The Hope of Azure Springs

azure springs Author: Rachel Fordham

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: July 3, 2018

Reviewer: Jennifer S. Roman

When an injured, dirty, malnourished young woman arrives in Azure Springs, Iowa, in 1881, nobody knows who she is or how she got there. They just know that they have to take care of her and then figure out how to help her. The Howell family, owner of the local mercantile, volunteers to take her in and nurse her back to health. After suffering the loss of their sons to the fever, they have their own hurts to heal. Sheriff Caleb Reynolds is tasked with finding out who this young woman is and why she has mysteriously appeared in his town. As he gets to know the young woman, known as Em, he learns that her past is connected to some serious trouble. Em learns to trust again as she slowly lets the Howell family, and Caleb, into her heart. Out comes her horrible story of being shipped on an orphan train from New York to Iowa and of losing her sister along the way. Feeling unwanted and unworthy are the lesser pains of her previous life as she lived with an unsavory man in his barn. Despite being a plain girl with unremarkable features, Em is able to capture the heart of the town and of the town’s most eligible bachelor.

Written from a perspective of several people, The Hope of Azure Springs explores the past and how its fingers grab onto the present. Em is trying to deal with the horrible feelings of loss, guilt, and rejection from childhood as she loses both parents and then later her sister. She experiences additional hurt when all the other children on the orphan train are chosen and she is not; eventually, she is chosen last minute and is immediately sorry as the man who takes her in neglects her and leaves her to fend for herself. Caleb, one of several boys, feels rejection and inadequacy. It seems as though his parents don’t see him after his older brothers are killed in the war, and he is always living in their shadow. Not being expressive people to begin with, he doesn’t know how they feel about him and tries to earn their love and appreciation. Abigail Howell, the matriarch of the Howell family, has her own loss to deal with as she tries to move on after her sons die from the fever. She dotes on her older daughter Eliza to the point of creating a spoiled brat who has no empathy towards others. Thankfully, she realizes it before it is too late for Eliza and her younger girls. Throughout the story, all of the characters face their troubled pasts and look forward to the future with optimism and hope.

There is some violence in the book that is mild by today’s standards. Overall, however, The Hope of Azure Springs does not have much objectionable in it. Adults and mature teens should be fine reading it.

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

Trial on Mount Koya

Trial on Mount Koya Author: Susan Spann

Series: Shinobi Mystery #6

Publisher: 7th Street Books

Release Date: July 3, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Another thrilling and insightful installment in the Shinobi series! Keep them coming!

Hiro and Father Mateo have been tasked with delivering a message from Iga to a temple on Mount Koya. Arriving just before a blizzard sets in, they are greeted by Ringa, the temple guardian. Ringa recognizes Hiro as Hanzo’s cousin and quickly separates them to have the message, at which time he also reveals he is an Iga spy. That night while sleeping, Hiro and Father Mateo are awakened by cries throughout the temple to find that Ringa has been murdered and posed as a Buddha. Hiro and Father Mateo are asked by the abbot to stay and investigate the murder to find the killer. They learn that the abbot sent a request to Iga to have an assassin brought in to teach the priests self-defense. Shortly after their encounter, the abbot is found murdered. Then the plot thickens when another priest is found murdered shortly thereafter. Tempers flare and baseless accusations begin to be made. Can Hiro and Father Mateo solve the case before another murder occurs? And what is the pattern? Why destroy the priests of a Buddhist temple in a neutral region?

This is one of those series that I look forward to all year! And when it finally shows up, I just tear into it to see what is going to happen next. The stories that Spann comes up with are so entertaining and intriguing. I can’t get enough of the banter between Hiro and Father Mateo. There are times that I just laugh out loud and what goes on between the two of them. I’ve also enjoyed watching their relationship grow closer as they continue on their journey.

I also enjoy the historical accuracy that Spann has brought to this series covering much of 16^th century Japan. The cultures and behaviors have been brought to life and very educational. This particular book dives down into the Buddhist temples and their way of life. She did a great job of explaining the belief system to help the reader understand the motivation behind the killer.

This is a great series that I recommend for all readers. It doesn’t even feel like a historical fiction novel most of the time. She does a great job of pulling the reader into the book that you feel like you are part of the action. Grab a copy today!

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

Honeysuckle Dreams

Honeysuckle dreams Author: Denise Hunter

Series: Blue Ridge Romance #2

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: May 1, 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Can self-arranged marriages end in true love?

Brady Collins was on the fast track to becoming a custom car mechanic. But when his ex-wife suddenly dies, he finds himself a single dad to a nine month old boy. Even so, he has found joy being a dad and taking care of him, even if he has to rely on friends more to watch his son while he works. One day Brady gets devastating news: his ex-wife’s parents have filed for a paternity test of his son and the results indicate that he is not the father. Driven to stay the boy’s legal father, Brady’s attorney gives him advice that if he was in a stable engagement or marriage, it could sway the court’s opinion to keep the family unit as it currently is. But where would Brady find a willing woman to agree to be his wife?

Hope Daniels is a local radio celebrity who has been working part time at a station in Atlanta. When she is home, she helps out Brady with watching his son. When she hears the news that Brady could lose his son, she proposes that they get engaged to help the court’s opinion. After a temporary victory, Hope then learns that they would likely have to get married. Could she agree to a loveless marriage for her friend? And what could it do to her career?

This was a light romance read that was perfect for summer. It was an easy, predictable novel that had a storyline that kept the pages moving forward to see how it was going to play out. I can’t imagine having a child and then finding out you’re not the parent while having others trying to take the child away. Hunter quickly draws readers into becoming an ally for Brady and all that he has to deal with. Readers will also love Hope’s attitude and willingness to help out her friend’s needs ahead of her own. The idea of two people agreeing to a marriage for the good of a child that isn’t theirs was an interesting concept. I enjoyed how it started as a mutual friendship that escalated into a romance. Quite a good summer read.

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

The Orphan’s Wish

The Orphan's Wish Author: Melanie Dickerson

Series: Hagenheim #8

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: June 26, 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A fun retelling of the beloved tale Aladdin with a daring rescue and a love story for all.

After being orphaned at a young age, Aladdin travels around trying to find his place to belong. When he ends up at an orphanage and meets Lady Kirstyn, the daughter of the Duke of Hageneim, they quickly form an unbreakable bond. Aladdin didn’t let being an orphan stop him from working hard and proving his worth. Every day he strived to prove he could be more than a poor orphan. He wants to show he can put his past of having to steal behind him and make amends for his wrongs. He wants to earn his fortune so he can be considered to marry Lady Kirstyn, but in order to do that he feels he must leave Hagenheim. Shortly after Aladdin leaves, Lady Kirstyn is kidnapped and used against both her father and Aladdin. Aladdin has to decide what is more important, his fortune he has worked for to prove he is worthy of Lady Kirstyn or saving the woman he loves.

At first I didn’t realize this was a retelling of Aladdin and was surprised with a few of the aspects of the book that made me chuckle. I enjoyed the way Aladdin worked hard despite all of the obstacles in his way. Lady Kirstyn was put in some difficult situations as well but never gave up hope in those she loved and her own abilities. This is one of the types of books I enjoy sitting down to read without having to think too much about, just enjoying the story while I’m in it and not worrying about anything else. The characters, with exception to one or two, were enjoyable to me in the story and I am happy to say the story played out well and didn’t leave me hanging or angry. There isn’t much negative I have to say about the story except for the fact that at times the story did feel a little slow but didn’t take long to pick up and keep me going. I haven’t read a lot of Melanie Dickerson but am sure to keep her on my list for upcoming reads. I recommend this book to those that enjoy a good historical romance with fun little tid-bits sprinkled in to make the story light hearted.

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

A Steep Price

A Steep price Author: Robert Dugoni

Series: Tracy Crosswhite #6

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Release Date: June 26, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

The newest Tracy Crosswhite book is a must read! Tracy and her crew are back and ready to tackle their toughest case yet, which will hit close to home for Tracy.

Detective Tracy Crosswhite has devoted her life to helping others after her sister went missing. When Tracy is called in to consult on a case involving the disappearance of a young woman, all the old memories come rushing back to her. When the body is found Tracy knows her instincts were right. The case becomes more complicated as Tracy is pregnant and trying to stay on the job as long as she can. A new detective has joined the team and Tracy fears she is here to replace her. Tracy’s partner Vic is also facing trouble when his investigation into the murder of a local community member turns out to be more complicated than any of them could have expected. With both of their careers on the line, Tracy and the team have to work together to save the lives of those they have sworn to protect and continue working together.

Robert Dugoni has done it again with the latest Tracy Crosswhite story! The nice thing about this story is the focus on the rest of the team. Tracy is still a main part of the story but we really get to see into the lives of Vic and Del and the rest of the team. This series has captivated me since My Sister’s Grave; some installments in the series are better than others but this one fits pretty close to the top of the list. Tracy is my favorite character out of almost all the books I have read in a very long time. She is tough but also has her vulnerable side and Dugoni shows this side at all the right times. Showing her working a case while being pregnant and having to take on new challenges and responsibilities she has into consideration really changes her and the story. Dugoni has a way of carrying a story forward in ways other authors have yet to figure out. There are times he goes back and forth between characters as well as time but it never throws the reader from the story. It is an intricate way of weaving a complicated plot and story line together to make an unforgettable novel and characters. It’s not only the main characters that shine, each and every character in this novel had their moment to shine, and shine they did. Robert Dugoni is one of the top authors out there for a reason. He has mastered the art of storytelling and I can’t recommend his novels highly enough. Everyone looking for a remarkable story that will leave you thirsting for more Tracy Crosswhite adventures needs to grab A Steep Price immediately.

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

Where Hope Begins

Where Hope Begins Author: Catherine West

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: May 22, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

An emotional roller coaster ride that some may find difficult to read but will find closure in the end.

Savannah Barrington has just lost the one person she never dreamed would betray her. Her husband, Kevin, has had an affair and has decided to leave her for his younger love. Now with Kevin gone, their daughter Zoe in college and son Adam at a boarding school, the house feels as empty as ever. Savannah decides to go stay at the lake house her mother owns up in the Berkshires for a change of scenery. While there, she is introduced to a young girl who is the spitting image of her first daughter who died in a bicycle accident several years ago. The girl’s father turns out to be a famous author that both she and Kevin always loved to read. They are staying with his aunt, who has been prepared to help Savannah heal through tending her late husband’s greenhouse. But healing won’t come easy, it will take faith and forgiveness. Can Savannah find the strength to forgive her husband and move on?

I have been wanting to read a book by Catherine West for a long time and I am glad that I finally did. This book was really hard for me to read because half way through my three year old son had a freak accident that could have easily resulted in death. It really shook my husband and I to the core and it was hard to pick up the book and continue reading when the main character was feeling the same emotions that were going through me at the time. Fortunately, he is ok and the book had a silver lining at the end.

I love getting to read a great story that is clean and relatable. I understood the emotions of the characters and have seen what they were going through first hand. There is a lot of family drama and struggle in this book and it makes it very real. West also did a great job of setting her scenes so that I could easily find my way into the characters world. I am going to go get a couple more of her books for future reading!

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

The Armoire

The Armoire Author: Ione Joy

Publisher: eLectico Publishing

Release Date: August 25, 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

True purposes can be easily unlocked when seen, but greater are those who find their purpose through faith in the unseen!

All her life Maxine has been curious as to what was always hidden away in her grandmother’s armoire. She was always told it was for her when she would be ready. After her grandmother passes away, she receives the armoire, but no key. After a frantic search, she finally locates the key and opens the doors to discover a single beautiful feather. Bewildered, she touches the feather only to come face to face with an angel named Abia. Abia has been instructed to show Maxine several scenes that will help her understand her true potential. Maxine is then whisked from scene to scene to witness heartbreaks, sadness, happiness, true joy, and unspeakable devastation. These scenes are provided as a gift that shapes the remainder of Maxine’s life on this earth.

This was a fantastic book that easily fits in with Christian end times fiction, but not in the Left Behind sense. This gives the main character, Maxine, an understanding of who she is meant to be, the purpose she was made for. And when she tries to use the “after college” approach, it is said that Jesus will be coming back soon and there is no time to waste. The bulk of the book is about Maxine’s life and how all the scenes that she witnessed with Abia become encounters in her own life. She meets these people after these events have happened and understands what happened so that she can help them. Even so, she still faces great tragedy and personal losses and tries to cope with them as best she can understand.

If you are looking for a great book to read this summer, please get a copy of this one! It will be well worth your while.

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

Heaven Adjacent

heaven adjacent Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Release Date: June 19, 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A beautifully written novel of what is important in love and why we need to hold on to it when we find it.

After spending her entire life as a high-powered attorney in Manhattan, Roseanna Chaldecott has decided she has had enough after her best friend and partner suddenly dies. With only the clothes on her back and a tank of gas, Roseanna heads out of the city with no plans of return. Deep in the mountains of the Adirondacks, she finds a plot of land and a ramshackle farm that turns out to be her Heaven. On the land are squatters she wants to get rid of to be alone, but doesn’t have the heart to turn them away. Roseanna starts working with her hands creating sculptures out of the junk found on the farm, which attracts attention she doesn’t want, including her son, Lance. He wants her to come back to the city, which she refuses to do. He isn’t the only one that wants her back, her partners at her law firm want her back or she might just lose all she has worked for her entire life. She has to decide what it is she truly wants and can live without in order to be happy.

Heaven Adjacent needs to be read by so many, especially in the day and age we are living in. Our culture has become so obsessed with the material things we have to offer that we have forgotten what is truly important. Roseanna decides that things have to change for her after her best friend dies without having experienced all there is in the world. She doesn’t want to work herself to death and regret the time she has had on this earth. Taking time to find out what matters is so important, by slowing down and enjoying the simple things in life she is able to actually find happiness again. I loved the idea of this because so many times we think that we need the newest and coolest things out there to be happy, but we don’t. The characters were completely believable and completely in track with the actions they took and the consequences of those actions. I loved how Hyde was able to bring these characters to life and draw the action forward without action scenes or major suspense. She used tension in each scene in a different way to move the story forward and keep the reader entranced. This story reminds us to stay encouraged and not lose hope in the difficult times but go back to the basic simple things in life and there we will find our happiness. I recommend this book to readers that have enjoyed her work and are looking for a book unlike any they have read and one they won’t soon forget.

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

Dominic

Dominic Author: Mark Pryor

Series: Hollow Man #2

Publisher: 7th Street Books

Release Date: January 2, 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Not every main character is honorable. Sometimes, they’re just a psychopath!

Originally from England, Dominic has made quite a life for himself in Austin, Texas. He is a prosecutor with the district attorney’s office for Travis County and primarily works with juvenile cases. He also is a local musician that plays at a lot of different scenes. But only two people know that he is also a psychopath. And the saying goes that three people can keep a secret when two of them are dead. The two people are his special lady and her teenage brother, who also happens to be a psychopath.

When a cop starts poking around asking about Dominic’s involvement in a past murder investigation that left his roommate in prison, Dominic is afraid that his teenage protégé is going to do something stupid like kill her. So, when she is found dead, his thoughts naturally drift toward what must have happened and how this could all lead back to him. With only himself in mind (he is a psychopath after all), Dominic begins the process to transfer all involvement of any of the crimes to someone else.

This is a very different, but interesting concept. I haven’t read Hollow Man, but don’t feel like I missed much, maybe just a little backstory. I’ll probably go ahead and read it so that I can fill in some of the blanks. Having the main character as a psychopath with no regard for human life is a little different from my normal reading genre. However, it is interesting that the reader can still form a bond with him as a main character. Its also told in an exciting way that makes the reader want to find out what he is planning. Usually this would be told from the police procedural point of view, but this turns the tables in an effort to thwart the police from discovering the truth. That in itself makes me want to continue with this series. It also helps that I frequent Austin and I love it when scenes and settings can easily come to life for me because I’ve been to the locations that the author is describing.

There is some strong language used throughout the book, so I recommend this title for mature readers.

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

Garden of Blue Roses

garden of blue roses Author: Michael Barsa

Publisher: Underland Press

Release Date: April 17, 2018

Reviewer: Jennifer S. Roman

Milo and Klara, son and daughter of the famous horror novelist John Crane, immediately become orphans after their parents’ car slides off a slippery winter road and crashes upside down in a ravine. Although they are both adults, they decide to stay in their family home. Klara, now the executor of the estate, is licking her wounds after a divorce and unsuccessful stint teaching at a reform school. Milo returns from college and settles into his own world of building model boats and other structures. Both just slide from day to day in their own little worlds until Klara decides to hire a gardener referred to her by one of the prominent ladies of their small town. Milo immediately suspects the gardener, Henri, of something… but he can’t put his finger on it. As he finally does, he reveals many haunting family secrets.

Klara is rather eccentric. Milo has something not right about him. As the book moves on, it becomes abundantly clear just what their issues are: their parents. Their mother is a raging alcoholic. Many of their father’s plots mimic real life, and in many cases, the real life of Milo and Klara. Milo realizes that Henri is living the life of one of his father’s most evil characters, Keith. Klara of course dismisses it as part of Milo’s unusual personality, but maybe Milo really is on to something.

A slow burn. The majority of the reviews I read about this book (after I read it, of course) described this story using that exact phrase. It fits perfectly. I was about halfway through the book and knew a lot at this point about Klara and Milo, but not much about what was happening. Then, out of nowhere, things began to happen. The majority of well-written story was a setup for what was about to happen next, and when it did, it shot off like a rocket. The next thing I knew, all kinds of things were happening and even more excitement was building as I was swept into Milo’s and Klara’s past, which was much more of a horror story than anything their father could have written.

I am all about action and moving along in a story, but every now and again a book so well-written and so engaging comes along that you want to savor each and every word. That was definitely the case for me with Garden of Blue Roses, and Michael Barsa earned his numerous five-star reviews with this one. The plot is engaging and the writing almost exotic. One can’t help but sit on the edge of one’s seat for not only the plotline but the language in this book. The ending did not fail to impress me, and it definitely was not what I was expecting. I heartily recommend this book!

True to gothic writing, the majority of the book doesn’t mention anything graphic, but rather relies on scenery to spook the reader. However, there are several sections that do give a horrific picture of child abuse and more. Faint-of-heart readers may not find this book to be as engaging or captivating as I did, but those who are into a good scare with a just a few grisly scenes will delight in it as much as I did.

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