The Bachelor Spy: A Freddie and Grace Mystery Volume 5 by Pepper Basham

 Book Description:  Stephen Blake's life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1914 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?

My Thoughts:  The Bachelor Spy is one story that will not disappoint.  I love books authored by Pepper Basham.  She has a way with words that just captures the reader's imagination from page one.

Stephen Blake is a protector, a spy of sorts. A good man during a horrible time in history.

Then there's Lady Grace.  Rules weren't made for Lady Grace. Lady Grace makes the rules!

There is so much in this story.  So many factions.  So much going on that the reader is never bored.  In fact, before reading carve out time to read because you won't want to put this story down.

I love reading about wars especially WWI and WWII. This book takes place at the beginning of WWI in England.

Stephen Blake is one of those heroes whose cape seems invisible.  He goes around protecting people without their knowing it.  Then he meets Lady Grace and the action begins.  Lady Grace (aka Gracie) and Stephen make a wonderful couple.  

I love the names...Stephen Blake finds out that the Midnight Angel is passing information to the enemy.  He casually takes care of the mission.  Stephen is cool as a cucumber.  

But then he and Gracie make a couple of booboos and then there's a race against time.  Will Stephen and Gracie be able to clear all the trouble that's all around them?

Such a fantastic read!!  

So join me in reading The Bachelor Spy today:

*This book was provided for review by Barbour*

Fatal Code (The SNAP Agency Book #2) by Natalie Walters

 Book Description:  In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those five scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back. 

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.

As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. When Elinor learns he has been spying on her, she's crushed. But with danger closing in on all sides, she'll have to trust him to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands.

My Thoughts: This is such an interesting story!  First of all, it's unlike any story i've ever read and secondly I love the way the author makes the story flow.

The Los Alamos Five are asked no ordered to quit what they are working on.  It's fairly hush-hush assignment.  So, they disband.

But years later the granddaughter, Elinor Mitchell, finds information that makes her pause for thought.  

First of all, it places a target on her back and secondly it's from her grandfather.  

She feels that he left this information behind is a clue to more than meets the eye.  States secrets kind of stuff.

But then Kekoa Young is given the job of following Elinor to see what she info she has obtained.  Kekoa isn't sure about tattling on Elinor because he kind of likes her.

When Elinor finds out Kekoa has been spying on her she feels deflated.  But as life would have it someone makes no bones that they want the info she has obtained.

What a grand story!  I loved the action, the romance and the danger.

New books coming soon

 

Season of My Enemy (A book in the Heroines of WWII series) by Naomi Musch

 

Book Description:  Only last year, Fannie O'Brien was considered a beauty with a brain, and her future shone bright, despite the war pounding Europe. With her father's sudden death and her brothers overseas, Fannie must now do the work of three men on their 200-acre farm until eight German prisoners arrive and, just as Fannie feared, trouble comes too. Someone seems intent on causing accidents and Fannie is certain the culprit is one of the two handsome older Germans or possibly both. Can she manage the farm, keep the prisoners in line, and hold her family together through these turbulent times?

My Thoughts:  I absolutely love the cover of this book.  I try not to pick books by their covers but this one called out to me.

And the story!  I enjoy stories about WWII and this one was not the run of the mill WWII story.

Such an unique take on not just WWII but farm life.  

Fannie O'Brien is a gutsy lady living in perilous times.  But, yet, she lives liz to the fullness trying to keep up and do her duty.

When Captain Wolfgang Klonginger everyone is suspicious of him because he is German.  And things are mysteriously happening.  Accidents that could be avoided are going on.  Making ice difficult for a few people.

Fannie O'Brien decides to take matters into her own hands She is determined to get to the bottom of this mess.

As Fannie sets out to see what is going on, despite all the work that must done at her farm, she is surprised and, maybe, a bit shocked at what she finds out.

A fantastic read with just a pinch of love, a bushel of intrigue and a dash of everyday farm life.

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Rock Harbor Search & Rescue by Colleen Coble

  

Book Description:  In Rock Harbor Search and Rescue, a middle grade fiction novel based on Colleen Coble’s bestselling Rock Harbor series for adults, kids will enjoy the mixture of pets, adventure, suspense, and a mystery. 

Emily O’Reilly is obsessed with all things Search and Rescue. She volunteers with the team and goes on rescue missions with her stepmom. She is even selling homemade jewelry to save up for her own Search and Rescue puppy. But when an expensive necklace is stolen from a renowned jewelry artist at Rock Harbor’s fall festival and Emily is accused of the crime, it looks like she’ll never get her puppy and be able to join the Rock Harbor Search and Rescue team. 

Emily isn’t willing to give up on her Search and Rescue dreams that easily, and she sets out to find the real culprit and to restore her reputation. With a few suspects in mind, Emily is determined to uncover the truth, but she isn’t prepared for the secrets she and the Search and Rescue dogs sniff out in the process. This exciting mystery is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats and have them pining after a Search and Rescue puppy of their own!

My Thoughts:  I always enjoy a story written by Colleen Coble.  So, when I had the opportunity to read her new book with co-author Robin Caroll I knew it would be fantastic!

This is a youth read and I had to keep this in mind as I read about Emily, her dad, stepmom and siblings.  Emily's dad is very concerned about Emily being responsible for the jobs she takes on.  

As the story beings . . . Emily and her stepmom, Naomi,  are on a search & rescue mission when Emily is told that she can have her own search & rescue puppy if she can pay half the money ($150).  Emily then comes up with the idea to sell her homemade jewelry at the next community wide sale.  This is where the mystery "happens."

Of course, as an adult I was slightly put out with Emily's dad . . . didn't he trust her?  But then I remembered that the authors are trying to make a point with young readers that parents are there to guide and help their children.

I loved learning about search & rescue dogs and their owners with a mystery thrown in!  I kind.of knew who was behind the theft but I think younger readers will be kept guessing.  I, also, liked the idea that Emily had to pay half for the expensive dog.  A great lesson in not living the "entitled life."

This is a great read for ages 8-11 (but adults and older teens may love it too!  I did!).

• Age Range: 8 - 11 years
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400321069
• ISBN-13: 978-1400321063

The Simplified KJV [Wildflower Medley] Hardcover

 

 My Thoughts:  WOW!  This Bible is super!  I really have no words to describe how beautiful it is.  

It's a nice size too so the pages are big enough that there is room to write or draw in the margins.  It will make a nice journaling Bible. It's hard back so the pages don't get messed up. But best of all Barbour has simplified the King James and Barbour's Simplified KJV builds off the familiarity and trustworthiness of the King James Bible while removing the difficulties of antiquated language and punctuation. 

Keeping all the original translation work of the 1611 Bible, the Simplified KJV carefully updates old styles that may interfere with your understanding today: 

• outdated verb styles are refreshed--for example, art becomes are; gavest becomes gave
• old forms of address--like thee, thou, and ye--are updated
• confusing older terms--such as wroth or divers--are modernized
• pronouns for God--He, His, Him, You, Yours, Me, My--are capitalized for clarity
• quotation marks are included with spoken language
• long sentences are shortened with modern punctuation
• paragraphs are added throughout

I love  this Bible!  It's truly in a class by itself.

*This Bible was provided for review by Barbour*

It's available at Amazon

Fun Friday!

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

The Return to the Big Valley by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, Richelle Brunstetter

 

 Book Description:  Journey back to an area of Pennsylvania that is home to three distinct Amish communities and meet three young women who face heartfelt disappointments in romance.

My Thoughts:  Three short stories in one book all penned by the Brunstetter women.

Wilma’s Wish by Wanda E. Brunstetter:  The wise old heart and five young children.  Such a humorous story full of laughter and children.  Five boys!  What can five boys do to help love along?  Such a great story.

Martha’s Miracle by Jean Brunstetter:  Martha is not your average Amish young woman.  She loves to fish and hunt not cook, sew and bake.  Can a man understand Martha's feelings for nature?  Then she meets Glen.  Glen is great and a fireman to boot but Glen wants to leave the Amish faith.  Is this romance headed for disaster or can Martha see how Glen feels.  An interesting take on the Amish life.

Alma’s Acceptance by Richelle Brunstetter:  This was the saddest of all the stories to me.  I felt deeply for Alma as a widow and needing acceptance.  Sometimes people no matter the religion can be so cruel in their disdain for what they don't know or see.  Elias Krutz doesn't see their romance as a problems and then Alma receives some news that changes her thoughts.  A lovely if somewhat sad story.  But remember sad doesn't mean bad just emotional.

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing*

• Publisher : Barbour Fiction 
• Language : English
• Paperback : 448 pages
• ISBN-10 : 1643528718
• ISBN-13 : 978-1643528717

The Inn at Ocean's Edge (Shadow Bay) by Colleen Coble

 

Book Description:  Claire’s visit to a luxury hotel in Maine awakens repressed memories, threatening all she holds dear.

In 1989, Claire Dellamare disappeared from her own fourth birthday party at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine. She showed up a year later at the same hotel, with a note pinned to her dress but no explanation. Nobody knows where Claire spent that year—and until now, Claire didn’t even know she had ever been missing.

But when Claire returns to the Hotel Tourmaline for a business meeting with her CEO father, disturbing memories begin to surface . . . despite her parents’ best efforts to keep them forgotten.

Luke Rocco lost his mother under equally mysterious circumstances—at the same time Claire disappeared. After a chance encounter reveals the unlikely link between them, Claire and Luke set out together to uncover the truth about what happened that fateful year.

With flashbacks swimming just beneath her consciousness and a murderer threatening her safety, Claire’s very life depends on unscrambling her past . . . even if her family refuses to acknowledge it. Someone—maybe everyone—is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light.

My Thoughts:  I was drawn to the cover of this book.  I love the landscape and the picture goes so well with the title.  I can just "see" a mystery lurking at the doorstep of this read!  

And, lo and behold, there is a mystery! Quite a suspenseful mystery, too!

This is an interesting story that leaves the reader on pins and needles. 

It seems that when Claire goes to the luxury motel, Hotel Tourmaline , she has repressed memories.  And these memories keep the local sheriff wondering what in.the.world.is.going.on!

Claire also witnesses an employee of the hotel being murdered. But when she awakens there is no body! Absolutely nothing!

And 25 years ago Luke's mother went missing.  It seems that Claire and Luke's mother are somehow "bound" together in this haunting mystery.

Secrets, Secrets abound everywhere!  But with Luke's help maybe Claire will be able to unravel this quite disturbing "memory."

Colleen Coble has outdone herself in this fantastic read! 

If you enjoy romantic suspense then this is the book for you!

This is also the first book in the Shadow Bay series.  

• Series: Shadow Bay (Book 1)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401690262
• ISBN-13: 978-1401690267

Fun Friday!

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

S'mores Charcuterie Board....just use the things you enjoy for s'mores.

Sunburst (Sky King Ranch, book 2) by Susan May Warren

 

 Book Description:  When former Navy SEAL and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt, who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he knows and could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others. 

And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away from their captors, he'll need Noemi's help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.

Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding--binding Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, she's discovered the real reason she was kidnapped, and anyone around her is bound to be caught in the cross fire. Including her so-called new husband.

She'll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.

My Thoughts:  Want an adventure this summer without spending gas money>  Well here it is!  An adventure in Nigeria with Ranger Kingston and Noemi Sutton.

This electrifying story begins with a bang and never really ends until well...you gotta read the story.

First, Navy SEAL Ranger Kingston is on a mission to save his brother, Colt, in Nigeria who is being held hostage with a woman he could never forget, Noemi.

Getting the hostages free was easy compared to getting out of Nigeria.  But Noemi has a plan.

And what a plan!  She and Ranger should pose as husband and wife.

This requires so much more than a simple plan.  This is life or death.

This story is so much more than fiction.  There is much to learn about Nigeria and it's people plus the food.

Such a great read!  But I did read book 1 in the Sky King Ranch first.  Reading Sunrise first isn't requirement but will help with so many of the aspects of what is transpiring in the story.

A Table by the Window {Two Blue Doors Series} by Hilary Manton Lodge

 

Book Description:  Heirloom recipes, family secrets…and a chance for love 

The youngest heir to a French-Italian restaurant dynasty, food writer Juliette D’Alisa has spent her life negotiating her skill with words and her restaurant aspirations. When her brother Nico offers her a chance to open a restaurant together, she feels torn—does she really have what it takes? Should she risk leaving her journalism career?

After the death of her grandmother, Juliette discovers an antique photograph of a man who looks strikingly like her brother. As the truth behind the picture reveals romance and dark secrets, Juliette struggles to keep the mystery away from her nosy family until she can uncover the whole story. 

Inspired by her grandmother’s evolving story, Juliette resolves to explore the world of online dating. To her surprise, she finds a kindred spirit in Neil McLaren, a handsome immunologist based in Memphis, Tennessee. With a long-distance relationship simmering, Juliette faces life-shifting decisions. How can she possibly choose between a promising culinary life and Neil, a man a world away in more ways than one? And is it possible her Grandmother’s story can help show the way?

My Thoughts: I love books that Hilary M. Lodge writes.  I've read Plain Jayne and Simply Sara {her Amish books}.  I've waited for a long time for Ms. Lodge to write a new book.  

Ms. Lodge has an easy way with words that take a reader into another time and another place makes for one excellent story.

A Table By the Window isn't just an ordinary read but a special something read about a noisy, nosey family and a photograph from a different place and a different time.  What could this antique photo mean?  Secrets and mystery!

I love the cover with a girl by a window! I'm wondering if the window has some significance, like seeing into another life or living in a world of sunshine?  Or maybe, just loving life!

And then there's the romance. A great guy who is funny and charming but whom Juliette has met online.   Ah! Poor Juliette can't keep a secret like her long ago grand mere.  Somethings, I guess, just aren't hereditary.  He comes to Portland to meet her family...secret out!  

But the pastries...ahh! the pastries!  Makes the reader wish for her own pastry chef!  Great recipes abound in this read!

I loved this absolutely delightful read!  And, yes, waiting for the next book! 

• Series: Two Blue Doors
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307731758
• ISBN-13: 978-0307731753

Fun Friday!

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

 Ingredients

6 mozzarella cheese slices

1 1/2 cups cooked chicken that has been shredded or grilled 1/4 cup cooked bacon (2-3 slices cooked)

a single tablespoon of low-carb ranch dressing

1 teaspoon finely sliced green onion

Instructions

Chicken, bacon, ranch, and green onions should all be combined and left aside.

Set your oven’s temperature to 350. Use a silicone baking mat to line a sizable baking sheet.

On the silicone baking sheet, arrange the slices of mozzarella. Cook for 5-7 minutes.

Remove from the oven when the cheese is bubbling and the edges are browned (see the video if you need some help).

Give them approximately a minute to cool so they are still extremely malleable but cool enough for you to handle.

On one piece, spread the chicken bacon ranch mixture down the edge. Tightly roll the slices up, seam side down.

The Girl From Tomorrow's Town (Enduring Hope) by Naomi Musch

 Book Description:  Lily Mae Dodge flees Wyoming by night to find her mother, who sent her west on an orphan train ten years ago. After she's arrested in Chicago, help comes from a man with a rare vision impairment whom she only just met on a train. Francis Basnett is a roustabout for the famous Hagenbeck-Wallace circus, where he helps Lily gain employment. Their friendship grows into more, and it seems Lily is closer than ever to finding her mother. . .until the night a rogue troop train slams into the stalled circus train, killing dozens and splintering hope.

My Thoughts:  This is a new to me author.  Naomi Musch tells a story of a lone girl in search of her birth mother with great compassion and detail.

Just when the reader decides all is lost and poor Lily Mae won't get back on track (yes, pun intended) Lily Mae meets Francis Basnett from the famous Hagnenbeck-Wallace circus.  Then when Lily thinks her life goals maybe coming to fruitation the train accident that takes place in the story is quite interesting.  Things I'd never thought or imagined  peak the reader's interest and curiosity.

The catastrophe from the fiery train accident makes Lily's life seem a shattered demise.  It seems all is lost because Francis is missing and dozens of people are dead and hundreds injured.  Oh my!  What a mess it seems that Lily is in,

This is where Lily Mae decides her only hope is in God and His provision for her life.  A great life lesson that Ms. Munsch brings out in the story.

Naomi Munsch does an excellent job of story telling about days gone by and God's love and provision.

A rather surprise ending, too.

*This book was provided for review by Barbour*

Letters to Katie {A Middlefield Family Novel} by Kathleen Fuller

Book Description:  Everything changed between them the first time he called her Katie.

Katherine Yoder has loved Johnny Mullet since the two were children, but he’s never returned her affections.

Now Johnny is trying to forge a new life for himself by purchasing a farm and building a business of his own. But times are tough, and he soon learns that he can’t take anything for granted—especially Katherine.

Before Johnny has the opportunity to tell Katherine his true feelings, she’s struck by a serious illness. While Katherine struggles to recall recent memories of Johnny, a surprise visitor comes back into her life, claiming that his letters speak of a history and a future for the two of them.

With the two men vying for her attention and her memory still elusive, Katherine has never felt so torn. But will the solutions to both Johnny’s and Katherine’s problems lie in places neither one has ever considered?

My Thoughts:  This is the third book in the Middlefield Family reads.  Unfortunately, I didn't read the previous two books but I can't see that this affected the content of this story.  However, I think if the reader read these books in order the "sense" of who's who and family would be more clear.

This read was great!  I love  Kathleen Fuller's writing!  The mystery of the letters and the love that is forgotten and the new love make for a grand what is happening?!

Katie's loss of memory and her subsequent illness and memory loss takes the reader into an elusive part of because Katie loved Johnny but never felt the love was returned....then comes a young man from her past who claims that HIS letters spoke of love for Katie and he wants a future with Katie.

Katie is frustrated but the mystery.of.it.all takes on a "story" all its own.

If you love Amish fiction then you'll love this wonderful gut read!

Hostage In Havana by Noel Hynd

 

Book Description:  When Alexandra LaDuca illegally enters Cuba on the trail of an unsolved mystery, she gets more than she imagined. The stakes? Her life … plus a decades-old mystery to be solved, a pile of cash, and an unlikely defector. Espionage and unexpected romance smolder together in this exciting thriller set in Cuba’s isolated capital.

My Review:  Noel Hynd brings another great read in Hostage In Havana the first book in the Cuban Trilogy!  

Fiesty U.S. Treasury agent, Alexander LaDuca (Alex for short) has found out that "The Dosi family is planning a counterattack....They've been hired to kill you." (p. 72) In the next few pages the action, the adventure and the romance are all spell bounding!

Alex has two missions that she must accomplish:  First, she must meet up

with Roland Violette, an exiled agent, who has traded names of undercover spies around the world for money, and bring him back to the United States. Secondly, she'll pose as Paul Guarneri's wife so that he can relocate hundreds of thousands of dollars that were hidden somewhere in Cuba by his father before the family escaped  "The Regime."

Then there's that assassin who uses the "a new bullet that was a head of the glass technology used by Mercedes Benz . . . Quite an efficient bit of shooting from a about four hundred meters at a fast-movingcar." (p. 73)

This read is a wonderful mix of smooth talking agents and rough cohorts that creates quite a spicy adventure!

If you've read the Russian Trilogy then you'll be familiar with Alex and the people she met that helped her with her spiritual journey.  If you haven't read the Russian Trilogy you won't be lost when you read this book.

This is one of those GREAT suspense novels that is a must read for summer!

The Russian Trilogy:

BUY BOOK HERE!

About the Author:

Noel Hynd lives in Culver City, California. He has over four million books in print throughout the world and is the bestselling author of the highly acclaimed novels The Enemy Within, Flowers from Berlin, and Cemetery of Angels, and the previous titles in the Russian Trilogy, Conspiracy in Kiev, Midnight in Madrid, and Countdown in Cairo.

Write to Zondervan authors or their estates in care of Zondervan. Your mail will be forwarded as soon as possible, but please note that the author might not be able to respond personally. Email zauthor@zondervan.com or send postal mail to:

Noel Hynd

c/o Zondervan

ATTN: Author Care

5300 Patterson SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49530