Unveiling the Past by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 

Here is the book summary:

Mysteries, family secrets, and the love of a true Father are found at the heart of this gripping novel from the bestselling author of Bringing Maggie Home

Newlyweds Sean Eagle and Meghan DeFord are no strangers to pain and loss. As cold-case detectives, they know intimately the anguish family members endure after the murder or disappearance of a loved one. But when a new case hits too close to home, it threatens to pull loose the fragile cords of their young marriage.
 
Sheila Menke was just a girl when her father left for work and never returned. An investigation revealed he had embezzled enough to start a new life elsewhere, but Sheila could never accept the court’s criminalization of her father. Meghan reluctantly takes the case, secretly fearing it will stir up buried feelings about her own biological father. And while Sean investigates the mysterious death of two young brothers, he longs to start a family. But Meghan worries that with a negligent mother and an absentee father as her parenting examples, she might never be fit for motherhood.
 
As they delve deeper into the past, both Meghan and Sheila must choose to either stumble along the road of bitterness and resentment or walk the difficult path toward forgiveness and healing. When the cases begin to break wide open, these young women are poised to discover that while earthly fathers may fail, there is one in heaven who is a father to the fatherless.

And now, my review:

I found Unveiling the Past by Kim Vogel Sawyer to be a favorable read.  The author let’s us into the characters lives as we watch how they work together on investigation cases and come into new ones.  Sometimes, based on their life experiences, there can be tension with this.  There’s also a story line of wanting to extend their family.  They have quite a few things to work through.  That sure kept me reading through this one. 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Unveiling-Past-Kim-Vogel-Sawyer/dp/052565366X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=unveiling+the+past&qid=1609275204&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/unveiling-the-past-a-novel/kim-sawyer/9780525653660/pd/653661?product_redirect=1&search_term=unveiling%20the%20past&Ntt=653661&item_code=&ps_exit=PRODUCT&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unveiling-the-past-kim-vogel-sawyer/1133013412?ean=9780525653660

The Edge of Everywhen by A.S. Mackey

Here is the book summary:

A unique middle-grade novel, The Edge of Everywhen tells the story of Piper, a 13-year-old self-proclaimed book nerd whose world has been upended after the death of her mother. She and her autistic little brother (and best friend) Phoenix cling to one another as they are forced to move a thousand miles away from everything familiar and live with their rich, estranged aunt.
 
Piper reaches to the books on her shelf for comfort, but it is one unique book, Novus Fabula, who offers true guidance as the omniscient narrator in the story. It watches them arrive at their aunt’s home, with tired hearts and stones in their stomachs, and now its whispered voice must point the children to depend upon the sovereignty of God during the most dire times as they await word of their missing father.

“What’s that you say? Books cannot speak? On the contrary, dear Reader. Quite the contrary. Books are one of the few things on this earth that truly speak, from the moment the first word is penned until the book’s last Reader has drawn their final breath.
Let me show you.”—Novus Fabula
 
Full of mystery and intrigue, The Edge of Everywhen story bridges the chasm between faith-based and fantasy kid-lit genres. It is a book-lover’s book, carrying the reader right into the adventure as Piper and Phoenix embark upon a life-changing journey, in search of their father and of a faith to call their own.

And now, my review:

The following is a review through the eyes of a teenager.  The Edge of Everywhen gets you into the people.  It can be very frightening and sometimes make you shake to your bones.  Other times it’s pleasant with your lemonade or hot cocoa in hand as if someone is talking to you.  Personally, I think that this book should be for ages 15 or higher because there are war scenes in it.  At the beginning of each chapter there is a quote from people, sometimes from the Bible.  

Some downsides, in this book they mention other books including Harry Potter, Narnia, and Lord of the Rings.  I don’t like or want to know anything about Harry Potter because there is nothing Christian about it.  They also talk about magic.  I don’t like that word unless you’re meaning Supernatural.  They talk about superstition which isn’t fun to read about either. 

The author does have prayer, the Bible, and believers in there.  Along with food, intrigue, danger, and adventure.  So, buckle up for the strangest ride of your life.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Edge-Everywhen-S-Mackey/dp/1535992611/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+edge+of+everywhen&qid=1596042374&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/the-edge-of-everywhen/a-s-mackey/9781535992619/pd/992610?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-edge-of-everywhen-a-s-mackey/1132106916?ean=9781535992619

The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep

Here is the book summary:

What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common?
 
Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.

And now, my review:

I think The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep is my favorite by this author so far and I have read most of her books.  This one had some great suspense that drew me in and kept me reading.  I just couldn’t put the book down.  Her need to stay unseen was a wonderful theme in this one.  I enjoyed seeing the story ties come to light and it is full of romance.  I recommend this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

https://www.amazon.com/House-at-End-Moor-ebook/dp/B081GGP5GV/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+house+at+the+end+of+the+moor&qid=1587677561&sr=8-1


https://www.christianbook.com/house-at-the-end-of-moor/michelle-griep/9781643523422/pd/523422?product_redirect=1&search_term=the%20house%20at%20the%20end%20of%20the%20moor&Ntt=523422&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-house-at-the-end-of-the-moor-michelle-griep/1132506926?ean=9781643523422

Once Upon A Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep

Here is the book summary:

Three Delightful Christmas Tales from Beloved Storyteller Michelle Griep
 
Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep:
 
12 Days a Bleakly Manor: Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.
 
A Tale of Two Hearts: Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?
 
The Old Lace Shop: Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.

And now, my review:

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep is a compilation of 3 of her Christmas books all in one.  Each year for the past 3 years she has released a book and they have all been great!  It’s so nice to have them all in one book.  I have a physical book for this one and it’s a favorite of mine because of the “torn” look on the edges of each sheet.  I have read all three books in their entirety and a couple of them more than once.  It’s a great book to read from year to year at Christmas time.  In fact, for my family, we like to find Christmas books and hear them aloud and enjoy it all together.  With loads of intrigue, Christmas, and romance, what’s not to love!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Dickens-Christmas-Victorian/dp/1683222601/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24IX53DNCWG6T&keywords=once+upon+a+dickens+christmas&qid=1573856376&sprefix=once+%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/once+upon+a+dickens+christmas+series?_requestid=2304689

https://www.christianbook.com/once-upon-a-dickens-christmas/michelle-griep/9781683222606/product-reviews/3222606?submitted_review=1

Secrets at Cedar Cabin by Colleen Coble

Here is the book summary:

From USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble comes the third book in her beloved Lavender Tides series. 

Her mother lied about her identity and her husband wasn’t who she thought he was—can Bailey even trust herself anymore?

Running for her life in the wake of her mother’s murder, Bailey Fleming escapes to the only place she can think of—a remote, dilapidated cabin in Lavender Tides. Intending to finally get to the truth behind the lies of her past, Bailey only finds more questions when bodies are discovered near her cabin hideout along with traces of a dangerous human trafficking ring. In an unlikely partnership with FBI agent Lance Phoenix, Bailey races to understand the mystery surrounding her life and circumstances before the murderer tracks her down. 

Meanwhile, Lance is determined to rescue his sister, Ava, who was abducted after running away from home as a teenager. An unexpected lead brings him to the remote cabin, and he wonders if Bailey—with her suspicious past and strange connections to his sister’s case—is really who she claims to be and if she can somehow lead him to Ava. 

Filled with Colleen Coble's custom blend of suspense and romance, Secrets at Cedar Cabin takes us back to the evocative landscape of Washington's coast where nothing is quite as it seems. 

And now, my review:

Secrets of Cedar Cabin by Colleen Coble is a very breathtaking, suspenseful book three in a series.  It ties in the first two books in this series and carries on with a new mysterious plot.  This story involves human trafficking and the horrors of all that.  There are surprises, murder, guns, bones, kidnapping, and detective work included.  Who can a person trust and who should they keep from.  Her painting of the scenery that it’s placed in is beautiful, the Pacific NW.  On the light side, she makes me want to make another pot of coffee.  This author is not for the faint at heart and you have to love mystery, suspense, and some romance.  If that’s what you like, pick up the book, take a seat, and hang on.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Cedar-Cabin-Lavender-Tides-ebook/dp/B07BB5C4M7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YEONOYLOSBR&keywords=secrets+of+cedar+cabin&qid=1556674142&s=gateway&sprefix=Secrets+of+cedar%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/secrets-at-cedar-cabin/colleen-coble/9780718085841/pd/085841?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secrets-at-cedar-cabin-colleen-coble/1128128096?ean=9780718085841#/

American Omens by Travis Thrasher

Here is the book summary:

In this taut thriller that depicts a future where belief is dangerous, faith is deemed hatred, and a group of powerful elite keeps watch, the Reckoner has come to wake up America.

The year is 2038 and Cheyenne Burne is a brilliant young programmer working for Acatour, the world's top technology firm. Her father converts to Christianity, and he suddenly disappears without a trace. When a stranger hands Cheyenne a coded message that sends her on a collision course with a clandestine group of believers, she must put her life in the hands of those following a man known only as the Reckoner. He claims he wants to bring back true faith in Christ to America and also reveal the forces behind the disappearances of the many renowned people who publicly declared their Christian faith. 

Operating in the shadows and living off the grid, this mysterious prophet assembles a ragtag team--including a former bookseller whose store was shut down for selling prohibited books--to help him take the battle for transparency to the top. With a ruthless FBI agent closing in, can Cheyenne and the others expose the truth and lead a return to God in America before it's too late?

And now, my review:

This book was very interesting how it touched on some of the issues we are facing right now in this society.  Issues of control and manipulation of those of the Christian faith.  Labeling the Gospel as hateful and intolerant.  If you as the reader of this review do not see that, then read this book.  It shows how these issues if ignored, could escalate into something devastating.  It is very challenging to be bolder in my faith and encouraging to others of like faith.  The book itself was a bit difficult to get into at first.  I enjoyed how things were brought around in the end, but there does seem to be an open-endedness for future books.  I liked the future aspects of the book.   The scenarios were believable and not fanciful.  I would recommend this book to someone based on the challenges it poses.   

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

https://www.amazon.com/American-Omens-Coming-Fight-Faith/dp/0735291780/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=American+Omen&qid=1553464323&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/american-omens-coming-fight-for-faith/travis-thrasher/9780735291782/pd/291785?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/american-omens-travis-thrasher/1128688754?ean=9780735291782#/

Freedom's Light by Colleen Coble

Here is the book summary:

USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble explores the mystery and the romance of the Revolutionary War. 

A young lighthouse keeper must navigate the dangerous waters of revolution and one man’s obsession with her to find safe harbor with the sea captain she loves. 

Hannah Thomas believes she’s escaped Galen Wright’s evil intentions by marrying an older lighthouse keeper. Seemingly safe in faraway Massachusetts, her world is upended when John is killed in one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Hannah is allowed to continue the difficult task of tending the twin lighthouses in John’s place, though she faces daily disapproval from John’s family. She thinks her loneliness will subside when her younger sister arrives, but she finds Lydia’s obsession with Galen only escalates the dangerous tides swirling around her.

A stormy night brings a shipwrecked sea captain to Hannah’s door, and though he is a Tory, her heart is as traitorous as the dark-eyed captain. Even though she discovers Birch Meredith isn’t the enemy he seemed at first, Hannah isn’t sure their love will ever see the light of freedom.

And now, my review:

Freedom’s Light by Colleen Coble is a story of a man named Birch and a woman named Hannah among other characters.  Watching the development of Birch’s surrender to the Lord was hopeful.  Hannah’s devotion to the Lord was encouraging and determined.  The life of a lighthouse keeper was fascinating and life on the sea for sailors.  The war is what it is, a war.  And I felt that this is definitely my absolute favorite book by Colleen of all time.  Her way of writing, she tends to hold nothing back.  Her twisting tales unwind in the most unusual yet freeing ways.  If you are a fan of Colleen’s, don’t miss reading this book.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Freedoms-Light-Colleen-Coble-ebook/dp/B077CVYLSM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547820049&sr=8-1&keywords=freedom%27s+light

https://www.christianbook.com/freedoms-light-colleen-coble/9780785219385/pd/219385?product_redirect=1&Ntt=219385&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/freedoms-light-colleen-coble/1127455191?ean=9780785219385#/

The House at Saltwater Point by Colleen Coble

Here is the book summary:

The dangerous beauty of Lavender Tides is harboring secrets that reach around the world.

Ellie Blackmore is making a name for herself as a house flipper. But when her sister Mackenzie disappears, Ellie can’t focus on anything but uncovering what happened. Her only clue is the bloodstain on the deck of Mackenzie’s boat. Ellie knows her sister isn’t on the best of terms with her ex-husband, Jason, but he wouldn’t kill her—would he? 

Coast Guard intelligence officer Grayson Bradshaw believes Mackenzie faked her own death after stealing a seized cocaine shipment. The problem is convincing Ellie, who seems to view him as the true enemy.

Both Ellie and Grayson want the truth, but truth—and family—is often more complex than it first appears. From international terrorism to the peaceful lavender fields of Puget Sound, The House at Saltwater Point is a thrilling race to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

And now, my review:

The House at Saltwater Point by Colleen Coble is an adventurous and crazy read. Colleen has a way about her writing that is intense and gripping. She thinks through scenarios well and brings realistic plots to life. She adds details that are bought out in a “Murder She Wrote” kind of way. If you love mystery and murder books and not so much the lighthearted Hallmark type, you'll want to check this one out and move on to all her others.

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

https://www.amazon.com/House-Saltwater-Point-Lavender-Tides-ebook/dp/B077CS7R3K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1538060195&sr=8-2&keywords=the+house+at+saltwater+point+by+colleen+coble#customerReviews

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-house-at-saltwater-point-colleen-coble/1127455204?ean=9780718085803#/

https://www.christianbook.com/the-house-at-saltwater-point/colleen-coble/9780718085803/pd/085803?product_redirect=1&Ntt=085803&item_code=WW&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The View From Rainshadow Bay by Colleen Coble

Here is the book summary:

Enter in to a brand new series from bestselling author Colleen Coble!

“…The View From Rainshadow Bay, opens with a heart-pounding, run-for-your-life chase. This book will stay with you for a long time, long after you flip to the last page.” - 4 STARS, RT Book Reviews

"Prepare to stay up all night with Colleen Coble. Coble's beautiful, emotional prose coupled with her keen sense of pacing, escalating danger, and very real characters place her firmly at the top of the suspense genre. I could not put this book down." --Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author of Shattered

After her husband, Jack, dies in a climbing incident, Shauna has only her five-year-old son and her helicopter charter business to live for. Every day is a struggle to make ends meet and she lives in constant fear of losing even more than she already has.

When her business partner is murdered, his final words convince Shauna that she’s in danger too. But where can she turn? Zach Bannister was her husband’s best friend and is the person she blames for his death. She’s barely spoken to him since. But right now he seems her only hope for protecting her son.

Zach is only too happy to assuage his guilt over Jack’s death by helping Shauna any way he can. But there are secrets involved dating back to Shauna’s childhood that more than one person would prefer to stay hidden.

In The View from Rainshadow Bay, suspense, danger, and a longing to love again ignite amid the gorgeous lavender fields of Washington State.

And now, my review:
This story is about a woman who is married with a 5-year-old son and her husband dies in a recreational activity.  His best friend, who was with her husband at the time, plays such a great role in this book.  This book is nailbiting at times and quite intense, which is just the way Colleen writes.  I really enjoyed the preciousness of her son and her relationship with him.  The grandmother and others surround him well and take great care of him.  If you like mysterious, extreme reads, you’ll like this one.

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