Joanna Davidson Politano: A Rumored Fortune

By Kelly Bridgewater

Tressa Harlowe's father did not trust banks, but neither did he trust his greedy extended family. He kept his vast fortune hidden somewhere on his estate in the south of England and died suddenly, without telling anyone where he had concealed it. Tressa and her ailing mother are left with a mansion and an immense vineyard and no money to run it. It doesn't take long for a bevy of opportunists to flock to the estate under the guise of offering condolences. Tressa knows what they're really up to. She'll have to work with the rough and rusticated vineyard manager to keep the laborers content without pay and discover the key to finding her father's fortune--before someone else finds it first.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano welcomes readers to Trevelyan Castle, home of the poorest heiress in Victorian England, for a treasure hunt they'll not soon forget.

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

I have read Joanna Davidson Politano's first novel, Lady Jayne Disappears, and it was like nothing I ever read before. Chalked full of mystery and a unique Victorian voice. So of course, when I read the synopsis on her second novel, A Rumored Fortune, I couldn't wait to dive into a treasure hunt in a castle in the Victorian era. Unfortunately the book fell flat for me.

Politano does a fabulous job at creating the setting and allowing me to experience the world of Trevelyan Castle. The house and the surrounding city sparkled on the page. Politano dives into the characters' emotions at the right time and the right place. Sometimes a little too much. She does write the main character of Tressa Harlowe in first point of view, but the hero, Mr. Vance, in third point of view.

I enjoy the ability of Tressa to see past the outward appearance of all the other characters. She looks for the best in others and wants to settle everything up right, either with the employees who work for her families vineyard or the debts her father has accumulated. Meanwhile when Mr. Vance enters the story, he is on the hunt for treasure to right the wrongs done to his small hometown. By the end of the novel, he realizes he doesn't have to hurt someone else to accomplish these little tasks.

What is better than a hunt for treasure during the Victorian era in a castle? I really couldn't wait to see how the story develop. But for me, it was slow going. The way the story is written, the story focuses more on the emotions of Tressa than the treasure hunt. Every time, it seemed, she came on the scene, she was more focused on Mr. Vance and her budding relationship with him or what she should do with Andrew than worried about hunting for the rumored fortune. She did focus on the treasure hunt at times, but I think she should be doing more to find the treasure than she did.

At the beginning of the novel, Tressa seemed immature in her reasonings for a relationship, but by the end of the novel, she finally realized what makes a man a man. Someone who is willing to help someone without any known reward. Tressa leaned on God more to fulfill her purpose in life.

Overall, A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano is a neat idea with the race for the treasure and the mysteries behind the house, but it fell flat for me. The plot didn't move fast enough, and most of the story focused on the romance of Tressa than the treasure left by her father. If you like  historical romances like The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen, then this might be the book for you.

I received a complimentary copy of A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

From Amazon

About the Author:

 Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her debut novel, Lady Jayne Disappears, releases October 3 from Revell. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.(Taken from Amazon)

Job 1: 8-12

By Kelly Bridgewater

"Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?'

So Satan answered the Lord and said, 'Does Job feat God for nothing? Have You made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out You hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!'

And the Lord said to Satan, 'Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.'

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord." (Job 1: 8-12)

Scripture came from the New King James Version-Journal the Word Bible

Tessa Afshar: Thief of Corinth

By Kelly Bridgewater

First-century Corinth is a city teeming with commerce and charm. It’s also filled with danger and corruption―the perfect setting for Ariadne’s greatest adventure.

After years spent living with her mother and oppressive grandfather in Athens, Ariadne runs away to her father’s home in Corinth, only to discover the perilous secret that destroyed his marriage: though a Greek of high birth, Galenos is the infamous thief who has been robbing the city’s corrupt of their ill-gotten gains.

Desperate to keep him safe, Ariadne risks her good name, her freedom, and the love of the man she adores to become her father’s apprentice. As her unusual athletic ability leads her into dangerous exploits, Ariadne discovers that she secretly revels in playing with fire. But when the wrong person discovers their secret, Ariadne and her father find their future―and very lives―hanging in the balance.

When they befriend a Jewish rabbi named Paul, they realize that his radical message challenges everything they’ve fought to build, yet offers something neither dared hope for.

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

I have not read a lot of Biblical Fiction. It isn't my first choice of genre to reach for. I have read a book by Mesu Andrews and Connilyn Cossette and have mixed feelings about the writing. But the Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar's cover looked amazing.  Then I read the synopsis and figured it might be something  I would enjoy reading. I'm glad that I did. With the Thief of Corinth, I finished the entire novel in one day.

Her writing is amazing. I have a deep respect for writers of Biblical fiction because they have to bring the world of the Biblical world to life without overwhelming their readers. They have to be careful with every little aspect. From what they wear to what they would talk like to what the customs of the day was. They have to include just enough to make the setting realistic for the story, but they can't overwhelm the reader with too much information about the Biblical time.

The plot in this story is something I haven't seen. It was interesting, and I had a hard time putting the novel down. I have heard of Corinth because of Paul's two famous letters to the Corinth church. First and Second Corinthians. I was spellbound by the characters and the troubles in their daily lives. Paul, the apostle, made an appearance and shared about God to the family. He helped them see the need for God.

The character of Ariadne was brave and heroic. She did what was not expected of her station in life, but she chose how to make her life. When her life started out pretty rough, she jumped ship literally and moved to Corinth in search of a better life. Dangers followed. The only issue I had with the plot was expecting Ariadne's mother and grandfather to follow sometime in the novel and find them. Not just allow them to go so easily.

Even though the story is about some characters from the Bible, I don't think Afshar made it preachy. She did a fabulous job at telling a story to show the need and desire for God's love.

Overall, Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar is a captivating novel filled with solid research to create an interesting story to show the aspects of living with the Bible characters I read about. I really enjoyed this novel. I think fans of Connilyn Cossette and Mesu Andrews should pick up this book.

I received a complimentary copy of Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

About the Author:

From Amazon

 Tessa Afshar is an award-winning author of historical and biblical fiction. Her novel Land of Silence was voted by Library Journal as one of top five Christian fiction titles of 2016 and won the INSPY Award for General Fiction. Harvest of Gold won the prestigious 2014 Christy Award in the Historical Romance category. Her book Harvest of Rubies was a finalist for the 2013 ECPA Book Award in the fiction category. In 2011, after publishing her first novel, Pearl in the Sand, Tessa was named New Author of the Year in the FamilyFiction-sponsored Reader’s Choice Awards. Tessa lived in the Middle East for the first fourteen years of her life. She then moved to England, where she survived boarding school for girls and fell in love with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, before moving to the United States. She holds an MDiv from Yale Divinity School, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship. But that has not cured her from being exceptionally fond of chocolate. Contact Tessa at tessaafshar.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessaAfshar/ 
(Taken from Amazon)

Carrie Stuart Parks: Formula of Deception

By Kelly Bridgewater

An artist hiding from an escaped killer uncovers one of World War II’s most dangerous secrets—a secret that desperate men will do anything to keep hidden.

After the murder of her twin sister, Murphy Anderson changed her name and appearance and moved to Kodiak, Alaska, to avoid the press and publicity. But when local authorities discover she's an artist and request her help in drawing a dying man's memories, she unintentionally ends up in the limelight again—and may be back in the killer's crosshairs.

The deathbed confessions of an Alaskan hunter has Murphy drawing five bodies discovered on remote Ruuwaq Island ten years ago. But what investigators discover there has them mystified. 

Evidence suggests that the bodies may have been deliberately destroyed, and what they uncover in an abandoned World War II Quonset hut only brings more questions.

As one by one the people who were at the hut die, Murphy knows there is something much deeper at stake. What happened there during WWII? And who is willing to kill to keep those secrets buried?

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

Carrie Stuart Parks is making a name for herself in suspense. I have read her Gwen Marcy's stories, and I loved them. I love how she brings her skills in forensic arts to her characters. Of course, Parks has decided to start a new series with Formula of Deception. What could be better than a modern day mystery taking place in Alaska featuring some World War II elements? Which is exactly what Parks does. I was excited when I heard about the new series from Parks in Fall 2017. I couldn't wait to see what happens.

The mystery captured my attention right away, and I couldn't wait to see how Parks would create twists and turns throughout the entire novel. Parks does a great job at inviting into the mystery, and I had hard time putting the novel down. From the first chapter, I was drawn into the mystery with the World War II elements and anxiously flipped through the rest of the story, wanting to see what happens. The mystery was well-researched and captured my attention.

Murphy is an interesting heroine. I really can't wait to see more installments in this series about her. Parks left a lot unresolved about her past with hints of the truth floating around the edge. I hope I learn more about her sister and hopefully find the answers to what happens. Parks created Murphy with past hurts and trying to hide from her sister's killer.

Overall, Formula of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parks is a spine-tingling mystery filled with a number of twists and turns and a great introduction to a new fascinating heroine, Murphy. I believe fans of Carrie Stuart Parks' other mysteries will enjoy this novel too. Fans of Steven James, Kathy Herman, and Dee Henderson should pick this book up.

I received a complimentary copy of Formula of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parks from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

From Amazon

About the Author:

 Carrie Stuart Parks is an award winning artist, writer, speaker, and law enforcement instructor. A Certified Forensic Artist, she met her husband, Rick, in the romantic hallways of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Together they formed a dynamic and successful team in their fine and forensic art, working on major national and international cases and creating exquisite watercolors and stone carvings. They travel internationally, teaching forensic art to a variety of participants: from the Secret Service to the FBI, from large law enforcement agencies to the smallest two-man departments in their one-week classes. They are the largest instructors of forensic art in the world. Carrie has won numerous awards for her innovative teaching methods and general career excellence and is a signature member of the Idaho Watercolor Society.

Carrie's Gwen Marcey series chronicles a forensic artist from Montana and is loosely based on Carrie's forensic cases.She began her fiction writing career while battling breast cancer. Mentored by NY Times bestselling author, Frank Peretti, Carrie's debut novel, along with her subsequent novels, have been met with critical acclaim. (taken from Amazon)

First in Series

By Kelly Bridgewater

Have you ever picked a book that happened to be the first book in a series and loved it, anxiously waiting for the second or third or even more to be published?

I have.

Below I have attached images of the books that are the first in a series that had gotten me hooked on the author's writing. (All covers come from Amazon unless noted.)

Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt



Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

 

Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason



Happily Ever After by Susan May Warren

 

The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett



A Cry from the Dust by Carrie Stuart Parks

 


 Submerged by Dani Pettrey



For Such a Time by Kate Breslin

 
Thanks!

Feel free to add some more authors who their first books in a series captured your imagination.

Lynette Eason: Called to Protect

By Kelly Bridgewater

For the past year, Chloe St. John has been working as a K-9 cop with her German shepherd partner, Hank. After being dumped by her fiancé for another woman, Chloe has decided that Hank is just about the only male she likes. She's over the whole romance thing and focuses her attention on doing her job. Because a serious case of human trafficking with connections to her missing cousin just landed in her lap.

When US Marshall Blake MacCallum's daughter goes missing, he's ordered to kill the judge he's protecting and tell no one about his daughter's disappearance or she will die. Blake races against the clock to rescue his daughter while Chloe and Hank are asked to be a part of the task force assembled to bring down the traffickers. Chloe finds herself attracted to the silent, suffering man, but thanks to her previous bad judgment, she wonders if she can trust him. And can Blake trust himself around this firecracker of a woman?

From Amazon

                                              

My Thoughts:

Lynette Eason knows her game when it comes to writing suspense. Even though her novels are titled Romantic Suspense, they are heavier on the suspense than romance, which is how I like my romantic suspense. In her newest series Blue Justice, the second book Called to Protect is a fast pace hunt for teenage girls, and Eason has me flipping through the pages hunting for the resolution.

Eason knows her research or at least how to find information with actual police officers to make her story ring true. I have no problem believing what she states happens in the story to the actual officers. I really enjoy how she dives into the setting and the internal dialogue of the characters too. They ring true for what she creates the characters to be.

The plot is my favorite part of a novel. It is where all the action occurs or should occur. With Called to Protect, Eason touches on the horror of human trafficking for teenagers. She doesn't get graphic with her details and none of the girls are hurt sexually, but she does mention things about the human trafficking industry that made my stomach cringe. I can't imagine the horror. While reading this book, I prayed for my niece and all the little girls I work with at Awana at church. I pray God keeps an eye on them their whole life and this never happens to them. The story does move rapidly, and I had a suspicion who  the bad guy was before Eason showed it. I was right.

It was nice to see familiar characters in the St. John family reappear in this addition. This time it was nice to be more familiar with Chloe. I got to understand Chloe's role in her family and her role in her job. Family dynamics are a difficult place to be, but Eason creates a family that is close-knit. Something I'm sure everyone strives for. Some more than others. Most families aren't that tight-knit. I enjoy seeing Chloe and watching her realize her feelings for Blake. I hope they appear again in the next book.

Overall, Called to Protect by Lynette Eason is a fast-pace peek into the world of human trafficking. With the return of familiar characters and a suspense racing my heart, I couldn't wait to see how the story ended. Fans of Eason's previous writings, DiAnn Mills, or Steven James might enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of Called to Protect by Lynette Eason, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

About the Author:

From Amazon

 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. 
(Taken from Amazon.com)