Archives

Minnie Mentions: Mission: Matrimony and Sealed With A Kiss (Book Reviews)

Oct30
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Minnie Mentions: Mission: Matrimony and Sealed With A Kiss (Book Reviews)

My mom was involved in the writing of two Christmas novellas releasing on November 6th. Ollie will review two more next week but it’s my turn this time.

Mission Matrimony: The Final Engagement

The first up is a book she co-authored with DeeDee Lake, and is the final installment in their Rules of Engagement Military Romance series– Mission Matrimony: The Final Engagement. This book picks up on the life of Harley Barnett who first showed up as Jane’s friend in Operation: Reconnaissance.  Mom felt like Harley needed her own story and with her meeting Canyon at the wedding of Jane and Rusty, it seemed a good idea to continue it. Harley thinks she loves Canyon and he is definitely interested in her but something is keeping her from saying yes and it might not just be the concept of being married to an Army Intelligence Officer. She works for the National Security Agency herself after leaving the Army. Her past rises up to haunt her. Will she be able to free herself from that to finally find her own happily-ever-after at Christmas? You’ll have to read it! Of course, I give it five bones!

The second Christmas novella is Sealed With A Kiss which she wrote solo. When Corinne Martin finds old letters in the attic of her great-grandmother’s home, it sends her on a journey to uncover who wrote them. The letters, dating back to WWII were not written by the man her great-grandmother eventually married!

Wounded while serving in the Army, Joe is helping his grandfather while figuring out the plan B for his life. He also finds some letters from a woman to his great-grandfather in WWII, all sealed with a kiss, but again, not the woman great-grandpa married.

When the two connect over the letters, trying to figure out what happened to keep their great-grandparents apart, they begin to fall in love, but is it for real or just the letters drawing them together? You’ll have to read it to find out. It is a more military-adjacent story filled with tender moments and the warmth of love and letter-writing. I, of couse, give this five bones because mom wrote it. Go and preorder them both!

Oliver’s Opinion: The Earl’s Ultimatum (Book Review)

Oct2
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Oliver’s Opinion: The Earl’s Ultimatum (Book Review)

My mom loves Regencies, with her original fondness for Georgette Heyer (but not the omniscient point of view).  She’s written many regencies herself! You cand find them on this blog. But this isn’t about her writing. When she started reading The Earl’s Ultimatum by Judy Hut she asked me this question: “Why didn’t I get to edit this book? It’s wonderful!”

Judy Hut does deliver a lovely story in The Earl’s Ultimatum. A friends to lovers trope that feels fresher than Emma by Jane Austen and with far more depth of insight into the character’s inner thoughts. Perhaps more than what would originally have been true of the culture at the time (but who knows? She wasn’t there!). Still the characters are lively and fleshed out well and the interactions are refreshing. There are deep backstories slowly revealed including deep grief and loss. The motivations feel true and real.

Andrew is a viscount and his father is forcing him to marry in order to secure an heir. Andrew’s brother had died but not before leaving the woman he’d long to wed, pregnant with his child. In order to secure his brother’s inheritance for the child, Andrew must reluctantly acquiece to his father’s manipulations, leaving him angry and frustrated as he enters the marriage mart in London.

Lucy Grant is five years late to the marriage mart and not interested in finding a mate. Encountering Andrew, however, she finds a friend amongst the ton, which is not a done thing during that time period, but they are careful. She finds herself pursued but not engaged by another man which seems to illicit strange reactions in Andrew even though he’s courting someone himself. It seems that only with each other can they be truly themselves.

As the story progresses with their parallel courtships, both begin to realize they are settling for something much less than they deserve. I won’t give away the plot points and deny you the pleasure of the journey these two protagonists take, but to find healing form the past and a way to forgiveness is not an easy path. They are blessed with wonderful friends who support them on their journey.

There are a few twists and turns that Andrew needs to navigate before he can settle into a future of love and joy but Judy Hunt is masterful in her telling of the story and helping the reader care deeply about the outcome for Andrew and Lucy… as well as her friends.

The only thing my mom was disappointed with was that the author quickly wrapped up another two romances in the story that could have, on their own, made for lovely storytelling in a novel or novella, but either way, the reader will finish this book with a sigh of delight at the happily-ever-after ending. The devotional at the end, inserted by the publisher, makes personal application of the truths in this story which is wonderful.

So do my mom a favor, and pick up a copy of Judy Hut’s The Earl’s Ultimatum. You won’t regret it. I give it five bones because I’m a dog. I like bones. You’ll love this story.

Oliver trying to help mom with book reviews.

Minnie Mentions: Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven (Book Review)

Sep4
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Minnie Mentions: Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven (Book Review)

As a younger rescue dog, I wasn’t around in September 19, 1997, when musician Rich Mullins died in a car accident. Mom says she remembers returning home to her apartment after being gone and her friend Kathi coming over and sitting her down to tell her about his death. She had always loved Rich’s music since she first heard Awesome God, but only got to see him in concert once or twice. His music became a lifeline for her in so many ways and to this day there are a few songs she sings to herself: Hold me Jesus, Bound to Come Some Trouble, The Love of God. When her grandmother was dying she played for her All the Way My Savior Leads Me, something she’d been working on for months in her guitar lessons. Unfortunately, she’s not picked up her guitar for years now and would not be able to figure out those complicated cords again without some serious help! I’ll attach a video of her singing it nine years ago.

With that anniversary of his death coming up she stumbled upon the book, Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven by James Bryan Smith.  She also read Rich Mullins: Step by Step. That little book contains short essays by Rich. Mom read the biography over a long period of time, taking it in small chunks to savor it. The book is exceptionally well-written and contains behind-the-scenes stories of Rich’s life, experiences, thinking, and of course songs and how they came to be written.

Rich was an artist who felt deeply and thought philosophically and didn’t mind wading into the difficult concepts that beset living in a fallen world. He was flawed and imperfect, and not many people liked the way he looked at times, coming to concerts in torn jeans, barefoot, looking like a hobo. But his music was compelling and Mom still listens to it to this day, finding new meaning and depth to the lyrics.

This book was refreshing and highlights the burden an artist can carry when they seek to authentically follow Jesus and live out His teachings. The book has many underlined phrases because Rich was a soul who experienced life deeply and the author was personally acquainted with him. He includes stories from family and close musical artist friends.

Mom wouldn’t tell me much more because to try to summarize this book would be to cheapen the life that Rich lived and ministry he had. The beauty of his work is that it continues to not only inspire and draw people close, even today, but helps to fund further ministry to disadvantaged Native American children.

If you’ve never heard of Rich Mullins, I’d encourage you to listen to his music. If you want to be challenged in your walk with God, through the example set by Rich in the way he struggled and lived this life, then read Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven. Because Mom liked it so much I’ll give it five bones, because I’m a dog and that’s what I do.

 

 

 

Oliver’s Opinion: Killing Spring (Book Review)

May29
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Oliver’s Opinion: Killing Spring (Book Review)

One of my mom’s favorite authors is Anita Klumpers and she has written another steller suspense/mystery novel with Killing Spring. This takes two characters from her amazing debut novel, Winter Watch.  You can find a review for that novel here, written before mom asked the dogs to take over reviews. While Killing Spring is somewhat of a sequel to that book it stands alone quite well. However, I doubt anyone would regret reading if they haven’t already.

The entire story is told from the standpoint of Claudia Alexander and takes place in Portia, Illinois. Claudia is on a holiday with her fiance and while he’s working she’s exploring, and she’s supposed to be planning their wedding but gets distractedd and instead finds herself in a spot of mischief. She meets a Korean War vet, Harvey Kaluza, and soon after that he disappears. In spite of the police supposedly searching for him, she launches her on inquiries, making new friends along the way and uncovering deep and quite disturbing secrets from their past. She must struggle with her own inner wounds while helping others face theirs. Not much wedding planning gets done on this trip, and Claudia is fortunate if she can survive to plan a wedding, much less get married as danger strikes with frequency. Brave and intrepid, Claudia is not one to let a matter go, and will uncover the truth–no matter what the cost.

This cozy mystery is filled with enough suspense you’re guaranteed to loose some sleep when you can’t put the book down. Since my mom loved it I need to give it five bones, because I’m a dog and that’s how I roll.

 

Susan Speaks: Learning to Breathe (Book Review)

Apr24
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Susan Speaks: Learning to Breathe (Book Review)

I’m supplanting Oliver and Minnie but they are busy playing, and the topic of this book is of a more serious nature. One of the subjects that underlies most of my fiction is sanctification. Characters must grow in faith (or come to faith). My Orchard Hill Series has a church as a focal point for all the characters in some way, shape, or form, because I deeply love the church and believe it is essential to the Christian walk. Learning to Breathe: How To Cultivate A Life-Changing Relationship with the Holy Spirit comes from behind the shadows of fiction that I use as my platform, and lays it out clearly and without apology.

I have taught about the subject of the Holy Spirit from a more doctrinal standpoint, but Matt Morton has raised the bar for books on this subject. With authenticity he challenges the reader to go deeper. For instance, his chapter (3) on the Fruit of the Spirit is eye-opening, as a gauge that all beliveers in Jesus can use to determine where we need to grow, something we can only do by the power of the Holy Spirit.

There is personal application in every chapter and Matt Morton builds beautifully from personal sanctification (which only happens through the power of the Holy Spirit) to the beauty of the church and mission it has throughout the world in spreading the wonderful and powerful message of salvation in Jesus.

If you want to live a more vibrant walk with the Lord, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. While Lewis Sperry Chafer’s work on the topic is great, and Francis Chan’s is approachable, Matt Morton’s work is easy- to- read yet challenging. If you do not want to grow in your faith, do not purchase this book. I went through this as part of a group and found that to be a blessing as we shared how the truths in this book was working to transform our lives. I’ve walked with Jesus for 45 years and love that He has so much more to teach me, and this book has been helpful in challenging me to grow further.

If this were Oliver or Minnie, they would give this book five bones, because they are dogs after all. I, however, give it five stars.

Oliver’s Opinion: Love in a Lifeboat (Book Review)

Sep26
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Oliver’s Opinion: Love in a Lifeboat (Book Review)

It is fun when you read a series of books where people from previous stories get their own happily-ever-after. This is the case with Love in a Lifeboat, a sweet inspirational romance by Karen Malley.

Jan Richardson was a secondary character in a few previous stories by Karen Malley and now she get’s her shot at happiness. She’s an independent woman, smart, has no need for the God her friends embrace as real. She isn’t at all jealous of the love those friends have found. She doesn’t need any of that as her company is sending her on a two week cruise. Anything could happen!

The down side is another employee will also be on the cruise and they will be competing to come up with the best ad campaign foir the cruise company. Kyle has Jan’s last name but they are not related. He’s a good looking man but a serial dater, not the kind of guy she’d be interested in. He’d definitely not have anything to do with her anyway.

Kyle loves God. He’s excited about the cruise but has some misapprehensions about his coworker Jan. He figures he can avoid her and work on his campaign and have some fun at the same time.

Event’s make this difficult when the cruise company accidently decided they were husband and wife and assigned them a cabin together. Jan figures it’s no big deal but Kyle can’t sleep in the same room with her due to his faith.

Kyle begins to fall for Jan but she’s not a Christian. An older couple on the cruise take Kyle and Jan under their wings and adventure abounds. Not only with a lifeboat but something about rubber duckies? You’ll need to read it to find out.

A storm, misunderstandings, and past choices rise up to created all kinds of obstacles to any future happiness between these two but God has a plan all along.

My mom loved reading Love in a Lifeboat and I get snuggles when she reads a good book so I suggest you go out and get it. I’ve never been on a cruise but it sounds like fun if it is anything like what these two encountered. I’ll give this five bones, because I’m a dog and that’s what I do.

Oliver’s Opinion: Love’s Gift (Book Review)

Mar7
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Oliver’s Opinion: Love’s Gift (Book Review)

My mom told me that there is a rogue dog in this Penelope Marzec’s latest novel, Love’s Gift. This dog loves to eat flowers. I’m not sure why because flowers don’t seem that appealing to me. Having said that, a book with a dog in it is always aces in my opinion!

I learned something new reading this historical novel set in 1903 in the United States. There was a Chinese Exclusion Act that President Chester A. Arthur signed in 1882 that forbid the immigration of Chinese laborers. It was the only law that ever excluded one ethnic or national group from coming here.

The main character of this book, Amaranth, is of Chinese origin but born in the United States. Because of this law, however, she lives in fear of being deported to a country with a culture and language foriegn to her. She was raised by nuns as she had been abandoned at birth. Now as a young adult she’s stepping out into the real world to face the discrimination and trying to have a job to support herself in the midst of strong bigotry against anyone Asian.

Amaranth is hired by Mrs. Tildon of Sea Haven, New Jersey, as a secretary. She soon discovers there are deep secrets in this family including a rude maid who is never fired for her words or behavior, a degenerate father, a brother who appears out of nowhere, and the oldest son, William who is obsessed with helping his mother’s asthma and concerned about status.

A lot of things go wrong as Mrs. Tildon, a leader of a suffragete movement, is vilified and other tragedies occur. Amaranth holds to the faith she was raised with in spite of it all and prays for this family she is now a part of, even if only as an employee. Can God heal the divisions in this family? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

The sweet dog, named Tulip, isn’t a horrible dog, but a sweet one. I won’t tell you what happens with her but I loved her character in the book.

I highly recommend this historical novella. It is timely given the current discussions and debates over immigration and the fears that some might have about being deported even if they were born and have lived her all their lives. While that fear may not be rooted in truth now (and yes, some might debate me on that, but remember, I’m a dog), it gives the reader a sense of what that might be like but also how faith can preserve even in the midst of real and imagined fears. I recommend Love’s Gift and give it five bones, because I’m a dog and I don’t have thumbs.

This is me, Oliver, keeping watch so my mom can read these great books (and write awesome ones as well!) It’s what dogs do.

Author SUPRISE! The Baron’s Blunder in PRINT this month only!

Feb7
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Author SUPRISE! The Baron’s Blunder in PRINT this month only!

My publisher, Pelican Book Group has graciously offered YOU an unexpected deal! My novella, The Baron’s Blunder is available in ebook for free but has never been offered in print before!

This book is a prequel to my Black Diamond Gothic Regency series and if you love your books in print and adore the Regency (early 1800’s Jane Austen) era, you’ll likely love this book. I had a blast writing it! Book one of the five full-length novels is The Virtuous Viscount. Those five books are available in ebook, print, and audiobook versions.

The Baron’s Blunder back page:

Fighting evil is a hobby, fending off marriage-minded women—a chore.When Lord Charles Percy seizes a highwayman robbing a carriage in broad daylight, he conceals his identity to the debutante he rescues. It wouldn’t do for her to know a member of the peerage is secretly in pursuit of the infamous Black Diamond. Instead, he claims to be a mere mister who happened along perchance at an opportune moment.
Despite the fact she’s a woman, the Honorable Henrietta Allendale doesn’t need a man to fight her battles, especially one whom she suspects is hiding things of import. So why can she not stop thinking about the gallant Mister Percy and his selfless act of heroism on her behalf?
Meeting again in London, Charles begins to enjoy verbally sparring with the intrepid young woman, and his heart is soon captivated as well. But he’s playing a deep game, and Henrietta’s presence in his life puts hers at risk.When a successful rescue results in possible scandal, the baron’s biggest challenge will be to convince the marriage-adverse young woman that his love is true.

Happy Valentine’s MONTH! I couldn’t think of a better gift for readers of romance!

Make sure you take advantage of this offer. It ends February 28th!

Click the photo of The Baron’s Blunder cover above or use this QR Code to take you to the place where you can get this novella for $7.99!

Oliver’s Opinion: Making Christmas Again (Book Review)

Nov15
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Oliver here! I’m so excited for Christmas because last year I was too small and in an Amish puppy mill so I didn’t understand all the colorful lights and the tree and gifts! That’s why reading Penelope Marzec’s book Making Christmas Again is compelling, because sometimes Christmas just doesn’t feel like Christmas. Have you ever experienced that? Obviously I did last year as no one even told me there was such a thing.

Celeste has a lot going on. Her mother died so she’s gotta leave a challenging job situation to go home to settle affairs. She’s the only remaining person in her family which is terribly sad. She also had broken up with a menacing boyfriend/boss and had uncovered his embezzlement and was a whistleblower, only her employer doesn’t realize this yet. She also left her mother’s faith behind her, focusing more on numbers than the intangible.

She arrives home to find someone living in her mother’s basement. Make that two someones! I’d be barking my head off! Especially since one is a little boy whom I would love to play with. This little boy has Down Syndrome which her deceased sister also had, so now she’s missing her mom and her sister and there’s a snowstorm.

Sawyer is the father to this precious little soul and is also grieving Mrs. Greenfield’s death as she had been so helpful to him with his son after his wife died and had encouraged him in his business, even renting her basement space for his work. Celeste hadn’t been told. Now he has a new landlord who can’t see past her own grief and challenges to trust, much less celebrate the faith her mother held dear.

Death, upheaval, an extra chromosome, snow, and other challenges face these two characters as they find their way through each day to understanding each other and maybe even falling in love. But will Celeste stay in town or will she return to her employer leaving Sawyer’s heart broken?

Through all the twists and turns, challenges, and snowstorms, these two people might find a miracle yet and Christmas might once again be cherished and celebrated.

Mom loves Penelope’s writing so you should give her a try if you haven’t before. Buy Making Christmas Again. I give it five bones because I’m a dog. Oh, and leave her a nice review after you’ve read it, it really does help an author out.

Minnie’s Remarks: Lillian’s Last Christmas (Book Review)

Nov8
Reading Time: 2 minutes

It’s Minnie again. I’m glad Mom is giving me an opportunity here. Karen Malley’s latest Christmas novella, Lillian’s Last Christmas, could sound like a downer, but if you knew this Christmas would be your last, how would you celebrate it? The way that Lillian does has an impact that goes far beyond the grave.

Lillian hasn’t seen her college friends for some time but they had such wonderful memories together and had stayed connected through the years of life and hardships. Unfortunately, Lillian is facing the biggest of those but it is one that brings her peace and joy and she wants her friends to experience that as well. So she invites them to her home to celebrate Christmas with her.

When her four friends arrive she shares her sad news along with the joy that comes from Jesus and Christmas and her desire to experience that with them all. Her friends react in shock and dismay but decided to make this the best Christmas ever by celebrating major holidays she’ll miss next year, including her birthday. Each bring gifts and distinct personalities to the fun and their friendship grows stronger as they celebrate life, and a looming death.

Will Lillian get the dearest wish of her heart to see her four closest friends come to know the peace that can only be found in Jesus? You’ll have to read it to find out. If Lillian gets her wish, the party will someday continue in heaven which sounds like a wonderful Christmas gift to all.

I give this story five bones. Please pick up Karen Malley’s unique Christmas story, Lillian’s Last Christmas. It might challenge you to more purposeful as you  go through the upcoming holiday season. Oh, and leave a nice review after you’ve read it. It helps out an author a lot!