Prayers for a Simpler Life: Meditations from the Heart of a Mennonite Mother 

Paperback

February 21, 2017

by Faith Sommers

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Herald Press; First edition 
• ISBN-13: 978-1513801261

Do your quiet times with God feel disconnected from the rest of your overflowing days? Shouldn’t our devotions affect how we live our lives? In this 90-day devotional for women, plain Mennonite mother and wife Faith Sommers helps connect your moments with the Lord to the rest of your life. Steeped in the faith of Amish and Mennonites, who maintain that how we live is as important as what we say, Sommers’ words hold gentle warmth and wise nudging for readers tired of disjointed living. Offering daily devotions, prayers, journal prompts, and ideas for how to simplify your life and strengthen your faith, Prayers for a Simpler Life guides readers toward a deeper commitment to the way of Jesus.

Features ninety days of devotionals rooted in Scripture and the simple life, daily prayers, journal prompts, and tips for simplifying your life.

My thoughts: First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, PRAYERS FOR A SIMPLER LIFE is a devotional  rich in the faith of Amish and Mennonite. There is a scripture passage to read, a story related to it, a prayer and a reflection to think about.  

Those who know me know that I don't just write Amish fiction, but my ancestors came from this background. I live a simpler life, although I do not attend an Amish or Mennonite church, but a very conservative Baptist one. 

Both of my oldest two daughters have read this devotional and we keep it where it is picked up often to read. I often find my teen daughter sitting and reading it. 

Are you trying to wrap your mind around God's love? With scripture, wisdom, prayer, and real life truths, Mrs. Sommer's shows us the many ways  God cares for us. The devotions are short enough to be read in a few minutes, yet deep enough you could spend hours of study and prayer if you want to. This will be a devotional I will likely spend a lot of time in.  Recommended for women, mothers, and those who love devotionals and want to deepen their faith. 

How Restoration of the Heart Came About by June Foster

How Restoration of the Heart Came About

Story ideas pop up everywhere when one travels in an RV. Restoration of the Heart came about last summer, 2016, when my husband and I visited Coaldale, Colorado to do a little fishing on the Arkansas River.

If you're not careful, you'll miss Coaldale as you travel on Highway 50 to the nearest town of Salado. At our RV park, my husband loved walking a few steps out our vehicle to the stream. He spent many happy hours spinner fishing.

One day, however, we decided to take off on an adventure: a trip northwest of Salado that took us high into the Rocky Mountains to an old ghost town called St. Elmo's. I roamed the streets of the old mining town that is very much intact today. A small portion of the buildings have been restored to their original appearance.

As an author, I'm always thinking of story possibilities. So in St. Elmo, my mind went into its creative mode of dreaming up a tale. I asked myself: what if an intriguingly handsome man owned a construction company that specialized in historical renovations and was hired by the state of Idaho to renovate the town. Then I imagined a shy and somewhat chubby historian who found it easier to live in the past than in the present was hired to oversee the accuracy of the construction. And my story began to take shape.

For several months, however, I was stumped when it came to the name of the book. Finally my critique partner, Laura Hilton, suggested Restoration of the Heart. So now the story, set in an old 1900 silver mining ghost town, was on the way becoming my first romantic suspense.

My editor, Cynthia Hickey, asked for a novel set in Idaho. So instead of the Rockies, the story now takes place in the fictional silver mining ghost town of Silver Cliff, Idaho. But that's okay. It's fiction!  

The background picture on the cover is one I took at St. Elmo's. I was thrilled when Cynthia decided to use it.

Thanks, Laura, for allowing me to tell about the story's birth.

June's website: junefoster.com

Link for book: http://tinyurl.com/zxn3psm 

Blurb: Though a Christian, Luke Chamberlain ignored his values and indulged in his beautiful fiancé's world of alcohol, parties, and nights at her apartment. After rededicating his life to the Lord, he vows never to fall into the lifestyle again. When the state of Idaho's Tourism Department offers his construction company the contract to renovate Silver Cliff, an 1890's silver mining ghost town, he accepts.

Janie Littleton studied history in college because life in the past is simpler than the uncomfortable reality of the present. With her extra pounds, eye glasses, and mousy brown hair, no man would find her attractive. When she's offered the job of project historian at the restoration of Silver Cliff, she accepts. But as Luke Chamberlain shows an interest in her, she doubts his sincerity. To make matters worse, someone claiming to be the miner who founded Silver Cliff in 1890 intimidates her with frightening midnight visits.

Can Luke convince Janie he's in love with the godly woman she is? Can Janie hold onto her faith as she's harassed by frightening appearances of old Ezra Barclay who died a hundred years ago?

June Foster's bio

An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in education and MA in counseling. In 2013, June's book Give Us This Day was a finalist in EPIC's eBook awards and in 2014 a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards for best first book. Ryan's Father was one of three finalists in the published contemporary fiction category of the 2014 Oregon Christian Writers Cascade Writing Contest and Awards. Deliver Us was a finalist in COTT's 2014 Laurel Awards. June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing. The Bellewood Series, Give Us This Day, As We Forgive, and Deliver Us, and Hometown Fourth of July. Ryan's Father is published by WhiteFire Publishing. Red and the Wolf, a modern day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, is available from Amazon.com. The Almond Tree series, For All Eternity, Echoes From the Past, What God Knew, and Almond Street Mission are available at Amazon.com as well. Misty Hollow is published by Helping Hands Press. June enjoys writing stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. Recently June has seen publication of Christmas at Raccoon Creek, Lavender Fields Inn and Restoration of the Heart. Visit June at junefoster.com.

Interview with Gail Kittleson and #giveaway

Today we are joined by Gail Kittleson. Gail is graciously offering to giveaway one copy of her new book With Each New Dawn to a commenter.  Please be sure to leave contact information. 

Gail, glad to have you join us.  Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I’ve thought a lot about this question. Where do our ideas originate? Many say from the Muse ... others call this “partnering with God.” Pablo Picasso said, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” I recall a time when I wanted to write, but didn’t know what to write about. Write what you know went through my mind, but at that time, I felt like an expert on nothing.

Inspiration came to me through a writing retreat, which increased my confidence that I could write and led to my memoir. Still, I had no intentions of writing fiction. But as I worked through many of the creative exercises in The Artist’s Way(Julia Cameron), characters started coming to  mind. The best way I can describe what happened then is that I paused to listen.

For some, plot arrives first, but for me, it’s always a character. From there, it’s a matter of continuing to listen and researching voraciously as the story unfolds.

What's your key environment that helps you get to writing? Do you have a writer’s nook, corner, getaway? Where do you do your most productive writing?

I do have a nook just large enough to hold my old teacher’s desk, bookshelves, and a trunk with lots of research materials. This space used to be a closed-in but falling-apart porch on the front corner of our house, built in 1873. When we bought and renovated, we winterized it and cut a door into the dining room from a former window.

In winter, it’s too cold to write in there—Iowa, no heat duct. But in summer and autumn, I enjoy creating in this sunny space.

I’m not sure where I’m most productive. I do know that ideas often come to me on  long walks—that was true long before I began writing seriously.

What are you saying in your book(s) that will encourage Christians today?

Addie and Kate, heroines of my Women of the Heartland series, reveal that there’s no shame in asking honest question. The process enriches our lives. World War II increased their questions, but always, the two of them had analyzed people, situations, and themselves. Their high school literature teacher nurtured their inquisitive natures before the war swept in.

Separated by the Atlantic Ocean, they still shared their thoughts in letters, and when reunited, they continued to cherish each other’s perceptions. They tell my readers that answers often arrive in friendly garb—through the sincere attention of a friend.

In With Each New Dawn, danger threatens Kate from the vicious Waffen S.S, a brutal Nazi arm. No pat answers will do. A new friendship and borrowed faith sustains her. She tells readers that even in the worst of times, eternal light still shines.

How do you pick names for your characters?

Mostly, I choose names I like, but also check through lists of popular names from the era.

How important are reviews to you?

Knowing someone has taken the time to read my novel and made the additional effort to post a review means a lot. I’ve met (mostly online) some folks who do this for many authors, and see it as their ministry. This goes along with the theme I’ve been referring to, friendship’s power.

In these days of individualism and isolation, isn’t it something that total strangers would generously help promote an author’s work? 

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Jane Kirkpatrick’s work has mentored mine—when I read All Together In One Place, I knew she’d touched a nerve. At that time, I hadn’t yet honed in on my genre, and reading her books helped me. I also like classical writers like Louisa May Alcott, R.W. Emerson (nonfiction), and historians such as Ken Burns.

Back to Jane Kirkpatrick ... another time, her heroine gave me the exact answer I needed to a thorny, continuous relational challenge. There it was, in black and white just like that. I think that’s because she has the courage to tackle tough subjects from a foundation of faith. What a gift! I haven’t met Jane, but receive her newsletter and hope to hug her some day.

What genre is your favorite?

Women’s historical fiction is my favorite, and I also enjoy literary fiction. I think fans of literary fiction have diminished with the “quick entertainment” our society avails, but sinking into an old-fashioned literary novel still gives me special satisfaction.

What books have you enjoyed lately?

After Dunkirk, by Melena McGraw, has increased my understanding of the first years of World War II. And I’ve also read an obscure memoir by a Navy officer—not something you’ll find on the NY or Romantic Times Lists. As with many other areas of life, I resist reading what everyone else says I need to—I might read those books sometime, but only after some thought.

American Kate Isaac grieves her husband, awaits their child’s birth, and welcomes her best friend Addie to London. But after her miscarriage, a meeting with mysterious Monsieur le Blanc launches her into Britain’s Secret Operations Executive(SOE). In late 1943, Kate parachutes into Southern France to aid the Resistance. 

Domingo, a grieving Basque mountain guide-turned-saboteur, meets her parachute drop, tends her injured ankle, and carries her to safety. Reunited a few months later, they discover the injured Monsieur le Blanc who with his dying breath, reveals his familial connection to Kate. 

In the shadow of the Waffen SS, Domingo and Kate find his younger brother Gabirel missing. While Domingo seeks Gabirel, Domingo’s parish priest, Père Gaspard, creates a new identity for Kate. 

United once again, Kate and Domingo subject their mutual attraction to the cause. But can mere human will and moral courage change the war’s tide and forge a future for them?

BIO: Formerly a college expository writing and English as a Second Language instructor, Gail writes women’s historical fiction and facilitates writing workshops and women’s retreats. In Northern Iowa she and her husband enjoy grandchildren and gardening. Arizona's Ponderosa Pine forests provide winter novel fodder. 

Pre-order site: http://tinyurl.com/jmvc36a (I may get more buy links on the 24th, release day…this is all I have so far. 

http://www.gailkittleson.com/

www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthor

http://amazon.com/author/gailkittleson

www.twitter.com/GailGkittleson @GailGkittleson

Ready to Fumble 

The Worst Detective Ever #1

Paperback, ebook

January 5, 2017

by Christy Barritt

• Paperback: 290 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform 
• ISBN-13: 978-1542378420

I'm not really a private detective. I just play one on TV. 

Joey Darling, better known to the world as Raven Remington, detective extraordinaire, is trying to separate herself from her invincible alter ego. She played the spunky character for five years on the hit TV show Relentless, which catapulted her to fame and into the role of Hollywood’s sweetheart. 

When her marriage falls apart, her finances dwindle to nothing, and her father disappears, Joey finds herself on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, trying to piece her life back together away from the limelight. A woman finds Raven—er, Joey—and insists on hiring her fictional counterpart to find a missing boyfriend. 

When someone begins staging crime scenes to match an episode of Relentless, Joey has no choice but to get involved. Joey’s bumbling sleuthing abilities have her butting heads with Detective Jackson Sullivan and kindling sparks with thrill-seeking neighbor Zane Oakley. Can Joey channel her inner Raven and unearth whodunit before she ends up totally done in? And where is her father anyway? Can she handle fame or is disappearing into obscurity the wiser option? Get Ready To Fumble your way through this enchanting new series.

My thoughts: First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, READY TO FUMBLE is the first book in The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series.  I love Joey. She is so sweet and clueless. I love Zane and I love Jackson. I can't decide who I want the hero to be, both of them have totally won  my heart. 

I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in this series to be released (this month!) Reign of Error. 

If you like cozy mysteries, you will absolutely adore READY TO FUMBLE. I can't say enough good things about it. A totally relatable heroine, even if she is a former movie star, an aunt, appropriately named Dizzy, two wonderful heroic heroes, and a mystery!  And no, I didn't guess who-dun-it. I had suspicions, but wow. In this bumbling fumbling cozy anything goes and things are not as they seem. 

Must read.  

Interview with Delia Latham

Where did you grow up and attend school? Are there any other authors in your family?

I grew up in California, a little ways southwest of Bakersfield, in a tiny farming community called Weedpatch. Attended school there, as well – first in a public elementary school (1^st through 4^th grades), and then in a parochial school operated by our church (5^th through 12^th). My aunt and pastor’s wife, Rita Mae Dawson, self-published a couple of non-fiction books many years ago, mostly for distribution within their Apostolic church fellowship. She was my mentor and encourager, who convinced me at an early age that I could and should be a writer.

How did you get started writing? How old were you? What made you want to start? What did you enjoy reading as a child?

I think I’ve been writing since I could wrap my fingers around a pencil. I’ve often stated that I was born with a pen in my hand, and I don’t think it’s far from the truth. Even at a very early age, I wrote poems, songs, little stories. As I grew older, I learned to love reading. I read everything I could get my hands on, including the backs of Comet boxes and toothpaste tubes. J I loved Trixie Belden, The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames…even the Hardy Boys mysteries (I wasn’t a gender-specific reader!). And the list goes on. As I entered high school, I started writing more and more. My uncle and pastor was married to an amazing, very talented and intelligent woman, who was always a strong mentor to me. Rita Mae Dawson homed in on my God-given talent and encouraged me to develop it. I will forever be grateful for her!

How and when did you and your husband meet? Was it love at first sight? What does he think about your being an author?

I was 11 when I first saw my future husband, Johnny. My brother (4½ years older) and I were visiting a small church in a nearby town. Johnny (one of the pastor’s five sons) was dating one of the girl’s in the church, but it didn’t stop me from developing an instant crush. From that time on, when I played house with my friends, my name was always Mrs. Johnny Latham.

My brother and Johnny became very good friends, and when Johnny’s dad left that little church where we first met them, he and one of his brothers started attending ours. One happy day a few years later, my brother informed me that Johnny wanted to date me. “Too bad you like Aubrey so much,” he said. Poor, sweet Aubrey suffered an instant break-up…and the rest, as they say, is history.

Johnny is very supportive of my love for writing. Thank God! He’s the family cook anyway, which is such a huge load off my mind when I’m in the middle of a story. But he doesn’t stop there. If I’m on deadline and crunching to get a story done, he picks up the slack with laundry and whatever else must be done while I’m hidden away in my office. God is such a Master matchmaker!

How old are your children? Do they read your books? Have any of them got the writing bug, as well?

I have four children, all adults. None of them are much into Christian fiction, but each has read one or more of my books. Both of my boys are excellent writers and every once in a while, they’ll send me a story they’re working on, so I can advise and edit. The oldest actually completed a novel, but has never attempted to submit it anywhere, much to my disappointment. Maybe someday.

How do you research the communities and people you write about? Do you find yourself having do a lot of research?

Since I don’t write historical fiction, there’s less research than one might think. However, every book requires a certain amount of fact-checking – whether due to an unfamiliar locale, a character’s profession, or some other element of the storyline with which I’m unfamiliar. I do almost all research online. While I have visited a couple of locations in order to familiarize myself with them, many of my settings are fictional, which gives me some leeway with “facts.”

Which is your favorite book? Do you have a character in your books you identify with the most ?

My favorite book that I have written, or by another author? I’ll answer both.

My two favorite books ever are both epic good vs. evil novels: The Stand, by Stephen King and Swan Song, by Robert R. McCammon. Neither of these authors writes Christian fiction, but I love their good vs. evil storylines.

Choosing a favorite amongst my own books is really hard. The most recent is always “favorite” while it’s new—so right now, Spring Raine holds that title. Lol They are each “favorites” for different reasons. However…for the sake of giving an answer…Goldeneyes will probably always be the book of my heart, as it is set partially in Weedpatch, California. Many of the characters’ names are a mix of people I knew as a child growing up in that community and in our church. I also really love one in particular of my Heart’s Haven novellas—Love in the WINGS. It deals with spiritual oppression, and I fought a royal spiritual battle as I wrote the book. I think God was giving me a glimpse into the devastation that can be wrought on a person’s heart and soul by satanic forces that seek to destroy His children through oppression. I will always consider this book a triumph over evil, as it became more and more clear that Satan did not want the story written, and was willing to destroy me to keep it under wraps. As always, God prevailed. I pray the book is a blessing and a source of strength to anyone dealing with evil spirits and/or oppression.

Blurb for

Spring Raine, Paradise Pines series, Book 1:

An uncharacteristic, last-minute decision to do something "wild and crazy" before entering the stressful world of forensic science sends Raine Presley to Cambria, California. Against a cloud of disapproval from her slightly manipulative, over-protective parents, she signs a seasonal lease at the beautiful Paradise Pines Lodge...and winds up over her head in life and love.

Declan Keller's just minding his own business—literally—when Raine drops into his world and turns it upside down. He's far too busy carving beautiful shapes out of chunks of wood to be babysitting a gal from Pasadena. Even so, his father’s promise to an old friend obligates him, despite a looming deadline that could make or break his career in the art world. He’s praying for anything but Raine when she comes along.

Neither Declan nor Raine is prepared for the seemingly divine influence of Paradise Pines—and Miss Angelina Love. A mysterious lady who may or may not own the lodge, Miss Angie possesses an amazing talent for mending ruffled feathers, spouting proverbs, and somehow bending even the most determined of hearts to the power of love.

Bio:

Writing Heaven’s touch into earthly tales, Delia Latham puts her characters through the fire of earthly trials to bring them out victorious by the hand of God, His heavenly messengers, and good, old-fashioned love. You’ll always find a touch of the divine in this author’s sweet tales of romance.

Delia lives in East Texas with her husband Johnny. She’s a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and author of inspirational romance…with a finger or two immersed in the design pool, where she creates beautiful marketing material for other authors. Delia treasures her role as child of the King and heir to the throne of God. She’s got a “thing” for Dr. Pepper and loves hearing from readers.

Contact this author at any of the following locations:

Website

Personal blog

Facebook Reader Page

Christmas Inn Facebook Page

Twitter

Amazon purchase link for Spring Raine, Paradise Pines Series, Book 1

My Teenage Zombie: Resurrecting the Undead Adolescent in Your Home 

Paperback, ebook, audible

October 4, 2016

by David L. Henderson

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
• ISBN-13: 978-0718031244

A must-read guide for parents and grandparents who want to practically and successfully help their teenager navigate the ever-lengthening stage of adolescence launching, them into society with confidence, vision, and success.

Zombies are not just found in horror movies, sometimes they’re lying on your living room couch. These are undead adolescents whose psychological and social development have come to a screeching halt. Torn by their yearning for freedom and their fear of surviving the outside world, they have stalled in their maturity, motivation, and purpose in life, hijacked by a helplessness and fear of responsibility. Parents often feel ill-equipped to love, support, and guide them—especially when they may be facing a midlife crisis of their own and battling some of the same issues in their own lives. Is it really possible to escape this “undead” state of being? 

In My Teenage Zombie board-certified psychiatrist and medical doctor David L. Henderson explains the parts of a teenage zombie (their brain, heart, and spirit), how they got into this undead state, and how to resurrect them back to life. Using real-life examples of families he has counseled, he describes both their physical and psychological characteristics and offers practical suggestions on how to deal with, and in many cases avoid, having an undead adolescent in your home.

The book is divided into three helpful sections:

• The Rise of the Undead: Understanding the Nature of a Teenage Zombie
• The Fear of the Undead: Facing the Anxiety of Confronting a Teenage Zombie
• Resurrecting the Undead: Restoring Your Teenage Zombie to a Life Worth Living

If you are the parent of an undead adolescent, there is hope for you and your child. Or maybe you have children who are not yet adolescents. It’s never too early to prepare for the challenges that await you. Either way, stay calm and start resurrecting zombies!

My thoughts: First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, MY TEENAGE ZOMBIE: Resurrecting the Undead Adolescent in Your Home is a timely book for those of us with Undead Zombies. 

I am somewhat behind on reviews due to four back-to-back book deadlines, and the publisher sent me a gentle reminder that my promised review for this was past due.  I opened it up, read the introduction, the first chapter, identified the area where my twenty-six year old zombie has issues, and flipped to that chapter (11).  Read that. My zombie has been quite alarmed by my reading the book and is arguing he is not a zombie. Not engaging. I know better. 

The tone of the book is rather clinical, but I suppose that seeing as Dr Henderson is a MD then it is to be expected. I struggled to wrap my mind around some of the things included, and I can see it is going to take some time, rereading and thought to thoroughly implement change in my child. In the mean time, what Dr. Henderson recommended in chapter 11 was to change locks, padlock the refrigerator, and impliment the command "He who will not work shall not eat."   Sounds rather harsh, and what parent wants others to judge him that way?  Not I.  But then again, is that going to be what's necessary to get him off his rump and out looking for work?  Or into college to earn that "stupid, worthless degree" that is oh so necessary to getting his dream job? 

This book would be helpful for other parents who struggles as I do. Is your child addicted to mind-altering drugs or alchohol?  Lazy?  Is he lacking spark, pulse, or fiber?  Not sure? Just know something is wrong?  This book will help you identify the problem and help you to take steps to solve it. I know I will be rereading my copy as I struggle to help my son find his pulse. 

An Uncommon Protector 

A Lone Star Hero’s Love Story

Paperback, ebook 

February 7, 2017

by Shelley Shepard Gray 

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan 
• ISBN-13: 978-0310345428

Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.

The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.

When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.

Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman—sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong—he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he’s free again.

But when cattle start dying and Laurel’s life is threatened, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He’s a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom—he needs her love and care too.

My thoughts: First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, AN UNCOMMON PROTECTOR is the second book in the A Lone Star Hero's series, but it stands alone. I didn't read the first book A Loyal Heart and had no trouble following along with this book. 

I mostly read Ms. Gray's Amish series, but have read one of her historicals in the past so decided to give this one a try. It has an interesting premise. Single girl losing ranch so she hires a convict (when he's release on (sort of) parole or really sold on the auction block) to work for her to save the ranch. 

When  Laurel brings Thomas home, her step-siblings rebel, attempting to call her bluff, and with no money or place to stay, walked eight miles to town. Laurel let them go. I didn't like the step-siblings at all. I did like Thomas' outspokenness, though he was inappropriate much of the time, and I'm glad he was a man of honor even if he did have a rather low opinion of himself. 

Laurel is learning to be outspoken, so she is struggling to find the fine footing between being a genteel lady and being owner of a ranch and forced to make her own decisions for herself and others.

Ms. Gray isn't real big on faith messages, her books are more sweet romances with little to no mention of faith, so this book shouldn't be offensive to anyone (even if they are anti-Christian). If you like a strong faith message, look further, but if you like sweet romances, then Ms. Gray is a writer to consider.  Her books are fun, imagitive, and light-hearted. 

Warning: there is use of God's name in vain and some soft-swear words. 

Book Spotlight: Unquiet Ghosts

Unquiet Ghosts: A Novel 

Kindle Edition, audio CD, hardcover

by Glenn Meade

• Print Length: 432 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books
• Publication Date: July 11, 2017
• ASIN: B01HMXUY1M

Eight years ago, her husband and children were killed in a plane crash. Now, new evidence reveals that they didn’t die—her husband deliberately vanished—and that he knows a secret the powerful forces will stop at nothing to keep hidden.

Kathy Kelly’s world was shattered when a plane carrying her husband—an Iraq War veteran and devoted father—and her two children vanished from the sky one night. No trace of the plane was ever found.

Eight years later, Kathy has struggled to rebuild her life, but then wreckage of his plane is found in the wilderness of Great Smoky Mountain National Park—hundreds of miles from where her husband’s plane should have been. The pilot perished in the crash, but there is no sign of Jack or the children. Could they have made it out alive after all? But if so, where have they been all this time? Where are they now?

As Kathy searches for any clue about what happened to her family, the investigation uncovers some unsettling clues—including a briefcase containing millions of dollars in cash, a priceless mask stolen from an Iraqi museum, and a clue that links Jack’s disappearance with the suspicious death of Kathy’s mother years ago.

But she soon learns that others have been looking for the wreckage and its occupants for a long time. Others who are determined to make sure she never finds her family and that they remain dead. Shadowy, powerful people who will kill for what was on board—a secret her husband was the keeper of. A secret so powerful it will open a Pandora’s box of bloody revenge—one that reaches back into the past and into the highest echelons of wealth and power, all the way to the White House.

This breathless, pulse-pounding thriller examines the very real billions in cash and priceless artifacts that vanished into the pockets of powerful American men during the Iraq war, and examines the extreme lengths some people will go to protect the secrets of what really happened to all that money.

Her Baby's Protector

Her Baby's Protector: Saved by the Lawman\Saved by the SEAL 

Love Inspired Suspense

Mass Market Paperback, ebook

March 7, 2017

by Margaret Daley  (Author), Susan Sleeman  (Author)

• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 
• ISBN-13: 978-0373456932

KEEPING BABY SAFE 

Saved by the Lawman by Margaret Daley 

As an unknown assailant attempts to kidnap family-court judge Kate Forster's infant son, police officer Chase Walker thwarts the attack—and vows to keep the pair safe. But who will protect the ex-marine's heart when the widowed mother and her little boy make him long for a permanent spot in their family?

My thoughts: Saved by the Lawman was an interesting read. I enjoyed getting to know Chase. Kate seemed rather clinical about the whole thing, and not truly engaged, but it might just be because of who she is career-wise. She fought for her child, but she never seemed to get emotionally involved during the whole thing.  I would have liked to see more emotion from her both in the attempted kitnappings and the romance. The suspense part of it was good, and I thought it was pretty cut and dried, but the real bad guy came as a complete surprise. 

Saved by the SEAL by Susan Sleeman 

The tragedy that killed Bree Hatfield's best friends—and left her with custody of their young daughter—has been ruled an accident. But Bree knows it was murder. Scared and alone, she turns to her ex-boyfriend, navy SEAL Clint Reed, who'll risk everything to protect baby Ella and the woman he never stopped loving.

My thoughts: Saved by the Seal was a great read. I loved the nonstop action in this one as Bree and Clint try to figure out who murdered Bree's friends and why. Fans of romantic suspense love the nonstop action in Susan Sleeman's books and this one, although a novella, had just as much action. The romance developed quick, but both Clint and Bree dated each other before Clint joined the Navy, so it had a jumpstart. 

Overall, if you love romantic suspense you will love this dual by these two top romantic suspense authors. Don't miss Her Baby's Protector.