A Cross to Kill by Andrew Huff

ABOUT THE BOOK

A gripping debut thriller pits a man of God against terrorists--and his own deadly past

John Cross is a small-town pastor, bent on leading his flock to follow God's calling. He's not the sort of man one would expect to have a checkered past.

But the truth is that the man behind the pulpit preaching to his sheep was once a wolf--an assassin for the CIA. When John decided to follow Christ, he put that work behind him, determined to do penance for all the lives he took. He vowed never to kill again.

Now someone wants the peaceful pastor to pay for his sins with his own life. And when a terrorist out for revenge walks into the church, John's secrets are laid bare. Confronted with his past, he must face his demons and discover whether a man can truly change. Can he keep his vow--even when the people he loves are in mortal danger? Will his congregation and the brave woman he's learning to care for be caught in the cross fire? In the end, John's life may be the only sacrifice he has left to offer. . .

Andrew Huff's thrilling debut is not only a riveting story of suspense, it's also a deep exploration of the moral quandaries that face those who choose to follow the Prince of Peace in a violent world. "An action-packed nail-biter from beginning to end! . . . I couldn't put it down."

--Lynette Eason, best-selling, award-winning author of the Blue Justice series

MY REVIEW

I'll be honest the cover and the title are what drew me in. This design is way cool. I don't think I've ever seen art quite like this.

To my idea, the cover gives you a hint as to what the story would be about if there weren't a blurb with it.

I think James Bond has met his match through John Cross. Yes, I'm definitely sure.

Cross ( or the good Shepherd)s life never has a dull moment to be sure! Everytime he turned around he was in danger.

I guess I have to admit I am fascinated by what he does and at how God has protected him through each and every dangerous situation he was in. I know I felt my mouth drop open in some of the scenes. Still yet in other scenes the hairs stood up on the back of my neck.

I found myself shouting " look behind you!" Or " Don't do that you'll get yourself killed!"

Y'all ever do that in a book?

Christine is another one that's very lucky and a brave gal to boot. I found myself rooting for her along the way too.

I've actually seen her situation on tv too. It's certainly left me thinking about what if I was in her position? How would I act?

Would I turn to God or would I just hope for the best? I'd like to think that I would turn to God in those troubling times.

I think Huff is a very talented writer. His style of writing is new to me and at first I wasn't sure about this book but I'm glad I finished it.

I'm happy to say that it's a good read with lots of action filled pages that will keep you on your toes and leave your head spinning so that you're not sure which way to turn your head!

Hull has wonderful messages in his book too. It's about forgiveness.

No matter what you've done in your past life or even now God forgives if you ask Him.

Everyone has a past that is filled with secrets. All can be wiped clean.

Another scene in this book ( and it had me giggling) was the phone call.

Cross definitely had to be good for this one! Poor lady. She had absolutely noooooo idea what was going on and what made it so funny was I could actually picture it in my mind and the look on his face as she prattles on!!

This was my favorite scene out of the whole book!

I agree with a few people that we could have left some chase scenes out of the book. There was just too many of them. One or two would have been sufficient.

I think what bothers me most is that the book came in full swing ( usually the author will lead you into the action gently. No beating around the bush so to speak)and out full swing. In other words it leaves you wanting for more. It made my jaw drop. I like at least a little warning on how it's going to end not just cold turkey. I'm left hanging. It's not a good feeling. First book I ever came across that did that.

But if you like James Bond you'll love this book. I highly recommend it.

My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I spent 10 years in local church ministry before pursuing God's calling into creative storytelling and media production as the Product Director at Igniter Media, a church media company (ignitermedia.com). I am a two-time finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Contest for unpublished authors (2014 & 2017) and also won the Best Screenplay award at the 2015 48 Hour Film Festival in Richmond, VA. My debut novel, A Cross to Kill, was released on October 14th by Kregel Publications.

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The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Bridge to Belle Island

by 

Julie Klassen (Goodreads Author)

 4.33  ·   Rating details ·  24 ratings  ·  22 reviews

After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds himself falling for the main suspect—a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her?

On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended...this.

When a second person dies, and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.

MY REVIEW

One of the best Julie Klassen books I've ever read outside of Pembroke Hall. But this one is my favorite by hers. It's quite a bit different from what I'm used to reading by her but it's all good. The setting of this story is just right for what goes on in the book. The way Julie writes I pictured myself there perfectly. I enjoyed reading about Isabelle. Her struggles with anxiety reminds of of someone else I know. We lived by a creek. I've seen that creek when it's flooded and the bridge we crossed wasn't solid like Isabelles was. This was a swinging wooden bridge that we had to cross everyday no matter what. It was really scary so I prayed every time we had to cross it. I got dizzy when I looked down at that swirling water! I had some sneaky suspicions throughout the book on who it was and I was right!! Sometimes people seem one way and then they disappoint you. I've been there many times. Like Isabelle I've finally learned to put my trust in God. Oh yes, I'm still struggling with that for it's not easy because we think we can handle things on our own. Not so!! There's a verse that I love and it's written as a choral hymn. Our choir sang it once and it's stuck with me. God is our Refuge and Strength in times of trouble. Though the mountains will fall we will not fear something like that. Benjamin is my favorite! I love that he's flawed and along the way he too finally learns to listen and trust. Listening especially isn't easy. Too many times we have to learn the hard way just like Benjamin did. I'm just glad he didn't learn it too late. Life is fragile. We never know from one day to the next where it will take us. It's why we should tell our loved ones that we love and appreciate them while they're here. I know because all of my immediate family has passed away and like Isabelle I'm the only one left. When I lost my dad it was like I was out in limbo for a while. Some days I still feel like that until I remember my Heavenly father who truly loves me for who I am. I didn't find anything wrong with this book at all. To me, it was written perfectly. Even the cover is gorgeous. I love it. It's a wonderful hint as to what or whom the book might be about. I highly recommend this book! NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Midwest Book Award, the Minnesota Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. She blogs at http://www.inspiredbylifeandfiction.com. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Misleading Miss Verity by Carolyn Miller

ABOUT THE BOOK

I thought that this is Carolyn Miller's best yet!

I love the impulsive Miss Verity! I believe she's a woman before her time.. her vivacious personality is almost like mine!! I believe that I'm her in Regency times! Just wow!!

Her poor father!! Oh my! I loved how Miss Verity gave him a run for his money! (snicker)

This book deserves a well written review and I hope that I can do it justice. It was just too good to put down!! I definitely stayed up all night to finish this. I didn't want to miss anything Miss Verity did!

I quite enjoyed the new laird too! I can understand in wanting to be your own person and wanting be liked for yourself.

But I guess when you're the son of an important man well I guess that would be hard to do because of what's expected of him.

This author is my number one to go for Regency romance. She sure knows how to tell a story!!! Her writing is just wow!! She will take you on a journey of a lifetime!!

There wasn't anything about this book I didn't like. It was all wonderful!!

The plot is pretty awesome! It will keep you on your toes until the end!!

The characters well, let's just say I didn't want to say goodbye to them!! They were truly delightful!!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own. 

MY REVIEW

I thought that this is Carolyn Miller's best yet!

I love the impulsive Miss Verity! I believe she's a woman before her time.. her vivacious personality is almost like mine!! I believe that I'm her in Regency times! Just wow!!

Her poor father!! Oh my! I loved how Miss Verity gave him a run for his money! (snicker)

This book deserves a well written review and I hope that I can do it justice. It was just too good to put down!! I definitely stayed up all night to finish this. I didn't want to miss anything Miss Verity did!

I quite enjoyed the new laird too! I can understand in wanting to be your own person and wanting be liked for yourself.

But I guess when you're the son of an important man well I guess that would be hard to do because of what's expected of him.

This author is my number one to go for Regency romance. She sure knows how to tell a story!!! Her writing is just wow!! She will take you on a journey of a lifetime!!

There wasn't anything about this book I didn't like. It was all wonderful!!

The plot is pretty awesome! It will keep you on your toes until the end!!

The characters well, let's just say I didn't want to say goodbye to them!! They were truly delightful!!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's previous novels have won several contests, including the 2014 RWA "Touched by Love" and 2014 ACFW Gensis contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy.

The End of the Magi by Patrick Carr

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The End of the Magi
By Patrick W. Carr
Christian Historical Fiction
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 384 Pages
November 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Centuries before the magi arrived in Bethlehem,
a prophecy sets a young magus on his path . . .

Following his vision of the coming Messiah, the prophet Daniel calls forth a select group of men who will count down the calendar until the arrival of Israel's promised king. Centuries later, as the day draws near, Myrad, a young magi acolyte, flees for his life when his adoptive father and others are slain by a ruthless Parthian queen.

Equipped with very little, in haste Myrad escapes the city and, searching for a way to hide from the soldiers scouring the trade routes, tries to join the caravan of the merchant Walagash. The merchant senses that Myrad is keeping secrets, but when the young man proves himself a valuable asset, an epic journey filled with peril, near captures, and dangerous battles begins.

With every day that passes, the calendar creeps closer to the coming Messiah. And over everything shines the dream of a star that Myrad can't forget, and the promise that the world will never be the same.

Praise for the Book

"Carr retells the story of the Magi in this bustling biblical adventure . . . . Myrad's divine vision of the star and his arduous trek battling his own physical problems to pay homage to the Messiah capture the majesty of biblical narratives and will appeal to Christians well versed in scripture."--Publishers Weekly

"Patrick Carr brings us a captivating tale in The End of the Magi. Based on the Holy Bible, he weaves a fictional tale of the adventures of a group of magi from the east looking for the Messiah. Myrad is a strong main character even though he doesn't see himself as strong. He has great character traits and these help him find triumph over tragedy. . . . The End of the Magi is a great holiday read and gives us much to think about in our journey to know God better."--Fresh Fiction

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MY REVIEW

I've often wondered about the three Wisemen who journeyed from afar to see Jesus their king. Have you?This book will have you journeying with them.  

However; this book starts out with Daniels prophecy from Babylon first. All of this reverts back to the calendar predicting the Messiah's birth which comes 30 years later from which Daniel wrote from a vision given to him by God. 

 It's certainly a very powerful book with lots of exciting scenes. The most powerful scene comes at the end and may leave you in tears so please have a box of tissues around.

I've read a book by this author  before and his writing style draws you into his books immediately. I like how he does extensive research and then turns it into a story and it's believable.  He takes you into the magical world of the Magi. It's from this read that I really enjoyed a true tale from the Bible.

I could vividly "see" some of the scenes in the book especially in the beginning at Musa's court and feel the characters' feelings coming through the book is how well this author writes. 

"Everything in the New Testament reverts back to Daniel" Yehudah said to Myrad. I sort of liked Yehudah because he answered Myrad's questions as best as he could and was honest about it. " Every time we read of a prophet interpreting prophecy, the words are read literally with events taking place exactly as it was spoken." 

Herod was an evil man. I"m so glad that the Magi didn't go back to him. If they had of, history certainly could have been so much different. 

I feel that Herod kind of reminds me of King Henry the 8th. If everything didn't go his way, he would throw a temper tantrum and start killing everyone. Even Hitler who had all the Jews murdered in World War 2 which is such a shame. 

I wished I lived thousands of years ago. How wonderful it would've been to see that star shinning brightly on our Lord Jesus. I'm so glad that we have these reenactments of Jesus' birth. This is also where our Faith comes in. Even though we missed that event, we don't really have to see Him in order to believe. The Bible is the Word. 

The other thing that hasn't really changed over the years is politics. I couldn't fathom on how dangerous those times would've been. Seems like every time someone turned around they found themselves in danger. 

Myrad is my favorite character along with a few others. Why you ask?  time. 

 I love Myrad because he is like the rest of us flawed, full of doubts and well he was just a hot mess all the way around. In other words, human. I felt connected to him because he was adopted just like I am and I'm sure there are others out there as well. 

I can also relate to him as he was born with a club foot just like my son was. But my son's  wasn't as severe as Myrad's was. 

I consider Myrad a very lucky man to be put in a life event like this one and an exciting one at that. He is truly a blessed man even though sometimes I felt that he couldn't really see it at the time. 

Along with his skills we see that he can make trades fairly with the other caravans and marketplaces or wherever they are at the time.

Walagash is another man whom I truly admired. It was his trust and faith that I admired. 

I can't stress enough that this story is wonderful!! I highly recommend reading this book at Christmas or any other time of the year. 

Especially since we really don't know when Jesus was born because he was born in Bethlehem in the middle of the desert.

 Either way, I felt that I got to know our Lord and our three Wisemen a little better thanks to the magical pen of Patrick Carr. 

The cover of the book is absolutely gorgeous!! I like how the figure is shadowed to make you guess who the person on the from of the book is about. I was pleased that story in the book matches what the picture and the title says on the front of the book. 

My thanks to Prism for a copy of this book. I enjoyed it and I finished in a couple of days because I wanted time to savor and think about it. 

NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own. 

About the Author

Patrick W. Carr is the author of the acclaimed fantasy series The Staff and the Sword. A Cast of Stones won the 2014 Carol Award for Speculative Fiction and the 2014 Clive Staples Award. A Cast of Stones and The Hero's Lot were both finalists for 2014 Christy Awards. He teaches high school math and makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee, with his incredible wife, Mary, and their four sons.

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- One winner will receive a print copy of The End of the Magi and a $20 B&N gift card

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THE WAY OF THE BRAVE BY SUSAN MAY WARREN

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Way of the Brave

(Global Search and Rescue #1)

by 

Susan May Warren (Goodreads Author)

 4.29  ·   Rating details ·  7 ratings  ·  5 reviews

Former pararescue jumper Orion Starr is haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong. He may be living alone in Alaska now, but the pain of his failure--and his injuries--has followed him there from Afghanistan. He has no desire to join Hamilton Jones's elite rescue team, but he also can't shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali.

Former CIA profiler and psychiatrist Jenny Calhoun's yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from the guilt that has sunk its claws into her. As a consultant during a top-secret mission to root out the Taliban, she green-lighted an operation that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she'll be forced to trust her life and the lives of her friends to the most dangerous of heroes--the man she nearly killed.

Her skills and his experience are exactly what's needed to prevent another tragedy--but in order to truly set Orion free from his painful past, Jenny will have to reveal hers. They'll have to put their wounds behind them to survive, but at what cost?

Leap into action with this high-octane, breakneck new series from bestselling author Susan May Warren.

MY REVIEW

My first Susan May Warren book ever and I must say I am going to have to catch up on some of her other books!! I now know why my friend loves her so much!!

This is filled with action/adventure and will take you where no one has gone before.

The cover once again grabbed my attention. I love it that the story inside matches what is in the story.

I think the only thing I didn't really like was the romance aspect of it. I thought that it was too soon into the book but I guess if a couple feels the sparks then hey who am I to judge. I also found some things that were repetitive too but overall I still enjoyed it. It was the twists and turns that made it exciting!! I've never been to Denali before except through Tracie Peterson. So, this adventure was a bit different. Sometimes it made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck too!!

This author sure knows her stuff and I love her style of writing. I was certainly impressed except for the few things I mentioned early on.

I for one, enjoy the Christian filled themed of these books. It's why I got into reading them. Some of them have blessed me mightly. I am a changed person because of these books and the authors who put them out there.

I loved this book because it's all new to me. I enjoyed meeting Jenny Calhoun.

God knows what He's doing when he puts two people together. Maybe it's to mend old hurts, maybe it's for something else only God knows.

I think Orion is a bit of an unusual name. It's certainly original. I like different.

The supporting characters like Sasha, Aria, Ham were great!! I made friends with them too!!

I'm going to reread this in the future because I will want to do this when the 2nd book comes out!

This book is the 1st of a new series too and it's going to be exciting!!

This author has made me a fan for life!!

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division through Interviews & Reviews. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.

I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.

Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.

Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.

Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.

Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason

ABOUT THE BOOK

Collateral Damage

(Danger Never Sleeps #1)

by 

Lynette Eason (Goodreads Author)

 4.36  ·   Rating details ·  11 ratings  ·  10 reviews

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Bestselling author Lynette Eason is back with a new series that spans the globe and
will have your heart working overtime.

MY REVIEW

Do you ever find yourself "shouting" at the characters throughout the book? I did so many times and I gasped out loud in certain places too! My husband asked me several times if I was ok and I said yes!! Of course, he just shook his head.

I also want to discuss the cover of the book which is definitely eye catching!! I said to myself I wonder why Brooke is looking over her shoulder with a fearful look? Well, after reading this wonderful book I now know why!! This book is just awesome!!

I spent a wonderful evening while everyone was asleep to finish this pre-Arc copy!

And you know what? It's hard to start another book after reading this one!!

I absolutely love loved this book!! So many twists and turns that I was a hanging and holding my breath to see what happens next!!!

I love this authors style of writing!! Just fabulous and I love her characters!! They are real and I felt like I was watching an action/adventure movie!! I could feel their emotions and fear coming out at from the pages of the book.

I think from now on I will try not to miss this authors books!! She's truly awesome!! This is an author who knows her stuff!!

There wasn't anything about this book that I didn't like.

I think the character I most felt sorry for was Asher. The things he must have seen and done; well sometimes we don't have a choice when we serve.

While I can't imagine what it was like, I do have an appreciation for those that do.

PTSD is very real and a serious condition. The author covers this subject very well.

I found myself praying for Asher and even Brooke. I fell in love with them because of their strenghth, determination to help others even though it out them in danger themselves.

I enjoyed all the supporting characters as well. They were remarkable.

I highly recommend this book. You won't want to put it down and now I'm eagerly awaiting for the next novel. This is the first in a brand new series!

This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division through Interviews & Reviews.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and then obtained her masters in education from Converse College. Author of twenty inspirational romantic suspense books, she is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). In 1996, Lynette married "the boy next door" and now she and her husband and their two children make their home in Simpsonville, South Carolina."

BITTERSWEET TAPESTRY BY KEVIN O' CONNELL

Bittersweet Tapestry by Kevin O'Connell

Publication Date: November 1, 2019

Gortcullinane Press

eBook & Paperback

Series: The Derrynane Saga, Book Three

Genre: Historical Fiction

A dramatic decade has passed since sixteen-year-old Eileen O’Connell first departed her family’s sanctuary at remote Derrynane on the Kerry coast to become the wife of one of the wealthiest men in Ireland and the mistress of John O’Connor’s Ballyhar – only to have her elderly husband die within months of the marriage. Unhappily returned to Derrynane, within a year, under the auspices of their uncle, a general in the armies of Maria Theresa, Eileen and her sister, Abigail departed for Vienna and a life neither could have ever imagined – one at the dizzying heights of the Hapsburg empire and court, where Abigail ultimately became principal lady-in-waiting to the Empress herself, whilst Eileen, for nine momentous years, served as governess to the Empress’s youngest daughter – during which time Maria Antonia, whom Eileen still calls ‘my wee little archduchess’, has become Marie Antoinette, dauphine of France, though she continues to refer to her beloved governess as “Mama”. As Bittersweet Tapestry opens, it is the High Summer of 1770. Having escorted the future Queen of France from Vienna to her new life, Eileen and her husband, Captain Arthur O’Leary of the Hungarian Hussars, along with their little boy and Eileen’s treasured friend (and former servant) Anna Pfeffer are establishing themselves in Ireland. Their ties to Catholic Europe remain close and strong; in addition to Abigail and her O’Sullivan family and General O’Connell, his wife and young daughter in Vienna, their brother Daniel is an officer in the Irish Brigade of the armies of Louis XV, whilst their youngest brother, Hugh, is studying at École Militaire in Paris, his path to a commission in the Dillons’ Regiment of the Brigade. His gentle Austrian friendship with Maria Antonia having inevitably waned, Hugh’s relationship with the strikingly-beautiful young widowed Princess Marie Thérèse Louise of Savoy is blossoming. Though happily ensconced at Rathleigh House, the O’Leary family estate in County Cork, being prominent amongst those families which are the remnants of the old Gaelic order in the area, Eileen and Art find that the dark cloud of the Protestant Ascendancy hovers heavily, at times threateningly, over them. Bittersweet Tapestry is a tale of stark contrasts – between Hugh’s life of increasing prominence amidst the glitter and intrigue of the French court and Art and Eileen’s in English-occupied Ireland – especially as the latter progresses into a dark, violent and bloody tale . . . ultimately involving an epic tragedy, which along with the events leading up to it and those occurring in its dramatic wake, will permanently impact the O’Learys, the O’Connells – and their far-flung circle of family and friends in Ireland and across Europe. With his uniquely-descriptive prose, Kevin O'Connell again deftly weaves threads of historical fact and fancy to create a colourful fabric affording unique insights into the courts of eighteenth-century Catholic Europe as well as English-ruled Ireland. As the classic story unfolds amongst the O’Learys, the O'Connells, their friends and enemies, the tumultuously-dangerous worlds in which they dwell will continue to gradually – but inexorably – become even more so. Bittersweet Tapestry joins O’Connell’s well-received Beyond Derrynane and Two Journeys Home as The Derrynane Saga continues – an enthralling epic, presenting a sweeping chronicle, set against the larger drama of Europe in the early stages of significant – and, in the case of France – violent change.

MY REVIEW

This is a new to me author and already I'm in love with this story! I love it when authors can make a story come alive for you and pull you into a book. This one was no exception.

Have you ever found yourself hollering at a certain character in a book just like in a movie? I was sure doing it!!

This book was full of emotions!! I love it when a book can do that for me. My emotions were all over the place.

I felt the author has described the scenery so well I could vividly picture myself in it.

This book was well done and the characters were wonderful!! I enjoyed it!!

I give this book five stars even though it started out slow. But I encourage you to keep reading!! I didn't want to come back to the present!

The cover is certainly gorgeous. It automatically pulls you into the scenery itself.

I think I will read the first two books too. I am looking forward to those.

I strongly recommend this book. Be glad you will.

My thanks to Historical Virtual Tours. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Kevin O'Connell is a native of New York City and a descendant of a young officer of what had—from 1690 to 1792—been the Irish Brigade of the French army, believed to have arrived in French Canada following the execution of Queen Marie Antoinette in October of 1793. At least one grandson subsequently returned to Ireland and Mr. O'Connell's own grandparents came to New York in the early twentieth century. He holds both Irish and American citizenship. He is a graduate of Providence College and Georgetown University Law Centre. For much of his four decades-long legal career, O'Connell has practiced international business transactional law, primarily involving direct-investment matters, throughout Asia (principally China), Europe, and the Middle East. The father of five children and grandfather of ten, he and his wife, Laurette, live with their golden retriever, Katie, near Annapolis, Maryland.

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Friday, November 1 Review at Gwendalyn's Books Sunday, November 3 Review at Carole's Ramblings Monday, November 4 Review at Locks, Hooks and Books Wednesday, November 6 Interview at The Writing Desk Feature at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals Friday, November 8 Feature at Maiden of the Pages Monday, November 11 Interview at Passages to the Past Wednesday, November 13 Review & Guest Post at The Book Junkie Reads Friday, November 15 Guest Post at Before the Second Sleep Sunday, November 17 Review at A Darn Good Read Monday, November 18 Review at Books and Zebras Tuesday, November 19 Feature at What Is That Book About Wednesday, November 20 Review at Al-Alhambra Book Reviews Friday, November 22 Feature at Historical Fiction with Spirit Monday, November 25 Review at Hooked on Books Tuesday, November 26 Review at Red Headed Book Lady Review & Guest Post at Nursebookie Wednesday, November 27 Review at CelticLady's Reviews Friday, November 29 Review at Broken Teepee Excerpt at Coffee and Ink

Home for Christmas by Catherine Lanigan #HCTour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Home for Christmas
(Shores of Indian Lake #12)
By Catherine Lanigan
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Can a magical Christmas under glass…

…bring them back together for good?

Widowed dad Adam Masterson still doesn't understand why Joy Boston left Indian Lake and broke his heart all those years ago. Now she's returned to sell her grandfather's beloved poinsettia greenhouse—and Joy and Adam's connection is as strong as ever. But Joy has a life in New York. And Adam has only until Christmas to convince Joy that she belongs in Indian Lake—with him.

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My Review

Home in time for the Holidays but not how Joy wanted it to be.

With the death of a family member she had to drop everything and fly home to take care of everything.

In the process she runs into Adam and his young son whom I fell in love with immediately!! Why you ask? Because he reminds me of my own son who can do anything that Titus could do. Although Titus is 6 and Michael is close to 18 but still you know? It made wonder where he got his smarts and talent.

But anyway, I loved loved this story on 2nd chances. I love that if God wills it He will make a way for certain couples to be together like Joy and Adam.

Her story is putting me in the Christmas spirit and I can almost see this as a Hallmark movie with a happy ending for Joy and Adam.

And I loved learning about the different types of poinsettias too!! I just thought they all looked a like to me. Shows you how much I know about flowers lol!!!

This is a new to me author that I will look forward to in the future. Her writing is sweet. I love sweet and heartwarming stories like this one

My thanks to Prism tours for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of over forty-five published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Ms. Lanigan's novels have been translated into over twenty-four languages. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid foundation to pen a collection of compelling and informative true stories of teen addicts. Ms. Lanigan's SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE series for HARLEQUIN HEARTWARMING includes LOVE SHADOWS, HEART'S DESIRE , A FINE YEAR FOR LOVE, KATIA'S PROMISE, FEAR OF FALLING, SOPHIE'S PATH, PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM, FAMILY OF HIS OWN, HIS BABY DILEMMA, RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER and HERS TO PROTECT (2019).

Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including "Coast to Coast" and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs. She writes a monthly blog for Heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

- One winner will receive a $100 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

- Two winners will each receive a signed copy of Home for Christmas with a bookmark (US only)
- Ends November 27, 2019

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