another to add to your must read for 2015 list, don't miss out! 

Summary

Irene and Rand come from very different walks of life. Will they find common ground in their fight to survive?

Irene has grown up in the jungle as a missionary with her Aunt Anita, but now she and countless others are imprisoned by Japanese soldiers at the Santo Tomas Internment Camp in the Philippines. Irene and her aunt are safe there, and she keeps busy with her duty of delivering censored messages to the camp’s prisoners, but like everyone else, she prays for the war to end and for her freedom. Rand is a wealthy, womanizing American, whose attempted escape from the internment camp has put himself and others in danger. When Rand and Irene’s Aunt Anita meet one another in the hospital, Irene learns more of his story and her heart is determined to save his family. But the danger outside the walls of the hospital worsens every day, and life in this exotic place is anything but luxurious. Can Irene find Rand’s family before they disappear forever? And can a humble missionary woman and an arrogant man find common ground in the face of their biggest fears?

My Thoughts 

It can't be a Liz Tolsma book without a gorgeous cover.  Tolsma is  one of those type of authors who use themes in their titles and for her it's flowers: so far there have been tulips, daisies and now lilies!  What's the next flower?!  But yes, this cover is amazing. I love love love love book covers and when I ripped this out of the package I was singing "lalala" for sheer joy of putting this on my bookshelf. So pretty! A+

The book as a whole was wonderful.  Tolsma has never let me down. Somehow she is able to write war stories in a way that makes it realistic but not as depressing.  I know some people don't tend to gravitate towards war stories because it's crazy to think that reading fictional accounts of actual wars seems bizarre.  So if you are one of those people I highly recommend Tolsma.  She blends the aspects of war through the life of her characters so well.  It's always engaging to read, and of course there is a good side to be rooting for throughout the book which makes it an even more thrilling experience as a reader.  

I did love all of the extra content in this book.  Irene Reynolds was one feisty missionary kid turning into a young woman.  I loved her passion to help others.  Now, there is a theme where characters do things when you know they shouldn't and something horrible or almost horrible happens to them and spoiler alert this happens to her, but what I did like from this is that she realized what she did was wrong.  And I liked that the others characters didn't berate her for what she did, but instead comforted her.  Rand was another character that was really engaging to read.  He goes from playboy nightclub owner to a internment camp prisoner. His comfortable life is ripped from him and he is thrown into a crossroad where he must learn to be strong and figure out what he stands for as a human being.  His compassion for others grows, and his relationship with Irene develops that side of him as well.  There was one point of his story where I felt was left unresolved, it was like the issue was mentioned and then like "oh, it's ok I'm not wanted." As the reader you will understand I believe. 

Overall, this book is a highly recommended read from me to you, reiders! Its rich writing will transport you to the Santo Tomas Internment Camp with Irene, Rand and the friends they make along the way. Pick up a copy and find out how "two very different people find love- and survive the impossible circumstances of war."

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves 
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.  

About the Author 

My life is always a changing scene, full and busy with writing inspirational historical fiction and raising a family.   I  have been writing seriously for a number of years now, but have wanted to be an author since the fifth grade    when my teacher wrote, “I hope to see you as a published authoress,” in my autograph book. I was hooked. I’m proud to be represented by my wonderful agent, Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

When I’m not busy writing, I enjoy reading, especially historical romance. You can also find me working in my garden, walking my black lab, Kylie, camping with my family, kayaking or crocheting.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads
Purchase her book: Amazon and B&N   

This gripping new tale from Liz Tolsma, Remember the Lilies, is a must-read for fans of WWII-era fiction. When Irene is attacked by a sinister Japanese guard and their secrets are exposed, she and Rand must learn the true meaning of forgiveness—if they can stave off starvation until the American troops bring freedom.

Help Liz celebrate the release of Remember the Lilies with a Kindle Fire giveaway!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• One copy of Remember the Lilies

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 2/19. Winner will be announced at Liz's Remember the Lilies Facebook author chat party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Liz and WWII fiction fans, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!   

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

Happy Reading, 

Taylor Reid

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Return to Exile by Lynee Gentry

Return to Exile is the second installment to the Carthage Chronicles. This is the Outlander of Christian fiction that has all the time travel and romance elements that leave the readers happy.  From the beautiful book cover to the rich writing, this book will leave you excited for the next one. 

Summary 

A twenty-first-century doctor travels back in time to third-century Carthage to rescue her husband, but the arrival of a deadly epidemic forces her to make an impossible choice in this fast-paced second novel in The Carthage Chronicles series. 

Dr. Lisbeth Hastings salvaged two things from her accidental trip to the third century: her mother's stethoscope and her child. Making a life for her daughter Maggie back in the present is difficult, but returning to ancient Carthage is impossible. However, when Lisbeth learns her husband is slated to die a martyr's death, she must find a way around the impossible to save him.

Cyprian Thascius returns from political exile a broken man. He's lost his faith, the love of his life, and his purpose. When Ruth, an old friend, proposes he marry her to restore his position and protect his estate, the disgraced nobleman accepts. But when Cyprian's true love suddenly reappears, his heart becomes as imperiled as the fledgling church.
As Lisbeth and Cyprian reunite to battle a new epidemic and save the oppressed community of Christians, the chasm between the two of them seems too wide to bridge. But when Maggie contracts typhoid, Lisbeth must choose: stay and save the man she loves, or return home and save her daughter? 

Filled with gripping action and raw emotion, this incredibly compelling adventure of star-crossed lovers will keep you engrossed with every turn of the page.

My Thoughts 

Well written, engaging and exciting to read! Grab this book and be ready to be transported in time!  

  
So, I didn't read the first novel in this series and wish that I did.  I feel there was character development and the building of relationships between characters that I missed in the first one that hindered my ability as a reader with connecting.  That didn't in any way stop me from reading this book and marveling at the beautiful writing and plot development, just made me wish I had more as a reader with these characters.

I love time travel books. This book reminded me of Lisa T. Bregren's River of Time Series, just a little more adult friendly in the sense that the main characters are adults and not teenagers. I always find it fascinating when christian authors write with time travel involved and then still use God as an element in their writing. I mean who wouldn't want to go back in time?  I'm not entirely well-versed in the history or time period that this book is based in, but it felt very authentic.

I loved the relationship between Baek and Maggie, the two children. It was very fun to read their interactions with one another, and how they started to form a bond despite their differences of age and life experiences.  
(Warning minor spoiler alert! Skip to next paragraph!) 
To be honest, the one thing I didn't entirely understand was Ruth marrying Cyprian, and then to have her die... I felt that this was just a way for Cyprian to be with Lisabeth again...even though he was married to Lisabeth... I don't know if maybe the author wanted to have the characters go through tension, or figure out their grief? But it felt almost unnecessary. Then again it could be because I missed out on the first book I missed why this happened. 
(END OF SPOILER)
 
The relationship between Lisabeth and Cyprian is great to read too. They both have big responsibilities to accomplish and hurdles of issues to figure out when they are reunited.  The book ends on a cliffhanger leaving me begging to know what is going to happen to  Lisabeth and Cyprian!? I guess that means I will have to read the next one! 

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review from Litfuse Publicity Group.

About the Author 
  
This girl who grew up on a Kansas dairy farm never wanted to be a writer, but she has always been a storyteller. Her mother called it "Selling wind in a bag." Lynne started out writing plays and skits. Then in a moment of sheer insanity, she decided to take a stab at writing full-length novels. Reinventing Leona was her first and it is no longer in print. 
Lynne can milk a cow, drive a tractor, organize a banquet, prepare a kid for that first professional acting audition, or sit across the table and enjoy a cup of coffee with you.

Link to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter, and Goodreads 
Link to Book: Amazon and B&N 


In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid