Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey, Book review

• Series: Alaskan Courage (Book 5)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 3, 2015)
• ISBN-13: 978-0764211966
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:


Finally Returned Home, Reef McKeena
Finds His Beloved Alaska Facing Its Greatest ThreatGrowing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now, working together as search-and-rescue for Alaska's arduous Iditarod race, a growing attraction seems to be forcing aside old arguments. Then Reef catches Kirra sneaking from camp in the middle of the night. 

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. 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:

From the Winner of the 2014 Daphne du Maurier Award for Inspirational Romantic Suspense, Sabotaged is a book you will want to check if you are looking for something to read and relax with!

Dani Pettrey delivers a tale of romance, true love, danger and intrigue and a reminder that God's promises are an undeniable reality in her latest novel. 
You will learn much about the Iditarod, its organization and the many volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to make this amazing race safe yet exciting! Amongst those are our protagonists Kirra Jacobs and Reef McKenna, both members of SAR (Search and Rescue), a vital part of the race as teams and mushers depend on their skills when lost or hurt.

Dangerous times begins when Kirra's uncle disappears then her cousin turns up missing and is believed kidnapped during the race. Both rescuers and the rest of the Reef family are soon involved in discovering why the two young people are being tracked by an assassin.

Heroes, villains and dark secrets mingle with a reminder that when you take the time to listen God will always show you the right path.

After enjoying Shattered  this past year I knew I would enjoy Pettrey' skillful storytelling and I was not disappointed! Entertaining and written with a special eye to details, I appreciate the subtle Christian reminders making this a read for all ages.

5 Stars!


Meet the Author:

A wife, homeschooling Mum and author, Dani Pettrey writes inspirational romantic suspense and she is a huge fan of dark chocolate (my kind of gal!). She loves traveling and the great outdoors (something you quickly realize when reading her novels!).

For more information check her website (HERE)


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book courtesy of BETHANY HOUSE as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

The Winter Guest by Pam Jenoff, Book review

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (August 26, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-0778315964
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:

A stirring novel of first love in a time of war and the unbearable choices that could tear sisters apart, from the celebrated author of The Kommandant's Girl 

Life is a constant struggle for the eighteen-year-old Nowak twins as they raise their three younger siblings in rural Poland under the shadow of the Nazi occupation. The constant threat of arrest has made everyone in their village a spy, and turned neighbor against neighbor. Though rugged, independent Helena and pretty, gentle Ruth couldn't be more different, they are staunch allies in protecting their family from the threats the war brings closer to their doorstep with each passing day. 

Then Helena discovers an American paratrooper stranded outside their small mountain village, wounded, but alive. Risking the safety of herself and her family, she hides Sam—a Jew—but Helena's concern for the American grows into something much deeper. Defying the perils that render a future together all but impossible, Sam and Helena make plans for the family to flee. But Helena is forced to contend with the jealousy her choices have sparked in Ruth, culminating in a singular act of betrayal that endangers them all—and setting in motion a chain of events that will reverberate across continents and decades. 

My thoughts:

Pam Jenoff's name has been added to my (ever growing) list of preferred authors with her literary contribution in Grand Central: Original Stories of Post War Love and Reunion. 

This latest title brought once more what I like best in any author's work: sensitivity, historical facts, entertainment and most of all the feeling I have met a kindred spirit. 

I tend to like a WW 2 plot but I look for the hope such difficult moments in life highlights behind the tale (Do you ever wonder what you would do in such circumstances?) and as she has proven in the past Jenoff is a very good storyteller. 

The Winter Guest has all the necessary elements for a story to be remembered long after the last page has been turned, the sort you like to advise a loved one or a good friend to try for themselves in fact. 

Clearly written with elegance and much empathy, here is a story about the many facets of love and the difficulties many dealt with during the second World War. Her characters are finely defined and you have the satisfaction to see a well resolved ending (I do not like those endings that leaves you hanging!).

5 Stars!


Meet the Author:

Pam Jenoff is the author of several novels, including The Kommandant's Girl, which received widespread acclaim, earned her a nomination for the Quill Awards and became an international bestseller. 
She previously served as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. State Department in Europe, as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army at the Pentagon and as a practicing attorney at a large firm and in-house. 
She received her juris doctor from the University of Pennsylvania, her masters degree in history from Cambridge University and her bachelors degree in international affairs from The George Washington University. 
In addition to writing, she teaches law school.

For more information visit her website (HERE)

Note: This was a library loan and any opinion is mine only!

The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson, Book review

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Revell (September 9, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-0800719661
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:


After years abroad, Garrison Brown returns home to Vancouver to build a new life. When his beloved grandmother passes away a few weeks before Christmas, Garrison goes to her house to sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While Garrison hopes to dispense with the task quickly, his grandmother's instructions don't allow for speed. She has left Garrison with some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends--plus a sizeable monetary gift for the new owners. Garrison's job is to match the cats with the right owners without disclosing the surprise gift. Along the way, he may just meet someone who can make him stay.

Humorous and heartwarming, this latest Christmas story from bestselling author Melody Carlson is the perfect gift for pet lovers and anyone in whose heart Christmas holds a special place.


My thoughts:

Anyone familiar with The Christmas Wish and The Christmas Pony will remember Melody Carlson's special touch of magic when it comes to the Season. This author writes wholeheartedly and brings a message of love, hope and yes, something magical. 

And if like me, you are an animal lover, you will find her story endearing for this one is about a familiar pet, a feline! And just look at the cover and you will know this is not just another cat, but The Cat! 

Returning from his missionary field in Uganda, Garrison faces the loss of his grandmother only to be told by her attorney she trusted him to find a suitable adoptive family for each of her cats, all six of them!

There is only one problem with the scheme devised by his beloved Grandmother: Garrison is highly allergic to cats and living in her home until such families can be found is tantamount to hell on earth. Very shortly, we find that Garrison resorts to wearing latex gloves, a mask and is considering a hazmat suit to boot!
But despite it all, Garrison founds himself caring for the felines, each of them with its endearing personality, including Harry, a Maine Coon with striking clear eyes who seems to gaze right through him. 

Melody Carlson's sense of humour reveals itself as you go on reading the story which is not only the perfect Christmas story, particularly for any cat lover, but sports just the right amount of introspection, a touch of romance and is easy to read!
Expect a clear message, just in time for the Season while reading this one in front of a good fire and sipping a cuppa!

A heartfelt thank you to the author for providing great entertainment and to Revell, for once again presenting it in such a beautiful format!

5 Stars!

(Photo source HERE: I think you love the snapshots)

Meet the Author:

Melody Carlson has written around 200 books for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her books range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. 

Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including the Rita and Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV.

Visit her website (HERE)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from BAKER REVELL as part of it's promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

Where Treetops Glisten by Sarah Sundin, Tricia Goyer and Cara Putman, Book review

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 16, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1601426482
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:


Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, 
filled with the wonder of Christmas
 
Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana. 

In Cara Putman’s White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements—until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help. 

Abigail’s brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete’s friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he’s no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, “Merry” to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that’s precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart. 

The Turner family believes in God’s providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ’s birth and His plan for a future?


My thoughts:

"White Christmas", "I'll be home for Christmas" and "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas" was just the ticket to start the Holiday Season! These three stories make up 'Where Treetops Glisten' and what wonderful stories! Just check out the nostalgic cover!

Beginning with Winter Wonderland, a prologue written by Sarah Sundin, each story highlights courage and a touch of Christmas romance in WW 2's era, with messages of hope and love where many needed it! 

These three talented authors wrote heartwarming stories to delight the senses, reminding us that even in difficult times, God is with us as always. Of course the Season itself has something magical about it and anything is therefore possible. 

The authors took special care to describe the authentic historical atmosphere of WW 2, a time when every moment was very precious and so many lives were lost or irrevocably changed.
I like also their choice of titles which reminds us of those very special songs none of us can forget! Additionally, the myriad of little details each chose to insert will enable you to immerse yourself in the period and I one for one, loved the feeling!

It does not come any better Folks and I guarantee you will enjoy discovering the characters defined in these holiday tales. You might even discover a favourite but it will be very hard to choose!

So grab yourself a copy (and one for a friend!), a cuppa and curl up by the fire and dream!

5 Stars!

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/glisten

Meet the Authors:

Sarah Sundin is one of those very special people you meet in life, a kindred spirit! Perhaps it is the time period she writes about or the characters she describes which reaches out to readers like myself. Her writing elicits a response in this blogger hard to explain. I love her stories, I cannot stress enough the rich feeling I experience each time I read another of her novels and I pray God continues to light her path as she writes. She allows us to dream! 

Just don't ask me which of her novels I prefer Folks! Hers are part of a handful I would not ever want to part with (but for the classics I cherish). I read them often and like paintings, each disclose something new and tangible each time. 

Visit this talented lady (HERE) for more information.

Tricia Goyer has drawn from her experiences as a teen mother and leader of today’s generation, to be a voice of hope and possibility for teen girls, pregnant teens, mothers and wives.

Visit her website to learn more (HERE)

Cara Putman says: " I don’t have it all together and have gone through tough times. But in His strength, I’ve discovered a strength I never knew I had. A strength I want you to discover, too.

In the end I’m just an ordinary mom who has seen God do some wonderful things as I’ve been obedient to step into the calling He’s led me into."

Read more on her website (HERE) "where Hope meets Healing and Dreams becomes reality."

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LITFUSE as part of it's promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 
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