Review & Giveaway! Dark Hearted by D.I. Telbat

Dark Hearted by D.I. Telbat

COIL Series: Book Two

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Dark Hearted, Book Two of the COIL Series by D.I. Telbat, continues with the suspense that began in book one, Dark Liaison, A Christian Suspense Novel.

The Commission of International Laborers' mission is interrupted, and they are once again targeted by a dark enemy bent on hatred and racism. COIL founder, Corban Dowler, has developed commando-style teams, using non-lethal weapons, to extract threatened servants of the Lord from danger zones worldwide. Corban now musters all of his resources to search for his abducted operatives, and hopes to stop the evil intentions of the one they know as Abaddon.

A biochemical weapon is about to change the world, and COIL may be the catalyst—unless their brazen courage and boldness in Christ can change the tide. Where death seems indestructible, Corban Dowler's operatives carry God's love and determination into the midst of the darkness.

Encrypted data finds its way to Corban from Karol Ngolsk in Romania, offering a glimmer of hope. Corban then leads the COIL team through a maze of intrigue and surprises, abductions and persecution, joy and sorrow, love and death—from the grim forests of Europe, to the blistering desert of Africa. Though killing is not COIL's way, the dark hearted one has no such qualms…

Dark Hearted by D.I. Telbat, cover art by Sean Johnson, a 75,000-word Christian fiction, action-suspense novel, continues the adventure as COIL carries on with the Lord's work to protect and rescue His people. And we learn again that…there is no redemption without sacrifice.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Dark Hearted was a great suspenseful read! After reading Dark Liaison last year, I was looking forward to the next installment in the COIL series, and Dark Hearted did not disappoint!

The story had a lot of action-packed moments and held my attention. I found the characters great and, while there were some sad moments, it did make the book more believable.

Overall, I really enjoyed Dark Hearted and look forward to reading the next COIL novel, Dark Rule. If you like good, clean, suspenseful reads, then I recommend Dark Hearted - although you might want to read book one first. :)

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thank you!

About the author:

D.I. Telbat desires to honor the Lord with his life and his writing. His published short stories can be read in several print and online publications, and anthologies, and he has won several writing awards. His first Bestseller book in the COIL Series, Dark Liaison, A Christian Suspense Novel, and Book Two, Dark Hearted, are available from most retailers. Dark Rule, Book Three, will be out this winter. Jaguar Dusk is a newly released COIL Connection Novel, unrelated to the series. EBook COIL Extractions is a FREE collection of short stories, also available from most retailers. On Telbat's Tablet at http://ditelbat.com, David Telbat offers his FREE weekly Christian adventure short stories, or serialized novels, author reflections, and occasional challenges to the Christian church. God's Colonel, D.I. Telbat's newest serialized novel, began onsite in September, posting a chapter a week. You can access the chapters from one page at http://ditelbat.com/gods-colonel/. Join us for the adventure!

Contest on Telbat's site:

D.I. Telbat is having a CONTEST from Dec 17-31 to give away TWO of his newest COIL Book #3, DARK RULE (out early 2013)! But that's not all! When you join the adventure, you just might be IN an adventure! Go to http://ditelbat.com/contest/ for complete details!

Giveaway!

You can enter to win an eBook copy of BOTH COIL books right here. Winner will receive Smashwords coupons for the eBooks. Giveaway is open Internationally. Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

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Review: Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock

Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock

Zondervan / 2011

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Carny Sullivan grew up in the zany world of a traveling carnival. Quaint and peaceful Serenity, Texas, has given her a home, a life, and a child. Logan Brisco is the smoothest, slickest, handsomest man Serenity, Texas has ever seen. But Carny Sullivan knows a con artist when she sees one---and she's seen plenty, starting with her father. As far as Carny Sullivan can tell, she's the only one in town who has his number. Because from his Italian shoes to his movie-actor smile, Logan has the rest of the town snowed. Carny is determined to reveal Brisco's selfish intentions before his promise to the townspeople for a cut in a giant amusement park sucks Serenity dry. Yet, as much as she hates his winning ways, there is a man behind that suave smile, a man who may win her heart against her will. Shadow in Serenity is a modern-day Music Man, penned by a Christy Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Shadow in Serenity was way better than I expected! I really liked how the story dealt with con artists and scamming people - very unique from most books I've read.

I loved how Carny instantly saw through Logan and realized he was a con man. I also loved how redemption and forgiveness were major parts of Shadow in Serenity.

Overall, Shadow in Serenity was a great read that I enjoyed very much! Unlike most Terri Blackstock novels I've read, there wasn't much (if any) suspense, but I didn't even miss it! If you enjoy stories like this, then I think you'd like Shadow in Serenity. Recommend! :)

*I received an eBook copy of this book via Netgalley for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks!

Review & Giveaway! The Rake's Redemption by Regina Scott

The Rake's Redemption by Regina Scott

Love Inspired Historical / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

Even infamous duelist and poet Vaughn Everard has qualms about dragging an innocent lady into his quest for revenge. But Imogene Devary is the daughter of the man suspected of murdering Vaughn's uncle. Surely that makes her fair game in order to uncover the truth!

Can the man who writes such moving verse be beyond redemption? Imogene can't believe so. In taming Vaughn's heart and healing the rift between their families, she's sure she's found her calling. Then his mission to unmask a killer reveals a terrifying plot. Only together can they safeguard his legacy, their newfound love…and England's very future.

My rating:

My review:

I've really enjoyed "The Everard Legacy" series and, I have to say, I think The Rake's Redemption is my favorite in the series so far (I don't know whether or not there will be another book, but I'm hoping there will be one about Samantha).

One of the reasons why I probably enjoyed The Rake's Redemption so much is because Vaughn had really intrigued me in the past two books and I loved his character even more in this one. I was surprised by how much I liked Imogene Devary - she quickly became another favorite character of mine.

The story was really good and I had a hard time trying to figure out who was right about Imogene's father's guilt - Imogene or Vaughn.

I personally would have liked it if there would have been an epilogue or something (to show us how things are later on) and to have been told more about Samantha's season, but it was still great the way it was.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Rake's Redemption and recommend it if you enjoyed historical romances - it is a great one. I don't think you need to have read the first two books to enjoy The Rake's Redemption, but those books were also really good, so you might want to. :)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thank you!

Giveaway!




Enter to win a copy of The Rake's Redemption (it got slightly damaged in the mail). Giveaway is only open to residents of the US.

Enter via the Rafflecopter below. The mandatory entry is to leave a comment on this blog post, after you do that, the optional entries will become available. :)

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Review: With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

Series: Wings of the Nightingale - Book One

Revell / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

They know everything about each other--except their real names.

 Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she’s never met–even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence–he’s been trying to escape his infamous name for years.

As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other’s true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?

Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing–and true love.

About the author:

Sarah Sundin received the 2011 Writer of the Year Award from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and her second novel A Memory Between Us is a finalist for an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. Her stories are inspired by her great-uncle who flew with the U.S. Eighth Air Force in England during World War II. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. www.sarahsundin.com 

Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.

My rating:

My thoughts:

I haven't read any of Sarah Sundin's previous novels, but I've heard great things about them, and I was looking forward to reading her new release, With Every Letter.

The concept to the story was intriguing to me (two people writing anonymous letters to each other) and, I have to say, I loved the "letters" in With Every Letter.

The characters were wonderful! My favorites being Tom, Mellie, and Clint. Mellie's character was very shy and I could relate to that because I am typically shy and (like her) I hope to overcome that. :) I felt kind of bad for Tom and all he had to deal with from a child on (not going into specifics). And Clint, well, I just loved how he acted when he met Rose....he made me laugh.

I loved the story and would have given With Every Letter 5 stars, but, at times, I found it hard to follow because of some of the words used (regarding the military aspect)...this may have only been a problem with me, though.

I also loved how mercy was a big part of With Every Letter. Mellie was a great example of not only showing mercy to your friends, but also to your enemies.

Overall, I loved With Every Letter and recommend it if you enjoy historical romances set around WWII. It was great and I look forward to reading book two in the Wings of Nightingale series.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks so much! :)

~

Litfuse Contest!

Celebrate with Sarah by entering to win a eReader (winner's choice of Kindle Fire or Nook Color)!

See what folks are saying about With Every Letter!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire or Nook Color (winner’s choice)
• Handmade With Every Letter First Aid Kit
• With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on September 26th. Winner will be announced at the “With Every Letter” Author Chat Facebook Party on 9/27. Connect with Sarah, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of With Every Letter and join Sarah on the evening of the September 27th for a chance to connect with Sarah and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

Review & Giveaway: Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie

Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie

Love Inspired Historical / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

No one would ever imagine a fresh-faced young woman could be robbing stage bandits of their ill-gotten fortunes. But Jennie Jones is desperate to save her family's ranch from foreclosure. And the risks seem worth it, until her upright new ranch hand offers a glimpse of how much is really at stake.

Former bounty hunter Caleb Johnson is ready for a new, clean start. With a woman like Jennie, he could build a future there in Utah territory. But only if his gentle faith can guide her in a choice between the land she's fought so hard to save and a future by his side.

My rating:

My review:

Lady Outlaw is Stacy Henrie's debut novel and a book that I found to be a great read! I really liked the characters (especially Caleb) and it was great to see how some of the characters changed/grew.

I found the plot to Lady Outlaw very interesting - how a lady steals from thieves the money they had just stolen, all in order to try and save her ranch.

A great theme I saw throughout Lady Outlaw was how people are more important than things. I also really liked how at the end of this book it showed how things are weeks later (kinda like an epilogue, but not).

Lady Outlaw was very well written, held my attention, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! I recommend it if you enjoy historical romances. I'm looking forward to future books by Stacy Henrie.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thank you!

Giveaway!

Enter to win a copy of Lady Outlaw! Giveaway open to the US and Canada!

Enter via the Rafflecopter below. The mandatory entry is to leave a comment on this blog post, after you do that, the optional entries will become available. :)

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Review: Resurrection by Jennifer Hartz

 

Resurrection by Jennifer Hartz
Future Savior series: Book Two
Desert Breeze Publishing / 2011

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads, Christianbook

About the book:

Time matters very little when you're dead. I discovered this intriguing fact after being tortured and stabbed to a tree in the strange land of Meric, a place where I discovered my unbelievable powers and experienced an adventure far more amazing than I could have ever imagined. 

Now that I'm dead, I find myself stuck in my past, 1991 to be exact… or am I actually dead? Perhaps my adventure to Meric had just been a dream. My unbelievable destiny, all of the friends I made, and even Shaw, the man I fell in love with… just a dream?

My rating:

My thoughts:

I struggled with what to rate Resurrection - whether to give it 4, 4.5, or 5 stars - because I really enjoyed the whole book and, at times, loved the story. In the end I decided to go with 4.5 stars.

It was very interesting to see where Christina and Shaw's story went after that cliffhanger ending in the first book, Conception. Right away, I was drawn back into the story and the land of Meric. At one point in the story, I was like "No! This can't be happening" because something had happened that I did not like and I was hoping that it wasn't true (I won't say anything more about that because it will spoil it for other readers). :)

There were some passionate scenes in Resurrection (mostly just kissing) that, at times, I found to be a little much for me. I didn't like how some characters said "Oh G**" and other similar things - that is something I personally don't like in books.

Other than that, though, this was a great fantasy book that leaves me anticipating book three in this series, Evacuation, very much! I can hardly wait to find out what happens next! I recommend this book for mature readers that enjoy fantasy books.

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks! :)

Review: Future Savior Book One: Conception by Jennifer Hartz

Conception by Jennifer Hartz

Series: Future Savior: Book One

Desert Breeze Publishing / 2010

Amazon / Goodreads

About the book:

"I do not think it is a question of where, but when." were the words that Charis left my mother with thirty years ago when I disappeared from Meric . . . before I was born.

Shortly after being sent back I've been attacked by man-eating Vaipes. I've learned that my father was a power wielding Guardian. I've discovered that the silvery-blue eyes intriguing me my entire life belong to my Watcher, Shaw who is without a doubt the most handsome man I have ever seen. And somehow I need to stop a war mongering tyrant who can manipulate people's thoughts.

So my question isn't where or when. It is how? How can I help the people of Meric when I can't stop myself from falling in love?

My rating:

My thoughts:

Christina Vaughn's 30th birthday starts out normal enough (with her teaching the students in her class), but soon she finds herself somewhere bizarre - the Land of Meric.

With giants, unicorns, elves, and more, Meric is anything but ordinary and Christina is about to start a very interesting journey.

"Conception" was a great fantasy/speculative fiction novel! I enjoyed reading it almost right away and it definitely held my attention throughout.

The characters were great and I especially liked Shaw, Matthias (he was very funny) and Jonus (I wasn't sure what to think about him at first, but ended up really liking his character).

There were a few things I didn't like - mostly just words used (i.e. savior, messiah, etc.) and when "my G**" was said a couple of times - it didn't seem like the characters were talking to or about God, but just saying His Name.

That said, the story was great to read and I found it very interesting/enjoyable. If you enjoy reading fantasy/speculative fiction novels (with some romance), then I think you will enjoy "Conception". The ending leaves me really wanting to read  "Resurrection" (book two in the "Future Savior" series).

*I won a Kindle copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a review, but I was asked if I would. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*