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Book Review - The Cactus Creek Challenge by Erica Vetsch

7/31/2015

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Genre:
Historical/Comedy/Romance/Western

The Cactus Creek Challenge
by Erica Vetsch

-From the back cover-

THE SCHOOLMARM AND THE SHERIFF
TRADE PLACES FOR A MONTH

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

Cassie Bucknell is delighted that she has been chosen to swap jobs with her childhood friend Sheriff Ben Wilder in the annual Cactus Creek Challenge. Maybe he'll finally notice that she's all grown up and more than just a little redheaded tagalong in a pinafore. And Cassie is sure being sherrif can't be that hard, not in a quiet town like Cactus Creek, Texas, in 1888.
Ben Wilder is less than enthusiastic about turning over his shiny, new badge to Cassie Bucknell. How can she hope to enforce the law and protect the town when she's just a kid herself? And on top of all that, Ben has to fill Cassie's job by playing schoolmarm. Not that he isn't up to the task, mind you, but it's a waste of time.
As the month-long challenge continues, area outlaws and schoolhouse scallywags are looking to take advantage of the swap to create some mayhem and mischief that will have Ben and Cassie collaborating to keep Cactus Creek from complete catastrophe.
With the town in an uproar and the stakes growing ever higher, will Ben and Cassie survive their greatest challenge yet?

Rip-roaring fun in the Old West!

The Cactus Creek Challenge was such a fun and funny read! Two men and two women vie for the prize of money towards their favorite causes. By the end of the month these four people will learn a great deal about each other and about themselves. The real question is will the town of Cactus Creek still be standing at the end of the month?

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Erica Vetsch

Author's Website

Erica Vetsch delivers a most delightful western filled with comedy, romance, and danger. I've been a fan of hers since A Bride Sews With Love In Needles, California was the very first book review I'd done. And The Cactus Creek Challenge only cemented it. I enjoyed every bit of the story. From the comedy, including two holy terrors in the classroom, to the romance that slowly developed between the two couples competing, and the danger surrounding an extended stay in the jail and a missing child.

A well-written story with engaging characters and a great storyline. Each of the citizens of Cactus Creek are real cards, quirky, and even a little crazy. Erica Vetsch delivers a fun and funny tale that is sure to thrill her fans. The snappy cover matches the story very well, pulling you right in.

Sparks fly and guns blaze in this exciting tale of love and mayhem! You won't want to miss The Cactus Creek Challenge by Erica Vetsch.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Cactus Creek Challenge by Erica Vetsch a 4.5 Bark rating.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (July 1, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1630589276
ISBN-13: 978-1630589271

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Book Review - Gone By Dark by Christy Barritt

7/28/2015

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Genre:
Suspense

Gone By Dark
Carolina Moon book 2
by Christy Barritt

-From the back cover-

Charity White can't forget the horrific crime that happened ten years ago when she and her friend, Andrea, spontaneously cut through the woods on their way home from high school. In the middle of their trek, a man abducted Andrea, who hasn't been seen since.

Since that fateful day, Charity has tried to outrun the memories and guilt of that one hasty decision. What if she and her friend hadn't taken that shortcut? Why wasn't Charity taken instead of Andrea? And why weren't the police ever able to track down the bad guy?

When Charity receives a mysterious letter that promises answers, she decides to face her worst nightmare. She returns home to North Carolina in search of closure and a touch of the peace that has eluded her for the past decade. With the help of her new neighbor, Police Officer Joshua Haven, Charity begins to track down mysterious clues. They soon discover that they must work together or both of them will be swallowed by the looming darkness.

Bite-your-nails suspense!

And once again the Christy Barritt book I just finished is now my favorite, it happens every time. She has such a flair for suspense!

I didn't finish Gone By Dark in one day. Nope. I just couldn't put it down and finished it in one afternoon. I just HAD to know what would happen next. Will the police believe Charity? Will they finally find out what really happened to Andrea? And what happens when secrets start being revealed? And most importantly, can Charity begin to forgive herself and start to move on?

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Christy Barritt

Author's Website

There were more twists and turns in Gone By Dark! Just when I thought I had it all pegged a new clue would turn up, by the end of the book I was thoroughly surprised by the thrilling and dramatic climax. Christy Barritt knows precisely how to keep her readers so engrossed that they nearly forget to breathe.

Gone By Dark is the second book in the Carolina Moon series but, even though previous characters make an appearance, there are only a few spoilers, and you should be able to read them out of sequence without too many problems.

Every Christy Barritt book is a real treat in suspense and Gone By Dark is no exception so don't miss it!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Gone By Dark by Christy Barritt a 4.5 Bark rating.

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 12, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1511704128
ISBN-13: 978-1511704120

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The Pilgrim Q&A with Davis Bunn

7/25/2015

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The Pilgrim
by Davis Bunn

IN HIS LATEST HISTORICAL EPIC, worldwide bestselling author Davis Bunn takes readers on a journey through an ancient landscape. Travel with Empress Helena from Ceaserea to Judea. Abandoned by her husband in danger because of her faith, but with an implacable will to do what God calls her to, she takes a perilous pilgrimage. Along the way she meets those who would help her (the wizened and wise bishop Macarious; the rough-edged but kind-hearted sergeant Cratus; the young soldier Anthony, a man who has lost everything, including his faith) and those who would harm her (the menacing and murderous Roman assassin Severus). Miracles seem to follow this humble and determined woman as she wins many over to the faith, and changes lives forever – including her own.
This unforgettable story of the discovery of the True Cross will thrill readers with its adventure, and with its vivid portrait of one of Christian history's most important women.

Read Chapters 1-3

Q: There are many legends about Constantine and his mother, Helena. How did you decide which legend to incorporate into the story?

Davis Bunn: The period when Constantine became the first Christian emperor is one about which so much has been written, and yet so little detail is known. No one knows for certain where his mother, Helena – the main character in The Pilgrim – was born. There are three main legends, and I used the one that has the greatest sense of historical resonance, that she was British, and her father ruled one of the provinces taken over by the Romans. Her husband was a general who met Helena in the local market and fell in love at first sight.

Q: What is the appeal of writing about a historical figure? What was one special challenge you faced in doing so?

First and foremost, Helena is a saint in the eyes of the Catholic church. Her son, Emperor Constantine, was the first Roman leader to convert to Christianity. His death marked the moment when Christians were freed from persecution. Constantine was led to faith by his mother. The Pilgrim is her story.

While I am a fervent evangelical Protestant, my wife is Catholic. My mother is a Catholic convert. As is my sister, who has raised her two daughters as Catholic. So part of what I wanted to do here was to grow closer to the heritage that these dear people treasure. Their faith has had such an impact on my own life. It was important that I use this story and this opportunity to create something that would honor their perspective on faith. I also wanted to share with readers the enormous life lessons we can learn from the lives of the saints.

So many, many different issues came up as a result of this quest. It proved to be a beautiful and intense growing experience. Although this book is not particularly long, the actual writing took as long as some of my much bigger books. Part of this was honing the story so their faith, and their history, was honored, but done from a foundation that reflected my own personal walk in faith.

My hope, my fervent prayer, is that the story will resonate with readers from both faith communities.

Q: The end of The Pilgrim leaves the reader wanting more. Will you revisit this story down the road?

I am working on a second book, The Fragment, which is scheduled for publication in the spring of 2016. The Fragment carries some of the concepts from The Pilgrim into the early twentieth century, when the U.S. came to possess a reliquary with a supposed component of Jesus’s cross. It ends in a vignette that happens today, when a couple travels to Rome.

Q: How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: http://www.davisbunn.com/
Subscribe to Davis’s e-newsletter: Send a blank email to [email protected]
Receive Davis’s latest blog posts via your feed reader: http://feeds.feedburner.com/DavisBunn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davisbunnauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/davisbunn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/davisbunn
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/davisbunn/

Davis Bunn

Davis Bunn is an award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies.

His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and his 2014 induction into the Christy Hall of Fame.

Davis divides his time between Florida and England, where he serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College at The University of Oxford.

Website

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Book Review - The Pilgrim by Davis Bunn

7/24/2015

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Genre:
Historical

The Pilgrim
by Davis Bunn

-From the back cover-

IN HIS LATEST HISTORICAL EPIC, worldwide bestselling author Davis Bunn takes readers on a journey through an ancient landscape. Travel with Empress Helena from Ceaserea to Judea. Abandoned by her husband in danger because of her faith, but with an implacable will to do what God calls her to, she takes a perilous pilgrimage. Along the way she meets those who would help her ( the wizened and wise bishop Macarious; the rough-edged but kind-hearted sergeant Cratus; the young soldier Anthony, a man who has lost everything, including his faith) and those who would harm her (the menacing and murderous Roman assassin Severus). Miracles seem to follow this humble and determined woman as she wins many over to the faith, and changes lives forever – including her own.
This unforgettable story of the discovery of the True Cross will thrill readers with its adventure, and with its vivid portrait of one of Christian history's most important women.

One woman will lead them...

History and legend merge in The Pilgrim, a tale of courage, forgiveness, and sacrifice. In this story you will meet Helena, historical figure, saint, pilgrim, and follower of Jesus.

This slim little novel, only 165 pages, packs quite a message. Through Helena and the others we see how God forgives us of even the most grievous of sins and uses those broken bits to speak to others. Helena's courage in, not only initially starting her journey, but continuing on in the face of her own personal struggles. No matter what she maintains her belief in the vision God gave her and she forges ahead in her mission despite seemingly insurmountable odds. But when things look bleakest miracles begin to happen.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Davis Bunn

Author's Website

Even as non-Catholic who has thought little of saints I felt encouraged by Helena's story. To move out of my comfort zone. To step out in faith and follow God's will in the midst of uncertainty, even when it seems a fool's errand and the proverbial deck is stacked against a person.

Davis Bunn paints a vivid portrait of the Holy Land in the 4th century. Life and death are but a heartbeat away for these Believers. A time and place of great danger and great change is brought to life.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Pilgrim by Davis Bunn a 4 Bark rating.

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Franciscan Media (July 17, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1616368659
ISBN-13: 978-1616368654

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Goodreads 2015 Reading Challenge

7/24/2015

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2015 Reading Challenge

Jasmine has completed her goal of reading 75 books in 2015!

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75 of 75 (100%)

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So, I completed my Goodreads 2015 Reading Challenge today. I am so proud of myself! I had hoped to finish in June but July 23rd is nothing to sneeze at when you consider that I set my goal at 75 books, 1 to 2 per week seemed manageable, and then proceeded to fill up nearly every day this summer with other things.

I am by no means done with reading for this year, couldn't stop even if I wanted to, which I don't, and I may even up my goal eventually, but for now I am basking in my accomplishment. A job well enjoyed and well done.

2015 Stats

Goal: 75 books.

Started: January 1st
Completed: July 23rd

Number of Books Ahead of Schedule: 34

Total Pages Read: 21,736

First Book Completed (starting the challenge):
Random Acts Of Murder by Christy Barritt

Midway Book In The Challenge:
Flight Of Faith by Hallee Bridgeman

Final Book Completed (finishing the challenge):
Broom And Gloom by Christy Barritt

Longest Book (most pages):
Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist

Oldest Book:
Fallen From Babel by T.L. (Tracy) Higley
(September 30th, 2005)

Newest Book:
The Pilgrim by Davis Bunn
(July 16th, 2015)

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WORD Wednesday 7-22-15

7/22/2015

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13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:13, 14 KJV

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Blog Tour - Half Blood by Jaye L. Knight + Giveaway

7/17/2015

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Jaye L. Knight’s new novella, Half-Blood, has been released! Learn more about this prequel story to Ilyon Chronicles and make sure you also enter the tour giveaway at the bottom!

About the Book
The gasps and murmuring grew. Though some were hardly more than whispers, clear words reached Jace’s ears—dangerous, monster, animal, soulless. He tried to back away from their accusing eyes, but the collar pulled hard against his throat and held him in place.

For all his years as a slave, Jace has known nothing but the hatred people hold for his mixed blood—one half human, the other half the blood of a race considered monsters. Always, he is the outsider and quickly learns it is better to keep to himself. But, when his volatile ryrik blood leads him to do the unthinkable, he is thrown into a world of violence and bloodshed.

Forced to become a gladiator, Jace finds more and more of his heart dying as his master works to break down his will not to become the monster everyone believes he is. When a stranger interferes with his master’s harsh punishment, Jace’s world is upended yet again. But with it comes the possibility of hope that has long since died. Could the man possibly hold the key to escaping the hopeless darkness that is Jace’s life? Is there such a thing as life beyond the cruelty of slavery?

See where Jace’s story all began . . .

Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? Find out more at the official Ilyon Chronicles website!

About the Author

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Etsy, and on her new fiction forum where you can interact with other readers of the series.

Giveaway!

Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes include an autographed copy of Half-Blood, a blue feather bookmark hand crafted by Jaye, a bronze sword pendant, and a $5 Amazon gift card! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule
Tuesday, July 14

Tour Introduction at Jaye L. Knight
Review and Author Interview at 26 Countless Possibilites
Review and Author Interview at Lianne Taimenlore
Review and Author Interview at Crumpets 'n' Cream
Review at Tialla's Tellings

Wednesday, July 15

Review at The Destiny of One
Book Spotlight at One Servant's Heart
Review and Author Interview at Leah's Bookshelf
Review and Author Interview at Red Lettering
Review and Author Interview at Zerina Blossom's Books

Thursday, July 16

Review and Author Interview at Sutori no Hana
Review and Author Interview at Scattered Journal Pages
Review and Author Interview at The Splendor Falls on Castle Walls
Author Interview at A Writer's Faith
Review and Author Interview at writinganyone

Friday, July 17

Review and Author Interview at Written Rest
Book Spotlight at Tell Tale Book Reviews
Review and Author Interview at The Pen of a Ready Writer
Review and Author Interview at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Review at Poetree

Saturday, July 18

Review at A Writer's Heart
Review at Reality Calling
Author Interview at The Art of Storytelling
Book Spotlight at Thilly Little Nothings

Sunday, July 19

Review at Through My Lens
Review at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings
Book Spotlight at Letters from Annie Douglass Lima
Review at bookend

Monday, July 20

Review at Pencils Can Change the World
Review at Backing Books
Review at Melody Jackson, Author
Book Spotlight and Author Interview at In the Character's Shadow

Tuesday, July 21

Review at A Vintage Girl in the Modern World
Book Spotlight at However Improbable
Review at God's Peculiar Treasure Rae
Review and Author Interview at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections

Wednesday, July 22

Review at To Be a Person
Tour Conclusion at Jaye L. Knight

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Book Review - The Wonder Of You by Susan May Warren

7/17/2015

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Genre:
Contemporary Romance

The Wonder Of You
A Christiansen Family Novel book 5
by Susan May Warren

-From the back cover-

Mortified after her year abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn't brave enough to embrace the adventures she's dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness.
Heir to European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name. Amelia is the first woman to give him a reason to stop running. He'll do anything for a second chance – even contend with Amelia's old flame, who is intent on ending Roark packing.
While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark's continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her place mean leaving home behind?

Another wonderful contemporary romance from Susan May Warren!

I have eagerly awaited the release of each successive Christiansen Family Novel and every one has been a delight to read. I've loved following the Christiansen siblings, not only in their own books, but also checking in with them in each new book. They build one onto another but I think they could also easily be read as standalones. All of the books start out with a letter from Ingrid Christiansen to the child that particular story is about. It's a wonderful introduction to the each hero or heroine's character and really sets the stage for the rest of the book.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Susan May Warren

Author's Website

Amelia Christiansen has been protected and sheltered for her entire life and when she finally steps out from under it to use her God-given talent for photography she winds up with a broken heart and something of a bruised ego. In Amelia I really saw our human tendency to shrink back after failure, even perceived failures, and to hide in the familiar. But God doesn't exactly leave her there, just as He doesn't with us, and back into her life comes the one person she really doesn't want to face again. On one hand Amelia wants to hide away in the safety of the familiar but on the other she is ready for adventure. She's tired of her siblings making decisions for her but she also doesn't trust her own judgment after what happened in Europe.
Amelia and Roark were so easy to like and you keep hoping that somehow they will manage to work through their vast differences and find God's best together. You keep rooting for Roark and you feel every disappointment and setback along with him, and Amelia.

The Wonder Of You is a very well written story and the 390 pages go very quickly. It seemed like I was on the first few pages, then the halfway point, and then quite suddenly I was turning the last page. The Wonder Of You is a delightful Christian romance with some real substance to it and a hint of fairytale. Susan May Warren has a real flair for storytelling and it is so very evident in this book.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Wonder Of You by Susan May Warren a 4.5 Bark rating.

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (June 18, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1414378459
ISBN-13: 978-1414378459

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Free Friday - Swept Away by Mary Connealy

7/17/2015

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Swept Away
Trouble In Texas book 1
Mary Connealy

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruth MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from that family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she is rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in the immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meat up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

ALWAYS check the price before clicking
to make sure it is still Free ($0.00)

File Size: 653 KB
Print Length: 321 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0764209140
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013)
Publication Date: March 1, 2013
ASIN: B00AHY0T0A

Mary Connealy

Mary's Website

See Our Review

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WORD Wednesday 7-15-15

7/15/2015

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47 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock;
and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

2 Samuel 22:47 KJV

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Book Review - Gone Without A Trace by Patricia Bradley

7/14/2015

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Genre:
Suspense

Gone Without A Trace
Logan Point book 3
by Patricia Bradley

-From the back cover-

THE PAST IS REPEATING ITSELF – AND TIME IS RUNNING OUT

It's been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds's cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts her concerning a senator's missing granddaughter who was last seen in Logan Point, Livy notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. With self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of the self-assured PI, she's finding this investigation an uphill battle. But with the prospect of finding her cousin on the horizon, she'll have to find a way to work with Alex – before it's too late.

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley keeps you on the edge of your seat with a case – and a relationship – that is anything but certain.

Can they find women before it's too late?

We FINALLY get some answers and find out what really happened to Robyn Martin. I've been anxiously awaiting the conclusion to this thread in the Logan Point series since it first popped up in book one.
I have to admit that it was a little hard for me to get into the story at first but by the exciting climax I was turning the pages quite quickly. And the ending was definitely filled with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing from one page to the next.

This Book received a 3 Bark rating.

Patricia Bradley

Author's Website

Forgiveness is a big theme in Gone Without A Trace. Each of the main characters struggles in one way or another with forgiveness, holding on the past hurts, and just coming to understand and accept those closest to them for who they are. Patricia Bradley has penned a story that doesn't focus just on the romance but also the other relationships between family members.

I really liked the cover for this book. It's so dramatic! All of the covers for this series have been lovely. The contrast of black and the bright, bold, colors, in this book purple and green, are really eye-catching.

Fans of suspense will enjoy Gone Without A Trace, a story filled with the danger and romance that Patricia Bradley is known for.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Gone Without A Trace by Patricia Bradley a 3 Bark rating.

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (July 7, 2015)
ISBN-10: 0800722825
ISBN-13: 978-0800722821

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Monday Movie - Dancer And The Dame

7/13/2015

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Dancer And The Dame
Starring
Billy Gardell ■ David A.R. White ■ Cuja

(2015)

Billy Gardell is Rick Dancer, a wisecracking, disgruntled detective who is long past his prime. Only with the help of Princess, a fussy and fastidious canine cop, can Dancer break the case of his career.

A great new action film from Pure Flix. Fun for the whole family!

When I saw the trailer for Dancer And The Dame on another movie I knew it was one I really wanted to watch and imagine my surprise when I found it on Netflix only a couple weeks or so later. I made myself wait until the next so my parents and I could watch it together. We definitely enjoyed it and would love to add it to our movie collection. There is humor, action, a tiny hint of a romance to come, and one of the stars is a gorgeous German Shepherd.
Speaking of "Princess", I was highly impressed with the dog's acting skills. Usually I can spot where the dog is following commands from the handler but I never caught it in this movie at all.

To me the movie came across as more of a family film, some scenes may upset small children, and less of a faith based movie. I personally liked that. A great story and not preachy.

The only thing I wasn't too sure about is who David A.R. White plays in this movie. So NOT what I am used to but he did a great job since he managed to get me to dislike him.

Whether you like suspensy/action movies, enjoy Pure Flix's offerings, or love dogs, Dancer And The Dame is a great way to spend 90 minutes of your evening.

You just can't beat a movie with a dog and her squeaky toy!

90 Minutes

Principal Cast

Billy Gardell...Dancer
David A.R. White...Skanz
Mike Starr...Poochareli
Quinton Aaron...Louis
Michael Badalucco...Harrier
Matthew Blackmon...Reporter
Alannah Bruce...Ruby
Robert Collier...Elderly Man
Cuja...Princess

Filming Location(s)

Monroe, Louisiana, USA
West Monroe, Louisiana, USA

DVD

AMAZON INSTANT
STREAMING VIDEO

Notice: I have an affiliate with Amazon so if you purchase a movie through the links provided I will receive a small kickback.

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

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Book Review - Gabriel's Atonement by Vickie McDonough

7/12/2015

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Genre:
Historical

Gabriel's Atonement
Land Rush Dreams book 1
by Vickie McDonough

-From the back cover-

What forgiveness can there be
for a man like Gabe?

Gabe Coulter is content with his comfortable life as a professional gambler – but when a man with a gun confronts him in a dark alley and demands his money back, everything changes. Gabe feels guilt over the death of Tom Talbot, even though it was self-defense. And when Gabe learns the man left a wife and child behind, the only way he knows to atone for the death is to return the money to Talbot's wife.
Lara Talbot struggles to feed her family, keep her rebellious sister in line, and care for her young son and sick grandpa, but she's surprised to feel a sense of relief when she learns of Tom's death – after all, he had never been a good husband or provider.
When the charming Gabe Coulter arrives in Kansas and has the uncanny knack of always being in the right place at the right time to come to Lara's aid, she can't help but wonder about his motives – especially when he offers her a hand in securing property in the land rush in the Oklahoma Territory.
At first, Gabe keeps his part in Tom's death a secret, but by the time he decides he needs to tell Lara, he fears the news will destroy their budding relationship. What will Lara do when she learns the truth?

Great historical fiction!

A wonderful story featuring a little-written-about piece of Oklahoma history. I have watched a couple of movies about the Oklahoma Land Rush but I really appreciated the detail in this book.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Vickie McDonough

Author's Website

Gabriel's Atonement is a historical novel with a touch of western thrown in. I absolutely loved how Vicki McDonough's opening scene was reminiscent of the old westerns that I enjoy so much.

One of the things that I really liked about Gabriel's Atonement is that the changes in Gabriel's life come realistically slow. He doesn't magically go from sinner to saint in one chapter.

Vicki McDonough does historical fiction very well and Gabriel's Atonement is a great example. Don't miss the start of a fascinating series from award-winning author Vicki McDonough!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Gabriel's Atonement by Vicki McDonough a 4 Bark rating.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press; (January 1, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1628369515
ISBN-13: 978-1628369519

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WORD Wednesday 7-8-15

7/8/2015

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15 For thus saith the Lord God,
the Holy One of Israel;
In returning and rest shall ye be saved;
in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength:
and ye would not.

Isaiah 30:15 KJV

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Book Review - Taken by Dee Henderson

7/6/2015

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Genre:
Suspense

Taken
by Dee Henderson

-From the back cover-

An investigator who knows
tragic loss firsthand, and his
new client, missing far too long...

Abducted at the age of sixteen and coerced into assisting the Jacoby crime family, Shannon Bliss has finally found a way out. She desperately wants to resume some semblance of normal life, but she also knows she has unfinished business to attend to. She might have enough evidence to put her captors behind bars for a very long time.

When Shannon contacts private investigator Matthew Dane, a former cop, to help her navigate her reentry into society, he quickly discovers that gaining her freedom doesn't mean her troubles are over. If the Jacoby family learns she is still alive, they'll stop at nothing to silence her.

If justice is to be done, and if Shannon's life is ever to get on track again, Matthew will need to uncover exactly what happened to her – even if it means stirring up a hornet's nest of secrets.

Riveting suspense from Dee Henderson

It's been quite awhile since I've read a Dee Henderson book, I think the last one was Before I Wake. I've always enjoyed her books and Taken sounded quite intriguing so I decided to give it a read. Taken wasn't exactly what I expected, it was more psychological drama instead of action drama, but I really enjoyed it. Some of Dee Henderson's newish books have been a little harder for me to get into than, say, the O'Malley series, but this one was different. I expected to take a few days reading the 420+ pages but instead finished it in a single day. I just couldn't seem to put it down, I was so totally absorbed in the story.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Dee Henderson

Author's Website

I really enjoyed how Taken leads the reader through the events, ramifications, and emotional journey of the return of a kidnapped girl. Instead of being about the search for a missing girl and ending with a joyous reunion, Taken is the story of what happens after, what the first days are like, all of the messy thoughts and feelings, the emotional adjustment for everyone involved. Life, especially after a seriously traumatic event isn't always clear-cut. People's thoughts, emotions, and motivations are a truly tangled web. Dee Henderson has a real knack for answering and asking questions readers may not have even thought of before.

Another plus is the very dramatic cover that the Bethany House team gave this book. It really matches the story and I can easily say that it is going to be one of my favorites from 2015.

Fascinating, emotionally intense, Dee Henderson's latest is definitely a riveting story and it's one you really won't want to miss.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Taken by Dee Henderson a 4.5 Bark rating.

Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 28, 2015)
ISBN-10: 076421571X
ISBN-13: 978-0764215711

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by Erica Vetsch

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Carolina Moon book 2
by Christy Barritt

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by Davis Bunn

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by Davis Bunn

The Wonder Of You
A Christiansen Family Novel book 5
by Susan May Warren

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Trouble In Texas book 1
Mary Connealy

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Logan Point book 3
by Patricia Bradley

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Starring
Billy Gardell ■ David A.R. White ■ Cuja

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Land Rush Dreams book 1
by Vickie McDonough

Taken
by Dee Henderson