A HARVEST OF THORNS by Corban Addison

Mystery
3 stars

Corban Addison begins with a bang by creating an outstanding, utterly shocking prologue that sets the tone for the rest of the book. Written in the third person omniscient point of view, we encounter lies, deceit, self preservation and more while we explore many underprivileged areas around the globe. Addison works many characters in which can lead to some confusion if you are not reading closely. Recommended for those who like a good who-done-it story with legal undertones; this is a compelling, captivating and moderately paced read. Discretion due to hints of past affairs and some gruesome memories.

SUMMARY: Presto, a major clothing company, has factories around the globe making garments to be sold in the United States. Some factories, when inspected without proper safety measures, are marked with a red flag and are no longer contracted by Presto to produce garments. How did a red-flagged factory that is destroyed by fire end up with Presto's garments? Hundreds of workers die, some from fire and some from jumping out of windows. Who will discover the answers first, Presto's own General Counsel, Cameron Alexander, or Joshua Griswold, a journalist who is trying to repair his tarnished professional reputation?   (THOMAS NELSON, Jan. 2017, 400 pp, $24.99)

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE
ISBN: 978-0718042387

Reviewed for RT BOOK REVIEWS

The Refuge by Regal Walker

Inspirational Historical Romance
THE REFUGE
Regan Walker
4.5 stars TOP PICK MILD
Scotland 1072

Walker creates an enthralling story-line, opening with a vicious attack that will make you as upset as the main character. Written in the third person head-hopping omniscient point of view, you will laugh, cry, be shocked, nervous and annoyed. The author throws in many terms that would be used at that time in Scotland, but describes everything well enough so you dont get lost. With many characters and lots of travel happening, make sure to read the 'Author's Note' and 'Characters of Note' at the beginning as well as look over the map given to keep everything straight in your mind. Recommended for lovers of historical romance as well as those of travel and war. Discretion should be taken due to implied intimacy scenes as well as descriptive violent battles.

SUMMARY: Catríona of the Vale of Leven has arrived at the King of Scotland's court with her cousin to be the Queen's ladies. She spent the last year in Atholl with her uncle after seeing the brutal murders of her father and everyone at the Vale of Leven. Steiner of Talisand, who also has sought refuge in the King's court, had been injured and is now the King's scribe and is trying to build his body back up to be a warrior. Catríona reminds Steiner of the sister he left behind. He loves everything about her, the way she questions everything and has an opinion. Could she ever be matched to a lowly scribe? Will she have a choice once the King makes up his mind for a match for the Queen's ladies? (REGAN WALKER, Nov. 2016, 286 pp, $14.99)

Reviewed for RT Book Reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0996849586

GUIDE ME HOME by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Historical Inspirational Romance

4 stars MILD

1907 Kentucky

Kim Vogel Sawyer creates a tale of an amazing woman who decides to dress like a man in order to help support her family, with no gain to herself. Written in the third person omniscient point of view, ou will fall in love and also be annoyed with the clearly depicted characters. We encounter many unexpected surprises.  This book will stay with you long after it is over. Recommended for all.

SUMMARY: Rebekah Hardin loses her eldest brother in a cave accident where he was working to help their parents support the household. Now, financially struggling, Rebekah decides to see if she can find a job. When the only thing available is a mans job, she dresses as a man and works as hard as anyone else. One of the tasks she is assigned to help with is helping a young cartographer, Devlin Bale, to map the caves. Someone seems to be out to sabotage everything Devlin is doing. Will he make his deadline with all these setbacks?  (WATERBROOK, Aug. 2016, 352 pp, $14.99) 

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

ISBN: 978-0307731395

Reviewed for RT BOOK REVIEWS

CHRISTMAS AT DOVE CREEK by Scarlett Dunn

Historical Inspirational Romance4 stars MILD

1868 USA

Scarlett Dunn sets up an amazing historical tale with a resourseful, to the point, crack shot lead woman. With short, to the point sentences, there are no extra fill in words to take away from the action giving a fast to moderate pace throughout. Written in the third person omniscient point of view, we fall in love with the wonderfully portrayed characters as they travel and experience many twists and turns. This book will stay with you long after it is over. Recommended for all.

SUMMARY: Thorpe Turlow gets left at the alter while his fiancee leaves town with a man she claims is the father of her unborn baby. Thorpe seeks her out to get answers and is relieved she left him. On his way back home, he encounters Indians and their arrows. Lily Starr comes to his aid and patches him back up. Together they finish their journey to Wyoming. Will they arrive safely or encounter more than just Indians trying to get them? (ZEBRA, Nov. 2016, 352 pp, $7.99) 

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE

ISBN: 978-1420142235

Reviewed for RT BOOK REVIEWS

THE SILENT SONGBIRD by Melanie Dickerson

Historical Inspirational Romance
4 stars MILD

1384 England

Melanie Dickerson weaves a compelling tale that takes place long ago in England. Written in the third person omniscient point of view, we encounter lies, deceit, attempted murder,  jealousy, rage, forgiveness, faith and hope. This book will have you jumping out of your seat with anticipation at times.  Moderate to fast paced, you will not want this book to end. Recommended for all, especially lovers of historical romance.

SUMMARY:  House confined Evangeline is the ward of her cousin, the king, due to her parents passing at a very young age. The King has deemed her to marry his closest adviser who is years older and repulses Evangeline. She decides to run away and is stopped by her handmaiden, who insists on not letting her go alone.  They tag along with "servant" Wesley le Wyse and his men who were in town to sell items.  Lies buy their passage to another town where they discover Wesley is the son of that town's Lord. Will Wesley fall in love with Evangeline despite all her lies or will he turn her in to the guards looking for her? (HARPER COLLINS, Nov. 2016, 320 pp, $14.99)

Reviewed by: JENNY FALCONE
ISBN: 978-0718026318

Reviewed for RT BOOK REVIEWS