tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128863512024-03-16T16:45:24.589-05:00Susan's BlogA place for Susan's musing, fussing, praise and thanksgiving...on life, religion and politics.susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.comBlogger1597125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-73825889578272673972024-03-16T16:44:00.000-05:002024-03-16T16:44:50.767-05:00Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley – Interesting Plot, But the Story Got Bogged Down<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCk5pW3kunSY-Y1VEql-K8viAX1DNZWUu8cxx_xB05gtoVGA38VHIpr3Pza1Wim0MCkRuzdsfxPzJ4r8o6WA328pgspYxd7yG8k4IxLLS6OMyrX3Wx4gi0kfLL6ETrbn6WXICOcCW-0G4fyY40IVVMjSKzT7Xq34h9E6YC8q2kLDciTYePXjFrg/s394/Fatal%20Witness%20by%20Patricia%20Bradley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCk5pW3kunSY-Y1VEql-K8viAX1DNZWUu8cxx_xB05gtoVGA38VHIpr3Pza1Wim0MCkRuzdsfxPzJ4r8o6WA328pgspYxd7yG8k4IxLLS6OMyrX3Wx4gi0kfLL6ETrbn6WXICOcCW-0G4fyY40IVVMjSKzT7Xq34h9E6YC8q2kLDciTYePXjFrg/w259-h400/Fatal%20Witness%20by%20Patricia%20Bradley.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I enjoy suspense and
mystery novels and was excited to read <b>Patricia Bradley’s</b> newest book <b><i>Fatal
Witness</i></b>, the second book in the <b><i>Pearl River Novel series</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A cold case, family secrets, a repressed
memory, and a family seeking justice makes for an interesting mystery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">At age nine,
Danielle witnessed her parents’ murders and was whisked away by her uncle Keith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been twenty-five years and Dani has no
memory of the events that changed her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her uncle has protected and insulated her from all possible danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While she has no memory of her family, she inherited
the natural artistic talents of her grandmother Mae.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The subject of a recent magazine article, Dani
has been invited to attend an artist workshop in Cincinnati.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though Dani has no memory of her early life,
her grandmother has never forgotten her, nor stopped looking for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing the article in the pottery magazine,
Mae is certain that Dani may be her long-lost granddaughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I found the storyline
intriguing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked Dani and was curious
about her uncle Keith and how he would react to Dani venturing out on her
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked her grandmother Mae who was
willing to press law enforcement to investigate this cold case and find her
granddaughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Law enforcement officers
in the remote area of Tennessee were stretched thin and had a lot of area to
cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Mark Lassiter with his K-9
companion Gem, along with Alex Stone and her team would do what they could investigate
this cold case and protect those in danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Once Dani is back
in Tennessee, things heat up and it appears the murderer will stop at nothing
to protect their secrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point in
the story, it seemed to get bogged down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I struggled with the last half of the story. There were a lot of characters
and potential suspects to weed through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were some strategic errors made by law enforcement several times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some risks and decisions that were made were
not logical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a former military sharp
shooter, I found it interesting that Mark allowed himself to be distracted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Faith was a small
part of the story and a Bible verse was focused on in times of danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to have seen Mark’s faith more fully
developed and part of the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I liked the storyline
and characters in <b><i>Fatal Witness</i></b>, but found the story dragged in
the last half of the novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would to thank <b>NetGalley
and Revell Publishing</b> for the opportunity to read <b>Patricia Bradley’s</b>
book <b><i>Fatal Witness</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
enjoy <b>Patricia Bradley’s</b> writing and like mysteries and intrigue, you
may enjoy this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was provided with
a complimentary copy of <b><i>Fatal Witness</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-65455879360173560392024-03-01T11:34:00.000-06:002024-03-01T11:34:51.539-06:00Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne – Enjoyable Story with Likeable Characters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUnT3Nyh59vNFy4YKeXTP6zVjjHDViNKOBnZEH1MijgmBPxpM0QgS1zRSx-1WcDO1YcpA5yh6MF3haSIEAbQVgQ6ngSw9nZEuMDD-P2aJ_IEDLwW7K34h-AP6UdOYtwXK_g16q8AqW55A9vnwiwWjrbmeUZZhfA07AtIDI1KuPO1mkvgsN3xbnQ/s388/Ruths%20Ginger%20Snap%20Surprise%20by%20Anne%20Blackburne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="255" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUnT3Nyh59vNFy4YKeXTP6zVjjHDViNKOBnZEH1MijgmBPxpM0QgS1zRSx-1WcDO1YcpA5yh6MF3haSIEAbQVgQ6ngSw9nZEuMDD-P2aJ_IEDLwW7K34h-AP6UdOYtwXK_g16q8AqW55A9vnwiwWjrbmeUZZhfA07AtIDI1KuPO1mkvgsN3xbnQ/w268-h389/Ruths%20Ginger%20Snap%20Surprise%20by%20Anne%20Blackburne.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ruth’s
Ginger Snap Surprise</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> is the first
book I have read by author <b>Anne Blackburne</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found this book very enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a nice change of pace and filled with some
likeable characters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ruth Helmuth has
been a widow for a year and is childless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She lives on a property that has been a part of her family for many
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is hard working, industrious,
and provides for herself by raising goats, using their fiber and milk to earn
income.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is why Ruth was taken aback
by the proposal from Bishop Troyer that she sell her family’s farm to someone
who he deems more deserving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ruth knows of
widower Jonas Hershberger and his young daughter Abigail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is not until he has a business
proposition to use the upstairs of Ruth’s large barn for his basket weaving
business that they get to know one another. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will their business relationship develop into
something more?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The main characters
in this book, Ruth, Jonas, and Abigail, as well as their friends are pleasant,
kind, and caring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are very
supportive of one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only
exception is Bishop Troyer and his rude granddaughter Evelyn. It seemed like
the bishop was not very discerning and has turned a blind eye to his ill-behaved
granddaughter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I enjoyed reading <b><i>Ruth’s
Ginger Snap Surprise</i></b> and felt like I was stepping into a different
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A slower pace of life and with nice
characters, the kind of people I would like to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith is a part of the storyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">If you enjoy Amish
fiction with a little romance, I recommend reading <b><i>Ruth’s Ginger Snap
Surprise</i></b> by <b>Anne Blackburne</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is the second book in the <b>Heart of the Amish series</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book is an enjoyable read with likeable
characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to reading
more books by this author.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to
thank <b>Barbour Publishing and NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to read a
complimentary copy of <b><i>Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise</i></b> by <b>Anne Blackburne</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-20911445562639794882024-02-17T18:24:00.003-06:002024-02-17T18:30:57.493-06:00One Wrong Move by Dani Pettrey – Interesting Storyline, Likeable Characters, But Too Many Characters and Subplots<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2P2FGqqgJRyQ_Mwoe_U1iwNbYQiobDfj6fRdKckbSryWIO2EB2JJnqcD94jHh9GM38csCoamtrI3oon6Hdx0TlELgTN1AtfCBqKHMwopw_n6r6XfyAugv_LY5_1DLixxudfB1yBzT2dYIYC9izbxt7YUDLDeI2f6WSJCBbbg9MAr4cZepOfifQ/s394/One%20Wrong%20Move%20by%20Dani%20Pettrey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="255" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2P2FGqqgJRyQ_Mwoe_U1iwNbYQiobDfj6fRdKckbSryWIO2EB2JJnqcD94jHh9GM38csCoamtrI3oon6Hdx0TlELgTN1AtfCBqKHMwopw_n6r6XfyAugv_LY5_1DLixxudfB1yBzT2dYIYC9izbxt7YUDLDeI2f6WSJCBbbg9MAr4cZepOfifQ/w263-h407/One%20Wrong%20Move%20by%20Dani%20Pettrey.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I enjoy reading mystery
and suspense books and was excited to read <b>Dani Pettrey’s</b> newest novel <b><i>One
Wrong Move</i></b>, the first book in the <b><i>Jeopardy Falls series</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Christian O’Brady’s
received a frantic phone call from his client Tad Gaiman about a break-in and
theft at his art gallery in Jeopardy Falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christian had installed state of the art security system at all three of
Gaiman’s art galleries. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Christian
arrived on the scene, he learned that the impenetrable system was compromised
by his client and a mystery-women he had met the night before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian will be working with Sheriff
Brunswick and insurance investigator Andi Forester to find out what happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When news comes out about break-ins at Tad’s
other art galleries, this case just got a lot more complicated. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The premise of this
storyline is interesting and many characters were likeable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a lot going on in this story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a lot of characters, Christian’s brother
and sister worked with him, along with a work associate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian’s brother Deckard knew of Andi, but
under a different name, and what he knew about her was not good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andi had a lot of baggage and had left her
last job with the FBI under a cloud of suspicion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a lot of people believed in her innocence,
except for friend Harper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Andi was not the
only person with personal baggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christian,
Deckard, and their sister Riley had a rough start and had battled putting their
past and the memories behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
seems like everyone’s past was coming back to haunt them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I had some problems
with this book from the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the
beginning there are two brutal murders that take place and were told from the
point of view of the bad guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed
over the top and especially ugly which surprised me in a book from a Christian writer
and publisher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did not make the story
better and I thought about putting the book down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were multiple bad guys and keeping
track of them was challenging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There was a whole lot
of past baggage with the main characters, almost everyone of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were likeable, but it was a lot of
issues to get through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps the volume
of issues took away from the storyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The Christian faith
was somewhat included, but was not deeply developed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The physical attraction between some of the character
could have been toned down some.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were some illogical decisions or risks that were taken that did not make sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t quite believe the ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With two brutal murders and other violence in
addition to major high end art theft, it did not seem logical that law
enforcement would be on site to get the bad guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There were elements
that I liked in <b><i>One Wrong Move</i></b>, likeable characters, and an interesting
storyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was overwhelmed by the
number of characters with lots of baggage and details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like <b>Dani Pettrey’s</b> writing, but
this story kind of detracted from itself by the volume of characters and subplots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to
thank <b>Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to read
a complimentary copy of <b><i>One Wrong Move</i></b> by <b>Dani Pettrey</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-29903424333426117222024-02-11T17:50:00.000-06:002024-02-11T17:50:58.840-06:00A Year Full of Pots by Sarah Raven – Filled with Helpful Garden Design Ideas, Information and Spectacular Photographs <p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUVRKzCXXP4AkmxTLmggMkn8TGyUkpgCLUy7pNMiK0oQ-_yCiZGqc052_l3j3Ig4ypJetS-dIog1ITfzJx0xpTkq6DbqyD28ZC1qLQl-s9tBvpJtdEGmo4sHKgRFLT4yIvqqMnpAm8HouqpUZG1L9SrBKLhvUG_1GZMxhvLGO6XgIZ0bhKCR5mA/s342/A%20Year%20Full%20of%20Pots%20by%20Sarah%20Raven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUVRKzCXXP4AkmxTLmggMkn8TGyUkpgCLUy7pNMiK0oQ-_yCiZGqc052_l3j3Ig4ypJetS-dIog1ITfzJx0xpTkq6DbqyD28ZC1qLQl-s9tBvpJtdEGmo4sHKgRFLT4yIvqqMnpAm8HouqpUZG1L9SrBKLhvUG_1GZMxhvLGO6XgIZ0bhKCR5mA/w299-h400/A%20Year%20Full%20of%20Pots%20by%20Sarah%20Raven.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I listen and learn
from <b>Sarah Raven’s</b> podcast and was eager to read her newest book <b><i>A
Year Full of Pots</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a
tremendous resource this book is for gardeners. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sarah specifically
focuses on plants in pots throughout the year, month by month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She starts out by giving some rules of thumb for
designing combinations of plants that work well together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Then month by
month, Sarah shares what plants she puts in containers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>January and February bring color into the new
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In March and transition from
winter to spring and using bulbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
April learning to do a bulb lasagna and how to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May is working with tender perennials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>June, summer begins with making plant
supports and fertilizer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>July the garden
flourishes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>August looks at flowering plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>September when tender perennial climbers are at
their peak performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As autumn comes
having perennials and those plants that will perform late into the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In November and December there are still some
hardy flowering plants to take center stage as wells as bulbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worked into each chapter are tasks that need
to be done. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I appreciated the
helpful information and details about different varieties that Sarah uses in
her garden pots, what she likes about the different plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book is chock full of pictures, gorgeous
photos that you will want to look back on for design ideas for your own garden,
in pots or perhaps worked into landscape. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Even though I live
in a very different area than Sarah, I can take the ideas and designs work them
into our home garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved this book
and was on sensory overload looking at the spectacular photographs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many beautiful photos, ideas and
information to enjoy and learn from.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I highly recommend <b><i>A
Year Full of Pots</i></b> by <b>Sarah Raven</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan on purchasing a copy of this book when
it is published on April 9, 2024.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want
to use it as a reference guide filled with helpful information and design
inspiration.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to
thank <b>Bloomsbury USA Publishers</b> and <b>NetGalley</b> for an opportunity
to read a complimentary copy of <b><i>A Year Full of Pots</i></b> by <b>Sarah
Raven</b>. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-85927921146003410462024-01-25T18:07:00.000-06:002024-01-25T18:07:21.623-06:00All the Presidents’ Gardens by Marta McDowell – A Refreshing and Lovely Read<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwi1l54aY5sEn5NAHQy3SSwJhvBfDjdk9biUmSPChCChpX0LYvo3XlkMHvJTKxSIsx9RRJvWkjGA8O6fZtNcHcewOjqF4HzURM_xdHBxJrSahylVw-6hCk1254vP-GaP8CQNZQeoLx7QL9Bi1qNbGCHk49IotYGMFANGnEzpAeq3nwRMmtZxEdQ/s383/All%20the%20Presidents%20Gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwi1l54aY5sEn5NAHQy3SSwJhvBfDjdk9biUmSPChCChpX0LYvo3XlkMHvJTKxSIsx9RRJvWkjGA8O6fZtNcHcewOjqF4HzURM_xdHBxJrSahylVw-6hCk1254vP-GaP8CQNZQeoLx7QL9Bi1qNbGCHk49IotYGMFANGnEzpAeq3nwRMmtZxEdQ/w266-h400/All%20the%20Presidents%20Gardens.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Maybe it was the winter season that piqued my
interest in reading <b>Marta McDowell’s</b> book <b><i>All the Presidents’
Gardens</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With our garden at
rest, it was a lovely time to read about the history of the Presidents’ gardens
at the White House over the last 235 years.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I absolutely loved reading this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a combination of history, gardening,
with a little bit of biographies mixed-together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was refreshing to see the love of
gardening from our Presidents, their wives, and families, and how they enjoyed
the fruits of the labor of those who executed design plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a huge task for the men and women who
designed the gardens over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
found it interesting to learn how everyone’s background, education, and
experience influenced the designs, selection of plants, and the additions of
other elements to make the gardens what they wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As a gardener, I found I connected with the
Presidents and their families that had a love for gardening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciated their desire for seed and plant
preservation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came away from reading
this book with a new appreciation for how gardening is passed down from one
generation to another.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you love gardening, history, biographies,
or design, I highly recommend <b><i>All the Presidents’ Gardens</i></b> by <b>Marta
McDowell</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a lovely and refreshing
book to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I would like to thank <b>Timber Press and NetGalley</b>
for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of <b><i>All the Presidents’ Gardens</i></b>
by <b>Marta McDowell</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was under no
obligation to give a favorable review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-3848941683056897862024-01-15T12:13:00.000-06:002024-01-15T12:13:44.674-06:00The Strike of the Sailfish by Stephen L Moore – Fascinating World War II History <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH7-MFHgHkzAQZtvQfhrkUE1EjWEh1bBw1gjETRUahw3D8y8Ueiz0uHcvKvxzuMbShRHhThLWtAbxk7wFHEcBrgJQAzVdBBIbYuasbgG75WIFaQnocl_bXivTb5gCrTTBHEZQ79zYN4Mjn4zb0igK9RAELk6OR769X0I2l0Qa-60NakydakxEiA/s385/Strike%20of%20the%20Sailfish%20by%20Stephen%20L%20Moore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH7-MFHgHkzAQZtvQfhrkUE1EjWEh1bBw1gjETRUahw3D8y8Ueiz0uHcvKvxzuMbShRHhThLWtAbxk7wFHEcBrgJQAzVdBBIbYuasbgG75WIFaQnocl_bXivTb5gCrTTBHEZQ79zYN4Mjn4zb0igK9RAELk6OR769X0I2l0Qa-60NakydakxEiA/w265-h400/Strike%20of%20the%20Sailfish%20by%20Stephen%20L%20Moore.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">In recent years, I have
been interested in reading World War II history books and wanted to read <b>Stephen
L Moore’s </b>book <b><i>The Strike of the Sailfish, Two Sister Submarines and the
Sinking of a Japanese Aircraft Carrier</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The sister
submarines, the Squalus and Sculpin, seemed to be ill-fated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1939, off the coast of New Hampshire, the
Squalus sunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twenty-six of officers and
men drowned, and thirty-two men remained alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks to the help from the men on their sistership, the Sculpin and
other ships, the men were rescued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazingly,
the Squalus was raised, decommissioned, and overhauled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1940, she was recommissioned as the USS
Sailfish. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three of the Squalus survivors
went on to serve on the Sailfish during WWII in the Pacific.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their sistership, the Sculpin was also in the
battle in the Pacific fighting against Japan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">What happened to officers
and men who served on those submarines and what they encountered during WWII is
hard to imagine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book was well
researched and is filled with a lot of details about the men who served, operation
of the submarines, problems encountered with equipment, weapons, and the
challenges of fighting a war in a submarine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The difference an
effective leader can make as he leads his men in the battle was amazing to read
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What these men endured in the
submarines, the battles they fought, facing storms, disasters, being taken rescued,
only to be taken captive as prisoners of war is almost beyond
comprehension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drive to survive and commitment
to fight and win the battle was awe inspiring. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There were times,
it was hard to read what about what these men experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am glad I finished it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many ways, these men were part of the greatest
generation who fought evil and won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
very grateful for their service and sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">If you are
interested in World War II history, or appreciate the military, you may wand
read <b><i>The Strike of the Sailfish</i></b> by <b>Stephen L Moore</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was challenging, and at times a hard read,
but it was well worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to
thank the Publisher<b> Dutton Caliber and NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to
read a complimentary copy of <b><i>The Strike of the Sailfish</i></b> by <b>Stephen
L Moore</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was under no obligation to
give a favorable review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-87461116007802978422024-01-14T18:30:00.000-06:002024-01-14T18:30:13.428-06:00Double Take by Lynette Eason – Action Packed Suspense<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0fGowctmjhEidqbpmR1kkdl3zVk8PX28YK7acXIpnx-JD9rEyrDuo8najfAQQO9H-UhFotzZg4UMMO-XtmO0qCPmIrbv2QYuRvrzo97h2u_urN8NVlg0ML5c0R6pjl4cUo_KvwKKDNoNNk9k65iMHkck57zeSPdHR7f4hoBFDW8xR4Izlb-XmQ/s394/Double%20Take%20by%20Lynette%20Eason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="255" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0fGowctmjhEidqbpmR1kkdl3zVk8PX28YK7acXIpnx-JD9rEyrDuo8najfAQQO9H-UhFotzZg4UMMO-XtmO0qCPmIrbv2QYuRvrzo97h2u_urN8NVlg0ML5c0R6pjl4cUo_KvwKKDNoNNk9k65iMHkck57zeSPdHR7f4hoBFDW8xR4Izlb-XmQ/w270-h417/Double%20Take%20by%20Lynette%20Eason.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><p> <br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I enjoy mystery and
suspense novels and was excited to read </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">Lynette Eason’s</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> newest book </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"><i>Double
Take</i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is the first book in
her new </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">Lake City Hero series</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This
book will grab your attention from the get go.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Lainie Jackson is a
physician’s assistant at a hospital in Lake City, NC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After stopping to check on a friend, Lainie
headed to work on a rainy day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A driver behind
her was intent on passing and clipped her car which sent her car over the side
of the mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After calling 911,
Lainie noticed a man peering over the edge of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A man that looked like Adam, her former
fiancé who was dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or was he?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Detective James
Cross and his partner, Cole Garrison responded to a domestic violence
call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James wants to do whatever it will
take to get the children out of a very dangerous situation, including putting
himself in the line of fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
sustaining injuries, James was taken to the hospital where he was treated by
Lainie, his sister’s best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps
they can reconnect and help each other. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There was a lot
going on in this story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of
characters and relationships that were intertwined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some healthy and some not so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Lainie and James had a lot of baggage
from their past, from family issues and PTSD that had left emotional scars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed like there some “blame the imperfect
parents” that caused their children to have issues going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know any perfect families and life
sure can be messy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Yet, I liked how
Lainie was honest, straight forward, and respectful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciated how James evaluated how he had
erred in his response to his father and how his father was willing to look at
his own actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked the main
characters, they seemed like decent, kind, and caring people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had good friends who were supportive and
tried to be there for them, people they could trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciated that Lainie did not do stupid
things that unnecessarily put herself at risk and she was open to receiving
help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The characters were
likeable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The storyline was a bit of a
stretch on believability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I wanted
to know whodunnit and why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked how
the characters grew and developed during the story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were some twists and turns, intense
situations, and serious subject matters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Topics like domestic violence, attempted murder, suicide, and dysfunctional
families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith was a small part of the
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have like to have seen
faith, trust and dependance upon God, and prayer more fully developed in the
characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">If you like
suspense and mystery, you may want to read <b><i>Double Take</i></b> by <b>Lynette
Eason</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed this story and look
forward to reading future books in the <b><i>Lake City Hero series</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to
thank <b><i>Revell Publishing and NetGalley</i></b> for the opportunity to read
a complimentary copy of <b><i>Double Take</i></b> by <b>Lynette Eason</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-80663561845775114122023-12-16T14:13:00.002-06:002023-12-16T14:30:10.808-06:00The Wonderful World of James Herriot – by James Herriot – Enjoyable, Interesting, Memorable and Lovable Characters<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr4KYxl3TTE5UXal3zviIPyh6nyxZAurFF-AY4y5qRZozUZv8UcPttXbF439Nr2V8_P0ljsv_Se1otXYxD0LYbBUkprC8mP-HzNk2Pzcr9Ojqt2YsTa5koLKrOvc0bSn2ksoBEjUW5RmegTlWMAkU6r-e5aPEEmcs6-60thQOhsegm2X1nL3zlQ/s255/The%20Wonderful%20World%20of%20James%20Herriot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="255" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNr4KYxl3TTE5UXal3zviIPyh6nyxZAurFF-AY4y5qRZozUZv8UcPttXbF439Nr2V8_P0ljsv_Se1otXYxD0LYbBUkprC8mP-HzNk2Pzcr9Ojqt2YsTa5koLKrOvc0bSn2ksoBEjUW5RmegTlWMAkU6r-e5aPEEmcs6-60thQOhsegm2X1nL3zlQ/w311-h311/The%20Wonderful%20World%20of%20James%20Herriot.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When I saw that <b><i>The
Wonderful World of James Herriot</i></b> audio book was available to listen to on
<b>NetGalley</b> I was excited at this opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As the subtitle says this book truly is <b><i>A Charming Collection of
Classic Stories </i>by James Herriot</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I remember
discovering James Herriot novels back in the 1970’s when I was in high school
and reading <b><i>All Creatures Great and Small</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More recently watching the beloved PBS television
show of the same name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The audio book was
quite lovely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was made more special with
the narration by <b>Anna Madeley, Nicholas Ralph, and Rosie Page</b>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will recognize the voices of Anna and
Nicholas who play characters on the PBS show <b><i>All Creatures Great and
Small</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do a fantastic job
in bringing these stories to life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr.
Rosie Page is the daughter of <b>Alf Wight</b>, better known by his penname <b>James
Herriot</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">You know a book is
good when you are interested from the get go as Rosie narrates the book’s introduction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fascinating to learn how Alf came to
write his stories and the books that have become a treasure to so many.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">This book made me
laugh and cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciated the love
and compassion that James (Alf) showed to the animals he cared for and the
people who owned them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People from all
walks of life, interesting and memorable characters, and animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Some of the stories
go into detail about the ailments and treatment of the animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may not want to have young children
listen to or read the book, but wait until they are a little older.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I greatly enjoyed <b>The
Wonderful World of James Herriot</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was delightful as an audio book and one I would like to listen to or read again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the kind of book I would want to come
back and listen to or read all over again, and share with others. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
Wonderful World of James Herriot</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> would make a perfect Christmas or birthday gift for family and
friends, or even for yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
are familiar with the <b>James Herriot</b> books, it will likely make you want
to go back reread his novels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to
thank <b>Macmillan Audio and NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to listen to the
audio book <b><i>The Wonderful World of James Herriot</i></b> by <b>James
Herriot</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was provided with a complimentary
copy of this audio book and was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-26807963020378700572023-11-15T23:39:00.000-06:002023-11-15T23:39:00.331-06:00The Heirloom by Beverly Lewis – Loved This Book, Enjoyable Characters, and Interesting Relationships<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHe7gid8W4dIn0Rau-qaqu50S2BaAgUdHh39RACjefahkoIyf2xSEgiZmq-XvWUEaWXHaLewTx2N-H-PC_QglS0VUqF8BEWpFuRMmw9V4n8be9zfv9fvxDP-rnIhN0j7864GPnuA4KOXX8ezkveP3Vesz5ZA90Rom2hoCnHnN2CGI7Z2rTl_lXg/s394/The%20Heirloom%20by%20Beverly%20Lewis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHe7gid8W4dIn0Rau-qaqu50S2BaAgUdHh39RACjefahkoIyf2xSEgiZmq-XvWUEaWXHaLewTx2N-H-PC_QglS0VUqF8BEWpFuRMmw9V4n8be9zfv9fvxDP-rnIhN0j7864GPnuA4KOXX8ezkveP3Vesz5ZA90Rom2hoCnHnN2CGI7Z2rTl_lXg/w259-h400/The%20Heirloom%20by%20Beverly%20Lewis.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I enjoy Amish
fiction but had never read any novels by <b>Beverly Lewis</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After reading the description of the <b><i>The
Heirloom</i></b>, I wanted to read her newest book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so glad I did!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
Heirloom</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> tells the story
of Clara Bender and her great aunt Ella Mae Zook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clara’s world has changed since her mother’s death
a year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the months after her mother’s
passing, Clara had grown closer to her father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But since he remarried a couple of months ago, things had changed and
home didn’t feel the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At nineteen
years old, Clara knew that one day she would leave home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prospects for a good match in her community
were not promising because eligible men about her age were not available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">While clearing out her
mother’s desk, Clara found letters her mom had exchanged with aunt Ella Mae.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed they had a very close relationship
and a deep connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That got Clara to
thinking, perhaps she could go visit her great aunt in Pennsylvania for a
couple of weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get to know her and
connect over their shared love for Clara’s mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her dad is reluctant to let Clara go but relents with the understand that
she will be back in a couple of weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
concern is that the Amish community in Hickory Creek is much stricter than the one in
First Light, Indiana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was one of
the reasons they had moved.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I absolutely loved reading
<b><i>The Heirloom</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed
the main characters Clara and Ella Mae and the people surrounding them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found the storyline compelling and
moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clara’s grief was relatable and Ella
Mae was such a kind and caring person to all who were around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both characters were thoughtful, hardworking,
and other centered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">What I appreciated
the most about this book is the aspect of their Christian faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was part of their everyday life and
impacted how they lived. I have read other Amish fiction and have often thought
it seemed like faith based on works, instead of faith that bears the fruit of
repentance and good works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That part of
the Amish faith was explored in this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not in a heavy-handed manner, but in thoughtful way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciated that the Gospel of Christ was
clearly shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was enjoyable to see
young people building relationships that were pure.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
Heirloom</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> by <b>Beverly
Lewis</b> was so enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The characters
and relationships were well developed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This novel had a richness you don’t often find
in books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not everything was sunshine
and flowers, there were some difficult subjects addressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very moved by Clara and Ella Mae’s
story, and found myself grieved and wondering how the story would turn out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trusted the author no matter if it had a
good ending or a sad ending, she handled the story and characters well.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I highly recommend <b><i>The
Heirloom</i></b> by <b>Beverly Lewis</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was enjoyable, rich, and thought provoking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So glad that I found this author whose work is new
to me and look forward to reading more of her books. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to
thank <b>Bethany House Publishers</b> and <b>NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to
read complimentary copy of <b><i>The Heirloom</i></b> by <b>Beverly Lewis</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-28738625445890556712023-10-28T12:26:00.002-05:002023-10-28T12:41:16.356-05:00Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard – Not Believable, Convoluted, and Stretched the Imagination <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgZqGkIPPQq8fnL2PGI3QsrG9SkzLgt_umBxNg5Glq0CXSH4VOcUgg1bPYtZ2vrRU0LS3Qld8r-AaCGg-ooquaHqYt_h087eN3MyTety8U9iM6RY1wYMQiyU8jWeXTV-vOHqUYdrtXxzEO6I_XybMiS7U6vPn8pfIn559iH5U0QgthHiDj1e4eg/s394/Shadows%20at%20Dusk%20by%20Elizabeth%20Goddard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgZqGkIPPQq8fnL2PGI3QsrG9SkzLgt_umBxNg5Glq0CXSH4VOcUgg1bPYtZ2vrRU0LS3Qld8r-AaCGg-ooquaHqYt_h087eN3MyTety8U9iM6RY1wYMQiyU8jWeXTV-vOHqUYdrtXxzEO6I_XybMiS7U6vPn8pfIn559iH5U0QgthHiDj1e4eg/w259-h400/Shadows%20at%20Dusk%20by%20Elizabeth%20Goddard.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shadows at
Dusk</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> is <b>Elizabeth’s
Goddard</b> newest book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have read several
of her books and looked forward to reading her latest mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Shadows at
Dusk</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> tells the story of
Detective Trevor West who is searching in Alaska for his sister Jennifer Warren
who disappeared over a year ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trevor
is a former US Marshal and knows how to track people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But will he be able to solve the case that is
most important to him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He enlists the
help of Alaskan bush pilot Carrie James to help him follow Jennifer’s trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reluctantly, Carrie agrees to help him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not long into their journey it appears that
someone does not want them to continue their search and will do whatever it
takes to stop them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But who exactly is
the target?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it Trevor or is it
Carrie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Let me start with
the things I liked about this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
enjoyed learning about beauty of this vast, remote, and treacherous terrain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked the character Trevor, he seemed like caring,
determined, and faithful friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked
Rip who was willing to help them on their mission, even at great risk to
himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I struggled greatly
with this book for several reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hate it when characters do something stupid and illogical that puts them at
risk and in danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Trevor and
Carrie did that repeatedly throughout this story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times even acknowledging that they made a
bad decision or calculation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they never
seemed to learn from their mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things
like not making copies or photographs of key pieces of evidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not giving that evidence to the police.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The storyline did not
seem plausible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the bad guy behind
it all and those who were helping him try to stop Trevor and Carrie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appears that someone from Carrie’s past might
also be targeting Trevor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking of
Carrie, I did not like or connect with her character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This story stretched the imagination, not in
a good way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story was not believable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the characters continued to make unwise
and illogical decisions, over and over again, I stopped caring about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not understand why a trained law enforcement
officer would make some of the irrational decisions he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">There was very
little about God or faith mentioned in the book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">From my
perspective, I did not like <b><i>Shadows at Dusk</i></b> by <b>Elizabeth Goddard</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The storyline was not believable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Characters made illogical decisions that put
them at risk throughout the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
story drug on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was too complicated
and convoluted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I have read other
stories by <b>Elizabeth Goddard</b> and enjoyed them and would like to read more
in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But <b><i>Shadows at Dusk</i></b>
missed the mark and I would not recommend it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to
thank <b>Revell Publishers and NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to read a
complimentary copy of <b><i>Shadows at Dusk</i></b> by Elizabeth Goddard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was under no obligations to give a
favorable review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-86423992953053357492023-10-26T14:21:00.004-05:002023-10-26T14:21:24.836-05:00Our World is in a Moral Freefall<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-weight: normal;"><a name="_Hlk149221721"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Each day now<br /></span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
take a deep breath<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Before
I read, listen to, or watch the news<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What
news of unimaginable evil awaits us today<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Will
it be a news of a veteran<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A
man who served this Nation<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Who
once protected and defended our Country<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now
the object of a manhunt<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After
taking the lives of innocent people<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Leaving
a trail of wounded whose lives will never be the same<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Or
will it be news of unimaginable evil<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
chosen Nation Israel<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once
again under attack by her enemies<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Only
this time, it was not a “lone wolf”<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Instead,
it was a coordinated, well planned, secret mission<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Launched
by hundreds, no thousands of terrorists<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Not
an attack on the Israel’s Defense Forces<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Against the innocent and vulnerable<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Civilians,
innocent, unarmed men, women, and children<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Brutally,
cut down<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Murdered,
raped, tortured, taken captive<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">By
their twisted, morally depraved terrorist neighbors<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What
was their crime<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why
was this hellish attack unleashed upon innocents<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Religion
and ethnicity, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Most
evil doers try hide their evil deeds<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Not
so on October 7, 2023<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With
the morally depraved hell bound terrorists<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They
proudly recorded it for all<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For
the world to see<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Expecting
great rewards now and in eternity<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Even
with their own video evidence<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Plain
for all to see<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
evildoer’s defenders and supporters make excuses<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">World
leaders with broken moral compasses<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Those
who call evil good, and good evil<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Encourage
restraint and proportionality<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Proportionality?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What?<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do
they sanction murdering the innocent<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Raping
innocent women and children<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do
they think it acceptable<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To
torture and kidnap innocent civilians<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Subject
them to unimaginable horrors<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Decent,
God-fearing people and nations<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do
not intentionally do evil to innocents<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Instead,
they fight the terrorists and evil doers<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Terrorists
who hide behind women and children<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Who
hide their weapons, rockets, and launchers<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
school, hospitals, and places of worship<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let
us not forget<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
terrorist’s greatest allies<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
main stream media<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They
choose to believe the lies of a terrorists<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Who
just days before brutally took the lives of innocents<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Who
recorded the rape, torture, and kidnapping of civilians<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lest
we think this insanity and brutality is confined to Israel<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let
us look around us<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">See
the protesters and supporters of terrorists<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Marching
in the street<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Chanting
“From the River to the Sea”<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Palestine
Will Be Free”<br /> </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
colleges and universities<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Places
of “higher learning”<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jewish
students are in fear for their lives<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jewish
people around the world are waking up<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Recognizing
the hatred of their enemies<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Enemies supported
by those whose consciences have been seared<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let
us learn from history<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Take
terrorists and evil doers at their word<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">They
desire the destruction of Israel and her people<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Will
we let that happen again<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Or
will we stand with Israel<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I
will bless those who bless you.”<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Will
we stand idly by and do nothing<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Or
worse, align ourselves with those who hate Israel<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I
will curse those who curse you.”<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lord,
we are a people lost in our sin<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Unmoored
from a biblical foundation<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Driven
by feelings over rational, logical thoughts<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Deceived
and deceivers<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Believing
fiction over truth<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Defending
lawlessness and evil<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You
warned us in the Bible, these days would come<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our
world is in a moral freefall<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Getting
worse day by day<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We
are sinners through and through<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Apart
from Christ Jesus the Lord we can do nothing<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All
our deeds are as filthy rags<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Apart
from His sacrificial death on the cross<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To
pay the penalty and sin debt for all who repent and believe<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We
are lost and without hope<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lord,
use what is happening in the world today<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To
bring us to an end of ourselves<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bring
us to repentance and faith in Christ<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">LORD,
we take comfort in Your sovereignty<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
the knowledge that all will give an account to You<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
LORD God Almighty who sees and knows all things<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
One who is Holy, Holy, Holy<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
One who is perfectly Just and Righteous<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
One who gave His Only Begotten Son so that we might be saved<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">By
Susan Bunts Wachtel<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">October
26, 2023<br /></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></h3>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk149221721;"></span>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-87187091423550909522023-10-07T10:49:00.000-05:002023-10-07T10:49:14.677-05:00Into the Fire by Irene Hannon – An Interesting and Satisfying Read<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCCG4ks9OKINzxhe90a2dT2tC4PZH1THXnCwNGThPT4tqXp05EMsosOtr2aGzwHip6SdnyMAdKnUETS4Io0sb_uV4WcBnJ34fkz6sysTkpSHr5erC_JbbmvmlRBdtZOvU2dQVUadSbFpgB1L5c_n-puB2rvYQ7fmpVwrAL1HeYY9eTONZHJCo7g/s394/Into%20the%20Fire%20by%20Irene%20Hannon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="255" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCCG4ks9OKINzxhe90a2dT2tC4PZH1THXnCwNGThPT4tqXp05EMsosOtr2aGzwHip6SdnyMAdKnUETS4Io0sb_uV4WcBnJ34fkz6sysTkpSHr5erC_JbbmvmlRBdtZOvU2dQVUadSbFpgB1L5c_n-puB2rvYQ7fmpVwrAL1HeYY9eTONZHJCo7g/w269-h416/Into%20the%20Fire%20by%20Irene%20Hannon.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Irene Hannon</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> has become one of my favorite
writers. I enjoy her romance stories and
suspense novels. That is why I was
excited to read her newest book <b><i>Into the Fire</i></b>, the first book in
the <b><i>Undaunted Courage series</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Bri Tucker was
scheduled to meet with retired arson investigator, Les Kavanaugh, to review
several cases he thought merited further investigation. Instead, she finds herself at Les’ home
investigating a fire that has taken his life.
The next day Bri reluctantly accepts help from ATF Agent Marc
Davis. After Bri and Marc examined the scene,
both agree that there wasn’t much of anything to suggest arson. Just that nagging feeling that something is
not right. Though Bri and Marc find each
other attractive, each has their own emotional baggage that may make developing
a personal relationship difficult. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I really liked this
book. I found the investigation of a
fire very interesting. What makes a fire
suspicious vs accidental, and what information is relevant in an arson case. I liked the characters. At first, I wasn’t too keen on Bri. But as her background was unveiled, I grew to
appreciate her. Marc was a wonderful
character, kind, caring, wise, and protective.
Also enjoyed the Bri’s sister and brother and their close, and
supportive relationships. Loved Marc’s grandmother,
such a sweet, wise, and caring woman. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I did not suspect who
the bad guy was. Interesting that the
story begins with the perspective of the arsonist. About two thirds of the way through the story
the bad guy is revealed, which causes the reader to look forward to seeing how
the characters will solve the case.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Faith was part of
the story, especially with Marc’s character.
I would like to have seen it even more with other characters. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">With the mix of an
interesting plot, likeable characters, mystery, suspense, and romance, <b><i>Into
the Fire</i></b> by <b>Irene Hanson</b> was an interesting and satisfying read. I recommend it. The book will be released on October 17,
2023. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to thank
<b>Revell Publishers and NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to read a complimentary
copy of <b><i>Into the Fire</i></b> by <b>Irene Hannon</b>. I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-61112083593503671292023-09-27T23:20:00.002-05:002023-09-27T23:36:19.111-05:00The Amish Matchmakers by Beth Wiseman – Enjoyable Characters, Friendship, Laughter, Romance <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2kX2pVvMoc8M204CTtJFkPfwOr0yt9D2LdSwqW2T6Uo0IAictK_BTLGEf4JFRNLmIKYf5Bh60Y5TKoA-ZoYKkGGfn8iblO_aWbya1X_hzddl0qt6lK2oMoSrfG19rpBP_jBJFv4gRFSbP45EkTzG592iQ2f3DsRyYM2Az7EZQ4CGxxQCwcHHoA/s389/The%20Amish%20Matchmakers%20by%20Beth%20Wiseman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2kX2pVvMoc8M204CTtJFkPfwOr0yt9D2LdSwqW2T6Uo0IAictK_BTLGEf4JFRNLmIKYf5Bh60Y5TKoA-ZoYKkGGfn8iblO_aWbya1X_hzddl0qt6lK2oMoSrfG19rpBP_jBJFv4gRFSbP45EkTzG592iQ2f3DsRyYM2Az7EZQ4CGxxQCwcHHoA/w293-h400/The%20Amish%20Matchmakers%20by%20Beth%20Wiseman.jpg" width="293" /></a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;">I find Amish fiction quite
enjoyable and was excited to read <b>Beth Wiseman’s</b> newest book <b><i>The
Amish Matchmakers</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;">Retired dentist, Dr.
Benjamin Stoltzfus decided to move to Indiana to be near his only grandchild,
Mindy. He has rented a small cottage at
the Peony Inn. It is a bed and breakfast
run by two Amish sisters, Esther, and Lizzie.
They have a reputation for matchmaking.
Now it seems they may have another match in mind, unbeknownst to one other. Things may get a little complicated. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;">I enjoyed reading this
book, mostly because of the likable characters.
Esther and Lizzie, especially Lizzie, are very different than most characters
in Amish fiction. Lizzie has taken a liking to reading romance
and true crime novels. She does not
hesitate to speak her mind and has become superstitious. Esther is more sensible and down to earth, and
tries to rein Lizzie in. Benjamin is a
bit of a mystery and he has some secrets he is not ready to share. Ben’s granddaughter Mindy visits him regularly. Following a car mishap, she meets Gabriel who
helps around the inn. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;">The characters are enjoyable
and funny. Ben’s not the only mysterious
one. It seems that each character has their
own secrets they don’t want revealed. Esther
and Lizzie are caring towards one another and welcome others into their
lives. I liked Mindy and Gabriel’s
relationship. They were caring, responsible,
and level headed with a little romance. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;">I like Amish fiction
because their world seems a little simpler and less complicated. I enjoyed reading <b><i>The Amish Matchmakers</i></b>
by <b>Beth Wiseman</b>. While I don’t
fully understand the issues surrounding an Amish person being involved with an
Englisch person, I appreciated how that aspect of relationships were approached. I also appreciated that this novel was clean. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;">I recommend <b><i>The
Amish Matchmakers</i></b> by <b>Beth Wiseman</b>. It is a good and enjoyable story with
likeable characters. This book will be
published October 17, 2023</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;">I would like to thank <b>Zondervan
Fiction</b> and <b>NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy
of <b><i>The Amish Matchmakers</i></b> by <b>Beth Wiseman</b>. I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-46443296565589984132023-08-22T23:39:00.000-05:002023-08-22T23:39:42.675-05:00Seeds of Murder by Rosie Sandler – Interesting Mix of Gardening and Mystery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QK9IOttensKQ3_ANEmT3_Gu1Il-M-klZH6e54T2nLadWTemrzlZI6jl_tHu5jB7vM-x31BdI2qhmkd3AN4mLq9uQvDipT050rnl48RZYCWE1K6RtMz72MV3P8OoqIF3sT8DewyqdBHNDoYfaXy5AIxIJ_LRycM-_q7eR0HEpDb_p_OfqZ7K5dQ/s389/Seeds%20of%20Murder%20by%20Rosie%20Sandler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QK9IOttensKQ3_ANEmT3_Gu1Il-M-klZH6e54T2nLadWTemrzlZI6jl_tHu5jB7vM-x31BdI2qhmkd3AN4mLq9uQvDipT050rnl48RZYCWE1K6RtMz72MV3P8OoqIF3sT8DewyqdBHNDoYfaXy5AIxIJ_LRycM-_q7eR0HEpDb_p_OfqZ7K5dQ/s320/Seeds%20of%20Murder%20by%20Rosie%20Sandler.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><p> <br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">After reading the
description of </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"><i>Seeds of Murder</i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> by </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">Rosie</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">Sandler,</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> I
wanted to give this British novel a try. I was hoping it would be reminiscent
of Rosemary & Thyme, a nice mix of gardening and mystery. </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Steph Williams
needs a job and hopes to be hired as the gardener at Beaulieu Heights, a small
wealthy estate in England. Wherever Steph goes, her faithful companion Mouse
goes too. To say that the residents are quirky is an understatement. Some are
more welcoming than others. It seems that all the homeowners have their
secrets. But would any of them be willing to break the law to protect their
secrets? To steal, blackmail, or even commit murder? Just as Steph is getting a
handle on the various gardens, she receives a threatening note. To make things
worse, the residents have accused Steph of blackmail. How in the world will she
clear her name, much less keep her job?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It took me a little
while to get used to the first-person writing style and the British terms. But
once I did, I enjoyed reading this book. I liked Steph and her dog Mouse. Loved
reading the descriptions of the gardens, about plants and the work to be done.
I could almost visualize the settings. The people in Beaulieu Heights, both
residents and workers, were an interesting group. A few were friendly and some
you would want to avoid. Steph was a very likable character, as was her
dog. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The residents of
Beaulieu Heights were an interest mix. Though very wealthy and seemingly
in need of nothing, their lives were a bit of trainwreck. I liked some of the
friendships that Steph developed with both the residents and staff members. I
enjoyed Steph’s relationship with her brother and parents. There were lots of
weeds to dig through to get to the bottom of the mystery. I did not guess who
the bad guy was. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">There were a few
moments that I found touching. Like the kindness and encouragement of a few
people when Steph stood wrongly accused. Or the support and love from her
brother and dad. The progress in her relationship with her mom. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Not going to give
away the ending. But I would have liked to have seen justice. One mystery not
wrapped up is what happened to Steph’s ex-husband who seemed to
disappear. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">There is some
profanity in the book, as well as revealing sexual immorality that some of the
characters had been involved with. Thankfully, it did not go into graphic
detail. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I enjoyed reading
this mystery </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"><i>Seeds of Murder</i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> by </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">Rosie Sandler</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.
It was a change of pace from my regular reading. If you enjoy mysteries and
gardening, you might enjoy this novel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would like to
thank </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"><i>Embla Books</i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> and </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">NetGalley</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> for
the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"><i>Seeds of Murder</i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> by </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">Rosie
Sandler</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-66696992330779469092023-08-22T15:53:00.001-05:002023-08-22T16:05:39.440-05:00Countdown by Lynette Eason – Mixed Reaction<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqWKqH6eXgNFYt91fv8owYtt2HuOzq9fZDIUFgG-Udl9lKtBoT85N0EHWsBfNxwROrvVxrUmFisIYbtHfp1sYFi2jhVv3E0I9i2x-sz2FqCs35aQCAUfFqVta5Yf5ujWAu6seIIU6gaKN2D7rF2ZpRAdkpD2TN-3-ix175_gTyTtcN0icBVXU_Q/s393/Countdown%20by%20Lynette%20Eason.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="255" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqWKqH6eXgNFYt91fv8owYtt2HuOzq9fZDIUFgG-Udl9lKtBoT85N0EHWsBfNxwROrvVxrUmFisIYbtHfp1sYFi2jhVv3E0I9i2x-sz2FqCs35aQCAUfFqVta5Yf5ujWAu6seIIU6gaKN2D7rF2ZpRAdkpD2TN-3-ix175_gTyTtcN0icBVXU_Q/w249-h383/Countdown%20by%20Lynette%20Eason.png" width="249" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I have enjoyed
several novels by <b>Lynette Eason</b> and was excited to read her newest
release <b><i>Countdown</i></b>, the fourth book in the <b><i>Extreme Measures
series</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Raina Price works
as a flight paramedic along with her friends Penny and Holly.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Raina had to reinvent her life due to an
abusive relationship from which she had escaped.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">To protect herself and her loved ones there
is no going back.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">While watching sports
news Raina sees a young snowboarder who is the spitting imagine of the man from
whom she escaped.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If she has seen Michael
Harrison, surely the boy’s father will see him and figure out who he is. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">How can she protect the boy?</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Raina’s been feeling spooked lately, like
someone has watching her.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">US Marshal
Vincent Covelli is concerned and wants to help Raina.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Will she accept his help or try to go it
alone?</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">How can Vincent and law
enforcement help protect Raina from a man whose true-identity and whereabouts are
unknown?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This book had a lot
of twists and turns.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The action and
intrigue did not stop until the end.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">What I liked about
the book: I appreciated the friendships that Raina had with Penny and Holly and
their friends.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">They were a closeknit group
and there for each other, through thick and thin.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I liked Vincent, he was a very caring and
patient man, ready to put himself in danger to protect Raina.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">What I struggled
with: </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"><i>Countdown</i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> really stretched the imagination on
believability.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I understand that there are
evil people out there who are intent on causing harm and destruction.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">But to have someone keep track of a person for
many years, as well as those with associated with her, was not believable.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">To be able track when she called a person
after many years, who has the resources to that?</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It did not make
sense that Raina who has been in constant fear for her life, especially following
an incident, would come home and not lock the garage door.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Come on!</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The logic on why the bad guy was doing what he did, it was a stretch
too.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would like to
have seen the characters’ faith a bigger part of the story.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Instead, it seemed cursory.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">There were things I
liked about </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"><i>Countdown</i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> and some things I was not too keen on.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I like </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">Lynette Eason's</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> writing, but </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"><i>Countdown</i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
was not my favorite.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If you are a fan of
</span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">Lynette Eason</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> and have read the earlier books in this series,
you may enjoy it.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I would like to
thank </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">Revell Publishing</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> and </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">NetGalley</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> for the opportunity to read
a complimentary copy of </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"><i>Countdown</i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> by </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">Lynette Eason</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-58064759292179132782023-08-10T23:27:00.002-05:002023-08-10T23:46:19.839-05:00Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter – Beautiful Setting and Likeable Characters <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmDGxRUXsgDkuNKa5d-2xneqeVmzKu2UACGXaDdiwJcze4wcstaaQ951C9sEDNHqGqH90YPhl1Gjr__w7KdPalqW5CLrfdwLZC6YsQzhQ9vwtYtUKRN_qvFgvmJPXljKejbILzwpxaM6B7m1SU8X4yhkfH_SQoWY1_2zjwkaUEI3b2W61CKG2Dw/s389/Wildflower%20Falls%20by%20Denise%20Hunter.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="255" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmDGxRUXsgDkuNKa5d-2xneqeVmzKu2UACGXaDdiwJcze4wcstaaQ951C9sEDNHqGqH90YPhl1Gjr__w7KdPalqW5CLrfdwLZC6YsQzhQ9vwtYtUKRN_qvFgvmJPXljKejbILzwpxaM6B7m1SU8X4yhkfH_SQoWY1_2zjwkaUEI3b2W61CKG2Dw/w238-h363/Wildflower%20Falls%20by%20Denise%20Hunter.png" width="238" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Wildflower
Falls</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> is <b>Denise
Hunter’s</b> newest book, the fourth book in the <b>Riverbend Romance series</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was excited to read it because I have
enjoyed a couple of other books by Denise.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Following the death
of their mother, Charlotte Simpson and her step-sister Emerson are owners of a
horse ranch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charlotte is committed to
making a go of the business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Emerson, on
the other hand, is not so keen on the idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But Charlotte is moving ahead and expanding the business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is having a new barn constructed to
handle additional business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She even
hired a respected horse trainer Gunner Dawson to help with the horses, knowing
he was only staying for a short while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">In her mother’s
paperwork, Charlotte found information about her biological father and learned
that he may be related to an established family in the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will she verify that information, and
when should she make the facts known?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Emerson has been emotionally distant and Charlotte finds herself
confiding in Gunner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is not only good
with horses, but he has become a friend and is a good listener.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The storyline is
what made me want to read this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
enjoyed reading about the scenery and horses in a beautiful small-town in North
Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found the story about
finding her biological family interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My favorite character was Gunner, who seemed to be a kind, caring, and trustworthy
man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked how their relationship
grew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also liked Charlotte’s
biological siblings and their families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I struggled with
Charlotte a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her character was very
self-focused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story seemed to drag
for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last part of the book,
a slew of details was made known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
details would have made the story better if introduced earlier in the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to have known the back story of
Gunner earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without those background
details, his actions did not seem logical or reasonable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I was irritated that those details
were added so late in the story.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The book was
relatively clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to have
had the characters’ faith more fully developed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">While this was not
my favorite <b>Denise Hunter</b> book, there were elements I enjoyed in the
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you like a beautiful rural
setting, horses, nature, family, friendship, and a little romance, you may want
to read <b>Wildflower Falls</b> by <b>Denise Hunter</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This book will be released on September 12, 2023.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to
thank <b>Thomas Nelson publishers</b> and <b>NetGalley</b> for the opportunity
to read a complimentary copy of <b><i>Wildflower Falls</i></b> by <b>Denise Hunter</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-78376233844444828022023-08-07T12:01:00.001-05:002023-08-07T12:15:29.711-05:00The Cottage Garden by Claus Dalby - Chock Full of Inspiration and Ideas<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4osHm26BUyqnwUN5YIXITUU0GZsXEITB0jZrHKAt775J53U1l8Z1kIMzxYefX9kTXm11ObKW0NE7dvj-NZeiKvFWmfNLG5UaCEDcaWiOwMYmV8aF41XUBMVNIbbu0hDJheLjYp1YTNlAVGYMWzTNZ9-gGtwrtZ16M_YZlbZFaOJ7whT-RYd-Ug/s356/The%20Cottage%20Garden%20by%20Claus%20Dalby.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4osHm26BUyqnwUN5YIXITUU0GZsXEITB0jZrHKAt775J53U1l8Z1kIMzxYefX9kTXm11ObKW0NE7dvj-NZeiKvFWmfNLG5UaCEDcaWiOwMYmV8aF41XUBMVNIbbu0hDJheLjYp1YTNlAVGYMWzTNZ9-gGtwrtZ16M_YZlbZFaOJ7whT-RYd-Ug/w286-h400/The%20Cottage%20Garden%20by%20Claus%20Dalby.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you are a gardener who is looking for
inspiration and ideas to add to your own garden, you will want to read <b>Claus
Dalby’s</b> newest book <b><i>The Cottage Garden</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Claus covers the history of Danish gardens and
the English cottage gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
introduces men and women who were influential in the style and design of
cottage gardens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Best of all are the wonderful
pictures that fill this book showing gardens from around the world, including England,
Germany, Denmark, New England, and Sweden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I appreciate the detailed information that Claus shares about plants, varieties,
and design elements in each garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
highlights big and small gardens and has photographs from the four
seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Cottage Garden</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> by <b>Claus Dalby</b> is an inspiration to any gardener.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From style, to plants, to the exquisite beauty
found on each page, readers will come away excited to try news plants and
design in their own garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I highly recommend <b><i>The Cottage Garden</i></b>
by <b>Claus Dalby</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be a
lovely gift for gardeners, and those who love the beauty found in
creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are looking for inspiration
and help in your own garden, I encourage you read this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be released on September 5, 2023.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to get my own copy of this
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I would like to thank <b>Quarto Publishing Group,
Cool Springs Press and NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to read a copy of <b><i>The
Cottage Garden</i></b> by <b>Claus Dalby</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-37850029172024929082023-07-15T13:27:00.000-05:002023-07-15T13:27:34.581-05:00The Raging Storm by Ann Cleeves – Unlikable Characters and Convoluted Story<p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdACdcVGilO4PTYDB6La0TO-9fiiOaCtFX68EFfG-X78hWPNOcmuqiTNVsdYVGGLCWHVIzzDMeXEXTuejPg-8o6da3FIGQgL8MZXIajGPZPVvjby_GdG5KoFd490oVvpUOL018eApqClg5uRO7fc4W_2TO1aUiQYD2D0FQO8zeG185CA5dMr4qdQ/s388/The%20Raging%20Storm%20by%20Ann%20Cleeves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdACdcVGilO4PTYDB6La0TO-9fiiOaCtFX68EFfG-X78hWPNOcmuqiTNVsdYVGGLCWHVIzzDMeXEXTuejPg-8o6da3FIGQgL8MZXIajGPZPVvjby_GdG5KoFd490oVvpUOL018eApqClg5uRO7fc4W_2TO1aUiQYD2D0FQO8zeG185CA5dMr4qdQ/w263-h400/The%20Raging%20Storm%20by%20Ann%20Cleeves.jpg" width="263" /></a><br /><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ann Cleeves</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> is an excellent storyteller and I was
excited for the opportunity to read her new book <b><i>The Raging Storm</i></b>,
the third book in the <b>Detective Matthew Venn series</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not read the first two books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Matthew Venn and
his team were called to handle a case in Greystone, Devon after a famous sailor
and adventurer, Jem Rosco, has been found dead in a dinghy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though Jem hails from the Greystone area, he
is not necessarily considered a local hero by those who knew him way back when.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will the investigators be able to draw out
the truth from the people in this community?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I wanted to like
this book, but I really struggled with the characters. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main character Matthew was not likable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came off as a miserable man, who chose to
carry the baggage from his past, and have a chip on his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times he treated his team poorly and seemed
to have a low opinion of them, as well as the townspeople.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Of all the
characters I liked Sergeant Jen Rafferty the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her character was better developed and came
across likeable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though things are not
easy in her life, she doesn’t wallow in self-pity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ross May’s character was rather flat and the object
of Matthew’s criticism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">From Matthew’s experience
of religion, to the people in the community that seemed rather cultish,
Christianity was portrayal as unhealthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was an unrealistic portrayal of Christian believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The story was very
convoluted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people in the community
seems rather insular and secretive, not the kind of folks you want to spend
time with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were only a few
characters that were somewhat likeable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
story seemed to drag on and I just wanted it to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the town, to most the characters everything
about this booked seemed rather grey and unappealing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I have enjoyed <b>Ann
Cleeve’s</b> other books and movies taken from her novels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But <b><i>The Raging Storm</i></b> was not appealing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the main character is so off-putting it
doesn’t make a good foundation for a story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would like have to have had the other characters on Matthew’s team
better developed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Because of the
unlikable main character Matthew and the convoluted story that dragged on, I
didn’t care for <b><i>The Raging Storm</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 84.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to thank <b>St. Martin’s Press</b> and <b>NetGalley</b>
for the opportunity to read <b>Ann Cleeve’s</b> book <b><i>The Raging Storm</i></b>.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I received a complimentary copy of this
book and was under no obligation to give a favorable review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>The Raging Storm</i></b> is schedule to
be released September 5, 2023.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-30269536362790935372023-06-16T18:27:00.002-05:002023-06-16T18:35:22.553-05:00No More Secrets by Betty Webb – Interesting, Relatable and Personable History<p><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlxqSbKDOxImZHdiKxqVHidJwp9UxyMMN5hjg0CrovXVaRVZUuQsih4RbqH64WgZV26gSllaodCvZrzUwSTp-BEbC1HroMa3dhqF2W7eZeMB__y6_4-QiK72UhAMMDiVdM9dCRGVoMjlPCNJnzCd8jvCAQjGja1GMJHPrQGEwvbPN-gxLyho/s389/No%20More%20Secrets%20by%20Betty%20Webb.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="255" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlxqSbKDOxImZHdiKxqVHidJwp9UxyMMN5hjg0CrovXVaRVZUuQsih4RbqH64WgZV26gSllaodCvZrzUwSTp-BEbC1HroMa3dhqF2W7eZeMB__y6_4-QiK72UhAMMDiVdM9dCRGVoMjlPCNJnzCd8jvCAQjGja1GMJHPrQGEwvbPN-gxLyho/w283-h432/No%20More%20Secrets%20by%20Betty%20Webb.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 16pt;">After reading biographies and World War II history books, I was interested in reading </span><b style="font-size: 16pt;">Betty Webb’s</b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">
book </span><b style="font-size: 16pt;"><i>No More Secrets</i></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">WWII
is such a pivotal and interesting time in history.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">A time that could have had a much different
outcome if not for God’s providence and the men and women who worked tirelessly
to win the war against evil.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Unlike government
leaders or high-ranking military commanders, Betty was an ordinary young woman
in Great Britain who answered the call when her Country was facing the battle
against the evil forces of Nazi Germany.
Like many other men and women in the allied forces, they stepped up when
their Country and the world needed them most.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I enjoyed learning about
her family life in a small town in England and found it interesting how Betty learned
to speak a foreign language, and went to Germany in 1937, before WWII. That experience proved beneficial for the
work she would one day do at Bletchley Park and later the Pentagon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Thanks to <b>Betty
Webb</b> writing and sharing about her service in the ATS, we can have an idea
of what their lives were like during those tumultuous years. Betty was 18 years old when she enlisted in
the ATS. While technically, she was
qualified to remain at home and care for her mother, Betty signed up to serve
her Country. Can you imagine what it was
like to go from living with your family at home to sharing living space with
hundreds of other women from all over.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">While Betty wanted
to be a driver in the ATS, because of her foreign language skills she was assigned
to serve at Bletchley Park. She would
serve in different roles as part of the process to decode the German messages
that were intercepted. Something as
simple as filing was a very important role and handled circumspectly. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The work done at
Bletchley was very compartmentalized and workers only knew that part of the work
that they did. Each person that served
had taken an oath of secrecy which they took very seriously. It wasn’t until many years later that the work
done in WWII was declassified and could be talked about. In <b><i>No More Secrets</i></b>, Betty
shares writings from other authors about their experiences and work. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After the Allied
victory in Europe, Betty was called to serve at the Pentagon in the USA to help
in the work to decode the Japanese war messages. Before long there was victory over
Japan. It was fascinating to see the
differences in how the United States was impacted by the war, verses Great Britain. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I was glad that the
book did not end with the victory in WWII.
Betty went on to write and speak about her life during WWII. Even now, Betty at the age of 100 continues
to share about her experiences serving Great Britain and with their alley the
United States of America. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I found <b><i>No
More Secrets</i></b> by <b>Betty Webb</b> an interesting history from the
perspective of an ordinary citizen who was called to serve during an extraordinary
time in history. It was quite a different
pace and more personable than a book written by a government or miliary leader and
was very relatable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I highly recommend <b><i>No
More Secrets</i></b> by <b>Betty Webb</b>! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to
thank Ad Lib Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary
copy of No More Secrets by Betty Webb. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-91202282809593877372023-05-20T12:52:00.000-05:002023-05-20T12:52:09.610-05:00Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow – Missed the Mark<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWd_67RySVJpi6sd_DR79SwyKCM3rjrSrf6ygDzbc1kIf2rIHprnMvbMnR6mTJJAn1UmTKur_HNqRVua-xLHxUYJk2fgMuj0zyCl-8IlEjhtpuUFZ-yp7UMUZD3MHNmeGQhs90AEY6i2B3i7jD_92QgDZKx33f-8uIx3Ld5L3w8wTU41nE2E/s388/Double%20Indemnity%20by%20Robert%20Whitlow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWd_67RySVJpi6sd_DR79SwyKCM3rjrSrf6ygDzbc1kIf2rIHprnMvbMnR6mTJJAn1UmTKur_HNqRVua-xLHxUYJk2fgMuj0zyCl-8IlEjhtpuUFZ-yp7UMUZD3MHNmeGQhs90AEY6i2B3i7jD_92QgDZKx33f-8uIx3Ld5L3w8wTU41nE2E/w263-h400/Double%20Indemnity%20by%20Robert%20Whitlow.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I had the opportunity <b>Robert Whitlow’s</b>
newest book <b><i>Double Indemnity</i></b>, which will be released June 6,
2023. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I enjoy mysteries, suspense,
and legal thrillers, I’ve read and enjoyed <b>Robert Whitlow’s</b> other books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Double Indemnity</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
takes place in Bryson, a small town in Georgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The story begins with pastor Connor Grantham hiking through the woods,
part of it on private property.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he
spotted a massive buck with antlers passing by, he took a video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly he encountered a hunter who stumbled
and fell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assuming the man was pursuing
the deer Connor thought nothing of the chance encounter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The story then goes back three weeks prior
and leads up to the present time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Readers
are introduced to Liz Acosta who works for Pollard and Associates law
firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is relatively new to the
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes Liz feels like she was
hired because of her ability to speak and translate Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now she has an opportunity to represent a
new client, Elena Thompson, who is seeking legal counsel regarding her troubled
marriage and a possible divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elena
and her husband Matt are in marriage counseling with their pastor Connor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an understatement to say that both Liz
and Connor will be challenged in their jobs to handle Elena Thompson and the
ever-widening chaos and drama that swirls around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was looking forward to reading <b><i>Double
Indemnity</i></b>, but I really struggled to get through this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very slow in story development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the biggest stumbling block for me were the
main characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t like Connor,
Elena, Matt and felt neutral about Liz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
I don’t like or connect with the characters, I’m probably not going to like the
book. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Connor Grantham was a pastor who developed his
sermons based on his experiences in nature and found Scripture to make the
point of his illustration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seemed drawn
to mysticism and experiences, rather than sound Bible teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lacked wisdom and discernment, especially
in his dealings with Elena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seemed
surprised that by trespassing he was violating the law and was a suspect in the
murder of Matt Thompson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention
he returned to the scene of the crime multiple times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seemed to jump whenever Elena said jump
and would ask how high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something that
made no sense to me was when he touched and removed evidence from a potential
crime scene.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Elena was probably one of the most dislikable
characters I’ve read about in a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Innocent or guilty, she was terrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She treated everyone like they were at her beckon call and most everyone
went along with her. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Liz showed some common sense and reason, especially
compared to the other characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
of the secondary background characters were likeable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The story dragged through a good part of the
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t understand why there was
so little support for Connor from his friends and congregation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it seemed like the story came to an
abrupt conclusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was only at the
end that friends came alongside Connor and tried to help him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you are a <b>Robert Whitlow</b> fan or like
legal suspense stories, you may like this book. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I wanted to like this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I found <b><i>Double Indemnity</i></b> hard
to read because the story dragged, moved ever so slowly, and most of the main
characters were not likable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sound Christian
faith was lacking in this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
of that I don’t recommend this book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I would like to thank <b>Thomas Nelson Publishers</b>
and <b>NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of <b><i>Double
Indemnity</i></b> by <b>Robert Whitlow</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-87161036603843653062023-05-03T17:41:00.002-05:002023-05-03T17:41:56.849-05:00The Libyan Diversion by Joel Rosenberg – Un-Putdownable and Will Keep You Awake at Night<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-tN_78fL2SpUElppc_1vtdEiM_gYwCnZ6kb1zKt8CnkTrJx3XMmkOMi7Em0aVOstfs8NF_E8TtYQhA6mJTLKfe2JQMCyCDfinY7v_Lq5-ewi_2g6nZ_y2iYb_w9RV9T7V4mwfThCpZooWnbIxa8YCdrppYWJg7Voh7JCX6rFMIEttL8_oZs/s385/They%20Libyan%20Diversion%20by%20Joel%20Rosenberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-tN_78fL2SpUElppc_1vtdEiM_gYwCnZ6kb1zKt8CnkTrJx3XMmkOMi7Em0aVOstfs8NF_E8TtYQhA6mJTLKfe2JQMCyCDfinY7v_Lq5-ewi_2g6nZ_y2iYb_w9RV9T7V4mwfThCpZooWnbIxa8YCdrppYWJg7Voh7JCX6rFMIEttL8_oZs/w265-h400/They%20Libyan%20Diversion%20by%20Joel%20Rosenberg.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Joel Rosenberg</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> is one of my favorite authors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he writes a new book, I want to read
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On May 16, 2023, <b><i>The Libyan
Diversion</i></b>, the fifth book in the <b>Marcus</b> <b>Ryker series</b> will
be released. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Joel Rosenberg</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> is a compelling writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the get-go I was all in and didn’t want
to put this book down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>The Libyan Diversion’s</b>
storyline could have been ripped from today’s headline news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As horrifying as some of the scenarios are,
unfortunately they are believable in today’s world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Marcus Ryker is back in
the United States and has no time to mend before he is called to present
information to President Clark and his cabinet members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marcus and his team have done a thorough investigation
and it appears that Abu Nakba, man behind the recent Kairos terrorist strikes
around the world, is within reach and can be taken down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abu Nakba and his network.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">When news breaks that the authorized
strike may have hit the wrong target, the job for Marcus and his team just got a
whole lot more complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition
to the fallout from the strike, there is a concern about another planned Kairos
strike in the United States with four possible targets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I enjoyed reading this
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the characters, the fast
pace and action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciate the clarity
between good and evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marcus and several
of the other characters are Christians and faith was a small part of the
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to have seen that
element further developed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked Marcus
and his team and their dedication to do whatever it takes to stop the
terrorists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>The Libyan Diversion</i></b> keeps
the action going until the very end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Joel Rosenberg’s</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> <b><i>The Libyan Diversion</i></b> will keep you up
late at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s un-putdownable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">If you like geo-political
thrillers, intrigue, and action, you will want to get <b><i>The Libyan Diversion
</i></b>by<b> Joel Rosenberg</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I highly
recommend it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you haven’t read the earlier
books in this series, I recommend you get those too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I would like to thank <b>Tyndale
House Publishers</b> and <b>NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to read a complementary
copy of <b><i>The Libyan Diversion</i></b> by <b>Joel Rosenberg</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-5236534725901328272023-04-04T16:39:00.001-05:002023-04-04T16:47:32.587-05:00Windswept Way by Irene Hannon- A Place of Hope, Beauty with People You’d Like to Know<p><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOM3yQ-DbnzZgR3d97176fitqrcH8XX7i97tQZm5KpYTFL3vO1dGEJJRUA-ldtrW2E0wd-Sb3qPSqi9a-bfmcO4M5XVFbTKxF3KfZjdHS6OVDPVFw3OuxtNo23uVjKwYcXmlqnEX8-JABuxv2mjlHMQ-hfirlR02kiYuC7YDzxzxcmBKHlOEs/s394/Windswept%20Way%20by%20Irene%20Hannon.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOM3yQ-DbnzZgR3d97176fitqrcH8XX7i97tQZm5KpYTFL3vO1dGEJJRUA-ldtrW2E0wd-Sb3qPSqi9a-bfmcO4M5XVFbTKxF3KfZjdHS6OVDPVFw3OuxtNo23uVjKwYcXmlqnEX8-JABuxv2mjlHMQ-hfirlR02kiYuC7YDzxzxcmBKHlOEs/s320/Windswept%20Way%20by%20Irene%20Hannon.jpg" width="207" /></a></b></div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>Irene Hannon</b>
is one of my favorite writers and I was excited to read her newest book <b><i>Windswept
Way</i></b>, the ninth book in the <b><i>Hope Harbor series</i></b>. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Ashley Scott is taking a leap of faith when she reaches out and sends
a letter to Rose Fitzgerald, a reclusive 80-year-old woman who owns a mansion
in Hope Harbor. Ashley has an unusual
proposal for Rose to preserve the history of her home and bring back the love
and joy which inspired Edgecliff to be built.
The huge undertaking to make renovations and restore the Edgecliff gardens,
will take time, hard work, money, and compromise. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Relationships will be forged, not only between Ashley and Rose, but
also with the grounds-keeper Jonathan Gray.
A man who prefers to stay in the background. The wounds he bears from his military service
are more than skin deep. Will Ashley
look beyond his outward appearance and see the proven character of this
man? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Reading a novel in the <b><i>Hope Harbor series</i></b> is like coming
home to a friendly place where you want to stay for a while. I really enjoyed the main characters in this
book. Ashley, Rose, and Jonathan were
all dealing with their own feelings, trials, and history. The characters were likable and I enjoyed
watching them grow, change, and challenge themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I enjoyed seeing the return of some of the town’s people in Hope
Harbor, especially Charlie, a wise and caring man who reaches out and,
befriends all sorts of people. He makes
time for everyone he meets. The town’s
clergymen were back too. I would like to
have seen a little more depth to their relationship and get to know the men
behind the jesting. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Faith was a part of the story, but I would have liked to have seen more
of it in the character’s lives. I
appreciated that the novel was clean and without sexual immorality and
profanity. I would have like to have seen Ashley’s
mother further developed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I enjoy reading <b>Irene Hannon’s</b> books and recommend <b><i>Windswept
Way</i></b>, which is part of the <b><i>Hope Harbor series</i></b>. Hope Harbor is a beautiful place I’d want to
visit and stay for a while. The people
are kind and caring, and make amends when they fall short.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I would like to thank <b>Revell Publishing and NetGalley</b> for the
opportunity to read a complimentary copy of <b><i>Windswept Way</i></b> by <b>Irene
Hannon</b>. I was under no obligation to
give a favorable review. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-73662203309821377172023-03-18T13:10:00.000-05:002023-03-18T13:10:47.637-05:00George VI and Elizabeth – The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy by Sally Bedell Smith – Fascinating Biography and Look at History<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyhR7WXAyGE2AYElPNTrvOJaX-HcyrPzPu44OK4tsCP_8awBm0Va89A53xG7FQsNu0-9mISiiEkBnCol7AGpfCZ0ADSLowcABARzjRpWvIEDktWROJ53DQ-Cl7dv0ENYPckW9NZaqk7nbFJSSKYC4S3l1b1wdgPPgF-_7wBoGdC0fCltEAmc/s388/George%20VI%20and%20Elizabeth%20by%20Sally%20Bedell%20Smith.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyhR7WXAyGE2AYElPNTrvOJaX-HcyrPzPu44OK4tsCP_8awBm0Va89A53xG7FQsNu0-9mISiiEkBnCol7AGpfCZ0ADSLowcABARzjRpWvIEDktWROJ53DQ-Cl7dv0ENYPckW9NZaqk7nbFJSSKYC4S3l1b1wdgPPgF-_7wBoGdC0fCltEAmc/s320/George%20VI%20and%20Elizabeth%20by%20Sally%20Bedell%20Smith.png" width="210" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When I had the opportunity to read the biography of<b> <i>George
VI and Elizabeth</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> by </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;">Sally Bedell Smith</b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">, I was excited to learn about
Great Brittan’s history during a pivotal time in the world.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I believe there is no better way to learn
history than through biographies.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I
absolutely loved this book! </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It was
great!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So many factors made this book great. First and foremost, Prince Albert, who was later
crowned King George VI and his wife Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, who became Queen
Elizabeth. Later, and for many years, she
was known as the Queen Mum. One can’t
help but see God’s divine hand of providence in raising up these two and
preparing them for leadership during a critical time when evil threatened to
overtake the world. Though they were
royalty, they also seemed to be well-grounded, genuine, decent, honest, and caring
people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It was interesting to learn of Elizabeth’s reluctance
to marry Prince Albert, thought she cared deeply for him. They seemed like the perfect match and I cannot
quite imagine Albert growing into the man who would be king apart from his
relationship with Elizabeth. Perhaps the
weight of the monarchy weighed heavy on her and she knew the high cost she
would pay. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Having previously read a biography on Prince
David, King Edward the VIII, the abdicating king, I found myself grateful that
King George VI was his successor. You cannot
help but see God’s merciful hand in removing the morally depraved, hedonistic,
self-absorbed man who sided with the Nazis.
Can you imagine how WWII might have ended with Edward VIII as king? King George VI was the right man at a pivotal
time in history. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">King George VI was a reserved, wise, and learned
man. He became a great leader with his strong,
wise, committed wife, Queen Elizabeth, by his side. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I also found interesting the early life of
Princess Elizabeth, future Queen Elizabeth II.
From a very young age, she raised, educated and well equipped to step
into the role as Queen of England at a very young age. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another fascinating aspect of this biography were
the relationships forged between King George and Queen Elizabeth with various leaders,
like Churchill, Roosevelt, and others. Also
interesting were the various family ties with European royal families.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The life of royalty and aristocracy was so
very different than the average citizen.
I appreciated the humility and willingness of the King and Queen to be
with their people especially during the brutal suffering the English endured during
WWII.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Author <b>Sally Bedell Smith</b> did a
tremendous amount of research and had access to a large volume of records to
write the biography of <b><i>George VI and Elizabeth</i></b>. She did a great job combining all the information
she had, but kept it personable and relatable. The people, King George, Queen Elizabeth and
their family and friends did not get lost in the facts and information about
their lives and times in which they lived.
It truly was <b><i>The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As a side note, it is interesting to see what’s
happening in the modern-day monarchy and how some of the family patterns, both
good and bad, are being repeated. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I loved reading <b><i>George VI and Elizabeth</i></b>
by author <b>Sally Bedell Smith</b>. It
was fascinating and a tremendous book that I did not want to put down. It was one of the best biographies I have ever
read. I highly recommend this book. If
you like history, WWII, learning about the royal family, or biographies be sure
to read this book. It is a long book,
but well worth your time and effort. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I would like to thank <b>Random House Publishing
Group</b> and <b>NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy
of <b><i>George VI and Elizabeth – The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy </i></b>by
<b>Sally Bedell Smith</b>. I was under
no obligation to give a favorable review.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-72523297092812772242023-01-27T17:49:00.001-06:002023-01-27T17:58:52.777-06:00Letters of Trust by Wanda E Brunstetter – Difficult Topic Handled with Care <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzUadmmgSbKqA-SqPYHvWJaj89x2ljDJvBbfiwYg_0zNicKk86Pp0O-NMTd0EmfSho02ve21KeTx36A_xsYVl3EM4MzHsx8t4Ayc9TZX_0SxiAKpX2K0D5m4v2JT98SOxm395xSDdEzuI26w5eVTSp6OFE1cLw5A3aughCcMot1Uf4gfLius/s300/Letters%20of%20Trust%20by%20Wanda%20E%20Brunstetter.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="249" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzUadmmgSbKqA-SqPYHvWJaj89x2ljDJvBbfiwYg_0zNicKk86Pp0O-NMTd0EmfSho02ve21KeTx36A_xsYVl3EM4MzHsx8t4Ayc9TZX_0SxiAKpX2K0D5m4v2JT98SOxm395xSDdEzuI26w5eVTSp6OFE1cLw5A3aughCcMot1Uf4gfLius/s1600/Letters%20of%20Trust%20by%20Wanda%20E%20Brunstetter.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Author <b>Wanda E. Brunstetter</b> has become
one of my favorite writers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciate
that her books are clean, without profanity and sexual immorality, and that the
characters are more fully developed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s why I wanted to read her newest book <b><i>Letters of Trust</i></b>.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This book is
quite different from any other story I’ve read by this author.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The subject is more difficult and a bit
darker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I think of the Amish
community, I don’t think of alcoholism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wanda explained that she had Amish readers request that she write a
story that deals with alcoholism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly,
alcohol abuse has impacted their communities as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story also had a personal touch because alcoholism
has touched Wanda’s life though a family member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Letters of
Trust</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> tells the story about newlyweds Vic and
Eleanor Lapp who are moving to Vic’s home state of Pennsylvania where his
family lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than Vic and his
family, Eleanor had no family or friends there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eleanor loves Vic and wants to support his decision to move back
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like any newlywed couple the first
year of marriage can be a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eleanor keeps in touch with family and friends through letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Vic is employed
by an English man and is surrounded by English workers as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vic finds himself under regular pressure by a
coworker to drink alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s able to
resist until a crisis breaks down his resolve to not drink alcohol. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alcohol had been an issue in his youth, before
he had committed himself to the Amish community and church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now Vic chooses not to resist the draw of alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Like every other
sin, alcoholism and drinking to excess, doesn’t just impact the one who is drinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vic’s drowning his sorrow impacted his
marriage, his family, his job, and most importantly his faith.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Will Eleanor find
support and wise counsel from her dear friend and family?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will she have the wherewithal to remain in her
marriage and help her husband?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will she
be strong enough to acknowledge the truth, get wise counsel, and the help and
support she needs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What will it take to
wake Vic up to the truth that alcohol is destroying his life and his
marriage?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will he realize it before it’s
too late?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Something I would
like to have seen, especially since faith is an integral part of the story and
character’s lives, is to see alcoholism in light of the truth of
Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secular society calls alcoholism
a disease, but a Christian believer knows it is a sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may be some beneficial secular programs
to help the alcoholic and their family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
for a Christian believer, first and foremost, we need to recognize our sin and
repent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like all sin, God has provide a
way for us to be forgiven through Christ Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If this had been a secular story, I would not have had that expectation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Something that flowed
from the aspect of faith and seeing a character caught up in sin, was Vic a
true Christian?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have good
understanding of the Amish faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
wondered if there is some measure of legalism?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is a person considered a true believer as long as he complies with the rules
of the Amish community?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is a
warning sign that a person’s outward confession is not genuine?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would an Amish Christian be concerned about
their witness and testimony to an unbelieving coworker?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I would like to
have seen the faith aspect of alcoholism dealt with, in addition to the
practical steps recommended by the secular world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked that Vic’s parents had a realistic understanding
of their son and didn’t try to make excuses for his choices and behavior. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you like <b>Wanda
E. Brunstetter’s</b> writing, or have an interest in the topic of alcoholism,
you may want to read <b><i>Letters of Trust</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a hard book to read because of the
subject matter and the fact that too many lives are impacted by
alcoholism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciate that the author
tackled this painful topic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Letters of Trust will be published March 1, 2023.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I would like to
thank <b>Barbour Publishing and NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to read a complementary
copy of <b><i>Letters of Trust</i></b> by <b>Wanda E. Brunstetter</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="tab-stops: 122.25pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12886351.post-25437341234389527442023-01-02T11:39:00.002-06:002023-01-02T11:48:47.139-06:00Critical Threat by Lynette Eason – Suspense and Intrigue, But Falls Short<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KqOq60obczBcDUhnEO4UyhYXk4DLQSuSStTyHU1Ktsu3dyCIKMKg050_YLX_paj6IEmMg4FGDWDWsciYJDsSw3wf3k9m-LnNu8xzGDKPyoNuY3bGoRUmaawcCLnceIOmIn8nYer4XUGDMxIJmARG7FLrXWDUOUeupxNXD8VJCWIMzlKhEU8/s500/Critical%20Threat%20by%20Lynette%20Eason.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KqOq60obczBcDUhnEO4UyhYXk4DLQSuSStTyHU1Ktsu3dyCIKMKg050_YLX_paj6IEmMg4FGDWDWsciYJDsSw3wf3k9m-LnNu8xzGDKPyoNuY3bGoRUmaawcCLnceIOmIn8nYer4XUGDMxIJmARG7FLrXWDUOUeupxNXD8VJCWIMzlKhEU8/s320/Critical%20Threat%20by%20Lynette%20Eason.jpg" width="207" /></a><b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Critical
Threat</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> is <b>Lynette Eason’s</b> third book in the <b><i>Extreme
Measures</i></b> <b><i>series</i></b>. I
enjoy suspense and intrigue novels and looked forward to reading this new release. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It appears that
there may be a serial killer loose in Virginia.
FBI Special Agent and behavioral analyst Grace Billingsley and prison psychiatrist
Sam Monroe team up to help the Critical Incidence Response Group to find this murderer
before he takes the life of another innocent person. Details of the case have been withheld from
the public. But when a prisoner has information
about the crimes, Sam and the team want to find out what he knows and if he is involved. Sam brings a unique perspective to the case because
his father is a convicted serial killer and was recently transferred to the
same facility where Sam works. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The serial killer aspect of this story makes the
novel rather dark. It was interesting
trying to understand how the team puts together a profile of the murderer. I liked the interaction between Grace and
Sam. Grace was not put off by Sam’s
family background. She was compassionate
and caring towards him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What I found off-putting about the story was
Grace. She was a brave woman, but didn’t
use a lot of wisdom or common sense.
After the killer sees her at a crime scene, he repeatedly tries to get
to Grace. Though she has been targeted
and has some protection, she makes several poor decisions, making her
vulnerable to attack. The folks that
were providing protection did a poor job, because multiple times the killer was
successful in getting to Grace. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When a character repeatedly puts themselves at
risk and fails to use common sense, I stop caring about them because the story
feels manipulating. I would rather someone
be smart over being brave. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Both Grace and Sam had family issues going during
the height of the case. To some degree
it gave the reader a better understanding about the characters. It may have taken away from the main
storyline. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There wasn’t a lot of the Christian faith
included in the novel. Grace’s attempt
to help Sam’s daughter understand about good and evil fell short. Her explanation about the devil and sin seemed
more filled with human psychology, rather than sound theology about a sovereign
and holy God and sin and repentance. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The storyline was
interesting, had a lot of suspense and intrigue. It was also dark and disturbing. At times, the story seemed drawn out and repetitive. Grace putting herself at risk, over-and-over
again, didn’t seem realistic. Nor did
the FBI failing to protect a target. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I enjoy <b>Lynette
Eason’s</b> suspense novels, yet <b><i>Critical Threat</i></b> wasn’t my favorite. Would I recommend it? If you like <b>Lynette Eason’s</b> writing, you
may want to give it a try. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I would like to
thank <b>Revell Publishing and NetGalley</b> for the opportunity to read a
complimentary copy of <b><i>Critical</i></b> <i><b>Threat</b> </i>by <b>Lynette</b> <b>Eason</b>. I was under no obligation to give a favorable
review.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://pinterest.com/susanwalkergirl/"><img src="https://s-passets-ec.pinimg.com/images/about/buttons/pinterest-button.png" width="80" height="28" alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" /></a></div>susanwalkergirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101345350398403328noreply@blogger.com0