The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

 Book Description:  Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

 My Thoughts:  I was so excited to receive this book.  A favorite author of mine!  

What makes an author a favorite?  Is it the way of the writing?  The ease of reading a plot well thought out?  I'm not really sure but this story is most excellent and has all the above points.

When Constable Jackson Forge needs help to solve a mystery he turns to Kit a somewhat Robin Hood who loves to swindle the rich to give to the poor.  

Kit is a one and only type of gal...unafraid and unadorned she is a tough cookie and knows the lay of the land like none other.

Kit and Constable Jackson Forge have a friendship like none other.  And they are quite good at solving a mystery and making sure the other is safe.

As Kit and the Constable try to solve this mystery they run into one after another of life's unsavory characters.

This is quite an interesting mystery and will leave the reader wondering what clues she missed.

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing*

Escape from Amsterdam (Heroines of WWII) by Lauralee Bliss

Book Description: Helen Smit believed she was called by God to become a teacher. Little does she know that her care for kids will take a drastic turn for survival when the Germans occupy Amsterdam and Jewish children and parents begin to be deported. Now all she can think of is helping all the kids escape before it’s too late.

 

Erik Misman’s newfound love for Helen is tested when he joins a plot to help move Jewish children to a safe place in the countryside. If danger can foster a closer bond with Helen and save the lives of the little ones, he will do it all. But a German patrol that stumbles upon the farm where they are hiding with three children and a soldier who takes an unexpected interest in Helen, could well destroy their plans for safety and love.

My Thoughts:  A new to me author and a book about WWII. What a win-win in the reading world!

I wasn't quite sure what to expect but soon found out this is an on the edge of your seat story.  The kind I love because I don't know what to expect.

Helen Smit is quite a young lady with alot of guts and gumption.

She know in her heart that God wants her to be a teacher but instead of teaching children she soon is trying to get Jewish chidden out of Amsterdam and out of the Nazis way.

Then Erik Misman who loves Helen decides to help get the children tp safety.

This is a harrowing story of two brave young people who are trying to do the right thing and get innocent children to safety.

My heart sank when the German patrol accidentally found the farm where Erik, Helen and the children had taken refuge.  And then a German soldier decides he likes Helen.  So much for being ambiguous and safe.

When all seems lost, God shows up to help them.

I loved this story!  So inspiring!  

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing*

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

A Deadly Business {A Mia Quinn Mystery} by Lis Wiehl

Book Description:  A prosecutor of violent criminals. A detective on a dangerous beat. When these two pros take on an off-the-books case, the line between professional and personal becomes perilously blurred. 

When a twenty-two-year-old convict walks into the courtroom, his eyes confirm what Mia Quinn already guesses: he blames her for his conviction. In seconds, he knocks her to the ground and holds a razor blade to her throat. While she manages to escape without injury, it's just one more reminder that Mia's job prosecuting Seattle's s most dangerous criminals is far from low risk.  

As a single mom, the last thing Mia wants is for her work to follow her home or discover that it already has.

Now Detective Charlie Carlson is suggesting the very thing Mia doesn't want to believe—that her accountant husband’s deadly car accident was no accident at all. When Mia and Charlie encounter resistance to reopening the case, they take the investigation into their own hands. And they find much more than they bargained for.

Was Mia's husband more than an accountant . . . and less than an honest man? As the truth becomes more shocking and the case grows more complex, her husband's killers take note of Mia . . . and her children. How far will this prosecutor go to learn the truth about her husband—and how far will she have to go to protect her family? 

My Thoughts:  Oh.Be.Still.My.Heart!  I have waited (it seems like forever ) for the next Mia Quinn mystery.  And here it is!  

Mia is a prosecutor.  And usually her job is stressful and full but today when that twenty-two-year old walks into the courtroom Mia senses/knows that he blames her for his predicament.  Uh!Yeah! She did the crime!    Honestly these criminals make one SO angry.   As the reader can tell this is a one great suspense read!  I was SO angry at the criminal . . . a good sign that an author brings out emotion in the reader.

Mia is a single mom because her husband was killed in a deadly car accident.  But now Detective Carlson telling her the one thing she really doesn't want to hear.  Her husband's accident was probably not an accident!  And to top.it.all.off!  Her husband seems to have been into some shady dealings.

Poor Mia! She is a single mom who wants to blend into the woodwork.  She doesn't want these criminals to know that she has a family and where she lives.  

This is one of Lis Wiehl's best books!  The suspense is, well for a lack of another word, suspenseful! {smile}  One of those I'm looking over my shoulder as I read in bed at night!  Yeah!That good!

• Series: A Mia Quinn Mystery (Book 2)
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595549048

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

A Path to Forgiveness by Carrie Lighte & Vannetta Chapman

 Today is the Book Birthday of this great book!

Book Description:  Can love and forgiveness set them free?  Hiding Her Amish Secret by Carrie Lighte and A Widow's Hope by Vannetta Chapman

My Thoughts:  I love two books in one.  For one thing, as soon as you finish the first there is a second book to read.  

The first book is Hiding her Amish Secret by Carrie Lighte.  Carrie Lighte is a brand new to me author so I didn't know what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this story.  

Arleta Bontrager is Amish and during Rumspringa she got a tattoo.  Oh my! What was she thinking!  How would any self respecting Amish man marry such a tarnished Amish woman?

Having a tattoo to most Englisch people is no big deal but for Arleta who is Amish this is a huge no, no.

As the story continues Arleta needs a job and Noah Lehman's sick grandma needs help so Arleta takes the nursing job.

The more she works around the more she likes him.

A sweet story with a few laughs.  Loved it!

The next story A Widow's Hope by Vannetta Chapman is a reprint but I had kind of forgotten the story so I reread it.  

A tragedy claims Hannah's husbands life and her son's ability to walk she doesn't want another man but Jacob Schrock needs help.  So Hannah relents and agrees to help Jacob with his accounting issues.

A romance begins but not because two people are seeking romance.  It's a heart thing!

Loved this story and I may read it again!

The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

 Book Description:  When Mulan takes her father’s place in battle against the besieging Teutonic Knights, she realizes she has been preparing for this journey her whole life—and that her life, and her mother’s, depends on her success. As the adopted daughter of poor parents, Mulan has little power in the world. If she can’t prove herself on the battlefield, she could face death—or, perhaps worse, marriage to the village butcher.

Disguised as a young man, Mulan meets the German duke’s son, Wolfgang, who is determined to save his people even if it means fighting against his own brother. Wolfgang is exasperated by the new soldier who seems to be one step away from disaster at all times—or showing him up in embarrassing ways.

My Thoughts:  I've been waiting for this next book in the Hagenheim fairy tales.  The story of Mulan!
Of course, this is not the Disney version for it is a christian YA read.  
I love how Mulan and her mother have a loving relationship.  And how Mulan is not a perfect girl.  She is clumsy and the townspeople make fun of her.  Not exactly leadership qualities since it was prophesied that she would one day she would save her country in battle.  Quite unlikely!
But as the story continues Mulan's dad unexpectedly dies.  What to do.  In an age when women have little to no rights, Mulan makes a decision to dress up as a boy and take her dad's place so that her mom won't be cast out and, maybe just maybe, she won't end up marrying the local butcher.
Loved this story!  So well thought out and great research done for the time era!

• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718074777
• ISBN-13: 978-0718074777

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

The Chase (US Marshals Book #2) by Lisa Harris

 

Book Description:  US Marshal Madison James may not be sure who shot her three months ago, but she does know one thing--it's time to get back out into the field. When her partner, Jonas Quinn, receives a message that a federal warrant just came in on a man connected to a string of bank robberies, Madison jumps at the chance to get back to work. What she and Jonas find is a bank robbery in progress that's gone wrong--and things are about to get worse. For these bank robbers, it's never been just about the money. It's about taking risks and adrenaline rushes, and getting caught is not part of the game. When the suspects escape, Madison and Jonas must hunt them down and bring them to justice before someone else--someone close to them--gets hurt . . . or worse. From Seattle to the San Juan Islands, bestselling author Lisa Harris takes you on a nonstop chase where feelings are complicated and failure isn't an option. 

My Thoughts:  Oh, my, STARS!  I waited and waited for this book to come out.  And it did not disappoint.

I did read book #1, The Escape and I'd recommend that the reader read book 1 to understand the dynamics.

All the right ingredients, a pinch of romance, a mixture of suspense and a wonderful story that brings the reader to a place of wanting the next chapter.

Lisa Harris is one of my most favorite authors, especially in the suspense arena.

How I loved US Marshal Madison James and, well, there's Jonas Quinn.  All man and ready to help nab the bad guys.

But it's the suspense, the action and good vs. evil that really make the book.

And the setting is the San Juan Islands.  Yeah, so nice and so dangerous.

It's quite an interesting story how a bank robbery goes haywire but it's not about the money.  That's the interesting part...who puts their life on the line to rob a bank but it's not about the money?!?!

What story!  What adventure! What suspense!  It's a wonderful read!

*This book was provided for review by Revell Reads* 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Revell 
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0800737318
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0800737313

An Amish baby for Christmas (Indiana Amish Brides Book 8) by Vannetta Chapman

 

 Book Description:  In danger of losing her farm after her husband’s death, Abigail Yutzy needs help—even if she can’t afford it. At her bishop's insistence, property manager Thomas Albrecht pitches in to aid the pregnant widow. With his troubled past and her shattered heart, their arrangement must stay business only. But their uneasy holiday alliance might just heal both their hearts…

My Thoughts:  I love this time of year as Christmas stories begin to hit the shelves.  And Vannetta Chapman is one of my favorite authors.

This story begins with sadness.  Abigail's husband has passed away and she's not only a widow but she's pregnant and pretty much penniless.

She needs help but can't afford to ask for it so her bishop insists that the property manager, Thomas Albrecht, help her.

At first, it would seem that Abigail is quite distant with Thomas but as life would have it Abigail begins to see Thomas' in a better light.

I loved this sweet Christmas story of new life and new beginnings.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired; Original edition
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335758852
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335758859
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.08 x 0.59 x 6.6 inches

The Walnut Creek Wish (Volume 1) (Creektown Discoveries) by Wanda E. Brustetter

 

 Book Description:

My Thoughts:  A whole new series...Creektown Discoveries.  

I enjoy reading books by Wanda Brunstetter because they represent a different way of life.  Sometimes an amish way of living or a Mennonite way of living or as in this story a way of life where other people are helping those in need.

Who would have thought that an antique store could bring healing to people with life hurts? But that is exactly what the Troyers have at their antique store, the Memory Keepers, a place where hurting people come to shop and end up being helped by kind words and deeds.

At first, I wasn't sure about Jeff and Rhonda.  They both seem a bit egotistical and very much all about themselves.  

Then Jeff and Rhonda (they are married) decide to move to a slower way of life.  Jeff loves to fill their garage up with antiques which leads him to buy an antique sled.

However, his wife sees the antiques as a distraction for her husband.  Rhonda feels inadequate because she can't have a baby.  Is jeff buying antiques to fill the void?

This was a great story!  I loved the interaction and love that the Troyers displayed.

And sometimes and antique sled brings more than anyone ever hoped.

*This book was provided for review by Barbour*

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Barbour Fiction 
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 164352741X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643527413

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

The Amish Christmas Matchmaker (Indiana Amish Brides) by Vannetta Chapman

 

Book Description:  With her wedding business thriving, Annie Kauffmann could never leave her beloved Amish community. So when handsome Amish cowboy Levi Lapp tries to convince her father to move the family to Texas, she must put a stop to it. If Annie finds Levi a wife, he might forget his dream of moving…but can she keep from falling for him herself?

My Thoughts:  In my book there is nothing better than a Love Inspired romance especially when it's about Christmas and is authored by Vannetta Chapman.  A win-win!

This fantastic story is almost an oxymoron...An Amish matchmaker?!?  But then again no matter what, we all need love in our lives.  

Annie Kaufman actually has a wedding business so it's not all love and games.  However, she doesn't seem to have any romance in her own life.  And it seems that Annie is quite happy with her life so when Levi Lapp begins to talk her father into moving-to Texas of all places!  Annie decides she'll have none of that nonsense.  But love can get in the way of most well laid plans.

In a fun loving sort of way, Vannetta Chapman captures the romance between two young Amish people and somehow gets their families involved too.

This is a great story to begin your holiday season!

• Series: Indiana Amish Brides
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired; Original edition 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1335479430
• ISBN-13: 978-1335479433

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

 

Book Description:  Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

My Thoughts:  Lisa Harris never disappoints when she writes a mystery/suspense/thriller.  This story is o.so.wonderful!

Caitlyn Lindsey's character comes alive in the first chapter when "things" begin happening that aren't suppose to happen.  She feels like someone is also watching her and maybe they are.

At first I wasn't sure about Josh Solomon...well, his character seems a bit weak but that soon changes and one can't help but fall in love with Josh.  He doesn't take on a super personality he just becomes more thoughtful.

As one reads on in the story there a lot of action takes place it seems that there is an under current of "something" happening but the reader can't quite figure out what.

Just when I felt I knew what was going on, well the game changed.

I loved, loved this story!  Great suspense and great mystery combined in one fantastic story of intentions gone haywire.

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Revell
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800729161
• ISBN-13: 978-0800729165

Deception (Natchez Trace Park Rangers)by Patricia Bradley

 

Book Description: After being forced to kill an FBI agent gone rogue in self-defense while working in the violent crimes unit for the Investigative Services Branch, ranger Madison Thorn is comfortable with her move to the fraud and cyber division. At least numbers don't lie. So she's less than thrilled when a white-collar crime investigation in Natchez, Mississippi, turns violent. She could also do without being forced to work with former-childhood-enemy-turned-infuriatingly-handsome park ranger Clayton Bradshaw.

When a woman who looks just like Madison is attacked on the same night Madison's grandfather is shot, it becomes clear that there is something much bigger going on here and that Madison herself is in danger. Madison and Clayton will have to work together--and suppress their growing feelings for one another--if they are to discover the truth before it's too late.

My Thoughts: Oh,my!  This last book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers by Patricia Bradley is absolutely over the top!  Make sure you read the first three books in the series too.  Each book is a stand alone but each book gives you a feel for what is going on in the Natchez Trace Park, Standoff, Obession and Crosshairs.  I loved them all but this last book is like the icing on the cake.  Yeah, it's that good!

Madison Thorn has had her share of of rogue adventures and is not sure she wants more but just when she thinks she can get comfortable, there's a white collar crime which means her old er handsome er childhood friend comes to work on the case.  Oh yeah, Clayton Bradshaw is a great help!

When a woman who looks like Madison is attacked it becomes apparent that there is something much bigger to this crime than meets the eye.

I loved the action, the suspense and the romance of this intriguing well written story.

The deception is one thing that is a bit difficult to figure out.  Well, at least for me. It is a great mystery!

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

Fun Friday

 

A Perilous Plan by Melanie Dickerson

 Here's another great read by Melanie Dickerson.

If you love Regency Romance, you'll love this

story of a young widow and her plan.

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

The Scripture Memory Map for Women: A Creative Journal (Faith Maps) complied by the Barbour Staff

 My Thoughts:  I'm always on the lookout for journals or devotionals that will help me in my walk with the Lord.

So when I was offered this small book, The Scripture Memory MAP for women, I jumped at the chance to use it.

Each section consists of two pages...there is a place at the top of the left hand page for the date, then a square for My Memory Verse For Today, Then a place for This  Verse is important to Remember Because and enough space for you to write, Then What It Means To My Faith, Then onto the second page where there is space to write How It Applies To My Life, Then a square for Knowing This Verse Will Be Helpful When, and lastly My Prayer For Today and a space to write your prayer. 

There are colorful hearts, butterflies and arrows that point you show you which way to go.  Thus creating a type of map.  

The creative part comes when you write in the sections.  😊

There are verses at the end of each section. 

I am in love with this creative journal.  This is a Fantastic plan for memorizing God's Word!

This makes a wonderful gift!  

Life Behind the Wall: Candy Bombers, Beetle Bunker, and Smuggler's Treasure Paperback by Robert Elmer

 

Book Description:  Cut off by the Iron Curtain This epic tale extends across generations and unfolds against the backdrop of a dangerous Cold War Berlin. This historically accurate, action-packed, three-books-in-one edition features three generations of resourceful teens living in the shadow of the Berlin Wall. Titles include: Candy Bombers: In spring 1948, teenage cousins Erich and Katarina are simply trying to survive in war-ravaged Berlin when the Soviets blockade the east side of the city, isolating its citizens---and starving them---behind the Iron Curtain. Beetle Bunker: In August 1961, Sabine discovers a forgotten underground bunker. Though she first uses it to escape her crowded home, she soon realizes her hideout could possibly take her family under the wall to West Berlin and freedom! Smuggler's Treasure: In spring 1989, life is good in West Germany, and even the Cold War seems to be thawing in the warmer weather. But as Liesl works on a class project about the history of the wall, she stumbles onto a startling secret no one will talk about.

My Thoughts:  Oh! Be.Still.My.Heart!  I could not believe my eyes when I saw this book . . . I was so excited. . . . like a kid on Christmas morning!  This is THREE books in one volume!  All three of the Life Behind the Wall books by Robert Elmer!  
I first read Candy Bombers about 10 years ago.  But I never got the next two books Beetle Bunker and Smuggler's Treasure.
I must tell you, that even though I am an adult, these are the best books ever!  
In Candy Bombers the reader is introduced to Erich and Katarina living in the city of Berlin after the Soviets blockade the east side of the city.
Then in Beetle Bunker, the reader meets Sabine who discovers an underground bunker.
And then in, Smuggler's Treasure the reader meets Liesl who lives in West Germany during the Cold War.
Sorry my book descriptions are short but I hope they are teasers for you (no spoilers) so that you will read this wonderful trilogy!
Yes, these books must be read in order because there are overlaps in each book from the previous.  And what a better way to read them in order than to have a 3-n-1 book!  
I love this trilogy!

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz; Revised edition 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031074265X
• ISBN-13: 978-0310742654