Her One and Only by Becky Wade (Porter Family #4)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the LitFuse Publications book blogger campaign. 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.” 


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Her One and Only (Bethany House, May 2016)

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans.

But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives—and their hearts—to one another.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and now lives in Dallas. A favorite among readers of Christian contemporary romance, Becky has won a Carol Award, an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and an INSPY Award.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Dynamic Uno here: This is the first book of the Porter family series by Becky Wade that I've read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! (In fact, there were a couple of the other characters/members of the Porter family that I enjoyed meeting and now I'm going to go back and read their stories.)

The first thing that intrigued me was that Dru Porter was a former Marine, expert markswoman, a black belt, and an executive protection agent (body guard).  Plus, she's gorgeous.  (Go figure! Although I must admit, I kind of had a crush on her character because I would love to have half the talents she has in those areas. Alas, I just have the brains.)

Gray Fowler seemed like the typical stereotypical NFL football player that was only about himself and went through women like water until you learn a little more about his backstory.  Then, his actions suddenly make a whole lot of sense.

Another thing that intrigued me about the story were the interactions between Dru and Gray while she was on protection duty.  Gray still flirted with her even while she was working, but she was still able to be professional despite holding her own in the conversation.  Their abrupt honesty with one another helped to kindle their bond and eventually help them realize that their feelings for each other had grown right along with their friendship.

One day, I hope that I too am able to be just as honest with my prospective suitor, as well as kick up the same type of fireworks.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my first glimpse into the Porter family series, despite this being the fourth  and final book, and I can't wait to go back and read the other books in the series to learn about the other Porter siblings, as well as read more books by the author-Becky Wade.

Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign. 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.”  

Title: Firefly Island (a Moses Lake novel)

Author: Lisa Wingate

Format: trade paperback with Discussion Questions

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Fiction

Source: Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign  

Published: Bethany House / 2013 / ISBN: 978-0-7642-0823-2 / 379 pages / $14.99  

Buy the Book: Amazon / Publisher / Christianbook / Barnes & Noble 

Find the Author Online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Blog /  Pinterest /

Why I Read this Book: When I first saw the posting for Firefly Island's blog tour, I wasn't sure if it was something I'd actually enjoy reading.  I tend to go through phases in my reading and I was not in my romance phase at that point, but something kept drawing me back to reread the summary about the book, and the suspense portion is what finally won me over.  Thank goodness it did because Firefly Island is a wonderful read! 

What I Liked: I really enjoyed the fact that the characters are realistic in their behaviors.  Mallory's job is demanding because she works on Capitol Hill and comes from a family where her dad worked as a lobbyist, so she feels right at home in the world of DC politics.  She is self-sufficient and finds that her time is consumed between her work and friends.  Daniel is a single father who works as a biochemist for the USDA.  He had come to DC to discuss "poultry" with the state Senator and had happened to run into Mallory on the capitol steps-literally.  As we go through their whirlwind romance, both characters shed light on their doubts and insecurities as they begin their life together.

When we meet Jack West, Daniel's new boss, I was just as concerned as they were about his abruptness and uncaring attitude.  As we read on, we do find out the reasons for his behavior and realize that life has been harsh and unjust to Mr. West.  Thankfully we do see a change in behavior and attitude as we near the end of the story.  

The townspeople of Moses Lake are also as big a part of the story as anyone else.   Without their friendships and "small-town" network, I think many things would have turned out differently in the end.  

I love the fact that the author chose to bring to light the political and social issues of the Moses Lake area--with the low quality of life for many of the people, to the seemingly innocuous land development that would rip people from their livelihoods.   

I also love the fact that Mallory started blogging about her life in Texas.   It makes me wonder if this is the real story behind "The Pioneer Woman's" life, or if this is just something the author fabricated?  (As a city-girl who moved to a small town in Texas, I can completely relate to Mallory's culture-shock--except I didn't have a lake to play in, or a farm to run.  There were cows however, but that's another story.  I've moved back to the city since then, but still have nightmares dreams about it.)

Firefly Island helped me to take an introspective look at the challenges I've faced in my life and how my character has developed (good and bad) because of them.  Don't get me wrong--this is NOT a "heavy" book-in fact it's quite a light-hearted read.  I've just had several life experiences similar to the characters and it made me question my own motives and desires as I had to learn to lean and trust in God more--the same thing Mallory had to do when she arrived at Moses Lake.  I think all well-written stories cause us to think about our own lives and how we relate to others.  In this case, Firefly Island certainly did.

What I Didn't Like: The book ended too soon! I wanted to learn more about the mysterious disappearance of Jack's wife and son.  I also want to know if another character had something to do with it.  (You'll have to read the book to understand.) 

Overall Impression: Rating: 4 out of 5 

Side Note: Firefly Island is part of the Moses Lake series.  However, it does read as a stand-alone book.  I was not aware that it was part of a series until I started reading all of the novels by the author and saw it posted there.  Now I want to go back and read the first two books in the series-- Larkspur Cove and Blue Moon Bay to see if any of my questions are answered.

Lisa Wingate is celebrating the release of Firefly Island with an iPad Mini giveaway and a fun Facebook Author Chat Party (March 19th).  

  One fortunate winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• The Moses Lake series (Firefly Island, Blue Moon Bay and Larkspur Cove)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Firefly Island Author Chat Party on March 19th. Connect with Lisa, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Firefly Island and join Lisa on the evening of the March 19th 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 19th!

 

 

 

 

Click here to read an excerpt from Chapter One of Firefly Island!

Let me know what you think! Happy Reading! 

Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Litfuse Publicity Group book  blogger campaign. 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.”

Title: Unbreakable (Road to Kingdom book 2)

 Author: Nancy Mehl

 Format: trade paperback

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense, Mennonites

Source: Litfuse Publicity Group book blogger campaign

Published: Bethany House / 2013 / ISBN: 978-0-7642-0928-4 / 326 pages / $14.99

Buy the Book:  Amazon / Publisher / Christianbook / Barnes & Noble 

Find the Author Online:  Website / Facebook / Suspense Sisters Blog

Why I Read this Book:  I first learned of Nancy Mehl's work through the LibraryThing Early Book Reviewer's site when I received a free copy from the publisher of Inescapable- (book one in the Road to Kingdom series.)  I had only read a few Amish/Mennonite books at that point in time, so when I saw the word suspense with Mennonite, I was intrigued to find out how it would play a role in their everyday lives.  I mean, suspense and Mennonites?  It didn't really add up.  Well, I was proved very wrong.  Murder, lies, and broken family relationships were all a part of the first book. After reading Inescapable, I was hooked!

What I Liked:  I really enjoyed the fact that the characters in Unbreakable are realistic.  I think oftentimes, the Amish and Mennonite ways of life are painted as boring and perfect because they do not incorporate the same technologies that the rest of the world abuses uses on a daily basis.  Unbreakable shows that while the Mennonites are considered "plain," the people still suffer and fall prey to the same temptations and sins that the rest of us do.  Thankfully, their sense of community and faith are strong enough that rather than lock their doors to everyone, they all chip in and help each other out.

The suspense of who was causing all of the destruction both inside the town of Kingdom and outside kept me reading; hungry for more information.  I don't want to give spoilers to the story, so let's say that I was just as angry, sad, and confused as the characters while they were living through these attacks on the town and its members.

When sparks of attraction started to fly between several of the characters, I was biting my nails in anticipation of the final decision that had to be made.  Which of the suitors would be chosen and why?  I can honestly say that I didn't envy the decision that had to be made, but I'm glad there was a choice.

I enjoyed that the issue of faith and trust in God was brought up many times throughout the book.  I think as believers, we tend to doubt and not really trust that God is on our side, even if we say we do.  The characters had to actually live out their trust in God, and some even had to put their lives on the line and live out their belief that God would take care of them, even in the face of dire circumstances.  It's a great lesson to be learned by us all.  

What I Didn't Like:  The book ended too soon! I wanted to learn more about the other characters and their relationships, but I guess that will have to wait for the next book in the series.  *wink*

Overall Impression:  I thoroughly enjoyed reading Unbreakable, the second book in the Road to Kingdom series. It has opened my eyes to the reality and struggles that the members of the Mennonite and Amish communities face on a daily basis.  It has also made me realize that though their way of life is drastically different from my own, we still share the same struggles and frustrations, as well as doubts.  The good news is that our faith in God helps us to conquer the challenges that we face, and sometimes helps others to see that there is a proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel"
 if we just practice our faith and show what we believe.

 

Rating: 4 out of 5

Let me know what you think!  Happy Reading! 

Unbreakable Kindle Fire Giveaway and 3/5 Facebook Party!

Celebrate the release of Unbreakable with Nancy Mehl by entering her Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVPing to the March 5th Author Chat Party on Facebook!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Books one & two in Nancy's Road to Kingdom series (Inescapable and Unbreakable)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 4th. Winner will be announced at the "Unbreakable" Author Chat Party on March 5th. Connect with Nancy, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books, and fun Mennonite-themed giveaways.

Grab your copy of Unbreakable and join Nancy on the evening of the March 5th for a chance to connect with Nancy 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. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!

Fall In Reading 2008 Challenge

Can you believe it's finally here?! The challenge starts today (September 22) and ends December 20! It's not too late to sign up! Join Katrina over at Callapidder Days and the rest of us "reading" bloggers for this challenge, and the chance to win FREE books weekly through Bethany House Publishers!

If you've glanced through my lists in the past (Spring 2007; Fall 2007; Spring 2008), you'll notice that I tend to come up with a HUGE list of books to read for each challenge. I really can't help it--I LOVE to read and my TBR pile now takes up a room (!) so I have to aim high.



This Fall's list includes....

Florida Teen Reads Titles for 2008-2009:
Avalon High by Meg Cabot
Boot Camp by Todd Strasser
The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Deadline by Chris Crutcher
Firestorm by David Klass
Incantation by Alice Hoffman
Life As We Knew It by Susan Pfeffer
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti
Street Love by Walter Dean Myers
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr


From My TBR Pile:
Single Sashimi by Camy Tang
Forsaken by James David Jordan
Cathy's Book by Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman



I'm sure I'll add others as we go along, but this is it so far. I can't wait to see the awesome reading lists that others have on their blogs! (I always get the best book ideas from them--especially Annie--who just happens to be one of the "younger" readers in the group.--She likes Nancy Drew too!)

Come join the fun! Let me know if you decide to participate...maybe we'll have some of the same books on our lists and we can read them together. Happy Reading!