Review of “Out of the Embers” by Amanda Cabot

I am sad to say that while I have heard of Amanda Cabot before and I meant to read some of her books, this is my first by her. Do you like suspenseful romance novels? Do you like trying to solve a puzzle before you’re told the solution? If you said yes to at least one of these questions, then you’ll like this book. This is the first in the Mesquite Springs series. I am already wishing the next one in the series was coming out and this one just came out. I have found myself wanting to jump into the pages of the book and try the food at Polly’s Place that Evelyn cooks. And help her take care of little sweet Polly who didn’t get a fair shake at life. You won’t be able to help but consider these characters long lost friends.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

Review of “Deadly Deceit” by Natalie Walters

This is the second book in the Harbored Secrets series. First and foremost I will say that even though it is the second book in the series you can still read it even if you haven’t read the first one, “Living Lies”. However, it is that much better if you have read the first one. In this book, two of the minor characters, Vivian and Ryan, from the first one become the two major characters. You do get to find out more of the two original main characters, Lane and Charlie, story though which I appreciated because I usually end a book wanting to know more of what happened to the people. In the beginning of the book, Vivian’s boss is murdered. You would think that is the biggest mystery that you will encounter but it turns out there is even more going on than just one man’s murder. There is a person called The Watcher who is making things interesting for everyone. Is he also the person who murdered Vivian’s boss??? I guess you’ll have to read it to find out. Natalie does a great job developing the story and characters. You won’t regret reading this novel. You’ll be on the edge of your seat til the very end.

Review of “Collision of Lies” by Tom Threadgill

Are you an on-the-edge of your seat suspense book reader? Do you like figuring out a puzzle/mystery? If you answered yes to these two questions, then this book is exactly what you are looking to get. Tom Threadgill does a great job with building the intrigue of the mystery involving the accident that occurred three years prior. Little by little things come to light about the facts of the accident that were not correct. Some of these things you can determine before you find them out. Some things you have an idea but are not 100% sure about. And others you are just blown away because you didn’t see it coming. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Lynette Eason or Janice Cantore.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

Review of “The Land Beneath Us” by Sarah Sundin

I hate to say this is my first book by Sarah Sundin because she has several other books out already including the two that are in the same series as this one. “The Land Beneath Us” is the third one in the Sunrise at Normandy series. I was really excited to read this book because I knew it was based during World War II. I am fan of reading books set during this war because I find them so interesting. The beginning of this book is set at a military base in the United States as opposed to over in Europe where the war took place. There are two main characters. They are Leah and Clay. Clay has a recurring dream which he believes is a vision of his future. He has told his parents about it but they think he has lost it. Even if the author hadn’t mentioned this situation being similar to Joseph from the Bible, I still would have compared the two. Leah is sadly an orphan who comes to the base to work at the library and that’s where she first meets Clay. Both of these people have gone through so much in their lives. You find yourself almost praying for these fictional characters as if they were real. The author did such a good job bringing their stories to life and so well bringing these two together. Clay and Leah become husband and wife for reasons other than being in love, but will they come to love each other in-spite of how they got together? Will Clay’s dream of dying come true? Clay wants his dream to come true at first, but will he fall for Leah and change his mind? So many questions and only one way to find them out. You won’t regret reading this book

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

Review of “Raising the Challenging Child” by Buckwater, Reed and Sunshine

Raising the Challenging Child: How to Minimize Meltdowns, Reduce Conflict, and Increase Cooperation by Buckwater, Reed, And Sunshine is based on research done by an organization. The reader is told that the strategies presented have been tried by members of their staff with their own children and found to be helpful.
In our society today, we might agree that all children can pose some type of challenge and every child is different. Also, the family structure varies from household to household. We live in a world where we want something that is easy and shows instant results. The strategies presented in this book can be helpful, but the parent or adult exercising the strategies must recognize the importance of persistence and consistency.
One good point they make is the need for the entire family to be on board with any strategy used in raising a child. While I totally agree with this, getting everyone on board is a challenge in and of itself. When trying to incorporate any strategy, it is important to realize that it may take multiple attempts. What works for one child may or may not work for another. Do not get discouraged if something does not work the first time! Reading their suggestions requires not only reading the book, but working through how you plan to incorporate their ideas with your own child. Share with the other adults in the household and make them aware of what your goals are. Work together!
Another very important point they make, which I personally feel is crucial is making your child feel valued and loved. Tough love is tough to administer, but when done in a loving way, is a win win for both the parent and the child.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.