A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson

Are you looking for a fun mystery to add to your "books to read" pile? Then take a look at this new book from Liz Johnson, A Sparkle of Silver. This book is the first book in a new series  by Liz called Georgia Coast Romance.

From the Back Cover:
Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan’s great-grandmother was a guest at banker Howard Dawkins’ palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie’s great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune that might be hers.
When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .

My Thoughts:
I always enjoy a good mystery. I love trying to figure out the puzzle as the author gives clues along the way. The author did a great job weaving this treasure-hunting mystery together. The story was fast-paced and intriguing. I definitely read this one quick.  This book is not overly spiritual in it's content. God is mentioned in a few of the chapters, but isn't woven into the story as much as other authors I've read. The overall theme of perseverance through trial is clearly seen as the characters struggle with past mistakes, and life trials that are out of their control. Overall, I enjoyed the mystery part of the story, but it's not a book I would read over and over again.

***I received this complimentary book from Library Thing Early Reviewers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear (The Daughter of the Mayflower series, book 5)

Back in February 2018, Barbour Books began releasing a new series called The Daughters of the Mayflower. This series is the collaborative efforts of several authors--Kimberly Woodhouse, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Michelle Griep, Shannon McNear, and Marylu Tyndall. The Cumberland Bride (book 5) by Shannon McNear is the newest release in this series tracing the roots of American history.

From the Back Cover:
In 1794, as Kate Gruener's father prepares to move the family into the frontier of western Kentucky, Kate is eager to see untamed lands and live out her own story of adventure just as her father had during the War for Independence. And she sets her sights on learning more about their scout, Thomas Bledsoe.

Thomas's job is to get settlers safely across the Wilderness Road to their destination while keeping an ear open for news of Shawnee unrest. But naive Kate's inquisitive nature could put them both in the middle of a rising tide of conflict.

Is there more to Thomas's story than he is willing to tell? Is there an untapped courage in Kate that can thwart a coming disaster?

My Thoughts:
This has been a fun trip thru American history for me, and Shannon McNear's addition to this series was a delightful read. This book takes place in the year 1794 when people began moving into unsettled territory using the Cumberland Gap to go through the mountains. The author did a great job describing life back then and the realities of conflict with the American Indians. In my opinion, a book is a success if it can take me back in time and help me understand more about the history of my ancestors who settled this great land. The story pulled me in and kept me flipping pages way past my bedtime. If you're looking for a series that will help you learn more about history and include a little romance, then pick up The Cumberland Bride and the rest of The Daughters of the Mayflower series.
You can visit the link for all of the books in the series by clicking here.

My Rating: ★★★★


Here is the first six books in the series:

Look for two more books coming out next year:

Available February 2019

Available April 2019











*** I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.

Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall (The Everstone Chronicles Series Book 5)

The final book in the Everstone Chronicles series, Enchanting Nicholette,  has released! Now, you can see how things finally end up for Nicholette Everstone as she tries to recover after her loss of her newlywed husband, William Everstone, on their wedding day.

From the Back Cover:
In this captivating novel by Dawn Crandall, Nicholette Everstone is already a widow at the age of twenty-two: her husband was murdered on their wedding day. She has just returned to Boston after two years of mourning in Europe. Although her husband was loving, the marriage was an arranged one, and Nicholette would like to wed again--this time for love...and to someone safe.
As she acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette meets someone she can't help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart by strong enough to keep her fears of "what if" at bay?

My Thoughts:
This book was easy to dive into. The opening chapters draw you into Nicholette's story cheering her on as she opens herself to new possibilities with Cal Hawthorne. Dawn's writing makes me smile. Her characters are like fun friends you'd like to hang out with.  A good book holds your attention, makes your heart grin with cunning phrases and keeps you in suspense as you race to find out what happens in the end. This book has all of those aspects. Dawn has done a fabulous job with this entire series, and this book was a great way to end the story.

If you're looking for a fun, clean, romance series to read, pick up The Everstone Chronicles by Dawn Crandall!! Read more about Dawn Crandall at her website by clicking here.

My Rating: ★★★★★

 

Giveaway: 

Just Read Publicity Tours is hosting a giveaway for Dawn's new book so make sure to head over there and enter today!! Click Here.

***I received this complimentary book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Imagine: The Fall of Jericho by Matt Koceich

The next book in Matt Koceich’s Imagine series has released. Imagine: The Fall of Jericho, the third book in this series, is a story about a young 5th grade boy named Jake Henry who wakes up in the ancient city of Jericho on the first day the Israelites march around the city. Now,  Jake has to figure why he ended up back in time, and what he needs to do before the walls come tumbling down.

This book was a fun read as Jake tries to figure out the mystery he is living. The story line is intriguing since it is a Bible story that kids who have grown up in the church would know. And I think the story helps the Biblical events come to life as kids ponder what it would of been like to live during that time in history. This series is for kids ages 8-12 years old. So, if you’re looking for some good books for your kids, make sure to pick up Matt’s Imagine series.

Check out the other books in this series:
1. Imagine: The Great Flood
2. Imagine: The Ten Plagues

*Look for book 4-Imagine: The Giant’s Fall releasing May 2019.

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

Lynn Austin’s Legacy of Mercy

 Lynn Austin’s sequel to Waves of Mercy has just released. Legacy of Mercy finishes the beautiful story the author began about a young girl named, Anna Nicholson.

From the Back Cover:
Having  returned to Chicago, young socialite Anna Nicholson can’t seem to focus on her upcoming marriage. The new information she’s learned about her birth mother continues to pull at her, and she hires Pinkerton detectives to help her discover the whole truth.
But as she meets people who once knew her mother and hears stories about the past, Anna soon discovers that some secrets are better left hidden. With pressure mounting to keep the past quiet, she discovers daily that her choice to seek God’s purpose for her life isn’t as simple as she had hoped.
When things are at their darkest, Anna knows she can turn to her grandmother, Geesje de Jonge, back in Holland, Michigan. Geesje’s been helping new Dutch immigrants—including a teen with a troubled history—adjust to America. She only hopes that her wisdom can help all these young people through the turmoil they face.

My Thoughts:
The history in these books was amazing. I live in the great state of Michigan and loved reading about some of the first immigrants to settle the city of Holland, Michigan. History has always fascinated me and historical fiction is a great way to learn about history. This story was filled with many different themes as many of the characters struggled through various trials in their lives. But the central overarching theme of God's love comes up again and again as these characters seek to following God through their circumstances. Be aware that there is mention of a past incident of child sexual abuse in this story. It is not in detail and just mentions the event.
My favorite lines from this book are the words that Geesje de Jonge spoke concerning all the loss that she had endured as I have also lost loved ones close to me.

     "There was a time in my life when I said I was willing to serve God any way He chose--and I meant it. But then I began to lose the people I loved, and I became very angry with Him for making me suffer. As my resentment grew, I nearly turned away from Him altogether. Then one day I found myself praying with a friend whose baby had been stillborn, and I understood that this was how God was asking me to serve Him. Would I accept my own suffering as something He allowed in order to shape me into something He could use? Someone who would love like Jesus? Was I willing? Over time--and it was a long time--I chose to let go of the resentment and to trust Him. Simply trust Him. I don't need to see exactly how He's going to weave together all of the broken strands--in my life or anyone else's. But I know that the finished work will be beautiful." (pg. 370)


If you're looking for a good series with some fun Michigan history, pick up this set of books from Lynn Austin!

***I received this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.