From Sky To Sky by Amanda Stevens

I finished From Sky To Sky last night. I am sitting here trying to decide what to say about this book. It is definitely thought-provoking. I mean, what if you couldn't die? How would you live your life? How would you form relationships knowing that they would end and you would go on ...alone? I love From Sky To Sky as much as or even more than the first book, No Less Days. I really hope that there will be a third book as I want to know more. The characters are interesting and I love the relationships between them. I also love the theme of redemption and forgiveness.
So grab a pot of tea and a warm blanket. Cuddle up and enjoy a fascinating read by Amanda Stevens.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

Zac Wilson can’t die.
 
Daredevil Zac Wilson isn’t the first celebrity to keep a secret from the world, but his might be the most marvelous in history: Zac doesn’t age and injuries can’t kill him. What’s more, he’s part of a close-knit group of others just like him.
 
Holed up in Harbor Vale, Michigan, Zac meets two more of his kind who claim others in their circle have died. Are their lifetimes finally ending naturally, or is someone targeting them—a predator who knows what they are?
 
The answers Zac unearths present impossible dilemmas: whom to protect, how to seek justice, how to bring peace to turmoil. His next action could fracture forever the family he longs to unite. Now might be the time to ask for help. . .from God Himself. But Zac’s greatest fear is facing the God he has run from for more than a century.

About the author:

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Biography

As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She is the author of the Haven Seekers series, and her debut Seek and Hide was a 2015 INSPY Award finalist. She lives in Michigan and loves trade paperbacks, folk music, the Golden Era of Hollywood, and white cheddar popcorn.

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Michaelsen

This book is not among the genres that I usually read. That said I read it because the sixth-grade class where I work was reading it and I wanted to be able to help the kids if I could. I found myself quite absorbed in Touching Spirit Bear. It is fast-paced and shows a different justice system that has existed among the Indigenous peoples for centuries. The focus is on healing and restoration rather than punishment. I rather doubt any court system would allow a teenager to spend a year alone on an Alaskan island, but it made for a fascinating story. Other than one extremely gross chapter I really enjoyed this book. I was interested to learn of some native customs and the scenery descriptions were fantastic. I also like the theme of restitution. This is a great book for group reading, offering many discussion topics. So grab your coffee and your students to enjoy a great read.

From Amazon:

In his Napra Nautilus Award-winning novel Touching Spirit Bear, author Ben Mikaelson delivers a poignant coming-of-age story of a boy who must overcome the effects that violence has had on his life.

After severely injuring Peter Driscal in an empty parking lot, mischief-maker Cole Matthews is in major trouble. But instead of jail time, Cole is given another option: attend Circle Justice, an alternative program that sends juvenile offenders to a remote Alaskan Island to focus on changing their ways. Desperate to avoid prison, Cole fakes humility and agrees to go.

While there, Cole is mauled by a mysterious white bear and left for dead. Thoughts of his abusive parents, helpless Peter, and his own anger cause him to examine his actions and seek redemption—from the spirit bear that attacked him, from his victims, and from himself.

About the author:

Biography

Ben Mikaelsen has won the International Reading Association Award and the Western Writers Golden Spur Award. His novels have won critical acclaim, as well as several state reader's choice awards. These novels include Rescue Josh McGuire, Sparrow Hawk Red, Stranded, Countdown, Petey, and Touching Spirit Bear. His newest book is "Jungle of Bones". Ben's articles and photos appear in numerous magazines around the world. Ben and his wife, Connie, live in a log cabin near Bozeman, Montana, and they adopted a 700-pound black bear that they raised for 27

On Wings Of Devotion by Roseanna White

My first review of 2020 is Roseanna White's On Wings Of Devotion which sets the bar high for the rest of the year.  Such an awesome book. I am still so involved with the story that I am having a hard time deciding what to read next. My fear is I will compare it to On Wings Of Devotion and not give my next book the love and attention it deserves.
What I loved about this book were the characters and the plot. I was able to disappear in this book, I would look up from my Kindle and have to reorient myself to this world. I loved the cameos by characters from her former books.  I am eagerly awaiting her next book as I know it will be awesome. So grab a pot of tea and a plate of biscuits and settle in for a fantastic read.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed "Black Heart" every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.

Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to truly live that Arabelle inspires in him.

But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.

About the author:

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Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

The Bridge To Belle Island by Julie Klassen

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen, while a good book is not my favorite book of hers. I think for me the problem was that I did not really like most of the characters. The plot was good but was a slow starter. Other than that I did enjoy this book once I got into it. By the time I reached the last quarter of the book, I had to keep reading, at that point I wanted to know what happened. So grab the beverage of your choice and settle in for a good read.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own. I did subsequently by my own paperback copy.

From Amazon:

After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds himself falling for the main suspect--a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her?

On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended . . . this.

When a second person dies and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.

About the author:

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Biography

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Minnesota Book Award, the Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit www.julieklassen.com and talesfromivyhill.com for more information.

Protecting Tanner Hollow by Lynette Eason

Protecting Tanner Hollow by Lynette Eason is a collection of 4 novellas set in Tanner Hollow. I really enjoyed the way Ms. Eason created a small town with some unforgettable characters. Nolan and Jason Tanner are two upright guys just looking to keep their town safe. Fortunately they found love along the way. Derek St. Peter and Eli Murphy are also strong upright men. And the ladies are strong well defined characters. The plot moves along quickly with several murders and attempted murders. I highly recommend this series for a great weekend read.  grab your favorite beverage and visit Tanner Hollow.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley .com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

Four nail-biting novellas in one!

Lethal HomecomingNolan Tanner never got over Kallie Ainsworth's sudden, unexplained departure. Now when he comes to her rescue after an attempt on her life, all the old feelings come rushing back.

Lethal ConspiracyWhen professional fundraiser Lillian Maloney sees her father's campaign manager commit murder, she goes on the run from the men he hires to kill her. A close call brings firefighter Jason Tanner to the rescue, but the killer is closing in . . .

Lethal SecretsSomeone wants Honor McBride dead. When Eli Murphy helps her change a flat tire and discovers the danger Honor is in, he longs to help--but Eli has secrets of his own that could get them all killed.

Lethal AgendaWhen Detective Derek St. John rescues a woman he's met only once before--and has never been able to forget--he finds himself falling for her. But he'll have to keep Claire Montgomery alive if they're to have a future together.

About the author;

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Biography

Award-winning, best-selling author, Lynette Eason writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line and for Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Her books have hit the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won numerous awards such as the prestigious Carol Award, the Selah, the Daphne, the IRCC award and more. Lynette is married, has two children, and lives in Greenville, SC.

End Game by Rachel Dylan

If you are looking for edge of your seat action and multiple plot twists the Rachel Dylan's End Game is the book for you. Multiple agencies and their agents come together to solve the murder of an elite member of the military and a common laborer. Throw in a bit of romance and it is a story to keep you engaged from beginning to end. End Game moves Rachel Dylan into the realm of authors Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, and Terri Blackstock. So grab a pot of coffee and cuddle up in your favorite chairs for a fantastic read. You might want to plan on pizza and a babysitter so you can read straight through!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

Releasing January 7, 2020

When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper whom Bailey refuses to believe is guilty.

When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, including a link to a powerful defense contractor, they wonder if there's a deeper cover-up at play. Then Bailey is targeted, and it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.

With the stakes getting higher by the moment in a twisted conspiracy, there's a rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of all of them.

About the author:

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Rachel Dylan is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. Rachel writes the Atlanta Justice Series which features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta. Deadly Proof, the first book in the Atlanta Justice series, is a CBA bestseller, an FHL Reader’s Choice Award winner, a Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a Holt Medallion Finalist. Lone Witness is the winner of a Holt Medallion, the Maggie Award, and is a Selah Finalist. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids--two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.

In the Shadow Of the Queen by Kim Stokely

This is a new to me author that I will be reading more of in the future. Anna the Prophetess was only mentioned one time in the Bible. I think it is awesome how Kim Stokely wove a story around her. Ms. Stokely has certainly researched the time of Christ and included many local customs. I enjoy her writing style and she created a very interesting tale. the only thing that would have improved the story for me is if she had continued the story to the scene with Jesus. Other than that this was an awesome book! I read this on Kindle Unlimited. So grab yourself a cup of tea and settle in for a fantastic read.

From Amazon:

Jerusalem, 76 B.C.
For the first time in history, a woman rightfully reigns over Israel. The queen's rule gives Anna, a gifted young seamstress, opportunities for work and education she never thought possible. But to achieve her dreams, Anna must enter a world festering with intrigue and deceit. Those living within the queen's shadow already plot to seize the throne when she is dead. Even Lev, Anna's first love, is drawn into this underlying world of power, pleasure and political maneuvering.

Torn between her own desires and the traditions of her people, Anna's story is one of enduring courage and her inspired belief in God's love and faithfulness in all circumstances.

About the author:

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The wife of a submariner, Kim lived in eight states during his twenty year career. She used her background in Drama (a B.F.A. from the University of Connecticut and a Master's Degree from Regent University) to stay relatively sane throughout all those moves by performing in various plays and musicals, including a one-person show about women in the Bible.

In 2004, the Navy transferred her family to Omaha, Nebraska, a perfectly logical move that never made sense to her mother. An avid reader, Kim has written novels in several genres, including Biblical, Contemporary, Inspirational Fiction and Young Adult Fantasy. Kim's novel, "Winter Trees," was a semi-finalist in the Christian Writer's Guild's 2010 Operation First Novel contest. Her non-fiction Inspirational and humor stories have appeared in several Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Vista, and online at www.thechristianpulse.com. She is a regular paid contributor to Thriving Family online magazine.

Please visit www.kimstokely.com to read a story, find out about upcoming performances, or just to say "hi.