Thick as Thieves

I received a copy of THICK AS THIEVES: An Andrea Carter Book by Susan K. Marlow from Kregel Publications.  This book was quite delightful, really on all fronts.  For one thing, Andrea, the main character, is loveable, endearing, quirky, and realistic.  She might have her faults, but she always comes through in the end.  She is an excellent role model for young adults and adults.

I enjoyed how the story takes place in 1882.  I love historical fiction and this worked into my appetite perfectly.  Andi is fourteen and in love with Taffy’s first foaling.  The author has done her research on farm life and it shows.  The reader will feel as if she or he is right there with Andi. 

I could connect with Andi’s struggles over bonding with Macy, her new seatmate.  I am dealing with similar things at work.  I applaud the way Andi handled it and hope I can take away some of her caring attributes. 

This is the first book in the Circle C Milestones series and I look forward to reading the other books about Andi.  I am in awe of how the author skillfully walks the main character through growing up right along with the readers.  

Down for the Count

Dual Cover Reveal: Down for the Count series by Christa Cervone. On the Ropes (book 1) release May 5, 2015 Going the Distance (book 2) releases May 19, 2015

ON THE ROPES: A murderer’s child…A foster child…A troubled teen…Gabriel ‘The Saint’ Vega has never had an easy life. Being shuffled from one foster home to another after his father murdered his mother, he found himself in and out of trouble with the law. Never giving a damn about himself, let alone anyone else, his life was spiraling out of control; fast. Until one man and one sport changed everything. Frankie Carbone taught Saint how to handle his anger and rejection; by fighting it out in the ring. On his way to stardom, Saint finds himself pushed into the spotlight and into the arms of more women than he can ever imagine; he’s completely content with one night stands and random sex. Then Salem Harris comes walking into his life and changes his game plan. Saint finds himself wanting Salem in all the ways that scare him. She is off limits; taken. But that doesn’t stop Saint from going after what he wants, and he wants her. Frankie showed Saint a new way of life with Boxing, but will Salem give him the one thing he's never known – love? Will Saint find himself fighting for the one thing he thinks he doesn't deserve or will Salem end up breaking his heart? Gabriel ‘The Saint’ Vega has had to fight for every good thing he's gotten in his life. GOING THE DISTANCE: Life has been a roller coaster for Gabriel ‘The Saint’ Vega. From surviving a hellish childhood, to reuniting with his lost brother, only to hit the struggle of helping him battle his drug addiction. Boxing saved Gabriel’s life, and just when his career hits the fast track, he finally finds love with Salem; at least for a short time. Social differences, obligations, and misguided good intentions tore Gabriel and Salem apart before they could ever really get started. Will Gabriel be able to save his brother from the whirlpool of addiction that threatens to drag him under? Is Salem capable of breaking away from the ropes that bind her to doing what’s expected rather than what and whom she desires? Can Gabriel convince Salem that their mutual feelings are worth fighting for, and that together, they will be able to go the distance?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in New England, Christa is a married mother of three. She began writing her first book, Broken, in October 2012, as a love story to her husband, Frank. During the writing process, Christa managed to keep her book a secret from the majority of her family and friends, including her mother. She finally revealed that she had written a book on her personal Facebook page just two weeks before Broken was released. Broken was released in February 2013, and within twenty-four hours of its release, it was on Amazon's Movers and Shakers list as well as in the Top 20 Erotica. Christa released her second novel, On the Ropes - Book One in the Down for the Count series, in February 2014. On the Ropes has also climbed the charts on Amazon, hitting the Top 10 Sports Fiction and the Top 20 Romance Sports Fiction lists. Book Two, Going the Distance, was released July 2014 and claimed the number 3 spot in the Interracial category as well being in the top 20 in Erotica on Amazon. Limitless Publishing has recently acquired the Down for the Count series and will be re-releasing the series under their publishing label in May 2015. Along with the Down for the Count series, Christa's new series titled, Can't Stop Lovin' You, will also be released under Limitless Publishing. The series will have at least four books, Dream On, What it Takes, Sweet Emotion and Hole in my Soul. Dream On is slated for 2015 release.

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Finding Me

I received a copy of FINDING ME by Kathryn Cushman from Bethany House.  Let me start off by saying how much I enjoy Christian fiction.  They are always feel good stories and this one is not an exception. 

This one gripped me from the back.  Kelly Huddleston is coming to terms with a past that might not be all that she was told.  I love novels that delve into the past.  This one also involved a small town in Tennessee.  I’ve never been there, but I feel as if I have, for the setting was painted not only beautifully, but realistically, with all of its joys and dangers.  I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but this is chilling, at times brutal, and altogether captivating.  You truly feel for these characters, even the ones you are meant to dislike…or perhaps we, the readers, are supposed to see the good in everyone. 

This book will make you a fan of Kathryn Cushman.  I highly recommend it.  This was a lovely novel for an Easter Sunday.  As another reviewer said, this a great book for forgiveness and seeing the need for the Savior.  I applaud Kathryn Cushman.  Bravo on an excellent book.