The Invention of Sara Cummings by Olivia Newport

About the Book:

In a world where everyone is putting on a show, there is a love that is genuine.

Sarah Cummings has one goal in life--to break into Chicago's high society. Desperate to stop serving dinner to members of the wealthy Banning family and to start eating at society tables, Sarah spends her meager free time altering cast-off gowns to create the perfect wardrobe for her future life.

When opportunity knocks at a chance meeting, she presents herself as Serena Cuthbert, weaving a fictitious past to go with her fictitious name. But as she gets closer to her goal--and closer to Simon Tewell, director of St. Andrew's Orphanage--Sarah finds that she must choose between the life she has and the life she dreams of.

Can she piece together the perfect life from scraps? Or will it all come unraveled in the face of true love?

My Review:

 

The Invention of Sarah Cummings is the third and final book in Olivia Newport's Avenue of Dreams series and just may be my favorite of the series. I loved this book. Sara is such a fun character who learns a few lessons in a rather hard and embarrassing way. I enjoyed following her adventure and trying to figure out when everything would come crashing down. Sarah has not had an easy life and only wants a better future than the past she has had. What she doesn't realize is the future she is running from just may be where she is suppose to be.

I highly recommend reading this book as well as the whole series. While each book could be read as a standalone I recommend reading them in order so you will know the back story of each character and how all three main characters are connected. Happy Reading!

*I received this book from Revell for the purpose of this review.

Dangerous Passage by Lisa Harris

About the Book:

She's dedicated her life to ending violence. But has she moved too deep into a treacherous world?

When two Jane Does are killed on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, detective and behavioral specialist Avery North discovers they share something in common--a magnolia tattoo on their shoulders. Suspecting a serial killer, Avery joins forces with medical examiner Jackson Bryant to solve the crimes and prevent another murder. As they venture deep into a sinister criminal world, Avery and Jackson are taken to the very edge of their abilities--and their hearts.

Dangerous Passage exposes a fully realized and frightening world where every layer peeled back reveals more challenges ahead. You'll be hooked from the start.

My Review:

5 Stars

Loved it! From the first page to the last Lisa Harris' new novel, Dangerous Passage, had me hooked and I seriously read this book in less than 12 hours, it was that good! Lisa Harris ties together a great story of suspense, danger and more and keeps the reader on the edge of their seats for the whole book. This is the first book in her Southern Crimes series and I can not wait to read the next. 

I really enjoyed both of the main characters, Avery and Jackson and felt like they made a great team. It was fun to see how they interacted together and so much more. This book brings a big message of how serious the issue of human trafficking is and how common it really is.  While showing this big issue the book does it well but also tells a great fiction story.

Overall if you like romantic suspense don't look any further for your next book to read, this one will prove to be a great addition to your library! 

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Born of Persuasion Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (September 1, 2013) by Jessica Dotta

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in the wrong century–except for the fact that she really likes epidurals and washing machines–Jessica Dotta writes British Historicals with the humor like an Austen, yet the drama of a Bronte.

She resides lives in the greater Nashville area—where she imagines her small Southern town into the foggy streets of 19th century London. She oversees her daughter to school, which they pretend is an English boarding school, and then she goes home to write and work on PR. Jessica has tried to cast her dachshund as their butler–but the dog insists it’s a Time Lord and their home a Tardis. Miss Marple, her cat, says its no mystery to her as to why the dog won’t cooperate. When asked about it, Jessica sighs and says that you can’t win them all, and at least her dog has picked something British to emulate.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Born of Persuasion, go HERE.

Gone South by Meg Moseley

About the book:

The charm of the South drew her back to her family’s roots. But when the town’s old resentments turn the sweet tea bitter, can Tish find a welcome anywhere?

Leaving frosty Michigan for the Deep South was never a blip in the simple plans Tish McComb imagined for her life, dreams of marriage and family that were dashed five years earlier in a tragic accident. Now an opportunity to buy her great-great-great-grandparents’ Civil War era home beckons Tish to Noble, Alabama, a Southern town in every sense of the word. She wonders if God has given her a new dream— the old house filled with friends, her vintage percolator bubbling on the sideboard.

When Tish discovers that McCombs aren’t welcome in town, she feels like a Yankee behind enemy lines. Only local antiques dealer George Zorbas seems willing to give her a chance. What’s a lonely outcast to do but take in Noble’s resident prodigal, Melanie Hamilton, and hope that the two can find some much needed acceptance in each other.

Problem is, old habits die hard, and Mel is quite set in her destructive ways. With Melanie blocked from going home, Tish must try to manage her incorrigible houseguest as she attempts to prove her own worth in a town that seems to have forgotten that every sinner needs God-given mercy, love and forgiveness.

My Review:

Gone South is Meg Moseley's second book and after reading her first I knew she is an author to keep my eye out. When I saw she had a new book out I just had to read it and I am glad I did, it sure did not disappoint.  

In Gone South Tish finds herself buying an old family home and moving to a town where there is more back story and tarnish to her name then she has ever even known. She quickly learns that she is unwelcomed and that the town of Noble does not leave you any good impression of southern charm. Tish is a delight of a character, determined and hurt, but I will have to say Mel stole the story for me, I just loved her. The interactions between Mel and Tish are tender, raw, loving and tough and they are great team and just who each other needed.

I truly enjoyed this story and really felt like I got to know the characters and the setting. A delight of a story to read and one that left me wanting more. If you are in search of a good contemporary drama then this might just be the book for you! I highly look forward to reading more from Meg Moseley in the future.

*I received this book through the Author and her publicist for the purpose of this review.

What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer

About the Book:

A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apart—can these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?

On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out in the kitchen leaving the house uninhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear “family.”

With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Jonnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees with reluctance but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up against Christina, she begins to question her leadership ability and wonders if she can fulfill the mission to which she's dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally—or more—in the aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart and life to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God?

My Review:

Over the years I have read many of Kim Vogel Sawyer's books and always look forward to reading another. I find her a talented author that writes in many settings which keeps her books fun and fresh and doesn't get that same old same old feel.

What Once was Lost did not disappoint at all. Kim Vogel Sawyer writes very sweet and tender books and this one is just that and more. I have always found great Christian messages woven into her stories that add great truths without being too preachy. I loved the setting and characters of this book and felt like I really got to know them. I will say this was a quick read and at times predictable but that did not ruin the story.

I would recommend this book to any fans of Kim Vogel Sawyer. Also to those that love a sweet tender romance with a great message. If you have never read her books then grab this one , you  might like it!

*I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

Caught between the war raging around them and the battles within, two souls long for peace—and a love that remains true.

Lt. Georgiana Taylor has everything she could want. A boyfriend back home, a loving family, and a challenging job as a flight nurse. But in July 1943, Georgie’s cozy life gets more complicated when she meets pharmacist Sgt. John Hutchinson.

Hutch resents the lack of respect he gets as a noncommissioned serviceman and hates how the war keeps him from his fiancée. While Georgie and Hutch share a love of the starry night skies over Sicily, their lives back home are falling apart. Can they weather the hurt and betrayal? Or will the pressures of war destroy the fragile connection they’ve made?

With her signature attention to detail and her talent for bringing characters together, Sarah Sundin weaves an exciting tale of emotion, action, and romance that will leave you wanting more.

My Review:

5 Stars

On Distant Shores may be book 2 in Sarah Sundin's Wings of Nightingales series but can read as a stand alone.  Georgiana is introduced in book 1, With Every Letter, and this book is her story. She is a fun character that many would be able to relate to. 

I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. I really enjoyed Georgiana's story and loved the interaction she had with Hutch. They are made for each other but many obstacles stand in there past, including they both have significant others back home. I enjoyed seeing them grow and react to the effects of the war and all that was going on. I really felt there story come to life. I enjoyed learning about pharmacy in the military, how lacking it was and how untrained people where in the department.

This is a great book that anyone that enjoys a romance set in WWII would enjoy. I know I did and can not wait to read the third book in the series next year.

* I received this book from Litfuse for the purpose of this review.

Sarah Sundin is celebrating the release of her latest novel, On Distant Shores, with a Romantic Weekend Getaway giveaway!



  One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $200 Visa Cash Card (good for a perfect couple's getaway)
• With Every Letter and On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 2nd. Winner will be announced September 3rd at the "On Distant Shores" Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Sarah will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, announcing the winner of the Weekend Getaway, and giving away a ton of books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving party goers an exclusive look at the next book in the Wings of the Nightingale series.

So grab your copy of On Distant Shores and join Sarah on the evening of September 3rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 3rd!