Reunited By Danger

About The Book: When a former classmate is murdered at Detective Caleb Lyons's ten-year high school reunion, he knows the victim's old group of friends are keeping secrets. That includes Cedar Key, Florida, police officer Amber Kingston. Back in school, Amber was headed for trouble, but now she's as dedicated to the law as he is. As he works overtime to get the pretty cop to open up to him, Amber and her friends receive messages threatening payback for past deeds. And her friends keep dying…one by one. But protecting Amber and unmasking a murderer isn't just the widowed detective's shot at redemption—it's his unexpected second chance at love.
About The Author:  From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol's resume reads as if she doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She currently pens fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for a RITA® award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award.  Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida with her husband, who is her own real-life hero, and writes her stories under the shade of the huge oaks in her yard. Besides writing, she works alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano. She enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.  To learn more about Carol you may visit her web site at http://www.caroljpost.com. 
My Thoughts On The Book:  I have loved Cedar Key forever and that is what made me want to read Carol Post's books.  Her characters are lifelike and make you feel as if you know them.  This is a great mystery-romance and a good beach read.  Post is quiet a wordsmith and once you start one of her books you just can't put it down.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good Who Dunnit with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.  I can't wait to read another one of her books.
 Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book for free from the author herself and Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense.  I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Wednesday Hodge Podge Throw Down

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of from this side of the pond's post by clicking here. And before you run off hop around and say hi to your neighbors, leaving lots of happy comments in your wake.

Also, a reminder there will not be a Hodgepodge next Wednesday (August 2nd). The HP will be back in action the week after (August 9th). Thanks!

1. We've reached edition number 315 here in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. So tell us, what were you doing at 3:15 yesterday? Is that typical? On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being low and 10 being high) what's your energy level usually like at 3:15 PM?  At 3:15 yesterday afternoon I preparing for Revival at my church. I sang last night and was practicing what I was going to do. Revival is a once a year event beginning the fourth Sunday in the month of July. My energy level at 3:15 is usually around a 4.

2. A frisbee, a tantrum, a towel, a party, a punch, or a curveball...which have you most recently thrown or had thrown at/for you? Elaborate.  The first five do not apply to me.  I have had a couple of curveballs thrown at me.  We have flex days this year that we are supposed to be allowed to do if we attended conferences and classes during the summer....so both of my principals have scheduled Open Houses during those flex days.  I made plans to go see my friend Susan in Knoxville....and have decided...I am going to Knoxville.  I earned the time.

 3. What are three things that would help you right now. Tell us how or why.  Preparation of my class for the first day.  First months lesson plans done and in the book.  Someone to clean my house.

4. Do you think you're strong? Why or why not? What makes you strong?  Yes I think I'm pretty strong mentally.  Physically I am not very strong.  I, like Joyce,  place my hope and trust in the Lord and that gives me the courage and fortitude to have peace amidst the chaos of life, to handle the curveballs and hard things we all face at one time or another. Not saying I get this right all the time, but He is the cornerstone I build my life upon. 

5. Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? What's your favorite book set sometime in the past?  Yes I do. It's always hard to pick just one favorite anything, but it's especially tough to choose a favorite book. One of my very favorites set in the past is Anna Karenina. Not a quick read, but so so good.  I also reviewed a great book that took place in Ireland during WWII called Grounded Hearts.  Loved it.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  Frank and I are wanting to see Dunkirk.  Most of our friends who have seen it....loved it.  What is your reaction if you have seen it.  Is it a go to the movies and spend a fortune to see kind of movie?  ...or is it a wait til it comes out on DVD one?

Grounded Hearts

About The Book:  A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.  In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she'll face imprisonment.  Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.  But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband's death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?  Learn more and purchase a copy.

About The Author:  Jeanne M. Dickson was born into an Irish American family, the only girl surrounded by four brothers. She credits her mother, her aunts, and her grandmother with her love of storytelling. Perfecting her craft, she attends many writer's conferences and over the years, she has won and finaled in numerous RWA romance writing awards including the Daphne du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, The Molly, The Tara, and she was the overall contest winner of Launching A Star. Today she lives in Coastal San Diego with her fabulous husband, her two wonderful girls, and a dozen disobedient rose bushes.

Find out more about Jeanne M.Dickson at http://www.jeannemdickson.com.

My Thoughts On The Book:  I was hooked on this book from the first page. Ms. Dickson masterfully creates her characters  within the confines of the story that takes place during  war torn Ireland during WW II. I really enjoyed  the strong female roles. The midwife, the doctor, and the female mechanic were all capable of taking care of themselves and others their community.  Although Nan was a Christian and you knew it, it was not overwhelming.  I love WWII romance novels and this one was solidly done.  It was a great summer beach read for sure.  Loved it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Daughter's Legacy

About The Book:  A thrilling tale of two women longing to follow God’s leading, make the most of second chances, and find true love at last.  Virginia, 1864
Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. When her widowed mother inherits a plantation, Therese flees to Civil War Richmond, where she works as a governess by day and tends to wounded soldiers at night. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? And will love—whether with an old beau or a handsome new suitor—ever fit in her broken world?
Virginia, present day
Nicole Talbot’s life is back on track after years of substance abuse. Home from college for the summer, she’s finally ready to share a shocking secret, one that raises new questions about a traumatic childhood experience. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family’s legacy, she must risk all that she’s gained—her fresh start, her family’s trust, and her growing relationship with a new man—to unlock the secrets of the past.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

About The Author: Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction, with over a million copies sold. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live in Pennsylvania. **||** Leslie Gould, a former magazine editor, is the author of numerous novels, including "Beyond the Blue" and "Garden of Dreams." She received her master of fine arts degree from Portland State University and lives in Oregon with her husband, Peter, and their four children.

My Thoughts On The Book:  My Daughters Legacy, the third of a series, is a most interesting book with its flipping time periods.  I loved the way the story line switched back and forth from then until now. The two main lead females were well developed and I enjoyed sharing their stories as the author wove them together.  I was not sure I was going to enjoy the flipping and flopping of characters and their stories but by the end of the second chapter I was hooked.  This was an awesome historical romance.  A must read.

Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book for free from Litfuse.  I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Wednesday Hodge Podge on Thursday

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! So glad you've joined us today, and if you've answered the questions add your link at the end of Joyce's post. Be sure to leave a comment for your neighbor because it's summertime and the commenting is easy. Something like that...

1. When was the last time you chatted with a neighbor? About what? (sharing that last bit is optional)
Frank and I chatted with our neighbors on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Mrs. Peggy was in the yard so Frank walked over to check on her husband who had been in the hospital and then we went to the Assisted Living to see Mrs. Mildred who is there doing rehab from a car wreck.  We live in a small town and neighbors talk to each other.  My favorite venue for talking with neighbors is sitting on the front porch with my Porch People.

2. River, lake, ocean, or waterfall...which one are you most like and why?
I choose ocean and waterfall.  I love them both.

 3. July 13 is National Delaware Day. Ever been to Delaware? Delaware is called 'the first state' because it was the first to declare independence from the British. What's your state's nickname and does that moniker make sense to you? If you were in charge, what nickname would you give your home state?  We've been to Delaware many times.  The official state nickname of Alabama is "The Yellowhammer State". It also called "The Heart of Dixie" and "The Cotton State".  The yellowhammer is a bird.  I am ok with the nickname.

4. What dish did you contribute to the last pot luck meal you attended? Do you have a go-to recipe for pot luck suppers?  I made buffalo chicken rollups. OMG they were awesome!  The men of my church stood there and ate them off the serving plate.   It was a recipe I got on Pinterest and there was not one piece left.  My go to dishes are usually baked beans, poppy seed chicken. hash brown casserole, and cobblers. 

5. What is your number one tip for a brand new parent?   I have to agree with Joyce on this one....Trust your instincts, and remember parenting is a thousand moments spread out over the course of a lifetime. Having a bad moment or even a bad day doesn't make you a bad parent. Rest in the knowledge that the maker of heaven and earth knows your little one by name and loves him more than you can fathom. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.
If you could name your child something else....once they have developed a personality of their own....what would you choose?  My daughter....Kathryn Leigh (and I love her name...and call her Kat)....loves lavender fields and sunflower fields.  She and hubby, Brian are missionaries in Moldova...there a  tons of lavender fields and sunflower fields.  I should have named her Lavender Blue....or Sunflower....after all....her mom was a child of the 60's and 70's.

His Guilt

About The Book:   A suspenseful tale of an Amish man who will risk all to protect the woman he loves.  Mark Fisher has returned home to Hart County, determined to put the past behind him. Two years ago, after being wrongly accused of assault, he left the Amish community, though never forgot his home. When the one person who had helped him through his rough times asks for help, Mark returns. But it is pretty Waneta Cain who makes him want to stay...  Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who doesn't believe Mark is guilty of hurting anyone. However, his worldliness and tough exterior do make her uneasy. As she begins to see the real man behind all the gossip and prejudice, she wonders if he is the man for her.  Just when Mark starts to believe a new life is possible, a close friend of Neeta's is attacked. Once again, everyone in the community seems to believe he is guilty. But what hurts most is Neeta's sudden wariness around him. When another woman is hurt, a woman who is close to both Neeta and himself, Mark fears he knows the real culprit. And time is running out. Will Mark be able to find him before Neeta becomes his next victim?  Learn more and purchase a copy.
About The Author:

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

 

 

 

 

My Thoughts On The Book:  I have been a fan of Shelley Shepard Gray for a long while.  I love her Amish genre stories and once I start reading one I cannot seem to put it down.  His Guilt was a little different than most Amish genre books I have read but the suspense and storyline caught me from the start. The story is a heart pounding one and this is a series unlike anything Amish I have ever read.  Even thought this is a series it is a stand alone, so you do not have to read book one before you read this one.  If you love suspense then this is the book for you I cannot wait to see what the third novel will be like? Whatever it is....I know it will be awesome.  Love!  Love!  Love!

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”