remaininhislove

She’s a smokejumper afraid of fire…

Kate Burns is a legendary smoke jumper, known for her courage and willingness to risk everything to get the job done. Only she has a secret, one she won’t admit to anyone.

He can’t forget the love they once shared…

Supervisor Jed Ransom commands the Jude County Smoke Jumpers with a reputation as a calm, level-headed leader. Kate is the only one who’s ever gotten under his skin.

They must face the flames together…

A raging wildfire in the mountains of Montana brings Kate and Jed together to train up a new team of jumpers. Suddenly, they must face the past they’ve been running from and the secrets that keep them apart. When an arsonist goes after their team, Kate and Jed must face their deepest fears—and learn to rely on each other as they fight a blaze that could destroy them all.

In this first book of the Montana Fire: Summer of Fire trilogy, Kate and Jed are about to discover that where there’s smoke, there just might be a chance to start again.

Review

I’m not going to lie, Susan May Warren is a hit or miss author for me. When she’s on, the book is amazing. When it’s a miss, its a big miss. My thoughts on this one:

I thought it took too long to figure out why Kate was doing a job that paralyzed her with fear. And I spent the beginning part of the book confused and thinking:

Aside from the fact that Kate was scared of a job she was doing, I like that she knew her own mind. When it came to Jed, she knew what she wanted.

And yet, still Jed and Kate managed to have miscommunication issues.

So, this is a strange comment coming from me, but I liked that it was short because things got resolved quicker.

There were these hints that the rest of the series will be dealing with a mystery.

Spiritually, I’m not going to lie, their relationship with God was not obvious. Were they believers? Non-believers? But by the end, both of them have their faith tested and realize that they need to trust God with everything.

All this said, I really enjoy Susan May Warren’s writing and look forward to the next one (btw, I’m thinking some of her old character’s children are in this one…anyone want to confirm???)

 

 

A master violinist trained in Vienna, Rebekah Carrington manages to wheedle her way into an audition with the Maestro at the newly-formed Nashville Philharmonic. But women are “far too fragile and frail” for the rigors of an orchestra, and Rebekah’s hopes are swiftly dashed. Because the conductor—determined to leave his mark on the world of classical music—bows to public opinion. To make matters worse, Adelicia Acklen Cheatham, mistress of Belmont Mansion and Rebekah’s new employer, agrees with him.

Nationally-acclaimed conductor Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb is Nashville’s new orchestra leader. And despite a reluctant muse—and a strange buzzing and recurring pain in his head—he must finish composing his symphony before the grand opening of the city’s new opera hall. But far more pressing, he must finish it for the one who first inspired his love of music—his father, who is dying. But Tate’s ailment worsens. He knows Rebekah can help him finish his symphony. But how do you win back a woman’s trust when you’ve robbed her of her dream?

As music moves us to tears yet makes our hearts soar, A Note Yet Unsung captures the splendor of classical music at a time when women’s hard-won strides in cultural issues changed not only world history—but the hearts of men.

Acclaimed novelist Jody Hedlund brings the real story of “Amazing Grace” to page in a thrilling tale of the love story of John Newton and Polly Catlett. John Newton fell in love with Polly Catlett at first sight. But Polly was unable to return the affections of the rebellious, worldly young man and her father ordered the aimless John away from her. Not long after, John was pressed into serving in the Navy. He saw Polly one last time before leaving England but Polly couldn’t promise any future to him. After four years away, John is called back to England on family matters. But John was heavily, blindly involved in the slave trade and had no desire to return. John Sr. used his son’s undying love for Polly to lure him home. On that treacherous voyage back to England, in the midst of a terrible storm, John finally experienced salvation and began moving towards, eventually, crusading against slavery. Back at home, John must work hard to convince wise-beyond-her-years Polly Catlett that he is a changed man and worthy of her.

A miracle once saved her life ~ will another give her a future?

Cyprus was little more than a child when a fall left her paralyzed…and when the boy known as the wonder-worker healed her. Ever since, she has wondered why the Lord spared her, what he has in store for her. But her pagan father thinks she was spared solely so she could be introduced to the wealthy wonder-worker, Nikolaos.

Nikolaos has never questioned that his call in life is to dedicate himself to the church and to God. Never, that is, until he and his cousin Petros meet the compelling Cyprus Visibullis. For years he struggles with the feelings she inspires…and with the sure knowledge that Petros loves her too.

Petros knows he will never be good enough for Cyprus’s father to consider him as a match for his favorite daughter not as long as Nikolaos is there. But when tragedy strikes the Visibullis family, he will do anything to save his beloved. Unfortunately, his beloved is determined to do anything to save her sisters ~ even at the cost of herself.

As the festival of lights bathes their Greek city in beauty, Cyprus, Petros, and Nikolaos celebrate the miracle of their Savior s birth together one last time. And in remembrance of their Lord’s greatest gift, one of them will make the ultimate sacrifice for the others…and a centuries-long tradition will be born.

Geesje de Jonge crossed the ocean at age seventeen with her parents and a small group of immigrants from the Netherlands to settle in the Michigan wilderness. Fifty years later, in 1897, she’s asked to write a memoir of her early experiences as the town celebrates its anniversary. Reluctant at first, she soon uncovers memories and emotions hidden all these years, including the story of her one true love.

At the nearby Hotel Ottawa Resort on the shore of Lake Michigan, twenty-three-year-old Anna Nicholson is trying to ease the pain of a broken engagement to a wealthy Chicago banker. But her time of introspection is disturbed after a violent storm aboard a steamship stirs up memories of a childhood nightmare. As more memories and dreams surface, Anna begins to question who she is and whether she wants to return to her wealthy life in Chicago. When she befriends a young seminary student who is working at the hotel for the summer, she finds herself asking him all the questions that have been troubling her.

Neither Geesje nor Anna, who are different in every possible way, can foresee the life-altering surprises awaiting them before the summer ends.

Lots to look forward to!

For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War Ii means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy–even if he is her brother’s best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves–and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?

Sarah Sundin brings World War Ii to life, offering readers an intense experience they won’t soon forget.

Review

No one writes WWII romance novels like Sarah Sundin. My thoughts:

What I liked:

Lillian. I know this sounds strange, but I liked that she was a heroine with a disability. And more than that, even though it may have bothered other people, it didn’t bother her. Lillian was a heroine who knew who was she was and what she wanted and she didn’t let anything keep her down.

Archer. We met Archer in the first book and I was so interested to see him fall in love with Lillian. It’s worth it!

Friendship romance. It’s the best kind of romance: one built upon the foundation of friendship. Lillian is hesitant to get involved with Archer at first and so that means that they have to get to know each other first.

History. Once again, Sundin effortlessly weaves history into the story, allowing to get involved and learn.

Secondary characters. Everyone from book one is in book two and it was so great to see old friends. I’m very excited about the next Avery!

Spiritually, like most Sundin novels, Archer and Lillian each have spiritual struggles that they must deal with throughout the novel. They both must learn to trust God and His plans for them.

What I didn’t like:

There was nothing I didn’t like. It was very cute, but I will say that it wasn’t terribly memorable.

Romantic Scale: 8

Overall, a very good second book in a good series!

** I received a copy of from Netgalley. My opinion is not affected in anyway.**

 

 

 

Former bad girl Katie Stone can feel the weight of her reputation settle over her as she drives home for the first time in years. Feeling deeply guilty about her past mistakes, Katie wants to do the right thing for once. But the small town where she grew up is not nearly as forgiving as she’d hoped. Despite it all, she’s determined to help her parents cope with her mother’s recent illness, and Katie finds a surprise ally in the man next door.

Asher Powell never minded being the son of a small-town pastor until a recent breakup leaves him wounded by lifelong members of his church. He remembers his new neighbor as a mean-spirited high school troublemaker, but he senses that her newfound faith and desire for forgiveness are sincere.

Through an unexpected friendship, two people from different worlds find peace, hope, and a second chance they never dreamed was possible.

Baseball star Will Vandergriff knows any number of women who would happily pretend to be his girlfriend. In a last-ditch effort to restore his good standing with his team’s higher-ups, he enlists the help of his neurotic, goody-goody neighbor. Schoolteacher Olivia Pratt might be a bit quirky and a bit of a loner, but she’s a lot more inviting than she knows. Will hopes that bringing her to his next game might revamp his reckless reputation and help get his career back on track. The only problem? The plan works a little too well. Not only do the higher-ups love Olivia, but Will plays his best game yet. Suddenly his losing streak is a thing of the past, and Olivia is his new good-luck charm. Will feels anything but lucky.

After years of keeping the world at bay, Olivia Pratt is pulling off the ultimate performance—not only reluctantly posing as Will’s girlfriend but also insisting that she’s oblivious to his major-league appeal. But she can only lie to herself for so long. Being by Will’s side feels good. Really good. Maybe it’s finally time to make a pitch for everything she really wants—and to find out just how exhilarating love can be.

She can’t forget the man she walked away from . . .

Liza Beaumont knew she was playing with fire when she let smoke jumper Conner Young into her life. Just friends, she promised herself, but she couldn’t help but fall for the tall, blond firefighter who needed her. But loving him got her burned, and she’s not about to risk her heart again.

His one chance to get her back . . .

Conner Young knows he blew his one chance with Liza. His personal losses—and his profession—made him wary of offering any promises he couldn’t be sure he’d live to keep. So he let her walk away, but he never forgot the place she’d held in his heart.

A race to find a missing girl . . .

Until Liza is attacked in the mountains by a rogue grizzly. Her panicked phone call alerts Conner to everything he lost—and still wants. Now, with a teenage girl missing in the woods, and a predator on the loose, Conner and Liza must fight against time and the elements to save her. But when the old friendship ignites into fresh sparks, are they setting themselves up to get burned again? And when disaster happens, will their nightmares pull them apart, or will they find the courage to survive?

He’s loved her for years . . .

Smoke jumper Reuben Marshall harbors a deep regret—a split second decision he made that cost the life of his crew boss. His paralyzing grief has kept him from pursuing his long-burning interest in pretty, petite smoke jumper/bomber pilot Gilly Priest. Not that he has a prayer at winning her heart. Not only is she not interested in dating a teammate, she’s also the preacher’s daughter. And while Rueben’s not the chiefest of sinners, he’s no saint…

A dark secret that keeps her from trusting . . .

Gilly Priest has worked hard to carve out her niche as a female bomber pilot in the dangerous world of firefighting. Sure she’s small, but she’s made up for her statue in courage, grit and the tenacity to face danger other pilots wouldn’t dare. And yes, she’s noticed handsome Rueben Marshall—who wouldn’t? Dependable and strong, he takes up most of the space in the room. But Gilly’s dark secrets won’t allow her close enough to talk to him, let alone let herself fall for him.

A race to rescue the people they love . . .

When their smokejumper plane goes down in the northwestern Montana mountains, wounding their team, Gilly and Reuben are the only ones capable of hiking out to find help. But when their rescue mission turns out to be a fight for their lives against the elements, a saboteur, and a forest fire, they discover they’ll have to put aside their fears and learn to trust each other. But will trust ignite something they both long for . . .and fear? And can they save their team before tragedy strikes—again?

Evangeline is gifted with a heavenly voice, but she is trapped in a sinister betrothal—until she embarks on a daring escape and meets brave Westley le Wyse. Can he help her discover the freedom to sing again?

 

Desperate to flee a political marriage to her cousin King Richard II’s closest advisor, Lord Shiveley—a man twice her age with shadowy motives—Evangeline runs away and joins a small band of servants journeying back to Glynval, their home village.

 

Pretending to be mute, she gets to know Westley le Wyse, their handsome young leader, who is intrigued by the beautiful servant girl. But when the truth comes out, it may shatter any hope that love could grow between them.

 

More than Evangeline’s future is at stake as she finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue that threatens England’s monarchy. Should she give herself up to protect the only person who cares about her? If she does, who will save the king from a plot to steal his throne?

TBA

 

   So much to look forward to!

She’s a smokejumper afraid of fire…

Kate Burns is a legendary smoke jumper, known for her courage and willingness to risk everything to get the job done. Only she has a secret, one she won’t admit to anyone.

He can’t forget the love they once shared…

Supervisor Jed Ransom commands the Jude County Smoke Jumpers with a reputation as a calm, level-headed leader. Kate is the only one who’s ever gotten under his skin.

They must face the flames together…

A raging wildfire in the mountains of Montana brings Kate and Jed together to train up a new team of jumpers. Suddenly, they must face the past they’ve been running from and the secrets that keep them apart. When an arsonist goes after their team, Kate and Jed must face their deepest fears—and learn to rely on each other as they fight a blaze that could destroy them all.

In this first book of the Montana Fire: Summer of Fire trilogy, Kate and Jed are about to discover that where there’s smoke, there just might be a chance to start again.

This came out today! What are you reading this week?

Thank you for being willing to be interviewed on my blog!

Thank YOU! I love being a part of the reading and writing world and I so appreciate opportunities to meet new friends.

1. What made you first interested in writing a book?

I’ve always wanted to, and known I would eventually, write books-fiction and nonfiction. It’s kind of funny, but from my earliest days, I thought of myself as a writer. My writing path didn’t materialize until I went through a difficult personal loss, and found myself wandering through the grieving process. I discovered that there is a lot of real estate between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and I filled my sleepless nights with short stories. As so often happens, my short stories took on a life of their own and surprised me by growing in a series of thriller novels!

2. Why mystery/suspense?

Simply put: I LOVE SUSPENSE! And I find myself writing the kind of book I’d love to read.

3. Which authors would you say have influenced your writing the most?

Gosh, there are so many! I love, love, LOVE C.S. Lewis, and hope to add a sliver of spiritual insight into my adventures in a way he’d appreciate. I am in love with the ‘classics’ of my genre, including (but certainly not limited to!) Agatha Christie tops my list, and I would have to say my life has not been the same since reading Chandler’s The Long Goodbye. John Macdonald’s books delight and influence me, as do the three contemporary grande dames of my genre: J.D. Robb; Sara Peretsky; and Janet Ivanovich. I preorder, and read everything by Steven James; and the same is true with most of the Kay Scarpetta series. I loved Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series and am already hooked on her new Midnight series.

Oh dear, now I’m cranked up! This list is incomplete without Stephen King—even though he scares me I LOVE his work—and I have to add that in addition to C.S. Lewis, Watchman Nee is one of my favorite theologians. I reread Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird” annually, and I just finished “A Man Called Ove” by Fredick Backman—not at all my genre—yet I find myself missing his beautiful prose. And if we’re being honest, I might have a relationship book or two on my shelf…Oh, and did I mention I have a slight addiction to ZOMBIE lit?

4. On my blog, I focus a lot on romance. So, fun question: of all the books you have read, which book had the best kiss/most romantic moment? Wow—great question! One of my all time favorites immediately came to mind: A Severe Mercy, by Sheldon Vanauken. He describes a ‘Shining Barrier’ that he and his wife constructed around themselves that allowed them to lavish love and attention upon each other—keeping the world and it’s distractions at bay. He has some beautiful, passionate descriptions of their intimacies, starting from the heart and extending out to the physical. Love that stuff!

5. What are you working on now?

I’m happy to say that I’m editing the third book in my Jo Oliver Thriller series. I have another book in the works, and it might just be the beginning of a YA series… I am also very slowly working on a (non-fiction) leadership book.

Want to find out more about the lovely Catherine Finger? Go to:

Romulus White has tried for years to hire illustrator Stella West for his renowned scientific magazine. She is the missing piece he needs to propel his magazine to the forefront of the industry.

But Stella abruptly quit the art world and moved to Boston with a single purpose: to solve the mysterious death of her beloved sister. Romulus, a man with connections to high society and every important power circle in the city, could be her most valuable ally.

Sparks fly the instant Stella and Romulus join forces, and Romulus soon realizes the strong-willed and charismatic Stella could disrupt his hard-won independence. Can they continue to help each other when their efforts draw the wrong kind of attention from the powers-that-be and put all they’ve worked for at risk?

Review

I always look forward to anything Elizabeth Camden writes. Here’s why:

What I liked:

Stella. Camden writes smart, intelligent women who are usually a bit older, but know exactly what they want without coming across as being from another time period. Ms. Camden does her research and puts together some sharp heroines. Stella is no different.

Romulus. In fact, I think I usually love Elizabeth Camden’s heroes more than her heroines. That would be the case here. I understood Romulus more…most of the time. I loved that he was flamboyant and out there and yet managed to be so utterly masculine. I love heroes that are not cookie-cutters.

The history. I always manage to learn so much about some small aspect of history without feeling like the author is beating me over the head with facts. And by small, I mean some event or invention that I didn’t realize happened then.

The suspense. I thought they mystery of who killed Stella’s sisters was good. Even though I guessed the bad guy kind of quickly, parts of the story still managed to catch me off guard.

What I didn’t like:

The romance. I know. If I don’t like the romance, than I’m not usually a fan of the book. I will admit that this book wasn’t my favorite especially. So…the problem was that Stella came across as super self-absorbed. She wanted Romulus’ help and she wanted it now. It didn’t matter what was going on in his life. She fully expected this man to drop everything and be there for her….even though they had no past history of friendship. It just made me look at Stella in a negative way, which made me question why Romulus would want to be with her, etc., etc., etc. I do understand that her boldness is what made her her. But she could have been more kind (I know, I know, as always I’m so harsh on heroines).

Romantic scale: 7.8

Overall, not my favorite of Elizabeth Camden, but still a very enjoyable novel.

**I received a copy from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**

 

I promised that Through the Waters was the first in a new series….and it is. Through the Rivers is coming along.

It usually takes me two years to write a new book. But I’ve actually written most of this book in less than 8 months. So…fast for me…slow in the publishing world. Nevertheless, Through the Rivers is coming out this year. I just can’t say when.

What is it about?

Katie Tate. Truitt Tate’s younger, more impulsive sister and that’s all I want to say about her.

Any focused historical moments?

Actually no. That said, research has taken place. I’ve been studying lynchings and their affects on communities as well as sharecropping.

How long will this series be?

Three books: Through the Waters, Through the Rivers, and Through the Fire. Tentatively, very tentatively, Through the Fire will be about the brilliant Ivy Tate and her story about being the first woman of color in a doctoral program in the late 1950s.

And then?

And then, that’s it for the Tate’s. I’ve already started mentally planning my next series, but let me get through these next two first.

So, thoughts?

The Fight for the Cimarron Ranch Has Just Begun!

When Cimarron ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, only the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid save him. Before leaving by train to receive treatment to save his leg–and possibly his life–Chance demands that Heath read the patriarch’s will and see its conditions enforced immediately. If Chance’s three bickering adult children, Justin, Sadie, and Cole, don’t live and work at the home for an entire year, ownership of the ranch will pass to a despised distant relative.

Before long, however, Heath discovers that the avalanche may have been intentionally set–and that more danger lurks ominously. Finding his own future–and a desired future with Sadie–locked up in saving the Cimarron Ranch, Heath and the Boden siblings must work together against outside forces that threaten them all.

Secrets and Lies. Danger That Will Never Go Away.
Join Three Beloved Masters of Romantic Suspense for Novellas Where the Past Will Not Stay Buried.

Dee Henderson – “Missing”
A Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing from her retirement community. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two soon launch into a race against the clock when they realize something dark may lie at the heart of the disappearance.

Dani Pettrey – “Shadowed”
Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young Alaskan fisherman nets the body of a Russian open water swimming competitor. Another swimmer, who’d been the dead woman’s roommate years ago, is pulled into the search for answers as it grows more and more clear that something sinister is at play.

Lynette Eason – “Blackout”
A young woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong finds herself at risk years later when the real culprit is up for parole. The loot taken that night has never been found and he believes she knows where it’s hidden–only her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety?

What are you reading this week?

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, Em, you disappeared and said nothing.

I should have said something. But guys I was here last week (BEA Expo):

and here:

Doing a lot of this:

Getting a lot of ARCs like this:

and this

And meeting bucket loads of amazing people!

Guys! It was amazing. If you ever have the chance to go. Go!