Tarheel Reviews

Amazon.com: Legend of Michael: Sin and Satisfaction (Zodius) eBook: Lisa Renee Jones: Kindle Store

2011-12-21T06:30:00.000-08:00

Amazon.com: Legend of Michael: Sin and Satisfaction (Zodius) eBook: Lisa Renee Jones: Kindle Store

A great sale on a great book! Only $1.99 for a limited time. Michael would make a great gift for someone who loves Paranormal Romance!

hugs,
WendyK

Do I come back or not?

2011-02-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

I'm wondering if I should open this blog back up. I have been posting reviews and such at www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com but now I'm wondering if I'd like to open this one back up.

An Interview With Amy Wallace

2009-04-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

A PAINFUL PASTHanna Kessler’s childhood secret has remained buried for over
two decades. But when the dark shadows of her past threaten to destroy those she
loves, Hanna must face the summer that changed her life and the man who still
haunts her memories.
A RACIALLY-MOTIVATED KILLER As a Crimes Against Children FBI
Agent, Michael Parker knows what it means to get knocked down. Difficult cases
and broken relationships have plagued his entire year. But when the system fails
and a white supremacist is set free, Michael’s drive for retribution eclipses
all else.
A LIFE-ALTERING CHOICE A racist’s well-planned assault forces Hanna
and Michael to decide between executing vengeance and pursuing justice. The
dividing line between the two is the choice to heal. But when the attack turns
personal, is justice enough?

WendyK: Welcome Amy to my blog. For readers who are new to you please tell us just a bit about yourself. (Ie married, kids, homestate, etc.)

Amy Wallace: It’s great to be here, Wendy! A bit about me? For starters, I’m married to an awesome guy who’s my biggest encourager and together we homeschool three wonderful children. I’m also a speaker, co-leader of a children’s writing group, president of an ACFW writer’s group, and avid chocoholic. I live in Atlanta, Georgia, but my home is Louisville, Kentucky where all my family still resides.

WK: You write Christian Fiction that I feel should appeal to all readers, do you set out to make your stories open to everyone or do you set out to target a set group within the world of fiction readers?

Amy: Thank you for that, Wendy! I set out to write novels that engage readers in an exciting story with real-life characters who face fears, wrestle with pain and suffering and yet find hope, as well as tackling questions common to all humans. I thought my “target audience” was moms, but have found through reader mail that I have male and female readers as young as 16 all the way up to 70s and 80s. I’m thrilled to know the Defenders of Hope books appeal to so many!

WK: Your series is titled the DEFENDERS OF HOPE can you tell my readers a bit about this series and where the idea for it came from?

Amy: The Defenders of Hope series started with a literal dream about an FBI agent with a wounded heart and a mom on a dangerous quest for answers. That dream became the book Ransomed Dreams. During the research for Ransomed Dreams, I met with a federal agent and asked the question—what would happen if an FBI agent found out he had cancer? His answer became the second book, Healing Promises. And the third book in the series, Enduring Justice, grew out of a secret one of the characters, Hanna Kessler, struggles to keep hidden.

WK: Amy how did you come to writing?

Amy: My writing journey started with library books and my husband’s figurative boot on my backside to start writing. He was convinced I could write far before I found the courage to step onto this path and pen a novel. After I’d critiqued about seven novels I found at the library, my husband told me to write my own. I ignored him until I had a dream I couldn’t forget. Telling my dear hubby earned me an interview with a federal agent David set up to be sure I actually started writing. I did tons of research and then met with this incredible federal agent. He helped me with details I’d have never gotten from research, and after that I had a plot hammered out. Then I started writing.

After almost four years of learning the craft and going to writing conferences, I got “The Call” and signed my first book contract. And I’ve been writing ever since.

WK: What was it like to hold that first published book in your hand?

Amy: It was the most amazing mix of elation and fear~ I danced for joy, had a few silent moments of prayer and awe, then I wanted to throw up for all the responsibility and vulnerability I felt in thinking about how readers might respond.

WK: Do you have a set idea you'd like readers to come away "feeling" after having read your books?

Amy: Each of the Defenders of Hope books has a different primary theme that influences how I pray for readers as I’m writing and what I hope they take away from the stories. For Ransomed Dreams, I hope readers experience the healing power of forgiveness through the main characters’ lives and contemplate how to apply the truths about forgiveness explored in the book.

My hope for readers of Healing Promises is that they'll experience a deeper sense of the goodness and trustworthiness of God, even when life doesn’t go as planned.

And for Enduring Justice, I hope the story challenges readers to look deeper into what they believe about God, themselves and others and wrestle with the truth that in the end, it’s what we believe—not what we’re supposed to believe—that determines the course of our lives.

WK: Your current release is ENDURING JUSTICE, first let me ask if you feel readers should read all the books in order or if you feel the books can be read as stand alones or out of order?

Amy: I’ve been told by many readers and reviewers that any of the Defenders of Hope books can be read as stand-alones. The cases and suspense story-lines are self-contained, no cliffhanger endings until the next book. But the characters’ friendships and relationships grow and are challenged in each book, so I’d say it’s best but not necessary for the stories to be read in order.

WK: Can you tell my readers in your own words what ENDURING JUSTICE is about?

Amy: In Enduring Justice, Hanna’s past threatens to destroy the people she loves, forcing her to face the summer that changed her life and the man who still haunts her memories. Crimes Against Children FBI Agent Michael Parker wants to help. But when the system fails and a white supremacist is set free, Michael’s drive for retribution eclipses all else. A racist’s well-planned assault forces Hanna and Michael to choose between vengeance and justice. The dividing line is the choice to heal.

WK: Where will the DEFENDERS OF HOPE series go after ENDURING JUSTICE?

Amy: Hopefully, the series will get talked about over and over in reader circles and book clubs and the characters they love will live forever in their minds and hearts as they will in this author’s mind and heart.

As of now, the series is completed with Enduring Justice. But if readers love the characters so much they write the publisher, I’m all for revisiting the CACU in DC and its star agents, Steven, Clint, Michael and Lee.

WK: Amy who is your favorite author, favorite book, favorite song, favorite hero/heroine?

Amy: My favorite author is Sharon Hinck and her book, The Restorer, is my all-time favorite novel. As for a favorite song, I’ll have to go with a few favorite singers: Steven Curtis Chapman, James Taylor, and Dobie Gray. Favorite hero and heroine? That one was a little harder to come up with, but I landed on Marcus O’Malley and Shari Hanford from Dee Henderson’s O’Malley Series.

WK: If you could met any real person from history who would it be and why?

Amy: I’d love to spend time with Teddy Roosevelt, our twenty-sixth president. My kids and I have been studying American history from 1815 to the present and Teddy stands out as the most strong-minded, faithful, good-hearted, family-first man we’ve studied. I’d love to spend time listening to his stories, watching him interact with his beloved children, and just glean wisdom from this super intelligent and deep thinking man.

WK: If you could leave one comment, one idea, one thing for people to always remember when you are no longer here what would it be?

Amy: To live with passion. That idea finds its way into every bit of public speaking I do. It’s also how I teach my children and write novels~ with passion and with the hope that my children and my stories will inspire people to live passionate lives that make a difference for good.

WK: Who is the biggest inspiration in your life? Why?

Amy: My three children are hands down my biggest inspiration. They love life, think deep, and challenge me to live what I teach every day. They inspire me with their forgiveness, honesty, and curiosity. I want to be a better person every time I think about them following in my footsteps.

WK: Amy what advice would you offer for anyone who would like to be published?

Amy: Write with passion to the best of your ability and keep improving on your craft and pouring your heart into your work. Right alongside of that, enjoy the journey. Don’t race to the “Finish Line” for a book contract. Because the challenges of not being published have siblings on the other side of a contract. But if you’re passionate about your subject and your craft, if you pour yourself into your work and enjoy the journey, then you can rest in the fact that you’ve done your best for the Lord and He’s well pleased.

WK: Amy as a Christian author what do you want readers of secular stories to most understand about Christian stories?

Amy: The vast majority of Christian authors I know and whose books I enjoy are penning exciting, thought provoking, deep stories that capture readers’ imaginations and keep them hooked until a satisfying ending without preaching, cussing, or relying on sex to keep a story interesting. Not using crass language or sex isn’t a sign of weak writing. It’s often a sign of skillful craft, imaginative storylines, and engaging, real-life characters.

WK: As an author of Christian fiction do you feel that readers often overlook inspirational stories with the misconception that they will be preachy? Do you see a way for this to be changed?

Amy: As an avid reader of fiction, I’ve found that the vast majority of Christian fiction is no where near as preachy as some folks claim. Instead, Christian fiction takes an honest look at real life and real questions all people wrestle with and leaves readers with hope. Because of this, I think the misconceptions are changing as more and more people give Christian fiction a try.

WK: DEFENDERS OF HOPE is an outstanding series with suspense, romance, faith and great characters. Did you set out for this series to have all of those elements or were you surprised where it went?

Amy: Thanks so much for that great compliment! I set out to tell exciting stories and fell in love with the characters, wanting to tell their stories as raw and honest, yet hopeful, as I could. All the themes, the romance, and faith grew out of knowing the characters. The suspense plots typically grew out of the characters’ deepest fears and back-stories. And because I did a lot of outling, research, and getting to know the characters, I wasn’t too surprised where the stories went. I have, however, been pleasantly surprised at how much the characters have resonated with readers.

And if folks want to know more behind the scenes stuff about the books and real-life circumstances that influenced the Defenders of Hope stories, stop by my Dark Chocolate Suspense site: http://www.amywallace.com/. You can also read the first two chapters of Enduring Justice in a cool online book format: http://www.amywallace.com/ej_chapter.html

The direct Amazon link to EJ: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601420145

And if you'd like to know more about Amy and recieve her outstanding the Dark Chocolate Suspense Newsletter please visit here: http://www.amywallace.com/Newsletter.html

thank you so much to Amy for visiting with me today! It's been a pleasure.

This blog post was crossposted at www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com.

hugs,

WendyK

A question for readers?

2009-03-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hi to everyone.
I'd like to know if readers who read Christian Fiction are open to reading other genres? Would you visit a blog that has Christian Fiction authors as well as other Genre authors even Erotica authors on their blogs?

Do you think there should be a wide seperation between Christian Fiction and other genres or do you want the Secular world to see CF for the wonderful writing it is? Do you think that if CF authors and books are promoted on the Secular blogs maybe more readers would find their way back to their faith or learn about a faith they may never have heard before or never listened to?

I'd really love to know readers thoughts on this. I'd like to add CF authors and books to my other blog and not post to this one, since I have hard time keeping up with 2/3 blogs. But I'd like to know readers thoughts on this as well. Would you CF readers read posts that appeared on blogs with other authors/books?

I thank you for your comments in advance.

St. Patrick's Day?

2009-03-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling.

Taken Prisoner By Irish Raiders

It is known that St. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents near the end of the fourth century. He is believed to have died on March 17, around 460 A.D. Although his father was a Christian deacon, it has been suggested that he probably took on the role because of tax incentives and there is no evidence that Patrick came from a particularly religious family. At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family's estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity. (There is some dispute over where this captivity took place. Although many believe he was taken to live in Mount Slemish in County Antrim, it is more likely that he was held in County Mayo near Killala.) During this time, he worked as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. Lonely and afraid, he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devout Christian. (It is also believed that Patrick first began to dream of converting the Irish people to Christianity during his captivity.)

Guided By Visions

After more than six years as a prisoner, Patrick escaped. According to his writing, a voice-which he believed to be God's-spoke to him in a dream, telling him it was time to leave Ireland.
To do so, Patrick walked nearly 200 miles from County Mayo, where it is believed he was held, to the Irish coast. After escaping to Britain, Patrick reported that he experienced a second revelation-an angel in a dream tells him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Soon after, Patrick began religious training, a course of study that lasted more than fifteen years. After his ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland with a dual mission-to minister to Christians already living in Ireland and to begin to convert the Irish. (Interestingly, this mission contradicts the widely held notion that Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland.)

Bonfires and Crosses

Familiar with the Irish language and culture, Patrick chose to incorporate traditional ritual into his lessons of Christianity instead of attempting to eradicate native Irish beliefs. For instance, he used bonfires to celebrate Easter since the Irish were used to honoring their gods with fire. He also superimposed a sun, a powerful Irish symbol, onto the Christian cross to create what is now called a Celtic cross, so that veneration of the symbol would seem more natural to the Irish. (Although there were a small number of Christians on the island when Patrick arrived, most Irish practiced a nature-based pagan religion. The Irish culture centered around a rich tradition of oral legend and myth. When this is considered, it is no surprise that the story of Patrick's life became exaggerated over the centuries-spinning exciting tales to remember history has always been a part of the Irish way of life.)

For more information please visit the History channel at http://www.history.com/minisites/stpatricksday/

It's very interesting.

hugs,

WendyK

a New family member...

2009-02-16T19:24:00.001-08:00

Meet our newest family member, Jake.

hugs,

WendyK

book buying and the changing times, how does it affect things?

2009-01-29T07:36:00.001-08:00

Hello all,
In my groups I recently asked a question on book buying habits and how it affects authors and the publishing world. Here is how I worded my question to the groups:

I have a question for all published authors. I am considering changing alot of
my shopping habits and have already done so in many small ways. But I was
wondering last night as I bookshopped, do you all get paid a certain
royalty from the publisher no matter the bookseller? Or do you make more money
from books sold at say Barnes and Noble, over books sold at Walmart? Does it
matter? Is there a preference for where you'd like readers to buy your books?
Does it help more if they are bought directly from the publisher, ie eharlequin.com, or the Harpercollins
website, or does it help more when we purchase them from a chain bookstore or
what?

I know you get nothing when we use PBS or UBS
but does it matter to your bottomline, or your sells, or your
listing if we buy from different stores?

I hope my question
makes sense

Now I'd like to discuss this on my blog. I know that it matters to sales for authors that we buy new vs buying used or booksharing. I also know that with things as they are many of us are having to cut back, change our shopping/buying habits in order to survive. However I do hope to not see this mean more great authors are let go by publishers due to slow sells. I remember a few years ago everyone complained there weren't any good historicals being published, however when asked most admitted to not buying any either, they were getting them at UBSs and libraries and such so the publishers didn't see historicals selling. Now we are overloaded in alot of opinions with paranormals, namely Vampires, but that is what was/is selling. I see a larger variety myself out now, but still wonder with the changing times how our book buying choices will fall out in the future. So I want to know from everyone how has your bookbuying habits changed? How does buying used affect you? Do you still want/hope/plan to buy as many new as you can? Authors, can you help to explain how the difference in buying from one store vs another affects your future books being published? I'd love to see this discussed openly and without hurt feelings for blame or any other hard things. I just want to have a better idea of what MY choices now will mean for the future of the Romance industry I so dearly love. If you have a thought on this, or just want to ask more questions about how things really work please ask.

hugs,
WendyK

Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake

2009-01-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

christmas reading?

2008-12-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

Wow it's been awhile since I posted last. I've been truly enjoying this season of good cheer. We've been putting up decorations and shopping and just enjoying our time. A very relaxed time really so far this year. We found a book, SANTA'S CHRISTMAS PRAYER. It's really cute and sweet. And really is a good way to use both Santa and the true meaning of Christmas. My kids really enjoyed it. My mom has a couple of statues of santa praying or kneeling over Jesus. Very cute.

Right now I'm reading WHIRLWIND by Cathy Marie Hake. a great book so far. I'll post a review of it later on, hopefully tomorrow.

After the 1st of the year I hope to have authors visiting and to be updating the blog alot more often. Please stick with me, or offer me advice or tips or things you'd like me to do or change.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, joyful, Holiday Season and remembers to leave Christ in Christmas!

hugs and Merry Christmas to all,
WendyK

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T06:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Have a happy, safe, thankful, foodful, joyous day and weekend!

hugs,
WendyK

No new books?

2008-11-23T18:19:00.000-08:00

Yes that's right I've read nothing new really. I did read a desire which took me days to read. But otherwise nothing new. I have Colleen Coble's LONESTAR SECRETS and I'm dying to read it, well okay so that's a bit over the top, but you get my point. I've just been under the weather and cleaning out clutter and preparing to put up Christmas decorations. I do so love this time of the year. It's the best time of year, all the good cheer, all the beautiful lights and the charm of the season. I love that my kids want to do a "special table setting for Jesus" each year and we always do a gift for Jesus (usually we pick someone who may not get a gift from others at a rest home and my kids take them something) and this year my baby girl wants to make Jesus a birthday cake. The fact that they get what the Season is about, is sooo wonderful to me. It's not about presents, although they love that, it's about Jesus coming to save us mommie. That's what they will tell me. Gotta love that.

I will post a new review soon. Hugs to you all and if I don't get back by Thanksgiving, have a wonderful holiday and remember to give Thanks for the most wonderful gift we'll ever recieve, salvation.

hugs,
WendyK

Making room for more books

2008-11-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
I am trying to make room for new books. So I'm adding more to my paperbackswap.com shelf. If you'd like a book please visit my bookshelf and then email me with which books you'd like.

http://www.paperbackswap.com/book/members_books.php?m=eExNRVFTTEpqQm89

I'm not sure if that will work or not.

You can email me at highlandlovesong at yahoo dot com.

hugs,
WendyK

Colleen Coble, LONESTAR SANCTUARY

2008-11-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

LONESTAR SANCTUARY
Colleen Coble
ISBN: 9781595545497
Release Date: August 2008
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Christian Fiction Contemporary Romance

Hello all, a change for this blog....

2008-10-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hello all, I have decided to make this blog my Christian Fiction blog. I will post reviews of my personal Christian Fiction reads and only post CF books and comments to this blog. If you'd like to read my secular fiction reviews, comments, author interviews and guest bloggers then please visit my other blog at www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com.

It may be a bit before I am ready to begin posting my reviews so please stay with me and watch this spot for more information.

hugs,
WK

ACHERON by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2008-08-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

ACHERON

A Dark-Hunter Novel

Sherrilyn Kenyon

http://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/

St. Martins Press

ISBN: 978-0-312-36215-7

August 5, 2008

Setting: Ancient world, Present day

Paranormal Romance

Read: August 5 & 6, 2008

728 total pages in book, hardcover

Rating 5

From the Publisher:

At last, the long awaited and most anticipated book of the Dark-Hunter world.The god of final fate and the leader of the Dark-Hunters, Acheron Parthenopaeus is used to being in charge... at least in this lifetime. He answers to no one and no one questions him.Yeah, right. Enter a woman on a forbidden quest out to answer an ancient mystery who won't take no for an answer. Not even from Acheron himself. In spite of his impugning her reputation and foiling her attempts at every step of the way, she will not be denied.But when ancient guardians and old enemies threaten them, the only hope they have is to stand together or be destroyed individually. The only problem is Acheron isn't sure he can trust anyone with his past, but as the Fates have foretold, in your past lies your future. The time for truth is at hand...In this book, witness the birth of an Atlantean god, the destruction of their pantheon and the true birth of Daimons and the Dark-Hunters.

Since that pretty much gives the story without too much detail, I won't rehash the story itself.

What I will do instead it tell you my feelings on this book. I found the book to be enlightening, thrilling, engaging, and deeply moving. I had moments in which I disliked Ash's heroine (who's name I will not state to keep it safe for those yet to read this story). She had a couple of moments in which I felt she should have done more. However by the end of the story I was happy with her selection as Ash's heroine.

I found Ash's character to be charming and his actions completely believable. Those who have never faced a situation of abuse may find some of his reactions to be whiny. I found the author's note, within the beginning of the book to be very touching. And if I didn't already love Sherri, I would have after reading it.

This is a story that is best savored slowly or reread often. I do think it would work as a stand alone novel, but you will feel more for Ash if you have followed him throughout the series. And would have understood a few moments within the story better. I do look forward to the future of this world Sherrilyn Kenyon has created that leaves readers begging for more.

I highly recommend ACHERON to everyone. Not just fans of Sherri's or the series. This is a novel I believe EVERYONE should read at least once.

POSSESSED BY THE HIGHLANDER by Terri Brisbin

2008-07-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

POSSESSED BY THE HIGHLANDER
MacLerie Series
Terri Brisbin
www.terribrisbin.com
ISBN: 978-0-373-29510-4
August 2008
Setting: Medieval, Scottish Highlands
Author: lives in NJ area
Read July 28, 2008

While this is not a NC set story, nor by a NC author, I feel a need to review this book.

POSSESSED BY THE HIGHLANDER is the story of the Robertson Harlot, Marian Robertson and Duncan, the Peacemaker, MacLerie.

Duncan has traveled to the Robertson Lands to work on a treaty between the Robertson Laird and the MacLerie Laird, one that will benefit both clans. What he finds is a woman in need, a widow with a child who remains on his mind, Mara. Soon Duncan finds that Mara is commanding a large part of his thoughts and could be why the discussions for a treaty are not going well. Duncan visits Mara on several occasions, always with good intentions and nothing untoward happens between then. However others have plans for Duncan and Mara that neither are aware of.

Duncan soon learns that Mara is really the Robertson Harlot, and that he is forced into marriage with her. Their marriage is exchanged into a handfasting that leaves both of them with an out in a year. However Duncan isn't sure he wants an out, especially as secrets Marian has held are slowly coming to light. The things everyone believes about Marian may not be true, but why hold these secrets for five years? What is the truth and why won't Marian share it?

Marian is determined to keep the past buried, no matter her changing feelings for Duncan. Her daughter is what matters most, and the reliving the past will only cause more problems and threaten more people. Will they be able to build a future with past between them? When it comes to Marian or the truth, will Duncan choose love over all else?

POSSESSED BY THE HIGHLANDER is part of a series about the MacLerie's however, readers do not have to read the previous titles to follow this outstanding story. Ms. Brisbin's characters are engaging, refreshing, and wonderful written. You will quickly find yourself pulled into their story and unable to leave until the final page is turned. There is a mystery to the story, and while parts of it are easy to figure out, parts will leave readers with tears in their eyes and gasping or sighing. The romance between Duncan and Marian is so very sweet that you can't help but fall in love along with Marian. POSSESSED BY THE HIGHLANDER is a "must have" read for all fans of historcial romances especially those set during the Medieval period or those who like me adore Scottish heroes. I am eager to read more of Ms. Brisbin's MacLerie series and can only hope they are as wonderfully told as POSSESSED BY THE HIGHLANDER is.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN REUNION By Lynnette Kent

2008-07-07T09:34:00.001-07:00

SMOKY MOUNTAIN REUNION
Lynnette Kent
http://www.lynnette-kent.com/
Harlequin American Romance # 1217
The STATE of Parenthood book two
ISBN: 978-0-373-75221-8
July 2008
Rating 4
Setting: North Carolina, Hawkridge School
Read: July 6, 2008

Nola Shannon was once a resident of the Hawkridge School. A school that offers a last chance for trouble girls to turn their lives around before the legal system or they find themselves in jail. Nola was there and the school and namely it's newest teacher her last year of school, Mason Reed helped her find her place in the world. Now Nola is returning as a substitue teacher, filling in for a teacher out on leave. Nola has never forgotten Mason nor the feelings he brought to life within her.

Mason is considering a change in his life. Since the loss of his wife, raising their son Garret, is about all the keeps Mason going. He knows he's not giving the girls at Hawkridge the support and attention they require. Then in walks Nola, the one girl that could have ruined his life and career 12yrs ago. If he'd have allowed his growing feelings for Nola to show he knew he'd have ruined both of their lives. But now they are no longer student and teacher, but on equal ground. However Mason has no desire to reconnect with Nola. His plan is to keep far away from the tempation she inspires.

Nola only wants to put her feelings for Mason to rest. She has to let go of these left over feelings in order to embrace her future. What she finds is feelings that are not only still there but stronger with Mason around and his son, Garret. Will their Smoky Mountain Reunion, lead to a life of happiness or only more heartache?

SMOKY MOUNTAIN REUNION is book two in the series STATE OF PARENTHOOD from American Romance, but does fine if you only want to read this story. The stories do not appear to be related. Ms. Kent has written a wonderful story of second chances at love set with the beautiful backdrop North Carolina's mountain's offer. There is a bit of a mystery added to the story as well as a few secondary characters that will leave readers longing for more stories set at the Hawkridge School. The romance between Nola and Mason and their past is at times sweet, hot, and at times heartbreaking. This is a great romance to take with you to the beach or just to read while relaxing at home. I would highly recommend readers who enjoy a great setting, a touch of mystery, second chances at love, and wonderful characters read SMOKY MOUNTAIN REUNION.

New Reviews coming next week

2008-06-04T07:19:00.001-07:00

Next week I will post a couple of new reviews. stay tuned. I know you are getting tired of hearing that.LOL

New reviews will come shortly

2008-05-04T07:15:00.003-07:00

New Reviews will be posted soon. Thank you for your patience.
WK

The Bad Son by Linda Warren

2007-10-29T11:37:00.001-07:00

THE BAD SON
Suddenly A Parent
Linda Warren
Harlequin SuperRomance #1375
ISBN: 0-373-71375-4
October 2006
Read October 29, 2007
Rating: 4
Setting: Texas

Beau McCain is now a successful lawyer and the one everyone depends on. He’s pulled his family together and when possibly he tries to save marriages. But he still can’t seem to let go of the feeling he’s the “bad son” as he father called him. He’s let everyone around him find love, helped them when he could, watched as his love, Macy Randall married, divorced and returned home to Waco, Texas. Now they live side by side in condos and are still best friends, but finally Beau has decided it’s time he went after what he’s always wanted, Macy.

Macy has issues of her own, but she’s always loved Beau, she’s just not sure she can be ‘in love’ with him. Then her sister shows up pregnant, and then leaves without taking the baby she just gave birth too. Now Macy finds herself caring for Delia’s baby, and needing Beau more than ever. But she can’t give him what she thinks he needs or wants.

Will they find a way to let go of their issues and enjoy the love they share or will life’s problems be too much for them to handle?

THE BAD SON is part of a series following the McCain family, but you can read it easily alone, as I did. The story is a good one, but did seem to move slowly. At times I got tired of Beau’s attitude and really wanted him to just move on with his life. For his age, his waiting didn’t make sense to me. I’m not sure if reading the previous books where he was a secondary character may have helped or not. Macy while being a compassionate character did seem her age either. She was an adult when her parents divorced but seemed to have acted as a child would over the event. There were things within the story that didn’t work for me; however I also couldn’t stop reading. I did want them to get together however I wondered often if there would be a way for them to do that or if they’d have to wait for another story to completely be together. The addition of Zoë as a character and the many animals Macy took in helped the story. Overall this was a good story. It will certainly have you thinking.

Make-Believe Mom by Elaine Grant

2007-10-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

While this one is set in Montana rather than NC, I figured I'd post my review anyway.

MAKE-BELIEVE MOM
Elaine Grant
Home on the Ranch “Cowboy Country”
Harlequin Superromance #1445
September 2007
ISBN: 0-373-71445-9
Read October 28, 2007
Rating 4

Jon Rider needs help. Losing his wife was hard, but the risk of losing his seven kids is harder. When a social worker shows up, claiming a case of neglect was reported against Jon, he’s shocked and angry. Vet, Kaycee Calloway is on the ranch that morning having just helped a calf be born, now she finds herself in the mist of this family drama and unsure what to do. Then she finds herself directly involved when one of Jon’s children pulls her into the mix saying she’s going to be their new mom, that she’s engaged to Jon.

Now Jon and Kaycee find themselves wondering if maybe this make-believe engagement should become real. However not all the children are thrilled to have Kaycee in their lives, and Jon’s father-in-law is still determined to get his way, and they may have more on their hands than they can handle or love can survive.

MAKE-BELIEVE MOM is a good story. There are a range of characters and interesting problems for them to face. While things are settled a little more sweetly than I think true life would allow, the story offers readers a wonderful escape. The hero, Jon is sexy, and virile (with seven kids you’d expect that) but also strong and has a heart you can’t help but love. And Kaycee is a strong woman who’s put in a different situation. The story was fast and easy to follow. A wonderful way to pass an afternoon.

TURN TWO by Nancy Warren

2007-10-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

TURN TWO
Nancy Warren
Harlequin NASCAR Library
November 2007
ISBN: 0-373-21783-8
Read: October 27, 2007
Rating 4 ½ (on a scale of 1-5)

This is the story of Mike Lundquist, a reporter, and his ex-wife, Taylor Robinson, the new PR manager for Hank Mission. They never expected to see each other again after their 3years of marriage fell apart. But now both are in North Carolina and working in NASCAR. Upon first seeing each other, they pretend to have just met, but soon old feelings as well as new are causing sparks to fly. When they are put in a situation that gives them more time together will they find that sometimes Love is worth a second chance?

TURN TWO is part of Harlequin’s NASCAR series and while it is connected to SPEED DATING it works fine as a stand alone title. Set in the world of NASCAR racing, we once more enter the excitement and thrill racing can offer. The characters in TURN TWO are realistic, believable, charming, and entertaining. You laugh, and tear up at moments. There is a cameo appearance from True-Life NASCAR hero, Carl Edwards. That certainly adds to the feeling these are friends you are visiting rather than characters from a book. This is a great story for fans of racing, second-chances at love, and great characters and settings. TURN TWO takes readers from North Carolina out to other tracks and home again. I highly recommend this one. Can’t wait for more. For a fun little story be sure to check out eharlequin.com for a free online read from Nancy Warren, HOOKED UP (http://www.eharlequin.com/article.html?articleId=1303). A great time is sure to be had once you enter the world of romance NASCAR has to offer.

No new books read by NC authors

2007-10-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

Well I have not had a chance to read a book by an NC author or set in NC in recent weeks. But I hope to get on in soon.

Will post when I do.

Welcome...

2007-09-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Blog. Here I will review books by Tarheel Authors, or books set in North Carolina. I may only post one book a month or I may post more. Enjoy your visit.

Tarheel Reviewer