Tell Tale Book Reviews

Audiobook Review - Summer Flash Burn by Erin Unger

6/2/2020

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Summer Flash Burn
Worthington Investigations book 2
by Erin Unger

-From Goodreads-

When P.I. Shauna Pratley heads up the investigation for Christopher Newen, a rural firefighter, she wants only to solve his father’s murder, not fall in love.

Christopher Newen may be used to the blazes of fire but not the heat ricocheting between him and Shauna. He needs the team’s help but has no intention of letting flames ignite between him and the investigator...yet her protective nature and fun-loving personality draw him in more than he wants to admit.

How will they work together to find a killer without letting love get in the way? Will they have to admit maybe God has used the horrors of evil to bring them together for good?

ASIN: B086P9M2DR

Sparks fly when these two meet on a murder case...

Usually, when I try a series from a new-to-me author I find that the first book is the strongest and the one I like the most. Summer Flash Burn is the second book in the Worthington Investigations series and is only the third Erin Unger book that I've read, but, it was by far my favorite.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Erin Unger

Author Website

The romance in this book was similar to its predecessor, but, in my opinion, the suspense elements were even better. This time the ladies are investigating the murder of a man whose death may lead them to answers they could never have imagined. I had fun trying to guess the murderer's identity and motives. I was mostly right but did get a few surprises along the way.

I listened to the audiobook of Summer Flash Burn and I was pleased to hear that it followed the same narration format as the previous book in the Worthington Investigations series. Yes, it had two narrators to go with the two POVs! The narrators were the same as in book one, which really helps with listening continuity. The sound and production quality were very good and the narrators did justice to Erin Unger's exciting story. Definitely a must listen for romantic suspense fans!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Summer Flash Burn by Erin Unger a 4 Bark rating.

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E-Book Review - The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson

6/1/2020

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Genre:
Romance

The Happy Camper
by Melody Carlson

-From Goodreads-

Home is the place to heal, right? At least, that's what Dillon Michaels is hoping as she leaves her disappointing career and nonstarter love life behind to help her grieving and aging grandfather on his small Oregon farm. The only problem? Her eccentric mother beat her there and has taken over Dillon's old room. After a few nights sleeping on a sagging sofa, Dillon is ready to give up, until she receives an unlikely gift--her grandfather's run-down vintage camp trailer, which she quickly resolves to restore with the help of Jordan Atwood, the handsome owner of the local hardware store.

But just when things are finally beginning to run smoothly, Dillon's noncommittal ex-boyfriend shows up with roses . . . and a ring.

Full of quirky characters, family drama, and sweet romance, The Happy Camper will have you scouring Craigslist for your own diamond-in-the-rough camper to restore and haunting your local hardware store for a handy guy to help your dreams come true.

The trailer needs help...but, so does her life...

So, I picked this book for 3 main reasons. #1. It's a Melody Carlson book, need I say more? #2. Because the quirky title caught my attention. #3. Because isn't it just the cutest cover? And trust me when I say that The Happy Camper was everything I thought it would be, and maybe just a little bit more.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Melody Carlson

Author Website

This story is by turns sweet, poignant, charming, convicting, and just plain adorable. It reminded me of only the best Hallmark movies that I've enjoyed. A little comedy, a little drama, a little romance, and a whole lotta fun. I laughed out loud. I wanted to shake some sense into the characters. I sympathized with Dillon's grandfather's desire for real food and not seaweed or kale chips. Basically, I just flat out enjoyed myself immensely.

If you like Melody Carlson's quirky romances you are going to love The Happy Camper. It has all of her trademark wonderfulness in its surprisingly quick to read 350+ pages. You really can't go wrong picking this story and if it's in your TBR stack it should go right to the top.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Audiobook Review - This Courageous Journey by Misty M. Beller

5/31/2020

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Genre:
Historical Romance

This Courageous Journey
Heart Of The Mountains book 4
by Misty M. Beller

-From Goodreads-

A Christian Historical Romance Novel. As the fifth daughter in a family of nine, Noelle Grant spent her life striving to be unique. Her love of telling stories helps define her goal—to be known around the country as one of the top news correspondents of her time. And what better way to uncover sensational tales than to travel through the mountain wilderness to visit her brother? The trip comes together perfectly as she journeys with family friends who will be settling in the same area. Her first inkling that things may not be as perfect as she’d imagined shows up in the form of the mountain man hired as their guide for the final leg of the journey. When Daniel Abrams agrees to guide the small group of easterners along his usual route northward to the Canadian mountains, his gut tells him he’s making a terrible decision. But if he doesn’t take them, who will? The crew’s leader refuses to consider turning back. As they start out, Daniel can’t help but notice the woman traveling under the care of her friends. Though she appears too genteel to last long in these mountains, she soon reveals a strength that draws him more than he should allow. When the dangers of this wilderness become more than the group bargained for, Noelle must choose to delay her trip northward or proceed alone with the man she’s come to trust against all reason. She never dreams her decision will place her—and the man she loves—in a situation more hazardous than any story her imagination could conjure.

ASIN: B07J21FHCH

She's determined to go on, can he keep her safe?

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Misty M. Beller

Author Website

It's a little hard to believe that this is the fourth book in the Heart Of The Mountains series, I keep thinking I've listened to only a couple but then I realize that I'm actually half done with the series. Needless to say, I've been enjoying them quite a bit and each one more than the one before.

As with its predecessors This Courageous Journey has a small cast of characters, most of the story features just the hero and heroine. This is something that sets it apart from most historical romances and it's something I really like. It gave Noelle and Daniel the chance to interact, for the romance to develop, instead of just “Hi, nice to meet you, let's get married.” It also gives readers the time to really get to know and like Noelle and Daniel, which is how it went for me.

I've been listening to this series in audiobook form and this one was no exception. I've come to expect a quality production in sound and narration, which, is exactly what I have gotten. The narrator is has been the same so far and I appreciate both the continuity and her pleasant reading voice. She's so easy to listen to and has done full justice to Misty M. Beller's tales of wilderness adventure and romance.

All in all, a good story and a good audiobook. One that I would recommend to any lover of historical romance with a faith message.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives This Courageous Journey by Misty M. Beller a 4 Bark rating.

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Book Review - The Story Raider by Lindsay A. Franklin

5/31/2020

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Genre:
Fantasy / YA

The Story Raider
The Weaver Trilogy book 2
by Lindsay A. Franklin

-From Goodreads-

Deceiving an empire is a treacherous game.

Tanwen and the Corsyth weavers race to collect the strands of an ancient cure that might save Gryfelle. But Tanwen has a secret—Gryfelle isn’t the only one afflicted by the weaver's curse.

As Queen Braith struggles to assert her rule, a new arrival throws her tenuous claim to the Tirian throne into question. Braith’s heart is turned upside down, and she’s not sure she can trust anyone—least of all herself.

The puppet master behind Gareth’s rise to power has designs on Tanwen and the story weavers and will stop at nothing to reclaim the throne. A plot to incite the angry peasants of Tir takes shape, and those dearest to Tanwen will be caught in the crossfire. As the fight for Tir consumes the realm, no one can remain innocent.

ISBN-13: 9781683702030

Will their mission succeed or be their downfall?

Wow, if this is what book 2 delivers I seriously wondering what the conclusion of The Weaver Trilogy will bring! As if The Story Raider's super creepy cover, seriously, look at that smoke shrouded hand and tell me it isn't creepy, wasn't enough the story inside was kind of a 'whoa' experience. Tannie's curse is worsening, Mor is distant, Gryfelle is fading fast, Braith is walking a tightrope, and someone or something dark is still trying to run the show from the shadows. When you add a desperate sea voyage,a diplomatic mission, and a new contender for the throne, well, the Corsyth weavers will be brought to the brink and readers will be in for a thrilling magic-filled story of adventure and sacrifice.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Lindsay A. Franklin

Author Website

While I admit that I may still like book 1 the best, I really did enjoy every bit of The Story Raider. The magic and Christian themes were once again seamlessly blended in a story that left me thoroughly entertained and engrossed in the tale. And and I just have to say that the way Lindsay A. Franklin left her characters, and readers, on a cliffhanger is driving me crazy!

If there's one thing that caught my attention in this story it's that when disappointment comes anger can soon follow which can open up the person to negative influences that may ordinarily be passed on by the wayside.

Lindsay A. Franklin's The Weaver Trilogy YA fantasy series has exceeded my expectations. It's a family friendly tale that can be enjoyed by all ages and really hits the mark for Christian fantasy. I really enjoyed book 2 and now I just can't seem to want to wait for book 3...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Story Raider by Lindsay A. Franklin a 4 Bark rating.

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Celebrate Lit (Audio)Book Blast - Edge Of Truth by Kimberly Rose Johnson

5/30/2020

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Two DEA agents.
One undercover mission.
Lives changed forever.

The DEA sends two of its best agents, Kara Nelson and Jeff Clark, to Central Oregon, to shut down a major drug ring. Kara and Jeff usually work alone, but Operation Trail Ride throws them undercover together in a way neither of them expected.

A notorious Miami drug lord wants Kara dead. Can these agents pull off the greatest acting job of their lives—and manage the sparks flying between them?
Or will they die trying?

Edge of Truth is the first book in the Law Enforcement Heroes series. A romantic suspense series with nail biting suspense and a splash of romance. If you like engaging characters, small-town antics, and page turning suspense, then you’ll love Kimberly Rose Johnson’s Law Enforcement Heroes series.

BUY

My Review

Danger and romance are hot on their heels...

It's been quite awhile since the last time that I read a Kimberly Rose Johnson book. And, while I enjoyed that title, a romance, I think I discovered one that I like even better. Edge Of Truth was an exciting read with lots of twists and turns. Could the incident in Miami be connected to what they've been sent to Oregon to investigate?

Danger and romance abound in Edge Of Truth, but, I think it was the variety of intertwined story threads that made me enjoy the book as much as I did. The struggles with faith when things go wrong and the messiness of family relationships are things that most readers can relate to in one way or another. Don't get me wrong, Kimberly Rose Johnson still delivers an exciting adventure-filled story that will keep you guessing. Just when I was pretty sure I had it all figured out I was still in for a surprise or two.

As with the previous Kimberly Rose Johnson book I listened to Edge Of Truth in audiobook format. The production and sound were good, no glitches that I noticed, and the narrator was a good match. I enjoyed this audiobook quite a bit and I hope to either read or listen to more of the Law Enforcement Heroes series...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Edge Of Truth by Kimberly Rose Johnson a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Kimberly Rose Johnson

Kimberly Rose Johnson is the 2018 Faith Hope and Love Reader’s Choice winner for short contemporary novel. She’s married to her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance and romantic mystery that warms the heart and feeds the soul.
Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
Kimberly’s hobbies include reading, watching chick flicks, playing the piano, long walks with her hubby and their yellow lab, drinking coffee and eating dark chocolate.

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Book Review - Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano

5/30/2020

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Genre:
Historical Romance

Storing Up Trouble
American Heiresses book 3
by Jen Turano

-From Amazon-

When Miss Beatrix Waterbury's Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape.

Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract.

But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix's safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

ISBN-13: 9780764231698

Can they see what's right in front them?

Oh, gosh, did I have fun reading this book! But, it's a Jen Turano so could I really do anything else? Probably not. OK, that's more like definitely not! But that doesn't negate my sheer enjoyment of this rollicking good story. Storing Up Trouble captured me from the very first line. I laughed out loud, shook my head at the characters' antics, and did some thinking about the life and faith lessons that Beatrix and Norman must learn.

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Jen Turano

Author Website

Speaking of Norman and Beatrix, they were hysterical! Hysterically funny that is! He's such a clueless windbag, too full of himself, and she's an accident prone do-gooder with no idea how difficult it is for lower class women. But, oh boy do they get a clue! And Jen Turano runs them through a little bit of a wringer along the way.

I've enjoyed every bit of the American Heiresses series but I took special delight in Storing Up Trouble. It lived up to my eager anticipation, and more, and I think it may be my favorite in the series. As a conclusion to the series this book was perfect but I'm just sorry to be saying goodbye to the characters that I've come to love. While on the topic of characters, I just have to mention two of my favorites, the stubborn Mort and the inscrutable Phantom. Those two stole any scene they were in!

From a train robbery to a famous department store, from behind jail bars to a dangerous rescue, Storing Up Trouble takes readers on a charming adventure of romance, comedy, and even a dash of suspense. If this spunds like it's up your alley you really shouldn't hesitate to check out the conclusion to Jen Turano's exquisite American Heiresses series...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano a 5 Bark rating.

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Audiobook Review - Blooper Freak by Christy Barritt

5/29/2020

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Genre:
Mystery

Blooper Freak
The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series book 5
by Christy Barritt

-From Goodreads-

Real life is nothing like TV.

Joey Darling, actress and detective by default, is reminded of this point daily. If only problems could be solved in sixty minutes, complete with commercial breaks, closing credits, and a catchy theme song.

Joey accompanies Detective Jackson Sullivan to a crime scene, only to discover she knows the victim. After a friend is accused of murder, Joey can’t refuse her help—however bumbling it might be. Unfortunately, she only seems to dig up more questions instead of desperately needed answers.

When a misguided fan offers clues, Joey discovers something much deeper than a single crime. But can she sort through all the various story lines to get to the truth? Or will one blooper after another put not only the investigation in jeopardy but her life as well?

ASIN: B07ZJVSCFP

As answers come, Joey only has more questions...

Joey Darling really is The Worst Detective Ever, but, that is precisely why I love this series, and her, as much as I do. Her life is messy, she gets herself into the absolutely craziest situations, she's funny and frequently clueless, and she drives Jackson crazy with her stunts. But, oh, that's what makes this series from Christy Barritt so much fun to read!

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Christy Barritt

Author Website

Blooper Freak, all of the books have such fun titles, is the 5th book in the series and a delightful addition. It's a screwball comedy and murder mystery, with a dash of romance, all rolled into one.

Can I just say how much I love the narrator for the audiobook version of Blooper Freak? Her voice is perfect for Joey Darling and truly brings Christy Barritt's wonderful Worst Detective Ever Mysteries to life. The sound and production quality is excellent, couldn't be better, and provided the perfect listening experience. Loved this audiobook and the series...can't wait for more!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Blooper Freak by Christy Barritt a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - The Cowboy's Secret by Jill Kemerer

5/28/2020

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Genre:
Romance

The Cowboy's Secret
Wyoming Sweethearts book 2
(Love Inspired)
by Jill Kemerer

-From Goodreads-

Even a millionaire in disguise can’t hide his true heart.
He’s secretly worth millions of dollars…
But is he worthy of her trust?

Dylan Kingsley has learned to hide his millionaire status from strangers. So it’s no wonder Gabby Stover—his infant niece’s guardian—thinks he’s just another drifter. To prove his worthiness, Dylan takes a job as a ranch hand…and accidentally finds the purpose he’s been seeking his whole life. But could the truth steal Dylan’s chance at a happily-ever-after with Gabby and the baby?

ISBN-13: 9781335488077

Will they take a chance on each other?

So, let me start off by saying how much I enjoyed The Cowboy's Secret. When I am in the mood for contemporary romance, especially of the Love Inspired variety, Jill Kemerer is one of the authors I head to. But I also gotta say that this was also one of the super rare times, like less than half a dozen ever, that I liked the hero better than the heroine. Yep, Dylan won me over right off the bat but it took me awhile to come around to seeing Gabby in a different light.

I'm not usually a fan of the whole millionaire/billionaire plot device but it really works out well in The Cowboy's Secret and I found myself genuinely rooting for Dylan and Gabby to work things out. They both have pasts that are complicated by pain and betrayal from the people they should have been able to trust the most, which, sadly, is something that many readers will find relatable in one form or another.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Jill Kemerer

Author Website

All in all I really enjoyed this Love Inspired romance from Jill Kemerer. It might be a slim little book and a quick read but there is a lot of emotion packed in it and readers can't help but hope for a happy ever after for these two hurting characters.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Cowboy's Secret by Jill Kemerer a 4 Bark rating.

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Audiobook Review - A Foundation Of Fear by Kim McMahill

5/28/2020

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Genre:
Romantic Suspense

A Foundation Of Fear
Risky Research book 3
by Kim McMahill

-From Goodreads-

FBI Special Agent Devyn Nash is obsessed with taking down Coterie, a deadly group out to control the multi-billion-dollar-a-year diet-product industry. The FBI's plan to expose Coterie places Devyn's best friend and her partner's fiancé in the crosshairs of this ruthless organization. Can Devyn protect her friend and bring the coldblooded killers to justice before they strike again while distracted by injury, a sexist bully, and a long-distance relationship with a handsome Wyoming sheriff?

Lobbyist and Coterie assassin Sofia Wilks wants nothing more than to regain control of her life. Sofia knows Devyn is nipping at her heels, but the FBI agent isn't the worst of her fears. She is drawn to a man who has the power to destroy her.

ASIN: B084YZ5MV9

Their lives or more intertwined than they know...

I'm going to start off this review by saying that I made a big mistake in listening to this audiobook. Not for the reasons you might automatically think but because I didn't realize A Foundation Of Fear was the third book in the Risky Research series. Trust me, the books in this series are not standalone. Because of that I spent more time trying to understand what was going on than I did actually just enjoying the story. Don't get me wrong, as a suspense novel it wasn't too bad at all, and as an audiobook it was pretty good. I just had no clue who was who and what was going on.

This Book received a 3.5 Bark rating.

Kim McMahill

Author Website

This is the first book that I've read by Kim McMahill but I have a couple more so it certainly won't be the last. But, I have to tell you something, this is the first time that I ever remember liking a villain and almost sympathizing more than I did with the heroine. It was a totally weird feeling but I think it shows a fascinating facet of this particular author's writing style. Hey, with all of the books I read each year it's kinda nice to be caught off guard once in awhile.

As I mentioned I did listen to A Foundation Of Fear as an audiobook. I felt that overall the production quality was pretty good and did justice to Kim McMahill's novel. The narrator's voice was a good match for the characters and easy to listen to. While, I did make the mistake of listening to book 3 first I do know that I am now pretty curious about how and where it all started...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Foundation Of Fear by Kim McMahill a 3.5 Bark rating.

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E-Book Review - Moondrop Miracle by Jennifer Lamont Leo

5/27/2020

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Genre:
Historical Romance

Moondrop Miracle
Windy City Hearts book 1
by Jennifer Lamont Leo

-From Goodreads-

Chicago, 1928. Pampered socialite Connie Shepherd lives the kind of glossy life other women read about in the society pages. Engaged to a handsome financier, she spends her days and nights in a dizzying social round. When eccentric Aunt Pearl, an amateur chemist, offers her an unusual wedding present—the formula for a home-brewed skin tonic—Connie laughs it off. But when the Great Depression flings her privileged world into chaos and rocks her marriage to the core, will Aunt Pearl's strange gift provide the key to survival for Connie and her baby?

By turns heartbreaking and hope-filled, Moondrop Miracle tells the story of an extraordinary and unforgettable woman whose determination to succeed changes her life forever.

ASIN: B086D8S8GP

Can she make it through the fear of uncertainty?

In today's society we prattle on and on about so-called 'feminist' ideals. Parading the big name change makers as paragons. But in it all we tend to forget about the little people. The women behind the scenes. The ones who effected change by doing and not by shouting. The women who bravely stepped out of the accepted norm, not to change the world at large but rather to help their families in whatever way they could. For these women, many of them wives and mothers, when the going got tough they truly got going. This is the fictional story of one such woman.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Jennifer Lamont Leo

Author Website

I picked up this book partly because of the cute title, Moondrop Miracle, and partly because I really enjoyed one of Jennifer Lamont Leo's previous books, You're The Cream In My Coffee, so much. And this latest book was no disappointment.

I think one of my favorite things about the story was the portrayal of how people all reacted differently to Black Monday and the ensuing problems. One character's spiral into alcoholism and abandonment was sadly all to commonplace in the years following the stock market crash of '29.

Another favorite was seeing the heroine start out as a pretty spoiled kid, who I wasn't even sure I fully liked, watching her mature as life kicked her around, and finally come into her own as changes the lives of those around her. Can I also say just how much I loved Aunt Pearl, she was both a hoot and a fount of wisdom. Someone that I think we all wish we had in our lives.

Moondrop Miracle is a wonderful historical novel. But, it's not what I would strictly call historical romance as that is not the main focus of the story. And surprisingly I actually liked that fact. Jennifer Lamont Leo has done a great job with this book and won't hesitate to read more from her. . .

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Moondrop Miracle by Jennifer Lamont Leo a 4 Bark rating.

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Monday Movie - The War Wagon

5/25/2020

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The War Wagon
starring
John Wayne ■ Kirk Douglas

(1967)

The War Wagon Rolls And The Screen Explodes!

Taw Jackson returns from prison having survived being shot, to the ranch and gold that Frank Pierce stole from him. Jackson makes a deal with Lomax, the man who shot him 5 years ago to join forces against Pierce and steal a large gold shipment. The shipments are transported in the War Wagon, an armored stage coach that is heavily guarded. The two of them become the key players in the caper to separate Pierce from Jackson's gold.

I will confess that this is not my favorite John Wayne movie, but, it still isn't half bad. It has one of my favorite theme/intro songs in a John Wayne movie, and, of the few Kirk Douglas movies that I've seen this is by far the one I like the most. It's also, well, uumm, it's my family's favorite Bruce Dern movie. (Hint: He has very few lines.)

The War Wagon is one of John Wayne's more anti-hero roles, but, you really can't blame him. I mean, his character, Taw Jackson, unjustly goes to prison, loses his land, home, and livelihood to a real scoundrel. So, why not take back what's his? Morals aside, as I said before, the movie's not half bad. I will say that the movie is violent, it's a western after all, but it's not terribly gory.

One of the more interesting things about this move is that this was the first movie I saw co-starring Keenan Wynn and it was a bit hard for me to reconcile his character in The War Wagon with his other nice guy roles such as Dandy in the romantic comedy The Fuzzy Pink Nightgown. It just goes to show how versatile of an actor he was to be so convincing in two such opposing roles.

Two other interesting roles in here are Bruce Cabot as Pierce, Cabot was another of those talented actors who could play a good guy you love or a bad guy you hate, and Joanna Barnes as Lola, which it's rather amusing when you realize that this sultry voiced saloon girl is also the "very nicely put together" Vicky from the 1961 version of The Parent Trap.

All in all The War Wagon is well worth watching at least once. It's packed with a lot of talent, more than just the title stars. Though, after all, "there's no movie like a good John Wayne movie."

96 Minutes

Principal Cast

John Wayne ... Taw Jackson
Kirk Douglas ... Lomax
Howard Keel ... Levi Walking Bear
Robert Walker Jr .... Billy Hyatt (as Robert Walker)
Keenan Wynn ... Wes Fletcher
Bruce Cabot ... Pierce
Joanna Barnes ... Lola

Filming Location(s)

Durango, Mexico
Sierra de Organos, Sombrerete, Zacatecas, Mexico
Universal Studios, Universal City, California, USA

Awards

1968 Western Heritage Awards
Bronze Wrangler - Theatrical Motion Picture - Burt Kennedy (writer/director)

Quotes

Taw Jackson: In four days, Pierce is going to make the biggest gold shipment ever made out of the territory - a half a million dollars.
Lomax: How are we goin' to take it? With the Prussian army?
Taw Jackson: With three other fellas. Five of us.
Lomax: Five. I'm kind of glad I didn't kill you tonight - you're funny as hell!

Lomax: Do you always wear a gun over your underwear?
Taw Jackson: Just lately.

[after shooting down two bad guys]
Lomax: Mine hit the ground first.
Taw Jackson: Mine was taller.

Lomax: Now what am I supposed to do, live with the Indians for the next year and open up a bakery? And with Pierce dead, it doesn't even pay to kill you any more!

DVD

4-MOVIE DVD COLLECTION

5-MOVIE DVD COLLECTION

BLU-RAY +
ULTRA VIOLET

STREAMING VIDEO

Affiliate links

Thanks to IMDB.com for most of the info for this movie.

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Memorial Day 2020

5/25/2020

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Memorial Day Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
On this day of remembrance for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Please hold our servicemen and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and your presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.
We also remember the families of our troops. We ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes, and we pray your peace, provision, hope and strength will fill their lives.
May the members of our armed forces be supplied with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray,
Amen.

"The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden."

-- Ronald Reagan, Memorial Day speech, 1982

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 KJV

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First Line Friday - May 22nd, 2020

5/22/2020

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Buy

E-BOOK

Includes affiliate links.

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Throwback Thursday - May 14th, 2020

5/14/2020

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Marty and Clem set out for the pioneer West full of hopes and dreams. They would stake a claim of their own on the new frontier, and build a home for themselves and their family.

But just after they'd arrived and Clem had chosen the perfect setting for their new home, an accident took his life...leaving Marty alone and pregnant. Then, on the day of his funeral, Clark Davis came along...and asked Marty to marry him!

Marty was infuriated -- but with no money, no shelter, and a baby on the way, what choice did she have? Besides, Clark said he only wanted her to be a mama to his baby girl, Missie. If Marty was still unhappy come spring, he would pay for her ticket back East.

Determined not to be a burden to Clark, and intending only to earn her keep. Marty threw herself into her new role of "Mama." But she had never been anyone's mama before, and she didn't even know how to keep a house! If only she could do right by this lonely man and his daughter just long enough to earn her train fare back home...

Now, Marty must learn wholeness and love through patience and faith

ISBN-13: 9780764226496

My Thoughts

Love Comes Softly was the book that started it all for me, both my love of historical romance and my love of Christian fiction. When I was a very young child, about 3-4, I started listening to the hour long children's programming on the Christian radio station. One of those programs was called The Bookshelf and it featured audio adaptations of Christian books such as The Sugar Creek Gang series, Patricia M. St. John's books, and several of the Love Comes Softly books. So, yes, my introduction to adult Christian fiction came around the time I was starting to learn to read. I got my first print copy of Love Comes Softly when I was 9 and read it around that age. Yes, the writing is a bit simplistic. Yes, it's easy to guess that Marty and Clark will fall in love and stay together. But this story is wonderful in its simplicity and there are many faith and life lessons within the pages. There is a reason that this book founded Bethany House's fiction department. There is a reason that this book has entertained at least 3 generations. There is a reason that the Hallmark channel chose to make this one of their earlier Christian fiction adaptations into the movie format. And hey, you wouldn't believe how happy and excited I was when I found out that I share a birthday with one of the mothers of Christian fiction, Janette Oke.

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Interview with Jen Turano (Storing Up Trouble) + Giveaway

5/13/2020

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When Beatrix Waterbury's train is disrupted by a heist, scientist Norman Nesbit comes to her aid. After another encounter, he is swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract--including the attention of the men trying to steal his research--and they'll soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

ISBN-13: 9780764231698

Interview with Jen

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
The American Heiress series came to be after I read a book about Alva and Consuelo Vanderbilt. I didn’t particularly care for the idea that Alva forced Consuelo into a marriage with this duke, and so after thinking about the story for a while, I found myself wondering what would have happened if Consuelo had refused to marry the gentleman her mother chose for her.

That started the idea for the series, and started me thinking about what type of heiresseses I wanted to write about over three books. With Miss Beatrix Waterbury, to keep the story fresh, I decided I needed a grand heiress, but one who didn’t conform to the rules expected from someone of her station. The story just took off from there.

#2. How did you name your characters?
Beatrix is a nod to one of my favorite authors, Beatrix Potter, and I chose Norman for the name of my hero because everyone always pictures a Norman as a very quiet, laid-back sort of man, but Norman Nesbit doesn’t fit that mold at all, which amuses me.

Beatrix Potter, 1913.

THE HEROINE
#3. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
From Miss Beatrix Waterbury, the slightly eccentric heroine in “Storing Up Trouble.” “I believe I’d try my hardest to avoid getting tossed into jail so often because jail is really not a place a young lady enjoys languishing about in. Also, landing in jail comes with the unfortunate reality of annoying one’s parents, who then might feel compelled to take drastic measures and send their errant daughter off to stay with a querulous aunt in Chicago.”

THE HERO
#4. What is your greatest strength and your greatest flaw?
From Mr. Norman Nesbit, the brilliant, yet socially challenged hero in “Storing Up Trouble.” “I believe most people would agree that my intellect if my greatest strength. As for my greatest flaw…I’ve heard it mentioned that I tend to wax on and on about double electrical currents, but I don’t exactly understand why people consider that a flaw because electricity is a riveting subject that I would hope most people would find very interesting indeed.

#5. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
Oddly enough, nothing really springs to mind, but that could be because I’m now two books removed from this one, so my memory about writing it is somewhat fuzzy.

#6. What part of the writing process did you find most difficult for this book?
This is a question I can actually answer because even though I forget a lot about the writing process for any particular book (out of sight, out of mind,) this is a book I can’t forget writing because I had to write it while working around my husband’s two rather serious surgeries. I normally only write in my office, but for “Storing Up Trouble,” I had no choice but to write in hospital waiting rooms, hospital rooms, and then write late into the night once I got my husband home because my deadline was zooming up on me and I was really behind.

#7. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I always simply hope that readers will find a bit of an escape within the pages of my books, and perhaps a laugh or two. In these difficult days, laughs are incredibly important, so hopefully, “Storing Up Trouble” will help with that.

Bonus. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
I wish everyone a safe and healthy journey through this pandemic, and hope that all of us will come out of it a bit stronger than we were before it happened.

All the best,
Jen

Beatrix Potter, 1913. Pictorial Parade/London Daily Express, reproduced by permission of Frederick Warne & Co.
Encyclopædia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Beatrix-Potter#/media/1/472843/13569

Jen Turano

Jen Turano is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She pursued a career in management for nine years before switching to full-time motherhood after the birth of her son. When she's not writing, Jen can be found watching her teenage son participate in various activities, taking long walks with her husband and dog, socializing with friends, or delving into a good book. She lives in suburban Denver, Colorado. Learn more at www.jenturano.com.

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It's Time For A Giveaway!

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Archives

Categories

Summer Flash Burn
Worthington Investigations book 2
by Erin Unger

The Happy Camper
by Melody Carlson

This Courageous Journey
Heart Of The Mountains book 4
by Misty M. Beller

The Story Raider
The Weaver Trilogy book 2
by Lindsay A. Franklin

Storing Up Trouble
American Heiresses book 3
by Jen Turano

Blooper Freak
The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series book 5
by Christy Barritt

The Cowboy's Secret
Wyoming Sweethearts book 2
(Love Inspired)
by Jill Kemerer

A Foundation Of Fear
Risky Research book 3
by Kim McMahill

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by Jennifer Lamont Leo

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All the best,
Jen