Becoming the Talbot Sisters

Becoming the talbot sisters Author: Rachel Linden

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: May 1, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

An unexpected surprise! One of my favorite books of the year so far!

Celebrity chef Waverly Ross has built one of the most successful shows on the Food Network. From the outside, she seems to have it all. But there is one thing that she has yearned for that she has never been able to obtain: motherhood. Her estranged twin sister Charlie Talbot has been running from a dark secret of her past and working as a relief aid worker in Hungary. When the aunt that raised them passes away, Charlie and Waverly and reunited and begin the process of healing old wounds and building a relationship again. Charlie even offers to be a surrogate so that Waverly and her husband can finally become parents. When events take a turn that leave both sisters with the possibility of losing their jobs, the dream once again must wait. But Waverly has a plan to save her show and she needs Charlie’s help to do it.

This is one of those “can’t judge a book by its cover” stories. I had no idea what I was getting into when I opened the cover of this book, but I’m so glad that I did. The writing was phenomenal. I loved how Linden developed the characters based on individual perspectives and then blended them together as the story progressed. I also loved all of the behind the scenes descriptions of what goes on to make a successful cooking show. Throw that in with travel across parts of Europe and you’ve got a masterpiece of a novel.

The scenery was fantastic throughout the book. Traveling across Europe in a book takes a lot of research into different settings and cultures and Linden really brought those to light. But the emphasis on the relationship between Waverly and Charlie was probably the best part of the whole thing. Throughout the book you love the sisters, then you hate the sisters; sometimes only one, sometimes both. It felt real the whole way through.

Definitely a book that you need to add to you summer reading list. I may even read it again just to enjoy it a little bit more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Golden Vial

The Golden Vial Author: Thomas Locke

Series: Legends of the Realm #3

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: March 20, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

The battle for the realm continues brining in some new characters to freshen up the story.

Darkness has settled over the Three Valleys area, cutting off the towns from the outside world. Little by little the darkness squeezes the area in closer. The townspeople have started to ignore the threat and accepted that it was always this way. There is one that has not. Dally’s entire family was killed by the dark force and she was left orphaned and taken in by the town mayor. She hasn’t gotten along well with people, but she has always had the ability to talk with the mayor’s dogs. When Lady Shona arrives to combat the evil forces, she request the presence of Dally and her ability. It is also discovered the Dally has the power of a great mage, but has never been taught. She joins Lady Shona’s band of faithful followers on her quest to save the realm, with hopes to save Hyam as well.

This series has been my favorite fantasy series in quite some time and I have been looking forward to this book for well over two years. It went in a different direction than what I expected, but it is a transition novel to the next storyline. Locke has done a really good job of weaving everything in the world together, which can be daunting when you have to create the world to begin with. The descriptive nature of the scenery has continued so that it is easy to jump back into the realm at a moment’s notice. The cast of characters continue to be a fun bunch to be around much of the time. As the main character, Dally struggles with confidence much like Hyam did in the first book. Given their similarities, I would not be surprised to find that they are related in some way in the future.

Undoubtedly, this series will not be for everyone; however, I recommend that you give it a try. Each book is serious, but has a lot of humor to keep it a little lighter. This book is a great read for young adults and up. If you haven’t read the first two, I recommended it as there is a lot of back story that needs to fill you in.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Theory of Happily Ever After

Happily Ever After Author: Kristin Billerbeck

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: May 1, 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

This witty romance comedy may just be the cruise you’ve been looking to take!

Dr. Maggie Maguire is a scientist who has been wrapped up in her work studying the different causes and effects to happiness. She even wrote a bestselling book and giving talks with her fiancée. Unfortunately, things happen and her happiness is shattered when her fiancée breaks it off and immediately takes up with an acrobat who he soon marries. This, of course, sends poor Maggie to the brink of watching Hallmark movies while eating gallons of eggnog ice cream. Fortunately, she has two friends that recognize what is happening and realize the best way to get her to move on is to put her back in the saddle. So, they book her on a cruise, which sounds great until Maggie learns that she is one of the speakers on the cruise. Now faced with anxiety of telling people about happiness when she lost her own, Maggie begins the process of starting over with love. And what better place to find it than on a singles cruise in the Gulf of Mexico!

Overall this book was an enjoyable read. The writing is extremely witty throughout the book and makes you laugh out loud a few times. The scenes were set really well with the cruise and describing the activities throughout really kept the progress steady. However, many people may find Maggie’s character annoying throughout much of the book. She does whine a lot at first and then makes some decisions throughout the book that can leave readers scratching their head. By the end of the book, you can see that Maggie has actually had a lot of personal growth. More so than her friends. The romance triangle of having two guys vying for Maggie’s attention was interesting, but sometimes not completely realistic. In many ways, it was like watching a Hallmark movie but hoping for more of a real life feel. Don’t take it too serious. Just enjoy it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Everywhere You Want to Be

Everywhere You Want to Be Author: Christina June

Publisher: Blink YA Books

Release Date: May 1, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Labeled as a retelling of Red Riding Hood, Everywhere You Want to Be goes deeper with life lessons that hit home and should be taken to heart.

After a serious injury takes Matilda Castillo away from her dream of becoming a dancer for a year, she is afraid all hope of achieving her dream is lost. But when a once in a lifetime chance comes her way, she jumps at it. She has been offered the opportunity to spend the summer in New York and perform. She has already made a commitment to go to Georgetown in the fall and doesn’t want to disappoint her mother but also knows she can’t pass up the chance to finally chase down her dream. Her grandmother has given her a pair of bright red sunglasses as good luck and she uses them to help her launch herself into her new career. Day one finds her making herself a target as the one to beat and Sabrina Wolfrik is intent on doing everything she can to stop her competition. Matilda also has a second chance at love when the boy she lost her chance with is in the city for the summer and willing to give them another shot. Not only is Tilly’s future with dance on the line, but also much more, and she is going to give her all to make her dreams come true.

For me, the best thing about this novel was the lessons taught. I loved how June brought bullying into light but in such a different way than would be expected. Tilly was able to show that even though it might be hard, being the bigger, better person always pays off in the end. She had some tough choices to make but showed how it can still be done. Her interactions with Charlotte and Paolo were well played out, as well as the dynamic between her and her family. The teenage years are hard with many life decisions that need to be made and learning to deal with what comes your way can be very difficult. I loved the way the story line with Sabrina played out. Very different than I would have first expected, but still very natural. I recommend this book especially for teenage readers, they will gain a lot from what is written on the pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Pelican Point

Pelican Point Author: Irene Hannon

Series: Hope Harbor #4

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: April 3, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Tensions ignite a romance that is just brewing under the surface in Pelican Point that isn’t to be missed.

When Ben Garrison leaves the army to go tend to the last wishes of his grandfather who has just passed away, he has no idea what he is walking into. Even though they were close, his grandfather didn’t tell him he would be inheriting a lighthouse. It was put up for auction and his grandfather was the only bidder wanting to preserve the history. Unfortunately, his health kept him from being able to keep up with it. Not exactly the kind of thing Ben wanted to inherit, nor does he have any desire to keep it.

The editor of the town paper, Marci Weber, knew Ben’s grandfather and how much the lighthouse meant to him. She is determined to make sure Ben respects his grandfather’s wishes and save the town landmark. The two butt heads over the potential outcome of the lighthouse but eventually find common ground which leads to much more between them. Once they start working together the potential for their lives together shines brighter faster than the lighthouse ever could have.

Irene Hannon has become one of the top Christian writers around. Not only is she great at writing suspense but she has also become an excellent romance writer. Even though this is a romance novel, Hannon includes a few moments of suspense bringing a more realistic quality to not only the characters but the situations they face. I am more of a fan of her suspense series than romance but she has been pulling me in as of late with the characters and connections they establish. Ben may be coming back from war and the heaviness that it brings but we get to see a softer side to him as he develops feelings for Marci. One of the nicest things about this book is it is a clean romance that can be read by anyone without worrying about the content for younger readers. Overall it was a very enjoyable read that won’t stress readers out but will leave them awaiting the next by Irene Hannon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Healing Power of Essential Oils

Essential Oils Author: Eric Zielinski, D.C.

Publisher: Harmony

Release Date: March 13, 2018

Reviewer: Jennifer S. Roman

Dr. Zielinski wrote The Healing Power of Essential Oils as a way to demonstrate that people can use essential oils in conjunction with modern medicine, under a doctor’s care, or as a means of alternate therapy. His book breaks down the various kinds of essential oils, how they are used, and different ailments or symptoms that can be treated using essential oils. A Christian, licensed chiropractor, and public health clinical researcher, Dr. Z uses a variety of methods to introduce his readers to the use of essential oils. He includes recipes, anecdotes, clinical research, and personal experience to demonstrate his endorsement of these gifts of nature.

Starting at the beginning, Dr. Z explains what essential oils are, their history of use through time, and how they are created. He introduces the more common and useful oils and references several different sources of the oils themselves and the various accoutrements used with them. He makes an effort to consider costs when recommending various items and will recommend oils that can be used for more than one purpose.

As the book progresses, each chapter explores either a particular oil or an area of treatment (weight loss, candida, women’s health) and how essential oils may be able to help. He includes recipes for a variety of methods of use: ingestion, rubs and ointments, and inhalants. Dr. Z continually cautions readers that not all remedies are one-size-fits-all, and encourages people to try small and then build up. He also cautions that not every body will respond in the same way to treatment, so experimentation may be required. Most importantly, Dr. Z lists cautions and side effects of various essential oils. All put together, this is a good reference to get people started if they are interested in using essential oils.

Dr. Z’s language throughout the book is familiar and colloquial instead of clinical and difficult to read; even dilutions and medical terms are explained so that pretty much anyone can understand. He throws in some Biblical reference from time to time to demonstrate how healing relates in a Biblical sense, but the book itself does not come across as pushing religion.

It’s hard to say if essential oils are really helpful in treating disease or infection, but Dr. Z’s many references to clinical studies certainly give credibility. As someone who uses essential oils mostly for olfactory purposes, I was intrigued to find out what he had to say. I am convinced enough to try some of the recipes to see if they work, although I have not tried them yet. I was a little disappointed that there was not a section on cleaning and using essential oils throughout the home, but overall, I was impressed with how much information was packed into the book. Anyone interested in trying out essential oils could benefit from this book, and it is written in a style that is clear and easy to understand.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Beneath the Surface

Beneath the Surface Author: Lynn H. Blackburn

Series: Dive Team Investigations #1

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Sizzling with tension that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up and the skin tingle beneath the surface.

Leigh Weston needed a fresh start. After dealing with a stalker, she moved back home to Carrington, North Carolina and started working in the hospital emergency department. She thought all her troubles were behind her, but when her brakes fail and she crashes, she fears her past is catching up with her present. Her friend from high school is now a homicide investigator and she turns to him for help.

Ryan Parker is good at what he does, especially working with the dive team. When the team finds a body at the bottom of the lake Ryan starts investigating and ends up at Leigh’s front door. Her security footage might have caught something and he needs her help to get to the bottom of what is going on with not only the body but also who is trying to hurt Leigh.

Lynn H. Blackburn has just been added to my list of new favorite authors. Beneath the Surface is more than I expected. Usually I enjoy seeing a character in distress but fighting back on their own with the help of someone else. Here though, I loved the way Leigh was put in situations and the way the tension was played out. I don’t want to say too much and give the good points away. But I will say that the tension was tightest at all the right moments bringing the story to new levels and keeping the pages flying. A few moments were a little slow but just when it would get slow Blackburn was able to bring it back in with no problem. I love the way the characters interacted with each other and even themselves. At times, the characters thoughts were played out on the page making them relatable and the story believable. This was the first book I have read by Lynn H. Blackburn but will not be my last.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Kremlin Conspiracy

Kremlin Conspiracy Author: Joel C. Rosenberg

Publisher: Tyndale House

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Could Rosenberg’s current event fiction be anymore prophetic?

Several apartment bombings in Russia throughout the late 1990s were attributed to Chechnyan rebels. Russian’s defense minister has sworn to protect the people of Russia and the tide seems to turn in his favor both in reduction of attacks and popular favor. He soon gets elected the country’s new president and begins a reign that he believes will rebuild Russia from the devastation of the cold war to become the leading super power of the world. With unlikely allies in Iran and North Korea, the president begins a masked message of peace while supplying the countries with means to produce nuclear weapons. With ambition and power on the rise, does anybody have the guts to stop him?

Marcus Ryker has always dreamed of being a police officer and marrying his high school sweetheart Elena Garcia. An unfortunate family incident changes his outlook on life in several ways and Marcus joins up with the marines shortly after the events of 9/11. After his stint in the marines, he begins the process of joining the secret service and eventually joins the president’s personal detail. As Russia’s president begins to set events in motion, Marcus realizes that stakes have never been higher and the US and Russia will come to the brink of war if he doesn’t do something. Everything he learned to protect his president will have to be used to take out theirs!

As usual, Rosenberg masterfully draws the reader in with the first paragraph and never lets up until the end, which only leaves you wanting more! The story line carefully reflects that of the rise of Putin from head of FSB to defense minister to being elected president of Russia. Reading the book really jogged my memory back to when the apartment bombings were occurring in Russia and how Putin vowed to take out the terrorists, which eventually got him elected. If you haven’t researched Putin, I highly recommended that you do so that you can do a compare/contrast to the story that Rosenberg has weaved together.

It’s often been said that Rosenberg writings are prophetic with current events. This one proved to be no exception for as I was reading this book, North Korea has announced they will cease nuclear weapons testing! Could it be any mere coincidence? Or are they doing exactly with Rosenberg laid out in this book for present day? Only the reader can decide!

I always recommend his books for readers who love current events and a fantastic story! Pick up a copy of this book as soon as you can!

I received complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

sam hell Author: Robert Dugoni

Publisher: Lake Union

Release Date: April 24, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

To call this book extraordinary won’t do it justice! Dugoni has written a coming of age story with some of the best character development I have ever read.

Sam Hill started life different than everyone else. He was born with red pupils and ended up with the nicknames, “Devil boy” or “Sam Hell”. His mother didn’t want him to believe the derogatory things said about him. She told him that God had a plan for his life and to have faith in God’s will. Nothing she said did any good to comfort Sam, but he kept his head high with the help of his mother’s faith, father’s guidance, and his two best friends. Growing up in the time he did, it was hard to have red eyes, but it was even harder to have dark skin, which is what made Sam gravitate towards the new kid in school, Ernie Cantwell. Ernie was the only African American kid in Sam’s class and needed a friend as bad as Sam did. Mickie Kennedy rounded out their group and she was a force to be reckoned with. As Sam grows into adulthood, he questions if everything is by a plan or not. Sam looks back on the life he has lived and takes a journey through the past and around the world to figure his world out for himself. By the time he finishes his journey, his eyes are truly open to what matters most.

Robert Dugoni is by far one of the best authors I know. His writing is one that will transport you into the story and have you walking hand in hand with the characters. His Tracy Crosswhite series is one of my favorite series to date and The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell is going to be right up there with some of my all time favorites, but for very different reasons. Usually my favorite reads are the suspense thrillers, page-turners that keep you guessing about what is going to happen until the very end. With this book, it was more of an immersion into the characters unlike any other I have ever read. The character development throughout this story is better than any I have ever read. Each character brings the story to life in their own special way. Sam has so many challenges but it is nothing he can’t handle. And having to face those challenges helps mold him into the kind of man he needs to be to help others, a lesson we can all learn from. Dugoni is well known for his suspense thrillers and legal thrillers so I wasn’t sure how this new venture would turn out for him but am pleased to say this will easily make my list of best of the year reads. I recommend this book to all readers, especially those looking for a story with heart and a lesson for all to learn.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The House on Harbor Hill

house on harbor hill Author: Shelly Stratton

Publisher: Dafina Publications

Release Date: March 27, 2018

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

An interesting use of past and present with multiple viewpoints to create a story worth reading and passing on to others.

Set in two different eras and with two different women going through similar struggles, Delilah Grey owns Harbor Hill and uses the large house to help others in need. She sees women going through abuse or struggles and brings them into her home in the only way she knows how to help. Even though she was acquitted of her husband’s mysterious death many decades ago, she still isn’t sure if it was her fault or not and doesn’t know if she will ever know the truth. When she takes in Tracey Walters and her two children she hopes to help this woman not knowing how desperate Tracey is for the help. She has gone into hiding from her abusive husband and has no-where else to turn to. When she arrives at Harbor Hill, she hopes to save some money and finally and have a fresh start with her kids. Between Tracey and Delilah, there is enough scar tissue deep down that neither might every feel truly free unless they work together to face their fears and past to move on to a brighter future.

One of the points that worked best in this novel that is unusual is the back and forth from past to present. Usually jumps like that tend to take a reader out of a story and can stop the flow from progressing, but not here, I enjoyed the way Stratton used both timelines and point of views to fully tell the story. It wouldn’t have worked any other way. Each part tied all the others together with both characterization and the projection of the story line in a way that is rarely done these days. I enjoyed the back and forth between Delialah and Aiden; even though they were not related, it was obvious they cared for each other and had the other’s best interest at heart, even if it wasn’t coming across at times. Aiden took a little bit to get to like, and just when I did, his actions had me questioning if he was a character I wanted to cheer for or not. Tracey’s story couldn’t have played out better. The ending had the tension at an insane level, and without any crazy stuff that would normally be required to get the tension that high. Overall I thought this story played our very well, there was some adult language that makes this not suitable for a younger audience. With that being said, it would be a great read for anyone looking for a great story fueled by racial tension and social issues.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.