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We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels – Review

January 5, 2019 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Debut author Erin Bartels delivers a gripping and thought provoking read in We Hope for Better Things.

About the Book

When Detroit Free Press reporter Elizabeth Balsam meets James Rich, his strange request–that she look up a relative she didn’t know she had in order to deliver an old camera and a box of photos–seems like it isn’t worth her time. But when she loses her job after a botched investigation, she suddenly finds herself with nothing but time.

At her great-aunt’s 150-year-old farmhouse, Elizabeth uncovers a series of mysterious items, locked doors, and hidden graves. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding. And as Elizabeth soon discovers, the past is never as past as we might like to think.

Debut novelist Erin Bartels takes readers on an emotional journey through time–from the volatile streets of 1960s Detroit to the Underground Railroad during the Civil War–to uncover the past, confront the seeds of hatred, and discover where love goes to hide.

Amazon // B&N // BAM! // Book Depository // Christianbook // Goodreads

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Northern Deception by Laurie Wood – Review & Giveaway

December 5, 2018 by Suzie Waltner 1 Comment

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Northern Deception
(Heroes of the Tundra #1)
By Laurie Wood
Inspirational Romantic Suspense
ebook, 170 Pages
December 4th 2018 by Anaiah Press

Reunions can be deadly.

After a savage attack in university, Kira Summers fled to the safety of northern Canada and her work as a polar bear scientist. But when her whistleblower brother dies in a mysterious car crash, she must return home to bury him and pack his belongings. Unaware she’s carrying explosive evidence someone’s willing to kill for, she has no choice but to rely on the one person she never thought she’d see again.

Lukas Tanner, a widowed single father of a special needs toddler, moved to Churchill five years ago. As the proud owner of Guiding Star Enterprises, a wilderness tour company, he and his daughter lead a simple life. But when Kira comes crashing back into his world, he realizes God has other plans. Now, Lukas and Kira must confront a merciless killer as their past and present collide in a deadly race—a race they must win if they have any hope of a future together.

Goodreads│Amazon

Summer Plans and Other Disasters by Karin Beery – Review

October 13, 2018 by Suzie Waltner 1 Comment

About the Book

Elementary school music teacher Callie Stevens thinks she’s finally figured out God’s plan for her life—she even made a list to keep her on track.

Moving in with her brother and reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend are at the top of the list. What’s not on the list is running into her childhood crush, Ryan. God wanted her to connect with Kyle, right?

Trying to figure out God’s plan is hard enough. But a dating-averse older brother, the young blonde who adores him, a pregnant best friend, and Callie’s continual mishaps make her wonder whether her best laid plans were truly God-inspired.

Now available from Elk Lake Publishing!

Can’t Wait Wednesday – At First Glance

September 12, 2018 by Suzie Waltner 2 Comments

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you’re continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

Happy Wednesday, reader friends! Last Thursday I got to watch my niece get married (and my dad officiated the ceremony which is always fun). So I’m in the mind for some romance.

Last month I got to participate in the cover reveal for this author’s November debut. The colors on this cover are so perfect, it stuck with me.

Estate planner Penny Thornton loves dusting off items others gloss over, especially since she relates to feeling tossed aside for the “bright and shiny. When her younger sister’s approaching wedding launches Penny back into the throes of her dysfunctional family, she decides to use the festivities to close the gap in their relationships even if it means appeasing them and finally losing the few pounds they’ve hounded her about for years. But she doesn’t expect to meet two very different men in the process. East Fisher, the personal trainer who personifies everything she believes she could never attain, and Jonah Black, a man who reminds her so much of herself. Both men are more than they appear at first glance, and both seem interested in her romantically. As Penny uncovers their hidden layers, she discovers when it comes to love and matters of the heart, she’s got a lot to learn about estimating value.

Amazon // Goodreads

Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson – Review

August 19, 2018 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Have you ever had a book on your TBR list that for one reason or another kept getting pushed back and then when you finally get to it, you wonder why in the world you waited so long? That was Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson for me!

In My Opinion…

In her debut novel, Tara Johnson takes readers into the Civil War with originality and insight. Set in the deep south—Savannah, Georgia—Engraved on the Heart not only shines a light on the danger surrounding those involved in the underground railroad but also illuminates the hearts of those people risking their lives to give others freedom.

Keziah Montgomery’s family is ensconced in Savannah society. With a well-known father, house-slaves, and a brother joining the Confederate army, her loyalties should align. But when her childhood friend Grayson takes her to an abolitionist meeting, her heart is nudged toward compassion for the slaves who live under the thumbs (and tempers) of their owners.