The Traitor's Heir

 Like many from his village, young Eamon Goodman dreamed of joining the Gauntlet, the army of the overlord Eldered. Now he is about to complete his training and swear his loyalty to Eldered and his commanders, the Hands, who uphold Eldered’s tight control of the land.
Entering into the service of the Gauntlet, Eamon’s gifts, particularly his potent Sight, quickly become valuable to his superiors and he advances to the command rank at a speed that arouses the suspicions of fellow officers.
However, Eldered’s bloody rule, and Eamon’s personal friendships, start to challenge the young soldier’s assumptions about what might be true, and worthy of service. And soon Eamon must conceal a fatal secret: he is sworn to both Eldered and to Hughan, the rightful king of the land. Yet he may not forswear the vows he has uttered in all good faith so however he serves, his name will be traitor.
As tensions and military skirmishes increase, Eamon finds himself trusted by both his masters. How can he possibly maintain his integrity, act justly to his fellow officers of the Gauntlet, and act on behalf of all the warring people of the land?

 This is the first in the series of 3 books

This would make a great reading for those that love to read about the age of knights and kings and the medieval times.  The author takes us into a world of world of divided loyalties, conspiracies and more.  An easy read, that keeps the reader captivated.

If you enjoy the J.R,R, Tolkien books, then this is the novel for you.    I can not wait until the next book comes out.

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Stuck Together

 

Now that she's settled in town, Tina Cahill is determined to get Broken Wheel's saloon closed for good. To that end, she pickets outside the place every afternoon. Unfortunately, so far no one has paid any attention.

Vince Yates earned the nickname; Invincible Vince because of his reputation for letting absolutely nothing stop him. But Vince is about to face his biggest challenge yet: his past has just caught up with him. His father, mother, and the sister he didn't know he had show up in Broken Wheel without warning. His father is still a schemer. His mother is showing signs of dementia. And his surprise sister quickly falls for one of Vince's best friends. Vince suddenly has a lot of people depending on him, and Tina doesn't approve of how he's handling any of them.

With nearly every other man in town married off, Vince finds himself stuck with strong-willed Tina over and over again. Of course, Tina is the prettiest woman he's ever seen, so if he could just get her to give up her crazy causes, he might go ahead and propose. But he's got one more surprise coming his way: Tina's picketing at the saloon has revealed a dark secret that could put everyone Vince loves in danger

.

This was a great “hard to put down” novel.   I really enjoyed reading this one!    As the story begins, we go back to the old west in the year 1868, in the town of Broken Wheel Texas.     Here we meet the main characters, Tina,  Duffy, Griss, Jonas, Vince, Glynna, and Dare.

As the story unfolds we learn more of Vince and his family, his tyrant father, a sister he never knew and of course his mother who is showing signs of dementia.    As the story unfolds we learn of the love that Vince has for Tina, but does he allow himself to love another when he may also end up with the dementia that runs in the family?

I really enjoyed the characters in the story,  the author has done a wonderful job.  Her writing style is easy to read, to follow along, and as I said, it was hard to put down.   You can find yourself lost in any one of the characters.

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Love Letters from the Edge

Millions of women in the United States battle with after-effects of suffering so great they’ve developed post-traumatic stress disorder—the same suffering experienced by soldiers who’ve gone through war. Sexual and physical abuse, catastrophic accidents, abandonment, natural disasters, invasive medical procedures, and many other painful and overwhelming events can trigger symptoms they are little equipped to deal with and hard-pressed to recognize.
Love Letters from the Edge provides a voice for those struggling to express this pain and reveals intimate encouragement for those in desperate need to hear God’s words of love and deliverance. This heartfelt devotional focuses on the profound laments in the book of Psalms. Each meditation begins with a letter from someone in the throes of despair and then offers a tender response to their pain from God’s perspective.
Fresh, honest, and intimate, Love Letters from the Edge will reach readers who never expected to hear good news from where they are and point them toward the hope and healing of Christ.

This is a great devotional for those who are hurting and going through a crisis in their lives.   I enjoyed the chapter or devotional on "Fighting My Feelings" which can be difficult to to for those who are suffering, having to deal with the anger and emotions that come; this is the chapter that encourages a lot.

PTSD is not easy, it is not fun, it is real, and it does happen.   I believe that this book can be a great help to those who are seeking God, and answers from Him.    I do like the fact that the authors have given links, places to refer to for those in need. 

There is also a chapter "PTSD 101" which is very informative about this "condition".

* I am a family member of one who suffers, and also a certified counselor for PTSD.

  I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Rope of Sand

In the third installment of The Secret of the Journal series, Christmas approaches and the relationship between British historian, Emma D'Eresby and American surgeon, Matthew Lynes deepens as she readies herself to meet his family in rural Maine. But tensions are simmering beneath the surface. What does sinister Maggie have against her, and what might she be prepared to do to keep Matthew and Emma apart?

Emma has discovered Matthew's origins, but that is only the beginning; in order to prepare for the future, she must also understand his past.

E mma nervously meets Matthew's family. She encounters his seventy-year-old son, Henry, and learns how unique the family really is. As Christmas approaches, it is clear that Emma is not welcomed by all: what does Matthew's great-granddaughter have against her, and what might his sinister psychiatrist granddaughter, Maggie, be prepared to do?Bound by their faith, Matthew and Emma have accepted that they must wait to be together until his wife dies. Very reluctantly, Emma meets Ellen--an elderly woman with a core of steel--and learns how living with Matthew will mean concealment and lies. How can they have a life together?

This is the third book in the series, and we learn more as Emma gets acquainted with Matthew's family.  The writer does an amazing job of bringing the reader into the story and the family.   

The characters are interesting, and as the story evolves and unfolds it brings you deeper into their lives. 

The novel is well written,  and although the subject matter isn't one I would normally read, this series leaves you wanting to know more.    I am sure that the readers will enjoy this, and look forward to the next in this series.

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”