Canyon of Danger and River of Peril by Susan K. Marlow (Goldtown Adventures #3 & #4)

About the books: 

Canyon of Danger (Goldtown Adventures #3) by Susan K. Marlow:  

Jem Coulter's pa, the sheriff of Goldtown, is away on a trip to deliver a prisoner to Sacramento, and he has left Jem in charge of the ranch-along with Aunt Rose, that is.

No sooner is the sheriff gone then trouble starts-a dead calf, a mysterious stranger, and then Pa's horse, Copper, and his prize rifle are stolen. And Pa's deputies seem unconcerned. Jem and his cousin Nathan find Copper's tracks end at a dark canyon up in the hills.

Jem remembers an old Indian legend Strike-it-rich Sam is fond 
of retelling about people disappearing and no one ever seeing them again. What is the real story of the canyon of danger? Have thieves found the perfect hideout?

Readers ages 8 to 12 will be entertained by the adventurous spirit and historical lure in this fast-moving series that teaches about life in the post-Gold Rush days of 1860s California. Quick-paced plots and unforgettable characters make these books fun for the whole family.

River of Peril (Goldtown Adventures #4) by Susan K. Marlow  

Jem Coulter thinks his family is just on a sightseeing trip to the big city of Sacramento. Then armed bandits hold up the stagecoach for the secret stash they're carrying: gold for the Union Army fighting the distant Civil War! Suddenly war isn't nso far away; it's right there on the road to Sacramento, with Jem's father, the sheriff of Goldtown, fighting against the rebel army's Knights of the Golden Circle.

When the family finally reaches the city, they think they're safe at last. Setting out to see the sights, Jem, his sister Ellie, and their cousin Nathan make a new friend. But is Henry the pal they think he is? With a father who is a die-hard Confederate, could Henry be in cahoots with the thieves?

River of Peril gives readers ages 8 to 12 the fast-moving, exciting adventure they've come to expect in this series, as well as a glimpse into the history of post--Gold Rush and Civil War life in 1860s California, with stagecoaches, steamboats, stowaways--and lots of gold!
 

My Take:  If you are looking for a series that will get your youngster excited for reading especially boys this may just be the one for you.  these books start at a break neck speed and don't slow down until the very end so the young reader doesn't have time to get bored with the story.  They will be turning the pages as fast as they can read them so that they can find out what happens next.  I wish this series had been around when my son was young.  As it is I will be getting the first two in this se ries and saving them for when my grandkids are older.  Girls will enjoy this series also.

I received review copies of these books in exchange for my honest review from Kregel. 

A Sensible Arrangemtn by Tracie Peterson

A Lone Star Brides book.

Marty Dandridge Olson is ready to leave behind the pain of the past.
Answering an advertisement for a “Lone Star bride,” she leaves her Texas ranch and heads to Denver to marry a man she doesn’t know.

Jake Wythe is the man waiting for her.
Burned by love, he marries now simply to satisfy the board of Morgan Bank, which believes a man of his standing in society should be wed. Together Jake and Marty agree they are done with romance and love and will make this nothing more than a marriage of convenience.

When missing money and a collapsing economy threaten his job, Jake’s yearning to return to ranching grows ever stronger, much to Marty’s dismay. But a fondness has grown between them, as well, further complicating matters.

What will happen when their relationship shifts in unexpected ways… and dreams and secrets collide?

Purchase a copy and learn more at Tracie’s website.

{MORE ABOUT TRACIE PETERSON}

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie’s Web site at www.traciepeterson.com.

Find out more about Tracie athttp://www.traciepeterson.com.

My Take:  Tracie Peterson is one of my favorite authors every since my husband gave me The Heirs of Montana series for Christmas one year and I spent the rest of that winter reading that series and other books by her.  I was excited about reading this book which is the first in her new series the Lone Star Brides. This book has the Main character Marty leaving her familiar surroundings and going off to be a mail order bride.  I have always wondered why someone would become a mail order bride.  This book gives a scenario that I hadn't really thought of much.  I found this book interesting from both points of view from the Males and females.  I look forward to continuing with this series and see where is leads. 

I received a review copy of this book in  exchange for my honest opinion from Litfuse. 

Maybell in Stitches by Joyce Magnin (Quilts of Love)

Maybelle In Stitches | A Quilts of Love book.

Maybelle Kazinzki can’t sew. She was after all, the only girl in the seventh grade Home Economics class to sew the zipper in the neck hole of the A-Line dress they were supposed to make. But when she finds an unfinished quilt in the attic of her mother’s house she gets the crazy idea to finish it—somehow, come heck or high water. She thinks it will help fill the lonely nights while her husband, Holden, is serving overseas during World War II.

Her recently departed mother’s quilt is made from scraps of material Maybelle traces back to her mother’s childhood, her grandmother’s childhood and her own childhood. She tries to add one of Holden’s stripes to it but the sewing is not going well and neither is her life. After receiving some harsh news, Maybelle’s faith falters and she puts the quilt away and stops trusting God. But God is faithful- no matter what. And it’ll take a group of neighborhood women armed with quilting needles to help Maybelle believe that.

Learn more and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love site.

{MORE ABOUT JOYCE MAGNIN}

Joyce Magnin is the author of the Bright’s Pond novels, including the award-winning The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow. A member of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship, Joyce is a frequent workshop leader and the organizer of the StoryCrafters fiction group. She lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Find out more about Joyce athttp://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com/products/31/Maybelle-in-Stitches.

My Take:  Each one of the quilts of Love books is a treat.  Even though this is a series you never know what you will find when you open one of these books except it will be excellent story telling.  This book is set during WWII and Maybelle is doing her part for the war effort by being a welder.  Her mother is a quilter but Maybelle is not.  During several hard events Maybelle finds comfort in a quilt that her mother made and also in learning how to quilt by working on a quilt her mother started.  This book helps you to realize that you can get through anything if you just rely on God.  Another good installment to the series.  

I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from Litfuse. 

Book spotlight of Up At Butternut Lake by Mary McNear

In the spirit of Kristin Hannah and Susan Wiggs, comes this debut novel-the first in an unforgettable new series by Mary McNear

It's been ten years since Allie Beckett crossed the threshold of her family cabin at Butternut Lake, Minnesota. Now, newly widowed after the death of her husband in Afghanistan, she's returned with her five-year-old son.

There, she reconnects with the friends she had in childhood-best girlfriend Jax, now married with three kids and one on the way, and Caroline, owner of the local coffee shop. What Allie doesn't count on is a newcomer to Butternut Lake, Walker Ford. 

Up at Butternut Lake follows these four unforgettable characters across a single summer as they struggle with love, loss, and what it means to take risks, confront fears, and embrace life, in all of its excitement and unpredictability.

Allie Beckett could never have imagined, when she ran away from her old life, that she was running into a whole new life, up at the lake….

The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

Book Info

About the book: From the servant halls of Cleopatra's Egyptian palace to the courts of Herod the Great, Lydia will serve two queens to see prophecy fulfilled. Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working hard to please while keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life. But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she's had to a family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme. Trapped among the scheming women of Herod's political family---his sister, his wife, and their mothers---and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy all hope of the coming Messiah. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/uKKQP About the Author: Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at age eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. She has authored many novels, including Garden of Madnessand So Shines the Night. Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancient History and has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures.  See Tracy's travel journals and more at: tracyhigley.com My Take:  I have always been fascinated with the time period of Cleopatra but oddly enough I haven't really read to much about this time period.  I liked this story of Lydia and how she must find her way through all the danger and political intrigue to fulfill the mission that she has been entrusted with.  This book is not only historical fiction but it has a bit of a spy novel feel to it.  I loved learning about not only the history but I likes learning about the politics.  Interesting reading.  I received a review copy from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.

Hands of Darkness by Heather James

Hands of Darkness by Heather James

From Goodreads.com

Evelyn Barrett has a new job, a new baby, and a new life—of sorts. Nearly crushed by the horrific abduction and murder of her daughter (book 1, Unholy Hunger), Evelyn is moving on as best she can. No longer allowed to practice law, she is recruited by one of the detectives from her daughter’s case to become a police consultant. Her inaugural case becomes a baptism by fire as she joins the hunt for a chillingly methodical and sadistic serial rapist and murderer. Her revulsion and anger fuels a passion for justice . . . and then it becomes personal. Her friend and law school roommate, Jen, becomes a victim. The rapist has made a catastrophic mistake with Jen: he has left her alive and able to talk. Filled with the chilling tension of Unholy Hunger, Hands of Darkness explores the emotional and spiritual consequences for all involved when justice and compassion collide head-on with the darkest examples of human depravity.

My Take:  Even thought this is the second book in a series you can easily read this book as a standalone.  I love books that have me in suspense from beginning till the end and this book certainly did that.  This story is a bit hard at times to read as the subject matter of rape and murder are difficult issues.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters and learning about what made them tick.  This book will hook you and won't let go until you reach the final page.  I would recommend this book if you like suspenseful thrillers.  

I received a review copy of this book from Kregel in exchange for my honest review.  

Mark of Evil by Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall

Book Description

Economies have fallen, freedom has been suppressed, and peace is a distant memory. The world is falling apart. Joshua Jordan’s protégé Ethan March, along with Jimmy Louder and Rivka Reuban have been left behind in a world that is rapidly coming under the complete influence of the Antichrist.

Technology is growing by leaps and bounds, with BID-Tag implants, robotic police units, and drone-bots flying overhead . . . all designed to control and dominate those who resist the Antichrist’s reign of evil. As Biblical prophecy is fulfilled each new day, Ethan and the others in the Remnant struggle to eat, to procure necessary goods, and to avoid the Global Alliance---in short, to survive.

But when the forces of evil attempt to pervert the world’s most powerful information system to their own sinister ends, eliminating everyone who gets in their way, it’s up to Ethan and the Remnant to subvert their dark ambitions. From New York Times best-selling author Tim LaHaye, creator and co-author of the world-renowned Left Behind books, and Craig Parshall, Mark of Evil is the final thrilling chapter in The End series.

With high-tech thrills against a background of prophetic events that seem to leap from today’s news, this is the story of global tribulations bringing the world one step closer to the reign of the Antichrist and the return of Jesus Christ in glory.

My Take:  This is the last book in this series.  I had listened to the first two book in this series on audio but I had not read or listened to the third one so I was alittle lost for the first couple of  chapters so it is not necessary to read the first ones to enjoy this book.  These books are not the Left behind books.  This book has alot more technology and it has alot of characters.  To be perfectly honest I struggled getting into this series because I loved the Left Behind series and I had a hard time not comparing it to the other series.  This series does have it's pros.  The way the rapture has already occurred and to buy or sell you must have the tags embedded.  This book did have turning the pages to see what was going to happen and who was going to live and who was going to die (and some of my favorite characters don't make it to the end).  I enjoyed Left Behind better but this series did entertain me and I would recommend it to others but I would read this series before Left Behind if you can.  

I received a review copy from BookLook Blogging program in exchange for my honest review.  

Twelve to Murder by Lauren Carr

From Goodreads.com

Two people are brutally murdered in their summer place on Deep Creek Lake. Suspected of the murders, former child star and one-time teenybopper idol Lenny Frost takes innocent bystanders hostage in a local pub and demands that Mac Faraday find the killer. Can Mac save the hostages and himself from the wrath of the enraged has-been by piecing together the clues in less than twelve hours, or will it be a fatal last call at the stroke of midnight?

"Twelve to Murder must be one of the more intense novels the author has written, and one readers will not want to put down. Twists and turns keep the plot moving forward at break-neck speed and fans working hard to figure out who killed the Stillman's. As always, it isn’t who we think." - Reviewer: Edie Dykeman, Bellaonline Mystery Editor

"Carr once again delivers a punch with her latest Mac Faraday novel, Twelve to Murder. Like all Carr's other novels, Twelve to Murder kept me glued to its pages from the very start, and while this murder mystery looks like it may be a cut and dried whodunit, Carr's expertise keeps readers guessing while the twist and turns unfold." - Reviewer: A Book Vacation Reviews

"As always, Lauren Carr brings an action packed story that is almost impossible to put down. Her mystery plots have so many twists and turns, I didn't know if I was coming or going. And the action just didn't stop, from the very beginning, till the very end. If you haven't read any of Lauren's work, I suggest you do she is a great writer and this one didn't disappoint at all. I look forward to reading more Mac Faraday novels in the future as they always keep me entertained."--Reviewer: Melina Mason, Melina's Book Reviews


"Twelve To Murder is a clever blend of comedy, mystery, and sappy love story. Lauren Carr does a good job of moving the quirky storyline along nicely with an abundance of witty dialogue. And you have no idea who the good guys are and who the bad guys are until the end." - Reviewer: Every Free Chance Book Reviews.

My Take:  This is the first book I have read by Lauren Carr but it will not be the last.  This is the seventh in a series so I will be going back to read the others in the series not because I needed to have read the others to enjoy this book but because this book was so good that I want to read more.  This mystery has all the right elements that make a good mystery.  The characters are very believable and the story keeps you guess right up till the very end,  Great book.  



Lauren Carr fell in love with mysteries when her mother read Perry Mason to her at bedtime. The first installment in the Joshua Thornton mysteries, A Small Case of Murder was a finalist for the Independent Publisher Book Award. 

Lauren is also the author of the Mac Faraday Mysteries, which takes place in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. It’s Murder, My Son, Old Loves Die Hard, and Shades of Murder, and Blast from the Past have all been getting rave reviews from readers and reviewers. The Murders at Astaire Castle is the fifth installment in the Mac Faraday Mystery series. The next installment in the Mac Faraday series, The Lady Who Cried Murder will be released in October of this year.

Released September 2012, Dead on Ice introduced a new series entitled Lovers in Crime, which features prosecutor Joshua Thornton with homicide detective Cameron Gates. The second installment in the Lovers in Crime, Real Murder, series will be out in 2014.

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, editor, cover and layout designer, and marketing agent for independent authors. This year, several books, over a variety of genre, written by independent authors will be released through the management of Acorn Book Services, which is currently accepting submissions. Visit Acorn Book Services website for more information.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She also passes on what she has learned in her years of writing and publishing by conducting workshops and teaching in community education classes.

She lives with her husband, son, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

I received a review copy of this book from Pump your Book in exchange for my honest review.  

Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter

Book Info

About the book: A Chapel Springs Romance

Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again.

Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she'd never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return.

The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He's loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she's back, his feelings are stronger than ever.

As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she's hiding secrets from her family, and she's strangely attracted to the man who's always called her "squirt." Finding her way home may prove more difficult than she imagined.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/uJ6OD

About the Author: Denise Hunter is an internationally published best-selling author. Her books have won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader's Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and was a RITA finalist. In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all of her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps, too. When Denise isn't writing, she's busy raising three heroes-in-the-making with her husband.

Learn more about Denise at: http://www.denisehunterbooks.com

My Take:  I have enjoyed other books that Denise Hunter has written so I thought I would give this book a try.  Although this is a second in the series you won't be to lost if you haven't read the first book.  I intend to go back and read the first in the series because I enjoyed this one so much.  This book is about letting yourself love again after a disappointment in a previous relationship.  The characters are very well depicted and I can see them as being real live people.  This book has your emotions going all over the place.  Very well written.  I will be looking forward to other installments in this series.  

I received a review copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. 

The Devil Walks in Mattingly by Billy Coffey

Book Info

About the book: For the three people tortured by their secret complicity in a young man's untimely death, redemption is what they most long for . . . and the last thing they expect to receive. It has been twenty years since Philip McBride's body was found along the riverbank in the dark woods known as Happy Hollow. His death was ruled a suicide. But three people have carried the truth ever since---Philip didn't kill himself that day. He was murdered. Each of the three have wilted in the shadow of their sins. Jake Barnett is Mattingly's sheriff, where he spends his days polishing the fragile shell of the man he pretends to be. His wife, Kate, has convinced herself the good she does for the poor will someday wash the blood from her hands. And high in the mountains, Taylor Hathcock lives in seclusion and fear, fueled by madness and hatred. Yet what cannot be laid to rest is bound to rise again. Philip McBride has haunted Jake's dreams for weeks, warning that he is coming back for them all. When Taylor finds mysterious footprints leading from the Hollow, he believes his redemption has come. His actions will plunge the quiet town of Mattingly into darkness. These three will be drawn together for a final confrontation between life and death . . . Between truth and lies. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/ux3hc About the Author: Billy Coffey's critically-acclaimed books combine rural Southern charm with a vision far beyond the ordinary. He is a regular contributor to several publications, where he writes about faith and life. Billy lives with his wife and two children in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.  Learn more about Billy at: http://billycoffey.com My Take:  This book was definitely a slow starter for me.  I felt like I was in the middle of the story when I first started reading (which I guess is really kinda of what I was as the main event took place about twenty years before.)  I can't say that I really enjoyed this book but I will say there was alot of drama and it did keep me turning the pages to see what was going to happen.  This just wasn't my kind of book and I couldn't really enjoy it.  Not sure why.  It was well written and I am sure others will enjoy it. I received a review copy from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.