And the winner is….
Karen R.!
Karen, I have emailed you so please check. If you haven’t heard from me, please make contact!
Month: September 2017
All of You – Celebrate Lit Giveaway
Click here to purchase your copy.
About the Book
Book title: All of You
Author: Sarah Monzon
Release date: May 15, 2017
Genre:Dual-timeline/Contemporary Romance
Maryland, Present Day
Jacquelyn Rogers can rebuild anything…except the shambles of her past. A restorer of vintage planes, she’s worked hard to earn the reputation of being one of the guys. The last thing she needs is a former Navy pilot fighting his own inner demons stepping in to defend her from dangers she thought she’d outrun long ago. Some battles must be fought alone.
After a freak accident severs Lieutenant Michael “Finch” Carrington’s dreams, as well as two limbs, he’s left with nothing but a fragile faith and a duty-bound promise to watch out for his friend’s baby sister. A promise she insists is as unnecessary as it is unappreciated. But when she turns the tables and begins to weld together the broken parts of his life, it may be his heart that is in need of protection.
England, 1944
With the world at war yet again, Alice Galloway rejects her father’s traditional expectations and offers her piloting expertise to the Air Transport Auxiliary. She may be a woman in a man’s world, but when she overhears key intelligence, she must find the strength to transcend boundaries and her own fears. Or countless people may die.
Sometimes the past reaches forward to bring hope to the future.
My Review
Sarah had me at “Maryland, Present Day.” I love reading books set not only in my hone state, but near where I live. But, a story is more than its setting, right? Right. And I blame Sarah completely for why my house did not get cleaned the weekend I started reading All of You, because I just COULD NOT put it down. Thankfully, the hubs has to work Saturday, so I was left to my reading. I had planned to get some things accomplished, but about 15 minutes in I realized that wasn’t going to happen.
Sarah is known for weaving a contemporary and historical story together and since I like both genres, I appreciate the art it takes to put both together in a way that doesn’t make your head spin. I knew that eventually the two would intersect and had an idea about how it might happen, but Sarah wove two romances together in a manner that keep me anticipating the convergence rather than feeling like it was predictable.
It was also refreshing to have a male lead who was rock solid in his faith, despite his circumstances. Many authors (including Sarah in past books) use the hero’s trials to help him return to God, but seeing Michael firm, despite the circumstances, while still struggling to accept them and asking questions was a journey I can relate to; there have been many times in my life where I’ve asked God “why” and “what now” while not doubting Him and I like that Michael approaches faith like this as well.
I encourage you to pick up a copy. You won’t regret it! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not paid nor required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.
About the Author
Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain’s wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn’t enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. When she isn’t in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.
Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her Sophomore book, Finders Keepers, won the 2017 Selah award for contemporary romance.
Guest Post from Sarah Monzon
I’m so excited to be here today and getting this opportunity to hang out with y’all in this virtual world. If you are anything like me, you devour books faster than my son drinks orange juice (and he really loves orange juice!). Because of that, it is sometimes hard to come across a book with a unique premise or a message that you haven’t seen incorporated a thousand times before. As a writer, I always try to bring something fresh to the table.
In the first book of the Carrington Family Series, Finders Keepers, neither of my characters were Christians. What? No Christians in a Christian fiction novel? Most Christian fiction books usually have at least one or both main characters a Christians. Don’t worry, they both found their way to Jesus. With All of You, however, I wanted to take yet an even different approach.
I’ve ready lots of books where the main character is angry or upset with God for such-and-such thing that happened in his/her life (I’ve even written a character like that), but I hadn’t really read a story about a character that, no matter what life threw at him/her, he/she was going to trust in God no matter what. As a life-long Christian, this is a message I can identify with. The “If not, He is still good” resonation that is sometimes harder to hold on to in the midst of pain and struggles.
So, as with all my books, I hope the freshness of the story and the realness of my characters will inspire and uplift you as you travel along with them on their journey.
God Bless.
Blog Stops
September 12: A Baker’s Perspective
September 12: Quiet Quilter
September 13: Books, Books, and More Books
September 13: Jeanette’s Thoughts
September 14: Cordially Barbara
September 14: Smiling Book Reviews
September 15: Avid Reader Book Reviews
September 15: Carpe Diem
September 16: Inklings and notions
September 16: Christian Bookaholic
September 17: Christian Chick’s Thoughts
September 17: Artistic Nobody
September 18: Bookworm Mama
September 18: Remembrancy
September 19: Back Porch Reads
September 19: Kat’s Corner Books
September 20: Just Jo’Anne
September 20: Margaret Kazmierczak
September 21: The Power of Words
September 21: Mary Hake
September 22: 100 Pages per Hour
September 22: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
September 23: Zerina Blossom’s Books
September 23: Simple Harvest Reads (spotlight)
September 24: Blossoms and Blessings
September 24: Moments Dipped in Ink
September 25: Kathleen Denly
September 25: His Grace is Sufficient
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bd52
The Case of the Clobbered Cad – Giveaway
I just finished a delightful mystery by Debra E.Marvin. I’ve only read one other novella by Debra (also a mystery, which I enjoyed, Desert Duet) and enjoyed that, so when she asked if I could be a part of her street team and told me a little about the book, I said sure! (required disclosure here about this being my honest opinion even th
ought I was provided a copy of the book). It’s not quite a cozy mystery, but pretty close to, and has a beginning amount of romance. So, for those of you who’ve asked for a mystery that is light (or nonexistent) romance and not scary, I think this would be a great fit for you. It’s also a historical, but being set in 1956, it’s contemporary enough that if you tend to fall in either camp, I still think you’d enjoy it.
I was able to meet Debra and hang out with her for a bit at CFRR this year. She is super nice and we talked about all sorts of things. If you ever get a chance to meet her, take it! Here are some photos of her trip to Edinburgh.
Inspired by the famous Girl Detective, the members of the Olentangy Heights Girls’ Detective Society, affectionately known as the Nosy Parkers, spent their formative years studying criminology, codes, and capers. Unfortunately, opportunities to put their unique skills to work were thin on the ground in the post-war boom of their little corner of suburbia and they eventually grew up to pursue more sensible careers. Until…
Heather Munro’s youthful devotion to The Girl Detective led to a passion for digging around in history. Now pursuing her Master’s Degree in Celtic Studies, Heather must balance exploring Edinburgh with her determination to excel in her all–male classes at the University. Unfortunately, on her first night working in the Archives room, she discovers the dead body of a visiting professor, the same would-be lothario she’d hoped never to see again.
As clues come to light, it’s clear someone hopes to frame Heather for the murder. Besides her quirky landlady, whom can she trust? How can she clear her name? The police and the American Consul have plenty of suspects, but only two seem to have both motive and opportunity: Heather and the quiet Scottish historian she longs to trust.
My Review
At first I wasn’t sure how much I would like this story knowing it was light on the romance, was set post WWII (but not contemporary), and is written from one perspective. I am happy to say that my normal taste preferences were absolutely proven wrong. I can’t remember reading a story set in this time period previously, but the setting is a blend of history while being contemporary enough to relate to. I loved the Scottish accents and hope it comes to audio book soon so I can listen to them as well. I was also hesitant since I’m a very big romance fan, but the story was so fascinating that I didn’t notice that I wasn’t being drawn into a relationship, plus there was just a hint that was enough for the romantic in me to be happy about, while also providing a bit of will they or won’t they?
While the story is written from one perspective, it is not narrative in style, which in my opinion, gives readers a little more information on context, while still telling it from the heroine’s perspective. I’m not a huge narrative style fan, but this story was a nice blend of the two opposites of narrative and multiple characters POV. I not only like the heroine, but I adored Mrs. Kintyre, who provides some motherly advice while also being out of the box.
Tom is an unusual hero, especially since Heather’s first impression of him are lack luster, but he proves himself an all around good guy, and that is the most attractive characteristic in a swoon-worthy man. There are also a few other men thrown in that keep you guessing as to who Heather will pursue. I hope that we’ll see more of her story as the series continues and who she for sure ends up with. Don’t fear it’s a drop off ending, though! You know how I detest those, and this one wraps up nicely.
About Debra
Debra on her 60th birthday trip to Scotland!
Debra E. Marvin tries not to run too far from real life but the imagination born out of being an only child has a powerful draw. Besides, the voices in her head tend to agree with all the sensible things she says. She’d like to live a wee bit closer to her grandchildren, but is thankful that God is in control, that He chooses to bless us despite ourselves and that He has a sense of humor.
Other than writing light-hearted romances and gritty gothics, she has rather normal obsessions such as fabric, peanut butter, vacations, British dramas, and whatever mystery series she’s currently stuck on.
Giveaway
Debra has graciously agreed to giveaway one digital copy of The Clobbered Cad! She also believes in not filling up you email inbox with junk, so it’s super easy to enter and no subscription required, though we’d love to add you to our mailing lists (which will earn you extra entries). Please click the Rafflecopter link, and as always, refer to the disclosures page for full details on giveaways.
Mom’s Mystery Monday – #3
It’s a mystery week here at Kat’s Corner books. Today I bring you another installment from my awesome mom, and tomorrow’s review will also be a mystery, so be sure to come back if you’re a mystery lover. Thanks, mom, for guest reviewing!
And, here’s mom:
Christmas is Coming.
The temperatures have started getting cooler and leaves are starting to change which means only one thing….fall will soon be followed by Christmas. Which means the wonderful Christmas movies hit TV and my reading turns to Christmas mysteries.
Last year I picked up a mystery by Joanne Fluke, “Candy Cane Murder”. Where a trail of candy canes leads to a dead Santa. I have always enjoyed her writing and her character Hannah Swensen, who owns The Cookie Jar. This time of year her inclusion of recipes is great for a new sweet baking tradition.
Unfortunately, I was just getting into the intrigue when the story hurriedly came to an end. This seemed odd with so many pages left in the book. It was then I realized this was a three story book. Two more books followed, one by Laura Levine and the other by Leslie Meier. So, on I plunged into “The Dangers of Candy Canes.”
The story starts with her trying to take a picture of her cat in a Santa hat. It was, of course, unsuccessful. I have two cats and could have told her it was a useless endeavor, so why it took a chapter to explain this dilemma confounds me. After this, it does not improve. The main character, Jaine Austen, talks to the readers and whines a lot which I find irritating. At chapter seven I gave up. By that point I simply didn’t care what happed.
Why these three books were put together I will never know, but at this moment all I can suggest is buy a cookie cook book instead and save yourself some disappointment.
Oh, and what about Leslie Meier’s last story? Can’t tell you. With Joanne’s abrupt ending of her story and Laura’s disappointing start to hers I didn’t bother to read the last.
Poor Leslie, not even getting a chance. Mom can be a tough critic sometimes; maybe I’ll be able to convince her to give Leslie a chance. It’s always tough when we don’t enjoy a book, especially when we like the author and have invested in them for just that reason. But, we all have down days, so as we head into fall, let’s give an author whose had a not-as-well-loved book another chance.
Family Recommends
Whew! Boy am I happy to be home! Every Labor Day we make a whirlwind trip back to Ohio and stay at my husband’s eldest brother’s house. It’s a great time with tons of family, and I love them all, but my introverted self barely survives every year. This year I had some interesting bookish conversations with my three sisters-in-law sharing some of the things I love, memories from CFRR, and things they love. So, of course I asked them what Christian Fiction book they’ve read recently that they recommend; it sounded like a perfect blog post and I’m always looking for new reads. I hope that you can find something you’ll enjoy. Here is each of their top picks:
Veil of Fire by Marlo Schalesky 
“Replete with suspense. Very difficult to put down.” This recommendation comes from my youngest sister-in-law. While she couldn’t remember the title right off the bat, she was very animated telling me all about it and how awesome it was. It’s a fictional story woven into an actual historic event . Thank goodness for Google because I was intrigued.
In 1894, the worst firestorm in Minnesota history descended on the town of Hinckley, consuming 400 square miles and killing 418 people in just four hours.
Heat, flame, and darkness swept through the town, devouring lives, and consuming all hope. In the aftermath of the fire, the town of Hinckley rises from the ashes, its people determined to rebuild their lives.
But in the shadows, someone is watching, someone is waiting, someone who knows the secrets the fire lay bare. A rumor spreads of a mysterious figure that haunts the hills; monster, a ghost, or a memory?
Midnight on the Mississippi (Secrets of the South Mysteries #1) byMary Ellis
Next up is my oldest sister-in-law’s recommendation. She reads almost as much as I do and we often trade books we loved to add to our TBR piles. She was currently reading the third in this series and said she had been hooked from the start and was anxiously waiting for the third to come out. Thus, she recommended the first in the series so you can get hooked too. From what I understand, you’ll need to read all three as it’s an ongoing series; not always my cup of tea as I prefer stories to wrap up in one book, but some of you all love these cliffhangers.Midnight on the Mississippi begins the new Secrets of the South Mysteries from bestselling author Mary Ellis. These complex crime dramas follow an investigator’s quest to make the world a better place…solving one case at a time.
New Orleans–Hunter Galen, a stock and securities broker, suspects his business partner, James Nowak, may be involved in embezzling their clients’ money, but he’s reluctant to jeopardize their friendship based on suspicion alone. After James turns up dead, Hunter realizes his unwillingness to confront a problem may have cost James his life.
Nicki Price, a newly minted PI, intends to solve the stockbroker’s murder, recover the missing millions from the client accounts, and establish herself in the career she adores. As she ferrets out fraud and deception at Galen Investments, Hunter’s fiancee, Ashley Menard, rubs Nicki the wrong way. Nicki doesn’t trust the ostentatious woman with an agenda longer than the Mississippi River. Ashley seems to be hiding something, but is Nicki’s growing attraction to Hunter–a suspected murderer–her true reason for disliking Ashley?
As they encounter sophisticated shell games, blackmail, and murder, Nicki and Hunter’s only option is to turn to God as they search for answers, elude lethal danger, and perhaps discover love along the way.
Just Look Up (Harbor Point #1) by Courtney Walsh
Last, but not least, is my middle sister-in-law. We are the most alike and both outlaws in this crazy family and married to the two craziest brothers. We spent the weekend bonding over the fact that two seemingly intelligent women married such silly men, but we wouldn’t change them for the world. She’s in the throws of raising 5 kids, 4 of which are 5 and under, so she doesn’t get to read nearly as often as she would like. She remembers reading a great fiction book, but for the life of her can’t remember it; she’s more of a non-fiction reader. BUT, she really wanted to read Just Look Up, which I finished last week (it’s fantastic), I brought it to her this weekend and she was 6 chapters in before I left, even with the craziness of the weekend.
After tirelessly climbing the ranks of her Chicago-based interior design firm, Lane Kelley is about to land her dream promotion when devastating news about her brother draws her back home–a quaint tourist town full of memories she’d just as soon forget. With her cell phone and laptop always within reach, Lane aims to check on her brother while staying focused on work–something her eclectic family doesn’t understand.
Ryan Brooks never expected to settle down in Harbor Pointe, Michigan, but after his final tour of duty, it was the only place that felt like home. Now knee-deep in a renovation project that could boost tourism for the struggling town, he is thrilled to see Lane, the girl he secretly once loved, even if the circumstances of her homecoming aren’t ideal.
Their reunion gets off to a rocky start, however, when Ryan can’t find a trace of the girl he once knew in the woman she is today. As he slowly chips away at the walls Lane has built, secrets from his past collide with a terrible truth even he is reluctant to believe. Facing a crossroads that could define his future with Lane and jeopardize his relationship with the surrogate family he’s found in the Kelleys, Ryan hopes Lane can see that maybe what really matters has been right in front of her all along–if only she’d just look up.
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