Book Review: Telling Lies

ABOUT THE BOOK:

How many lies does it take to get away with murder? Magazine Editor Laurel Imperiole is vacationing in Florence, Italy, with Aaron Gerrard, Chief of Detectives of New York City's 13th Precinct Identity Theft Squad. A chance encounter brings Laurel to a startling realization: she's just bumped into a dead man: Jeff Sargasso, an art dealer and husband of a close friend who supposedly died in the World Trade Center on 9/11. When he vanished, Sargasso had been brokering the sale of a priceless masterpiece that was lost during World War II to CEO Alfred Hammersmith and billionaire Miayamu Moto. Hammersmith perished along with Sargasso on 9/11, and it is believed that the access codes to the $15 million deposit--ten percent of the asking price--died with them. Could Sargasso have faked his own death to steal the money? The painting's whereabouts are unknown. Laurel enlists the help of private detective Helen McCorkendale, and together they follow the threads that lead from Florence, Italy, to New York. On the way, the women tangle with Israeli Mossad agent Lior Stern and several stop-at-nothing collectors. All are determined to have the painting for themselves. Ignoring Aaron's advice, Laurel puts their volatile relationship in jeopardy. As Helen and Laurel search for Sargasso, the painting and the money, they find themselves enmeshed in a sinister skein of lies that could end in death.

MY THOUGHTS:
WOW....nothing like a good mystery to keep you awake at night!   This fast-paced book will keep you on edge as you bump into a dead man, tangle with agents and find yourself facing possible death.  With reference to 9/11 this book is especially chilling.  There is a bit of 'language' that may offend some, but worth the read!



*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Tribute Books

Halloween Knitting Fun

Photo taken from One Crafty Mama's blog, link below

Halloween is right around the corner, are you ready to decorate? I have been slacking in the knitting department and I promise to do better, I'm going to begin with a great dish cloth pattern that I found over at One Crafty Mama, you can get the pattern on her blog, HERE.  Go on over and visit Kelly/One Crafty Mama!

I love the green and it's such a cute spider, this project is going to top my dish cloth 'waiting to happen' pile!  I just started a cloth today during the State Archery competition my kids are in, so I have to finish that one first!  Do you have any great fall knitting/crochet or anything else patterns?  Feel free to share links/photos/patterns, etc!

CFBA Book Review: To Have and to Hold

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing To Have and to Hold Bethany House (September 1, 2011) by Tracie Peterson
and

Judith Miller

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. In 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests. Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max.

Judith Miller's first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when she was commuting sixty miles to work each day. She wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. Through a co-worker, she was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from her. Having never met Tracie, Judith was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history. Since that first encounter many years ago, Judith has been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, she and Tracie had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, they have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Audrey Cunningham's father proposes that they move to Bridal Veil Island, where he grew up, she agrees, thinking this will help keep him sober and close to God. But they arrive to find wealthy investors buying up land to build a grand resort on the secluded island--and they want the Cunninghams' acreage.



Contractor Marshall Graham can't imagine why the former drinking buddy of his deceased father would beckon him to Bridal Veil Island. And when Boyd Cunningham asks him to watch over Audrey, Marshall is even more confused. He has no desire to be saddled with caring for this fiery young woman who is openly hostile toward him. But when Audrey seems to be falling for another man--one who has two little girls Audrey adores--Marshall realizes she holds more of his heart than he realized. Which man will Audrey choose? And can she hold on to her ancestral property in the face of overwhelming odds?

If you would like to read the first chapter of To Have and to Hold, go HERE.


MY THOUGHTS:
It took a bit of time to get into this book, but once I did....WOW.  There are some very good characters in this book, and Aunt Thora....well, every book needs a 'character' and she's one of those that may grate on your nerves a bit!  The book takes place in the deep south, where a quite reluctant Audrey would rather not be, this is a fun read and I think you'll enjoy it!



*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA

CFBA Book Review: A Whisper of Peace

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Whisper of Peace Bethany House (September 1, 2011) by Kim Vogel Sawyer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and numerous grandchildren.




ABOUT THE BOOK

Ostracized by her tribe because of her white father, Lizzie Dawson lives alone in the mountains of Alaska, practicing the ways of her people even as she resides in the small cabin her father built for her mother. She dreams of reconciling with her grandparents to fulfill her mother's dying request, but she has not yet found a way to bridge the gap that separate her from her tribe.

Clay Selby has always wanted to be like his father, a missionary who holds a great love for the native people and has brought many to God. Clay and his stepsister, Vivian, arrive in Alaska to set up a church and school among the Athabascan people. Clay is totally focused on this goal...until he meets a young, independent Indian woman with the most striking blue eyes he's ever seen.

But Lizzie is clearly not part of the tribe, and befriending her might have dire consequences for his mission. Will Clay be forced to choose between his desire to minister to the natives and the quiet nudging of his heart?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Whisper of Peace, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS:
This was an enjoyable book, it took me a bit longer than usual to get into the story, but I enjoyed the fact that the setting was in Alaska and I loved the spunk of the women.  I'm not sure if I could do what either Lizzie or Vivian did so I give them a huge thumbs up, and as for Clay....he seriously needed to work on his patience!

An overall good read, though nothing too new or highly unexpected in the story line.



* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from CFBA.

Olay Pro-X Clear

 

I recently received Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol for review and I love it! I was worried that the product may have a strong scent, but it does not, it has a very soft scent if any at all.

About the product:
* Contains - 1 Pore Clarifying Cleanser 2.5 Oz, 1 Skin Clearing Treatment 1.7 Oz and 1 Complexion Renewing Lotion 1.7 Oz
* Reduce oil and penetrates pores to help prevent new acne from forming
* Pro-X Clear products are Non Comedogenic

Included in the box are three separate products and each bottle is labeled so there is no worry about using them out of order which makes them very easy to use. At first my face tingled a bit when I put on the renewing lotion but after a couple of days it went away.

I have used the product every day and have seen a big difference in my skin tones, my skin looks much more smooth and I believe that my acne scarring looks a lot less noticeable. My skin also feels much softer and looks younger as well. I really don't have any complaints, I have been using the products only in the morning and feel like they will last quite a long time, the only down fall which really isn't that great is the price, but after looking at my local store I can say that the price on Amazon is quite a bit less! It would be nice though to see the products sold separately because I feel that I may not need to use step 1 and 2 for an extended time period but would like to be able to purchase the lotion. I prefer the lotion in this set to any other Olay products, this is by far my favorite!

I received these products for free compliments of the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.

Book Review: Deadly Pursuit

About the Book:  (Back Cover)
Social Worker Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children.  But now it seems she needs protecting.  When her tormentor's attentions take a violent turn, she calls in reinforcements - her police-detective brother, Cole, and his new partner, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan.  As her relentless stalker turns up the heat and the danger intensifies, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case.  Because protecting Alison has become more than a job; his future depends on keeping her safe.

Filled with nail-biting suspense and heart-melting romance, Deadly Pursuit is Irene Hannon's storytelling at its very best.

My Thoughts:

This is the 2nd book in the Guardians of Justice series.  Fatal Judgment was the first book in this series, I enjoyed the first book and jumped at the chance to review Deadly Pursuit and was not disappointed.  Full of riveting suspense this book kept me on my toes and aching to tell Alison who the 'bad' guy was!  I think the fact that the author tells us who the culprit is makes it even more nail biting as you read about his evil plot to teach Alison a lesson.  This book is not all horror, I loved the relationship Alison has with her two brothers and her ability to put up with their hovering as well as setting her up with Mitch!

A great Fall read, cuddle up with a blanket and enjoy this book on a cool end of summer night!

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Blue Skies Tomorrow

 

ABOUT THE BOOK (Back Cover)
     When her husband becomes a casualty of the war in the Pacific, Helen Carlisle throws herself into volunteering for the war effort to conceal her feelings.  But keeping up appearances as the grieving widow of a hometown hero is taking its toll.  Soon something is going to give.

     Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit.  His statesided job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life - and a convenient excuse to ignore his deepest fear.  When the beautiful Helen catches his eye and captures his heart, he is determined to win her hand.

     But when Ray and Helen are called upon to step out in faith and put their reputations and their lives on the line, can they meet the challenges that face them?  And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

Filled with drama, daring, and all the romance of the WWII era, Blue Skies Tomorrow is the captivating final book in the popular Wings of Glory Series.

MY THOUGHTS

I have loved this series and am sad to see it come to an end, this is a stand a lone story with a twist to the plot that made me feel anger down to the tips of my toes, but that was a good thing!  I enjoy the unexpected in a book, otherwise it can tend to lolly gag around, and this book was entertaining the entire way through.  Ray has to endure quite a bit to find his true self and to feel worthy and Helen has to endure a lot of pain before she can free herself of the demons in her past, together they make a strong and lovable couple.

If you have enjoyed the other books in this series I think you'll like this book as well.  If you haven't read any of them yet, what are you waiting for?!!!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Litfuse Publishing

To celebrate the release of Blue Skies Tomorrow, the final installment of the Wings of Glory series, Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Vintage Kindle Prize Package!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One winner will receive:

* Kindle with Wi-Fi

* Handmade vintage apron for you and a friend (see a photo here)

* Blue Skies Tomorrow (for Kindle)

To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, giveaway ends on 9/10. Winner will be announced on 9/12 at Sarah Sundin's blog. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.