Moving

This blog is moving! I am relocating to Wordpress. My blog address there will be Melmo2610.wordpress.com. I hope to see you at my new site!!! 

Rebuilding Her Life

 

Coming home isn’t always easy…in this novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne.

Faced with a decades-old mistake,

can she find forgiveness?

After a fire devastates her hometown, Dr. Jess Bristol returns to save her mother’s clinic—and comes face-to-face with her high school sweetheart. Over twenty years ago, Jess helped put Shane Stone in jail…and later learned he was innocent. Now they must work together to restore their town. Though Shane has put his past behind him, can the adoptive single father forgive the woman he once loved?

My Rating: 5 Stars

Ruth's books never miss and this one is excellent as always!! I have come to love every Ruth Logan Herne book I read because they have everything I look for in a favorite read: great characters, humor, a fantastic storyline and lots of heart. Rebuilding Her Life is a perfect start to a new series that I already want more of. Jess and Shane are characters you want to see get a happily ever after and Jolie completely stole my heart. The premise of the book and the series captured me and I am eagerly looking forward to the rest of the series. Ruth is one of my favorite authors and her books are not to be missed!!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.

Cold Case Takedown

Exposing a murderer

is a deadly game.

When cold case podcast host Georgia Maxwell’s investigation into her friend’s decade-old murder unveils corruption in small-town football, she’s thrust into a deadly conspiracy. And it’s put her on the radar of Colt McCoy—cold case unit chief and her high school sweetheart—who wants her help solving the crime. But every clue brings them one step closer to someone who will kill to keep the truth hidden…

My Rating: 4 Stars

What an interesting cold case mystery. I have found I really like stories that focus on a cold case. Those are always super fun to me, and this one has the added bonus of current day mystery as well. The case was exciting and kept me guessing throughout. I really liked the new team in this story and I look forward to more cold case mysteries with these characters. Georgia was an interesting character and Jessica wrote her struggles really well. It made for good layer to the story for sure. Fun read!

I received a copy of this book from the author and wasn't required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

 

Night Fall

 

For any little boy or girl who hears the Train Man speak,
Who feels his rancid breath caress their pretty cheek,
Must close their eyes, pretend to sleep, and very softly pray,
Or else the evil Train Man may carry them away.

Finally free of her troubled upbringing, Alex Donovan is able to live out her childhood dream of working for the FBI. But soon after she becomes a member of the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, authorities in Missouri contact them about bodies found on freight trains--all killed in the same way.

Alex never expected to be forced to confront her past in this new job, but she immediately recognizes the graffiti messages the killer is leaving on the train cars. When the BAU sends her to gather information about the messages from her aunt in Wichita, Kansas, Alex is haunted by the struggles she thought she'd left behind forever.

In a race against time to solve the case and recover a deadly virus sample the killer intends to spread, Alex must face how far she'll go--and what she's willing to risk--to put a stop to the Train Man.

My Rating: 4 Stars

What a creepy story! Nancy has written an exciting and compelling book to start her new series, complete with great characters and a creepy creepy mystery. This book is an absorbing read from the very beginning and it doesn't let up once. There are a couple twists that elevate the creepiness factor and the ending is very satisfying. I purchased the audible audiobook version and the narration is very good. I am looking forward to book 2 in this series very much!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

Lady In Residence

Can a Legacy of Sadness be Broken at the Menger Hotel?
 
Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.

Young widow Hedda Krause checks into the Menger Hotel in 1915 with a trunk full of dresses, a case full of jewels, and enough cash to pay for a two-month stay, which she hopes will be long enough to meet, charm, and attach herself to a new, rich husband. Her plans are derailed when a ghostly apparition lures her into a long, dark hallway, and Hedda returns to her room to find her precious jewelry has been stolen. She falls immediately under a cloud of suspicion with her haunting tale, but true ghost enthusiasts bring her expensive pieces of jewelry in an attempt to lure the ghost to appear again.
 
In 2017, Dini Blackstone is a fifth-generation magician, who performs at private parties, but she also gives ghost walk tours, narrating the more tragic historical events of San Antonio with familial affection. Above all, her favorite is the tale of Hedda Krause who, in Dini’s estimation, succeeded in perpetrating the world’s longest con, dying old and wealthy from her ghost story. But then Dini meets Quinn Carmichael, great-great-grandson of the detective who originally investigated Hedda’s case, who’s come to the Alamo City with a box full of clues that might lead to Hedda’s exoneration. Can Dini see another side of the story that is worthy of God’s grace?

 My Rating: 2.5(rounded up to 3 on Goodreads and retail sites)

I give this a 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 for Goodreads. This is definitely one of the most unusual stories I have read. I enjoyed the dual timeline and the contemporary thread was probably my favorite of the two. The story is interesting and I wanted to see how it ended, but I never really connected with the characters or the storyline. "Ghosty" stuff in a Christian Fiction novel was a bit jarring to me so that's probably a big part of my personal disconnect with the book. I also would have liked to see more of a faith thread in the book. That was lacking in my opinion. The ending was good and I enjoyed seeing the mystery solved and the pieces finally come together. Interesting read!

Miriam's Song

Miriam and her people have prayed for deliverance from the cruel tyranny of Egypt for generations. She believes her brother is the long-awaited answer to their pleas. But how can the exiled prince-turned-shepherd Moses stand against the most powerful man in the world?

My Rating: 4 Stars

This an extremely well written read! Biblical fiction is not my go-to but this one sounded good and it was. I really enjoyed the fictional account of Miriam, Moses and Aaron. The story was exciting and is written in such a way that it seems an easy read because Jill breaks down events in shorter chapters so you don't get overwhelmed with the all the details that need to be in the book. I actually read the book quicker than I would have thought given the length of the book and the subject which is cool. All in all, a enjoyable read. If you like Biblical fiction don't miss this one!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 
 

Trailing A Killer

A killer with an explosive agenda…

And a K-9 and determined detective on the case.

In a hurricane’s aftermath, Detective Erin Jeffries is stunned when she and her search-and-rescue K-9, Alcee, uncover a collapsed building’s only survivor—her long-ago ex, Cody Elbourne. And it’s quickly clear that the disaster was no accident. Now only Cody can identify the man who set the explosives that killed his grandfather…and Erin must stop the killer dead set on silencing him. 

 

My Rating: 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this story. It drew me in from the opening pages and made it near impossible to put down. I liked the second chance romance for Erin and Cody and Alcee was a fun addition to the story.  The story moved very well and was exciting and the ending was one of the most exciting I have come across. Great read!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

Dreams Rekindled

 

When a dashing newspaper man comes to Mesquite Springs, aspiring writer Dorothy Clark sees her dreams coming true--until a man arrives with altogether different plans for the town and its newspaper.

My Rating: 2 Stars

Not my favorite Amada Cabot story. I had been looking forward to this one after meeting Dorothy in the first book in the series. Unfortunately, this story for me fell flat. I liked Dorothy and Brandon and the adorable Nutmeg a lot. The characters were definitely my favorite part of the story. The story line was good for most of the book. Not my favorite but good for the most part. My main complaint and what lowered my enjoyment of the book overall was the ending. It just didn't hit right with me. I am still looking forward to seeing the ending of the series and will continue to read Amanda's books, as typically I enjoy her books. 

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

All I’ve Waited For

 It’s Ashley Baker’s worst nightmare.

The man she’s loved for years is getting married—and she’s their wedding planner. She’d tell them to find someone else, but that would mean losing out on her dream of owning an event planning business. It would also mean saying no. And Ashley Baker never says no.

Derek Campbell returns from fourteen months in France with a heavy weight on his shoulders. With his dad sick and his younger sisters depending on him, he’ll do anything to save their family vineyard from ruin—even marry a woman he respects but doesn’t love.

He just didn’t anticipate one thing: that he’d still be in love with someone else. But love is fickle, and all that matters is saving his family’s legacy. And marrying Claire—not Ashley—is the surest way to do that.

If only his heart agreed with his head.

My Rating: 3 Stars

A fun sweet trip back to Walker Beach. I enjoyed Ashley's story. She is a relatable character in that she tries so hard to be all things to all people because she never wants to disappoint anyone. I can definitely relate to that! The story moves well and held my interest and it was fun seeing the cast of characters that make up Walker Beach that we've come to know over the last few stories. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Pay The Price

Sometimes homecomings can be deadly…
Jessica Parker left Harmony Grove with bad memories and a vow to never return – until she is called back eight years later to deal with her sister's suicide. When all the evidence points instead to murder, she is determined to find the killer and bring him to justice. Her handsome new neighbor is eager to help, but she is sure he's hiding something.

Undercover FBI agent Shane Dalton is in Harmony Grove investigating the crash of a plane full of cocaine and gets more than he bargained for when he runs into Jessica. He’s not sure whether she's involved or is just going to get in his way. Soon it becomes obvious that someone wants Jessica gone from Harmony Grove. As the threats intensify, Shane finds himself in a race against time to solve both cases. The closer they get to the truth, the closer the killer gets to making them his next victims.

My Rating: 4 Stars

A very enjoyable and exciting mystery. I really enjoyed the twists and turns Jessica and Shane navigate to find out what happened to Jessica's sister. Their back stories were also a good addition to the plot of the story. It has one of the more exciting endings and a great tie up of details. Really liked this one!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

 

My Dear Miss Dupre

Willow Dupré never thought she would have to marry, but with her father's unexpected retirement from running the prosperous Dupré sugar refinery, plans changed. The shareholders are unwilling to allow a female to take over the company without a man at her side, so her parents devise a plan--find Willow a spokesman king in order for her to become queen of the empire.

Willow is presented with thirty potential suitors from the families of New York society's elite group called the Four Hundred. She has six months to court the group and is expected to eliminate men each month to narrow her beaus until she chooses one to marry, ending the competition with a wedding. Willow reluctantly agrees, knowing she must do what is best for the business. She doesn't expect to find anything other than a proxy . . . until she meets Cullen Dempsey, and she must discover for herself if his motives are pure.

My Rating: 4 Stars

A truly charming story.  I really enjoyed this read, the story line with Willow searching for a husband in a Bachelorette style competition set in the 1890s New York Four Hundred was a absolute hoot! The group of gentlemen competing for Willow’s affections were a great group and it was hard to pick a favorite to root for while I was reading the book. There’s humor, romance and some mystery elements throughout winding up with a satisfying conclusion. I already know who I hope will be the main characters in book 2 of this series and I can’t wait for it! 

I received this book from the publisher(as well as purchased my own Audible copy)and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

From This Moment

A lost ring brings together two wounded souls--a youth minister haunted by the past and a spunky church custodian--in this heartwarming romance from the bestselling author of The Librarian of Boone's Hollow.

Growing up in the foster care system, Jase Edgar always dreamed of one day starting his own family. But his fiancé's untimely death shattered his plans. Moving to Kansas and serving as a youth minister should be a fresh start, but he can't seem to set aside his doubts about God's goodness long enough to embrace his new life.

Newly-appointed church custodian, Lori Fowler is battling her own challenges. Her strained relationship with her father and her struggles with overeating convince her she's not worthy enough for love. When an Amish weaver enlists their help locating the owner of a ring found among the donated clothing she uses as fabric, Jase and Lori find themselves drawn to each other. But will they be able to release the past and move forward from this moment into a joyful future?

My Rating: 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this sweet story. Merlin and Leah were adorable and reminded me of my pastor and his wife when I was a child. I liked the intersecting stories of Jase, Lori and Kenzie and the paths their lives took in the book. I also liked the realistic feelings and emotions the characters had. Some of the characters were facing hard things and their struggles weren't glossed over. They were dealt with realistically. Just a lovely story all around and a quick, easy read-and listen! The audio version was very good. Great read!

I received the hard copy of this book from the publisher and purchased my own audio copy. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

 

Braced For Love

Left with little back in Kansas, Kevin Hunt takes his younger siblings on a journey to Wyoming when he receives news that he's inheriting part of a ranch. The catch is that the ranch is also being given to a half brother he never knew existed. Turns out, Kevin's supposedly dead father led a secret and scandalous life.

But danger seems to track Kevin along the way, and he wonders if his half brother, Wyatt, is behind the attacks. Finally arriving at the ranch, everyone is at each other's throats and the only one willing to stand in between is Winona Hawkins, a nearby schoolmarm.

Despite being a long-time friend to Wyatt, Winona can't help but be drawn to the earnest, kind Kevin--and that puts her in the cross hairs of somebody's dangerous plot. Will they all be able to put aside their differences long enough to keep anyone from getting truly hurt?

 My Rating: 5 Stars

This my new favorite Mary Connealy book. What a fantastic start to her new series! It starts off with a bang(literally!) and it keeps an intriguing story line through out. It has a great cast of characters, lots of Mary's trademark humor and an exciting ending. Do not miss this one! I can not wait for the rest of this series!! It can't come soon enough for me.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

The Prince Of Spies

 

Luke Delacroix has the reputation of a charming man-about-town in Gilded Age Washington, D.C. In reality, he is secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission is to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.

But trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman's only daughter, whose job as a government photographer gives her unprecedented access to sites throughout the city. Luke is captivated by Marianne's quick wit and alluring charm, leading them both into a dangerous gamble to reconcile their feelings for each other with Luke's driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.

Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?

My Rating: 4 Stars

What a satisfying conclusion to the Hope and Glory series! Luke has been a character who's story I have been looking forward to for quite awhile and it did not disappoint. I really liked Marianne and thought she was perfect for Luke. The story was interesting and moved really well. I enjoyed the look into the fight to make our food safe. What a battle that was! All in all, a great ending to the Delacroix sibling's series.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

Shadows Of The White Ciity

The one thing Sylvie Townsend wants most is what she feared she was destined never to have--a family of her own. But taking in Polish immigrant Rose Dabrowski to raise and love quells those fears--until seventeen-year-old Rose goes missing at the World's Fair, and Sylvie's world unravels.

Brushed off by the authorities, Sylvie turns to her boarder, Kristof Bartok, for help. He is Rose's violin instructor and the concertmaster for the Columbian Exposition Orchestra, and his language skills are vital to helping Sylvie navigate the immigrant communities where their search leads.

From the glittering architecture of the fair to the dark houses of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods, they're taken on a search that points to Rose's long-lost family. Is Sylvie willing to let the girl go? And as Kristof and Sylvie grow closer, can she reconcile her craving for control with her yearning to belong?

 

My Rating: 3 Stars

This as an interesting read that's for sure! It's book two in the Windy City Saga but can be read as a standalone as this one takes place 20 years after Veiled In Smoke and has a completely separate storyline. I really liked the character of Kristoff in this story. He was a very likable character and he made the story for me. The mystery was interesting and definitely had a few surprises along the way. The story line was a bit unusual but I liked the book overall, Good read.

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Shatter The Silence

 

The hidden wounds bleed the worst...

Tia Jordan almost died at the hands of an abusive, cruel husband and carries the scars, both inside and out. She is using those experiences to help other women and children find solace. Right now, her abused women’s shelter is bursting at the seams. When she learns she’s heir to a huge two-story house outside of town, she thanks God for unexpected blessings, until a grandson shows up with another will, threatening to contest hers.

For the past several months, Jason Sloan has kept his nose to the grindstone, watching his mother’s cancer treatments dwindle away his savings. When he learns the inheritance he counted on has been left to Tia and her shelter, he’s torn. With his mother and him having been forced to flee an abusive situation themselves, Tia’s cause hits too close to home. All disagreements take a back seat, though, when he and Tia find themselves working together to fight an unseen foe. But which one of them is the target?

My Rating: 5 Stars

Excellent read! This story was just so so good. It had such a compelling story line and characters, I could NOT put this book down! This is definitely one of Carol's best books. I just loved this story, it pulled me in from the opening chapter and it did not let go once. Fantastic!! I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Abducted in Alaska & Flee The Darkness

Protecting a child…

could cost them their lives.

Saving a boy who has escaped his captors puts Canadian border patrol officer Hannah Morgan right into the path of a ruthless child-smuggling ring. Now with help from police constable Layke Jackson, she must keep the child safe. But can they rescue the other abducted children and bring down the gang…all while protecting a little boy and keeping themselves alive?

From Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My Rating: 4 Stars

This is one of the most exciting LIS titles I have read in quite awhile. The story line pulled me in right away and I really liked Layke and Hannah and Gabe stole heart completely. The story moved really well and the ending had a few surprises. Fantastic read! I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Where do you run when there's nowhere to hide?

Melissa Langston flees Georgia to escape a relentless stalker, but soon anonymous notes and a menacing figure lurking in the shadows shatter the fragile sense of security she has found in her small Florida hometown. The only one who takes the danger seriously is the cop who broke her heart years ago. She doesn’t want his protection. He let her down at the time when she needed him most, and she doesn’t do second chances.

When Memphis Police Officer Chris Jamison returns to Florida to deal with his father’s sudden death, the last thing he wants is to reconnect with his first love. No way is he ready to jump back into the vicious cycle of trying and failing to meet her expectations. But how can he turn his back on a woman who needs his protection, especially one who still holds such a grip on his heart? 

My Rating: 4 Stars

The Love Inspired version of this story was my first Carol Post book 8 years ago. I became a fan of Carol’s from that first story and that has not changed over the years. I really enjoyed rereading this story. It had been long enough I didn’t remember who the villain was, in fact I had the wrong suspect during the reread! I liked Melissa and Chris and rooting for them to overcome their history. The story is exciting and moved quickly. Carol’s books never disappoint! I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

 

Unknown Threat

 

US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell is lucky to be alive. Three of his fellow agents have died in unusual circumstances in the past ten weeks. Luke is devastated by the loss of his friends and colleagues, and his inability to locate the killer feels like a personal failure. He's an expert at shielding others, but now the protectors are in need of protection.

FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is driven to succeed and confident in her ability to solve every case she's assigned. She's been put in charge of the investigation into the unprecedented attacks, and with Luke's life in danger, the stakes have never been higher. But it's hard to know how to fight back when you don't know who the enemy is.

As more agents are targeted, Luke and Faith will have to work together to bring a killer to justice and prevent any more names from joining their fallen brothers and sisters on the Secret Service Wall of Honor.

My Rating: 5 Stars(plus ALL the other stars!!)

Wowza! This book was fantastic! I have read and loved all of Lynn Blackburn's books to date. She is without a doubt my favorite Christian Fiction Suspense author. This book however was to put it simply, incredible. I loved the humor and the banter in the book especially between Luke and Faith. That was probably my favorite element of the book. Faith is awesome especially because she shares my love of Cherry Coke! That was a fun connection for me. And Luke....I think he is going to become a book boyfriend for me! He was definitely swoon worthy, all protective and superheroey. I really liked the rest of the new team in this series too and I look forward to getting to know all of them better in the coming books in the series. The mystery and plot of the book is so so good. It had me guessing and caring about these characters as they worked to solve the case. All in all, I absolutely loved this book and now I am sad because I have to wait months for book # 2 in the series. It can't come soon enough for me!! I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

The Vanishing At Loxby Manor

 Disappearances, strange activities in the night, and secret organizations abound in this mysterious Regency romance.

Haunted by the assault she’s kept hidden over the past four years, Charity Halliwell finally has a chance to return home to the quaint village she left more than five years before and the happy life she wants so badly to reclaim. All she needs is good conversation with her old friend and an opportunity to find a governess position, and she can leave the fear and guilt behind. But the family who agrees to her yearlong visit turns out to be a far cry from the one she thought she knew, particularly when her friend disappears and the one man she made certain would not be at the house is forced to return. How can she possibly heal and claim her independence when day in, day out she must face the only gentleman who ever held a piece of her heart?

Piers Cavanagh was branded a coward when he failed to show up for a duel he arranged. He had his reasons, of course, but disclosing them would hurt far more than continuing life as an outcast. And worse, with the mysterious departure of his sister, the strange nightly occurrences in the ruins of an old abbey, and the uncomfortable whispers of a secret organization, Piers must overcome his aversion to society and work with the last person he ever thought he would get the chance to speak to again—the girl whose heart he had no choice but to break. 

My Rating: 4 Stars

What a captivating story! I very much enjoyed this regency novel with romance and a heathy dose of mystery. Charity and Piers were great characters and the supporting cast left no small pool for suspects. The mystery was great, it kept me turning pages to find out what had happened. This is a great read with mystery, romance, humor and danger made for a quite enjoyable read. 

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own. 

A Dance In Donegal

To fulfill her mother's dying wish, Moira Doherty moves from Boston to the rolling green hills of 1921 Ireland to teach in a village school. She doesn't expect to fall in love--or to uncover a scandalous family reputation her mother left behind years ago.

My Rating: 2 Stars

I wanted to love this book. A historical set in Ireland?? What's not to love? Unfortunately for me the story fell flat. Moira wasn't my favorite as a leading lady, so there was a disconnect there for me. Then the absolute hatefulness of some of the characters turned me off as well as the twists the story took at the end. I loved the setting of Ireland and the characters of Peg, Bridge and Colm were my favorite elements of the story. While this wasn't my cup of tea overall, the teaser for the next book did peak my attention and I am definitely willing(and planning) to give it a try and see if that one clicks better for me. 

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.