Book Recommendation - Living Lies

I was recently invited to help launch a debut novel by author Natalie Walters. Since mystery and suspense is my genre of choice, I jumped at the chance to read this one in advance. I mean, just look at that cover! I was absolutely floored that this was a debut novel. It was so well written and had a great deal of depth in the story-line, the characters and emotions. In addition to the mystery/suspense element, there was also a sweet romance.Normally, I don't like the romance aspect of romantic suspense, but I thoroughly enjoyed Lane and Charlie's story. There was also a strong faith thread throughout that was not at all preachy, but got to the heart of the matter.

One of the things that struck me was the raw reality of the mental health aspect. The heroine struggles with depression and there's another character with PTSD. Their feelings and thoughts were definitely true to life.

Here's the back cover blurb in case you need more to entice you:

In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.

Being part of the author's launch team meant that I had access to ask a few questions of my own.

1. Do you relate particularly well to any one of the characters in this book? Why or why not?

I feel like there’s a little bit of me in all of the characters so it’s hard to pick one that I relate to most but if I had to pick my favorite (Charlie and Lane not included) it might be a toss-up between Bane and Ducky! But there are little nods in a few of the characters to my grandparents. Ms. Byrdie is named after my grandmother and Pops loosely resembles my paternal grandfather.

2. Where did the idea for the story-line come from?

The story line for Living Lies actually blossomed from one of those murder mystery shows like Dateline or 20/20. There was a murder case that struck as me as so cold my heart immediately wanted to find justice for the victim. I used that emotion as the catalyst to help me plot a murder, an antagonist, and a motive.

3. This book had a very realistic element of mental health. As a person with a hormonal imbalance who has entertained suicidal thoughts during various changes (and someone who sat beside a friend as she threw the pills she was going to take to end her life down the toilet), I totally related to Lane's thinking. It felt personal, especially since you also included a character with severe PTSD. How did you become so intimately acquainted with depression?

Lane’s story started during a time of support for my daughter who was suffering depression and anxiety. Watching her struggle was difficult. I didn’t realize how severe the stigma was surrounding the disease and it broke my heart to learn how many suffer in silence because of that. Writing this story was a way I could open up a conversation in a way that I hope comes across as genuine and authentic.

4. As you were writing, did anything in the story end up surprising you?

Lane’s sister, Meagan. I feel like she epitomizes the façade of perfection…well, perfectly. I didn’t know until I began writing how her story was going to connect with Lane’s but I loved the way that it did.

5. What are you most hoping that readers glean from this book?

I hope more than anything readers will learn a little more about the stigma behind mental health and that conversations will happen. If there are readers who are suffering from mental health I hope they know they are loved and supported.

6. Any other fun facts you'd like to share?

One of my least favorite things to do is name characters and recently it was pointed out that one of the characters (I won’t say due to spoilers) is named very fittingly. It was a happy coincidence, I guess. I’d love for readers to let me know if they catch it!

The town matriarch is named after my grandma, Byrdie Sue. There’s a lot about Ms. Byrdie’s character that remind me of my grandma and I think if my grandma were here she would be pleased to have such a kind, generous character named after her. *There are also several other nods to my grandparents throughout #LivingLies 💕⁣⁣
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There’s a scene in Living Lies that I had to be sure could actually happen making me approach a random police officer outside of Kroger’s to get his opinion…this led to a lengthy and helpful conversation that I’m 98.9% sure was really just the police officer’s way of assessing MY potential threat level. 🤣⁣
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Cinnamon rolls play a major part in this story and appear in #DeadlyDeceit and #SilentShadows and for the life of me I have no idea how that particular pastry became Lane’s specialty…I must’ve eat one or something when I started writing?? Who knows??

7.Since my copy indicates that this is "Harbored Secrets Book one", I'm assuming there is more to come! Will we see more of Lane and Charlie? Tell me a little about what is next and when we can expect it!

You will see more of Lane and Charlie! Yay! But they will be playing secondary roles as Deputy Ryan Frost and the tenacious reporter, Vivian DeMarco are the leads in Deadly Deceit, book 2 of the Harbored Secrets series. Vivian, unfortunately finds herself back in Walton, and at the center of an investigation into the sudden and unexpected death of her boss. Ryan’s career is set…as long as he keeps a certain reporter from interfering in a case that brings the town of Walton back into the headlines. Deadly Deceit releases November 2019.

I, for one, am looking forward to what comes next! November can't get here soon enough!

Some additional links for more information:

Natalie's website: https://www.nataliewalterswriter.com/ (or check for her on Facebook under Natalie Walters, Writer) - you won't be sorry - she's hilarious!

Living Lies Pintrest page (for all you visual people):  https://www.pinterest.com/nakeliwalters/living-lies-harbored-secrets-series-book-1/?sender=74520706242580147&invite_code=a0f14231475b4c99b21c05ea0ea7f863

My full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2566828371?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

Book Recommendation - The Number of Love

Roseanna M. White is well known for her historical fiction that includes adventure, mystery and romance. This one is no different from that. One of the things I love best about historical fiction are the tidbits I learn about history that I never knew before. This book examines the work of the cryptographers in London's infamous Room 40. Margot, the main character, is an exceptionally gifted mathematician and one of the city's top cryptographers, which was highly unusual for a woman. The main male character, Drake, is an intelligence asset who reports to the same command as Margot.

I thoroughly enjoyed not only the story-line, but the character of Margot, who sees the world in mathematical equations and trusts in God because "He is the only one that she knows for a fact is smarter than she is". I loved how Drake responded to who she is in how he pursued her and I loved that God spoke to Margot in numbers. This book touched on the true measure of love as well as how personal God is in how He communicates in addition to telling a stellar story and bringing WWI history to life.

Here's the back cover blurb:

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.

Additional information:
Author's website: http://www.roseannamwhite.com/
My Full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2556651888

Book Recommendation - Sweet On You

Sweet On You is the last book in the Bradford Sisters series and follows the story of the youngest sister, Britt Bradford. While romance has never been my genre of choice, and I especially shy away from contemporary romance, Becky Wade has won me over with her witty characters, fun writing style and in-depth story lines that go beyond just the romance story. The romance portion is believable as well, and not at all eye-roll-worthy as many romance books are (to me, at least). While I didn't enjoy Britt's story as well as her other sisters, I think it's because Britt's severe independence reminded me of myself and I didn't like what I saw there. Characters that share a negative quality with you always turn you off just a little, but are often the mirror you need to see.

Here's the back cover blurb for anyone who is interested:

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknownst to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who’s spent the past eighteen months traveling the world. He’s achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him–Britt’s heart.

When Zander’s uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle’s tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?

Still unsure? Here's a link to read an excerpt:

https://www.scribd.com/document/401223171/Sweet-on-You

For more information about the author and her books, check out her webpage:

https://beckywade.com/home/

For my full review of Sweet On You: 

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2546963982

Book Recommendation - The Heart of a King

My most recent read in the biblical historical fiction genre, was "The Heart of a King", which chronicles the life of Solomon and four of the women he loved.

King Solomon was wealthy and wise beyond measure. He could--and did--have anything he wanted, including many women from many lands. But for all his wisdom, did he or the women in his life ever find what they searched for all of their lives?

In this engrossing novel, you'll find yourself whisked away to ancient Israel, where you'll meet Solomon and four of the women he loved: Naamah the desert princess, Abishag the shepherdess, Siti the daughter of a pharaoh, and Nicaula the queen of Sheba. As you experience the world of Solomon through his eyes and the eyes of these women, you'll ask yourself the ultimate question: Did Solomon's wisdom ultimately benefit him and those he loved . . . or did it betray them?

It was interesting to see the differences in the women, as well as to see things from Solomon's viewpoint. The book is fully in 3rd person, so there are no switched perspectives, so to speak, but it is 3rd person omniscient, so you see the thoughts and feelings of Solomon and the women he loved. 

This book releases April 30, 2019. 

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Daughters of the Promised Land, the Wives of the Patriarchs, and The Loves of King Solomon series. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.

When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable, “helpful” cat Tiger. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

Contact Jill through email (jill@jilleileensmith.com), 
her website (http://www.jilleileensmith.com), 
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith), or 
Twitter (https://twitter.com/JillEileenSmith).

For my full review of this one: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2783828719

Book Recommendation - The Edge of Mercy

Fans of heavily emotional story-lines, Heidi Chiavaroli is a name you should be on the lookout for! Her latest novel, The Edge of Mercy releases April 9, 2019. It's one I highly recommend!

This story was first born in the author's mind when a hiking trail for her son's Tiger Cub Scout troop ended at Abram's Rock. Legend had it that Abram was a poor native American who had left his tribe and came to live peacefully at this place, between the world of the Natives and the White men, taking shelter in the cave beside the rock. He was eventually found and captured, and was given the choice of death, or leaping from the top of the rock 3 times. He took the chance and though he survived the first 2 jumps, the 3rd jump killed him. While this tale is simply legend, a story was formed in Ms. Chiavaroli's mind. Here's a photo of Abram's Rock, for reference.

Though this is the author's third published book, it was the first one she penned. For that reason, fans of her other works may find this dual timeline a bit different, as it was her first attempt at such a feat. This book takes place solely in modern times, but Sarah Rodrigues (our heroine) has been tasked with transcribing a journal from a woman in 1865 named Elizabeth. Through Elizabeth's story, Sarah learns the unrelenting love of God and finds peace in her own tumultuous life. 

This story was a beautiful redemptive story about the love of God and forgiveness. It deals with some very difficult topics - broken marriage, fear of losing one's child, infidelity, and unforgiveness in families. These topics are handled with just the right amounts of emotion and grace. The faith element, while not overbearing or preachy, is definitely present, and the ending is oh-so satisfying. I would strongly recommend this book!

Here's a blurb:

Two women, three hundred years apart, must face the devastation of all they hold dear...

Suspecting her husband is having an affair, Sarah Rodrigues fights to appear unbroken while attempting to salvage her family. Though distracted by her own troubles, Sarah is summoned to an elderly friend’s deathbed for an unusual request—find a long-lost daughter and relay a centuries-old family story.

Determined not to fail her friend, Sarah pieces together the story of her neighbor’s ancestor, Elizabeth Baker, a young colonist forced into an unwanted betrothal but drawn to a man forbidden by society.

While Sarah’s family teeters on the edge of collapse, her world is further shaken by the interest of a caring doctor and a terrible accident that threatens a life more precious than her own.

Inspired by the unconditional love she uncovers in Elizabeth’s story, Sarah strives to forgive those who’ve wounded her soul. But when light shines on the dark secrets of her neighbor’s past and the full extent of her husband’s sins, will looking to a power greater than herself rekindle lost hope?

See my full review here:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2751201475

You can learn more about the author (and order the book) here:

https://www.heidichiavaroli.com/

Book Recommendation - Beauty in Flight Trilogy

If you know anything about me and my reading habits, you know that my genre of choice has always been suspense. A couple of years ago through a Booksweeps giveaway (I think), I discovered Indie romantic suspense author Robin Patchen. After reading several of her books and corresponding with her, I found myself a member of her street team, which is a job I absolutely love! It also meant that when this series came out, I got a first peek. Since the books build on each other and the first 2 end on a bit of a cliffhanger, I'm glad I didn't have to wait (even though the release dates were relatively close together regardless). The first book, Beauty in Flight released January 22, 2019. Beauty in Hiding (book 2) releases March 12, 2019 and Beauty in Battle (book 3) releases April 9, 2019. This is a series that builds on each book, so you really do need to read all of the books in order.

This series follows Harper Cloud. Through a series of mistakes, she found herself in jail. After release, she found employment prospects minimal. Living in Vegas, trying to keep one's nose clean and trying to get a respectable job with a prison history, she found herself struggling and had a constant feeling of being watched. When she's nearly attacked on her way home one night, she decides to take her boyfriend Derrick up on his offer to move her out east to be a caregiver for his grandfather. That brings some relief to her immediate situation, but brings a whole new set of problems. I absolutely adored Red (Derrick's grandfather) and felt great sympathy for Harper. Though she is beautiful, it has often been that beauty that has gotten her in trouble. Fans of the author's "Hidden Truth" series will be glad to know that Harper and Red do find their way to Nutfield, NH, and we run into some "old friends" from that series while there. (You don't need to read that series first to understand this one, but it's never a bad idea). Of course, Ms. Patchen's stories would not be complete without some romance and so there is a romance thread woven into the mix. Though that's typically my least favorite part of the romantic suspense genre, I felt like this one was done just right.

One of the benefits of being a member of an author's street team is access to the author for a Q&A. Here's how my interview went with Robin:

It’s great to be with you and your readers today, Erin. I appreciate you having me on your blog.

1. How did you come up with the story-line for this series?

I honestly don’t know. Most of my stories seem to come from the air. I wanted to write a story about a woman who’d been in prison and who was trying to put her life back together. I started with the image of a woman arriving in Nutfield with an old man who wasn’t related to her, and then I asked myself questions: Why was she there? From whom was she running? Where had she come from? I kept digging into those questions until I had a believable—if far too long—story.

2. Do you relate particularly well with any of the characters (major or minor) or are any characters based on someone you know personally?

I relate with the heroine. No, I’ve never been in prison, but I’ve endured my share of bad relationships with men, and I’ve made more than my share of stupid mistakes. Harper’s desire for acceptance and love has gotten her into relationships she should have avoided with men who didn't value her. I know how easily that can happen, how easily we can believe smooth lies when we want to. I loved writing about that aspect of her life.

The character of Red is loosely based on my father-in-law. Actually, the name, Harold (but known as Red) comes from Ray’s brother. The sense of humor, the quick comebacks—those are all Ray. Oh, and Ray, like Red, is a veteran of the Korean War.

3. Did anything happen to you personally while you were writing that ended up changing the trajectory of the story - or made its way into the story?

My son was in a car accident while I was writing Beauty in Hiding, and I was able to use some of the experiences we had with the hospital in the book. It didn’t really change the trajectory of the story, but it definitely affected it.

4. As you were writing, did anything in the story end up surprising you?

I was surprised by Vanessa. Some may remember her—she was the villain in Innocent Lies. I knew she’d end up being a character in this book. Eventually, she’ll get her own story. I was surprised by her competence in running the food bank and by the vivaciousness of her daughter. I am really looking forward to writing Vanessa’s story.

5. I enjoyed the faith element to this one. Is there any message you want to be sure your readers glean from this? 

The world will define you if you let it. Family, friends, enemies, and strangers will define you if you let them. But you are truly and forever defined by the God who created you. Harper identified as an ex-con, a loser, a person worthy of the way she’d been treated. When she saw herself through the eyes of her Creator, she recognized her own value, and that changed everything for her.

6. Any other fun facts you'd like to share?

Every time I write a Nutfield story, I am nostalgic for home. From the humid summers to the snow-covered winters, from the muddy springs to the colorful autumns, I miss New Hampshire.

7. I loved that we got to see some of our Nutfield friends again. Will we see Jack, Harper and Red again in future stories?

No doubt, we’ll see them again.

8. What is coming out next? Tell me a little bit about your next story and when we can expect to see it. 

The next story will release in July, God willing. It’s titled Legacy Rejected, and it’s the story of Ginny Lamont, Jack’s real estate agent, and a local land developer named Kade Powers. Ginny and Kade get caught up in a drama foisted on her by her parents. I’d tell you more, but I’m just figuring it out myself.

Thanks for hosting me today, Erin. I so appreciate how thoughtful and encouraging you’ve been to me and other Christian fiction authors in recent years.

I’d love to offer your readers a free book. Just pop by my website and subscribe to my blog, and you’ll be sent the first book in my Hidden Truth series, Convenient Lies. Here’s the link: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/iqxukkfnw4

I’d love to keep in touch. You can find me online here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobinPatchen/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/robin-patchen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5187882.Robin_Patchen

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Robin-Patchen/e/B00A289790/

More about the author: 

Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Robin to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.

If you enjoy romantic suspense like I do, you should definitely check out this trilogy! Link to buy on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MWC4GVS/

My reviews of all 3 books are here:
Beauty in Flight: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2635763997?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
Beauty in Hiding: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2719750876?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
Beauty in Battle: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2726666031?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

Book Recommendation - Of Fire and Lions

One of the genres I've recently truly come to love is Biblical Historical fiction. I love how an author can dig in their research into the details of culture and context and bring a story to life for me. As a side note, this does NOT replace scripture reading for me - by any means. But it enlivens it for me. When I next come across the passage covered in the book while I'm reading my Bible, new details stand out to me, and I can picture the scenes and the characters better - because it's been brought to life. One of my favorite books in this genre is Mesu Andrews' new release, Of Fire and Lions (which releases today!), which tells the story of Daniel. Daniel is a pretty short book in the Bible and those of us who have been in church since we were tikes have always known the story of Daniel and the Lions Den. But there was so much more to his story that led up to that time. And with the book being so short, I've always read the timeframe as being short. But he lived a lot of years in those short chapters.

Some things I've pulled from the author's blog posts leading up to today's release:

Things we know from scripture - Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were from the tribe of Judah. They were descended from royalty or nobility (served in the kings government). They were handsome, without physical defect. They were intelligent - quick to understand and well-informed. Old enough to be knowledgeable, but young enough to be pliable. They would reach the age of manhood (12-13) by the end of their training as they were to be qualified to serve in the king's palace. They were taken from Jerusalem to Babylon (before the siege) and were stripped of everything Hebrew, including their names (Daniel became Belteshazzar, Hananiah became Shadrach, Mishael became Meshach and Azariah became Abednego).  This was with the intent to make them Babylonian nobility instead. When Daniel and his friends arrived in Babylon, they resolved not to defile themselves and showed humility by asking permission to have a different diet than the others in their training class. The author speculates that this early test where Yahweh came through and after 10 days made the 4 of them look healthier and stronger than their counterparts gave them courage to keep serving Yahweh in a pagan land. In their experience, Yahweh lived in the temple in Jerusalem, residing atop the Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies in the temple. This proved to them that Yahweh was able to be with them, even if they could no longer go to the temple.

Where the author speculates - the book is primarily written from the vantage point of Daniel's wife. Scripture does not indicate whether or not he had a wife, this was something that could be contrived. The prophecy to Hezekiah that some of his relatives would be taken to Babylon and made Eunuchs was what the author originally believed, but after further research, she found that this term also described Potiphar (the Egyptian Joseph worked for in Genesis 39), who most definitely DID have a wife. In his case, a Eunuch was  a "chief official". Since the person who would know Daniel best would be his wife (assuming he had one), she chose to use that definition. The author also made Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah brothers - and cousins to Daniel (their mothers were sisters). She did this so that they had an existing relationship and this assumes that they would be tutored together in the royal court. She also makes Mishael and Azariah twins - simply because her daughter had twins during the writing of this book and it seemed like a fun idea! She also made Daniel the son of a single mother. Since he displayed the maturity that he did, she gave him additional responsibility that pressed that.

Because this book was about a time in scripture and had the overwhelming theme of God coming through for you even when you're surrounded by sin, it was very quote-able. I loved the graphic above with one of those quotes in it!

In addition to the novel, there were 2 short story prequels that were made available to anyone who receives the author's newsletter. She also has a link on her facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/MesuAndrews/ (or you can sign up for her newsletter here: https://mesuandrews.com/mesus-blog/). You can also get additional history in the time period in her novella "By the Waters of Babylon", which is part of a Psalm series with 2 other authors. Finally, there is a 7 day devotional that goes along with the story through the  YouVersion app: Search it out in “Plans”! DANIEL: 7 LESSONS FROM BABYLON. http://bible.com/r/3kF ⁣.

This was was one book I would strongly recommend, especially if you want a greater understanding of the scripture in that time period, bearing in mind the fictional elements of course. My full review is here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2542793292?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1