Fiction Review: Dancing in the Rain by Eileen Rife & Jennifer Slattery

Description:

On the verge of college graduation, Loni Parker seeks employment as a music teacher, but no one will hire her since she’s blind. Or so she thinks. To take her mind off her troubles,

her roommate invites her to spring retreat at Camp Hope in the gorgeous North Carolina mountains. Unbeknown to Loni, Michael Ackerman, the director, is an ex-con responsible for the accident that caused her blindness. When Loni warms up to camp and to Michael, and wants to return as a summer counselor, Michael opposes the idea, which only makes Loni want to prove herself all the more.

Camp director Michael Ackerman recognizes Loni instantly and wants to avoid her at all costs. Yet, despite the guilt pushing him from her, a growing attraction draws him to the determined woman. She sees more with her heart than the average person does with his eyes. But her presence also dredges up a long-buried anger toward his alcoholic father that he’d just as soon keep hidden. When circumstances spin out of control, Michael is forced to face a past that may destroy his present.

My Review:
Dancing in the Rain is a beautifully written story of changed hearts and forgiveness. Eileen and Jennifer did an excellent job with Loni's point of view as someone who is blind. The description they gave of what Loni hears, tastes, touches and smells had to be a challenge. Yet, they did this with beauty and grace. As I read, I had a better understanding of Loni's trials and a great appreciation for her ability to stand on her own and face her challenges with confidence. I loved the camp setting. The author's description reminded me of all the times I attended camp. I can't write a good review without mentioning my favorite character, Loni's guide dog, John Thomson. He's an exquisite creature she trusts with her life. Michael's story is also one to be appreciated. I love this story's unique perspective. I received this book for free, with no expectation of a good or bad review. This book will be available on Amazon in late May.

Fiction Book Review: Julie by Catherine Marshall

Welcome to this stop on the Julie by Catherine Marshall Reissue Celebration Blog Tour with JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Julie

Author: Catherine Marshall

Publisher: Gilead Publishing

ReIssue Date: April 17, 2018

Genre: Historical Romance Fiction

· JustRead landing page

Purchase Julie at:

· Goodreads

· Amazon

· ChristianBook

· Book Depository

· Itunes

Will the dam hold?

Julie Wallace has always wanted to write. Trying to escape the Great Depression, Julie’s father buys the Alderton Sentinel, a small-town newspaper in flood-prone Alderton, Pennsylvania, and moves his family there. As flash floods ominously increase, Julie’s investigative reporting uncovers secrets that could endanger the entire community.

Julie, the newspaper, and her family are thrown into a perilous standoff with the owners of the steel mills as they investigate the conditions of the immigrant laborers. As the Alderton Sentinel and Julie take on a more aggressive role to reform these conditions, seething tensions come to a head.

When a devastating tragedy follows a shocking revelation, Julie’s courage and strength are tested.  Will truth and justice win, or will Julie lose everything she holds dear?

My Review:

I read the story of Julie, years ago, when my grandmother gave me a copy. I've enjoyed it now as much as I did then. Julie's story is a powerful testimony to faith. Alderton was a town filled with problems, but within the framework we meet several wonderful, faithful people. I especially enjoyed the way Julie's family worked together to try to establish a newspaper and the many folks who God sent to help them. Catherine Marshall's research about the Johnstown flood and difficult working and living conditions for the blue collar workers enhance the story with accuracy and believeability. The story is full of excitement, a bit of romance, a thread of faith, and a nod to families and people who work together for the good that God has called them to. If you haven't read this wonderful book, you have a chance to now. Julie is being re-released by Gilead Publishing. I'd also recommend this story for Young Adult readers. I received a complimentary copy of the book and a positive review is not required.

About the author:

Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), “The New York Times” best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel “Christy.” Based on the life of her mother, “Christy” captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in “A Man Called Peter.” A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of “Guideposts,” forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.

(1) Winner will win: 

• $25 Amazon Gift Card
  
• Bookmark Swag
• Necklace (exact or similar & *subject to change)
• Print Copy of Julie

(Only Gift Card open internationally. Others open to US Mailing Addresses)

Enter Here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7425d38e146/?

JustRead Publicity Tour Landing Page

April 23
Backing Books
Beautifully Broken 
Glamamamas Goodies
Glimpse of Our Life
The Power of Words
Remembrancy
Just Commonly
Book Reviews by Steph


April 24
All of a Kind Mom
Amanda In PA
Locks, Hooks and Books
Two Points of Interest
This Chattanooga Mommy Saves
Savings in Seconds
Veronica's 'Views
Meagan Davenport
Faery Tales Are Real


April 25
As We Walk Along the Road
Texas Book-aholic
Book by Book
Christian Chick's Thoughts
Bibliophile Reviews
Moments
Quilting Along Life's Way
Girls in White Dresses
Mom 2 Mom Connection


April 26
A Baker's Perspective
Impressions In Ink
A Room Without Books is Empty 
Christian bookaholic
Mocha with Linda
Lighthouse Academy
Running Through the Storms 
Coffee Addicted Writer
Live. Love. Read.
Thoughts from Mill Street
God's Peculiar Treasure Rae


April 27
For the Love of Books
I'm Hooked on Books
She Lives to Read
Becky J Miller
Jami's Words
Ponderings of a Poet & Procrastinator
Have A Wonderful Day 
Pause for Tales
Hope for Today's Heart
Neverending Stories
Jen Around the World
Maureen's Musings
Singing Librarian Books
Splashes of Joy 
Katherine Scott Jones
My Full Cup

Fiction Book Review: Pelican Point, A Hope Harbor Novel by Irene Hannon

Book Description:

A crumbling lighthouse is not part of the inheritance Army doctor Ben Garrison expects to claim when he journeys to Hope Harbor. Fresh out of the service, he wants only to unload the tower of bricks, decompress from years of treating battlefield trauma, and prepare to launch his civilian career.

Hope Harbor Herald editor Marci Weber has other ideas. She may not be a Hope Harbor native, but the small Oregon seaside town has become home--and she's determined to save the Pelican Point landmark.

Sparks fly as the two go head to head over the fate of the lighthouse. But when they start to cooperate, a different kind of fire ignites. And as they work together, might Hope Harbor heal the hearts of these two romance-wary souls?

My Review:
Charley, Floyd, and Gladys are back for another lovely story. If you've read the Hope Harbor novels, you'll remember the artist and taco stand owner Charley and the two seabirds, Floyd and Gladys. If you haven't, you'll want to meet them. Charley delivers his wisdom to the folks in town who are trying to figure out life. In this 4th book in the series, Ben comes to town to figure out what to do with the lighthouse his grandpa left him. In the mean time, Marci is working out her career and hoping the lighthouse remains a fixture of the town. As usual, Irene Hannon writes a delightful small town story. I have to admit this one is my favorite of this series because of the lighthouse. I also enjoyed how Irene wove the story of Ben's grandfather throughout the book. This is one of those books that leaves me with a satisfied feeling at the end. If you want a pleasant read, set on the coast of Oregon, this is the book for you. I received this book for free. 5 stars

Fiction Review: Oath of Honor (Blue Justice, book 1) by Lynette Eason

Book Description:
Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. With three brothers and two sisters, she's never without someone to hang out with--or fight with. And she knows they'll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.

Determined to discover exactly what happened, Izzy's investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll--including someone from her own family. With her dead partner's handsome homicide detective brother Ryan shadowing her every move, Izzy's head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she's had a secret crush on for years won't leave her side?

With her signature fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat action, Lynette Eason invites readers into a captivating new series where justice is a family affair.

My Review:

I love a good heroes versus villain story. And that's what you get in Oath of Honor, a gripping book and the first installment of the Blue Justice series. This book sets the stage for what looks to be an excellent series. The big family working together in law-enforcement  remind me of the television show Blue Bloods, with a few twists. Throughout the story, I could easily picture this large family getting together for Sunday dinner and ribbing each other, off the job. Izzy is, as you'd expect, a strong female character who can take care of herself, yet has a tender side. I enjoyed the underlying romance theme between Izzy and her secret crush. But that's not the best part. From the beginning, the book is filled with twists, turns, and unexpected moments. Eason's writing offers action, suspense, and edge-of-your-seat excitement. I received this book from Revell Publishing. 

Fiction Review: Unintended Consequences by Dan Walsh

Book Description:

Jack and Rachel leave Culpepper for their long-awaited honeymoon trip, a driving tour through New England. On day three, they stop at a little bayside town in Cape Cod to visit Jack’s grandmother. After he gets called away to handle an emergency, Rachel stays and listens as Jack’s grandmother shares a remarkable story about how she and Jack’s grandfather met in the early days of World War 2. It’s a story filled with danger, decades-old family secrets, daring rescues and romance. Jack is named after his grandfather, and this story set the course and direction for Jack’s life to the present day. After hearing it, Rachel is amazed that anyone survived.

My Review:

Even though Unintended Consequences is part of the Jack Spencer series (book 3) this book is a great stand-alone read. And that's how I will review it. I like both Jack and Rachel. They're smart and kind. When they stop by Jack's grandmother's home on their honeymoon, I find them even more endearing. After Jack heads home for a quick few days, Rachel settles in to visit with Grandma Renee. That's when the real tale is told. During WW2 Jack heads to England to find a long lost relative. At the same time, Renee flees there to avoid the attacks on France. The story is a little slow to start but once it does, it's filled with action, romance, and the realities of war. I found the perspective of fighter pilot's interesting. My dad was in the Army during WW2 and didn't talk much about it. He's was proud of his service, but I think the terrors of it all were too difficult to discuss. Although this is fiction, it's an interesting and fact filled story. If you've read the other Jack Spencer books, you'll find the history in Jack's family interesting. If you haven't read them, this book stands alone just fine. On this Memorial Day weekend as we remembered those who gave their lives for our freedom, I find this an appropriate and entertaining read. I received a free copy of Unintended Consequences from the author.