The Accused (Secrets to Keep #2) by Cara Putman [Review & Giveaway]

"A brilliant novel that fans of the genre won't want to miss!" —Tosca Lee, New York Times best-selling author of The Line Between

"Gripping and brimming with chemistry, this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page." —Lynette Eason, best-selling and award-winning author of the Lake City Heroes series

Kregel Publishing
Paperback $16.99
ISBN: 9780825448058

My thoughts: Escaping into the legal arena of university law professor, Margeaux, and her former nemesis practicing criminal defense attorney, Chase, via the fiction writing skills of a real life attorney and professor, Cara Putman, proved to be entertaining, enjoyable, and eye opening as to the possibilities a similar case might flesh out in the legal arena.

As they nit pick through police reports, witness statements, and individuals’ lives they find a convoluted trail of evidence that just doesn’t support the accused being the prime suspect. 

As the trial proceeds, matters come to a head revealing more than the police bargained for. An exciting and terrifying ending that still leaves a thin thread of wonder.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

About the book: When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn't believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer.

Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. Secret word: guilty. After he loses a client to tragedy, he's ready for an in-house corporate position.

When Chase is assigned to Anneliese's case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn't want him to provide legal counsel—not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese.

Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese's innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery—and navigate their growing interest in one another—before the wrong person is charged with murder? Secret word - accused

Author: Cara Putman is the award-winning, best-selling author of more than thirty-five novels, including the Cornhusker Dreams series and the Hidden Justice series.

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 21

Ends May  20 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by Kregel Publishing. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Christmas-themed activity book "I Spy Christmas" from Kregel children's books

🎄THINK AHEAD FOR CHRISTMAS GIVING🎄

ISBN: 9780825455605
Hardcover $13.99 USA
Ages 3-6

My thoughts:  Charming! Brightly illustrated "stories" each on a two-page spread. The story is a simple 4-line text that tells one portion of the traditional Christmas story about the birth of the Christ child. Each "story" has search and find activities that engage the child to find objects and to count. While not a "counting" book, it still involves counting. Attention to detail is enhanced by using books like I Spy Christmas to find the small, obscure details.

The book's story is true-to-Scripture and is progressive from the angel's visit to Mary to the Wise Men bringing their gifts to Baby Jesus. Simple. Direct. 

I highly recommend. 

About the book: Can you spot the doves? What about the angel's trumpet? Point to the girl holding a rug!

Children and parents alike will have hours of fun experiencing the Christmas story in these colorful and bustling illustrations. Samantha Meredith has created eleven bright and beautiful scenes kids will love. Each page not only follows the holy family on their journey, it also includes special pictures for kids to point out. Secret word: angel

It's an interactive book children will want to come back to again and again--all while learning the story of Jesus's birth!

🛐GIVEAWAY🛐

Begins October 28

Ends November 25 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

🎄Open to USA addresses only.🎄

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's book prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by Kregel Children's Books or it's publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Kregel's Bible centric books help toddlers & preschools understand Scripture [Review & Giveaway]

My Toddler Bible (Timeless Stories for Little Ones) board book ISBN: 9780825448669

Buy it on Kregel Publishing

My thoughts:  An adorable little one's board book with a convenient handy handle for their ease in carrying about. The illustrations are attention grabbing, fun, brightly colorful, and aid in understanding the story.

The text is lengthy enough to tell the story adequately for the intendended age audience with a vocabulary that is not "dumbed down for age." 

Kregel Publishing's children's books have always been winners for engagement, accuracy, design, and lasting quality. I highly recommend.

About the book: A perfect Bible for little hands

Filled with rich and colorful illustrations and simple text faithful to the Bible, My Toddler Bible is perfect for children ages 1 to 3. The twenty-eight Bible stories include Scripture references and are taken equally from both the Old and New Testaments to form a complete arc of God's story.

Toddlers will love the built-in handle to carry their Bible with them everywhere--including church! And parents and grandparents will love that its compact form and bright pictures will inspire their little ones to engage with Scripture from an early age.

My Bigger Search and Find Bible ISBN: 9780825448478

Buy it on Kregel Publishing

My thoughts:  Children simply love search and find books and educators (and parents) love them, too. They engage the child with the book and the content of the book. True, some of the items the child is to find have very little to do with the story, it keeps them engaged. In My Bigger Search & Find Bible children journey quickly through the Bible with brief encounters with characters and stories. While doing so, they learn of God's being bigger than their problems. As an aside, you'll note that each story page opens out to four times the book's size. Again "bigger." 

I highly recommend this engaging search and find Bible story book for children. Again Kregel Publications has a winner.

About the book: Fun-filled way for kids to learn how BIG the love of God is...

From the very first page, this fun book is designed to help kids ages 4 to 6 understand that God's love for us is bigger than we can imagine!

Each page expands to four times its size. And in every colorful Bible scene, a child can search and find Bible friends, animals, and other items for even more interactive fun. Secret word: Bible

Packed with cheerful illustrations and a world of play, children will want to come back to this unique Bible over and over, fostering a love of God's Word and a new understanding of his expansive love.

GIVEAWAY

2 Children's Bible books from Kregel Publications

Begins May 3

Ends June 1 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary books to facilitate a review. Opinons are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize books are provided and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by Kregel Publishing or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Fun learning about Noah and the Ark with a book, stickers, and a puzzle from Kregel Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

The children's Biblical books and puzzles available at Kregel Publishing have long been a favorite of mine. If you search this blog for "Kregel" you will find an assortment of quality products I highly recommend. Today we're focusing on three items featuring the Old Testament figure, Noah.

Noah and His Big Boat--Magnetic Adventures (Candle Bible for Toddlers) Board book ISBN: 9781781282274 

My thoughts: A colorful, sturdy book designed perfectly for 3-years and upward. The story text is lengthy enough to engage and yet not overwhelm. Designed as a read-aloud book with interaction for the listening child it will soon become a favorite. The unique magnetized "stickers" can be placed on the pages enabling the child to immerse himself by the activity. 

I've never seen magnetized interaction activities features prior to this and look forward to my grands enjoying it. I highly recommend. Find it here.

About the book: These interactive Bible storybooks enable children to create their own scenes with these much-loved Bible stories. Special magnetic pages combined with a set of magnets provide children with hours of fun. Noah and His Big Boat has everything needed to illustrate the story of the coming of the great flood.

The Story of Noah Sticker Book (Candle Bible for Toddlers) Paperback – Sticker Book by Juliet David & illustrated by Helen Prole  ISBN: 9781781283080

My thoughts: This sticker book is perfect for the young toddler. Just enough text to tell the story of Noah briefly and within the attention span of the younger child. The pictures are colorful and will capture the child's interest.

The paperback book contains four pages of stickers inserted in the middle of the book. Stickers can be placed on appropriate "faded" replicas of the same image. This interactive activity engages the child in an enjoyable means of learning.

I highly recommend. Find it here.

About the book: Complete the story of Noah and his Ark using the sticker sheets provided! Appealing pictures from Helen Prole make it easy for children to engage with this important retelling in the Candle Bible for Toddlers range 4 up.

Noah's Ark Puzzle: 48 pieces ISBN: 9788772031866

My thoughts: I just love puzzles for children's entertainment. I believe they are invaluable assets in hand-eye dexterity, quick mental analysis, and logic. The 48 pieces are perfect for the young child. 

As a stand-alone item, puzzles are great. Paired with either or both of the Noah books, they provide an engaging way to teach the Biblical story of Noah and the Ark. I highly recommend. Find it here

Product: What a fun way to learn Scripture! The 48-piece Noah's Ark puzzle comes with a Bible verses and scenes straight from the Word, designed to inspire, encourage, and teach. Noah's Ark features Philippians 4:6 -- "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything." Safely tucked into a poly bag for transport, the high-quality design of these Bible puzzles also help children develop fine motor skills and logical thinking. Children of all ages will love the bright, charming artwork. Recommended for ages 4 years and older.

GIVEAWAY

Both books & puzzle

Begins February 22

Ends March 21 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary books and puzzle to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given. Winner's prizes are provided and shipped/mailed directly to the winner by Kregel Publishing. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. 

Dusks Darkest Shores (Regency Wallflowers #1) by Carolyn Miller

My thoughts:  I thoroughly enjoy author Carolyn Miller's books. From her very first published book, The Elusive Miss Ellison, she has captured the beauty of a Regency novel with her character development and sheer reading pleasure.

This new series of "Regency Wallflowers" with the unfolding blossom that is the sweet and caring Mary Bloomfield who is beloved in the village as her medical doctor's gifted assistant.

But this story is not just about Mary and her blooming recognition by young Adam Edgerton who returns badly damaged from the war, it is rich with the unfolding care of a man whose new blindness plunges him into a darkness deep with despair and total lack of future.

But Mary has ideas and brings him out of this dark shore upon which Adam has landed.

A sweet story and totally enjoyable. 

About the book: How can a meek wallflower help a returning war hero whose dreams are plunged into darkness?

Mary Bloomfield has no illusions. Her chances for matrimony have long since passed her by. Still, her circumstances are pleasant enough, especially now that she has found purpose in assisting her father with his medical practice in England's beautiful Lake District. Even without love, it's a peaceful life.

That is until Adam Edgerton returns to the sleepy district. This decorated war hero did not arrive home to acclaim and rest, but to a new battle against the repercussions of an insidious disease. Mary's caring nature cannot stand to see someone suffer--but how can she help this man see any brightness in his future when he's plunged into melancholic darkness, his dreams laid waste by his condition?

Adam wants no charity, but he's also no coward. If this gentle woman can work hard, how can he do less? Together they struggle to find a way forward for him. Frustration and antipathy slowly develop into friendship and esteem. Then a summer storm atop a mountain peak leads to scandal--and both Mary and Adam must search the depths of their closed hearts for answers if they hope to find any future path with happiness at its end.

Best-selling author Carolyn Miller is back with a fresh series that will not only thrill readers eager for more of her work, but bring in new fans looking for beautiful writing, fascinating research, deftly woven love stories, and real faith lived out in the Regency period.

About the Author: Carolyn Miller is an inspirational romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia with her husband and four children.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. She enjoys music, films, gardens, art, travel and food.

A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. Learn more about Carolyn at www.carolynmillerauthor.com or find her on Facebook (Carolyn Miller Author), Instagram (@CarolynMillerAuthor), and Twitter (@CarolynMAuthor). 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Dusk's Darkest Shores by Carolyn Miller [Giveaway Ends June 15]

About the book: How can a meek wallflower help a returning war hero whose dreams are plunged into darkness?

Mary Bloomfield has no illusions. Her chances for matrimony have long since passed her by. Still, her circumstances are pleasant enough, especially now that she has found purpose in assisting her father with his medical practice in England's beautiful Lake District. Even without love, it's a peaceful life. 

The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch - from Kregel Publishing - blog tour & prize pack #giveaway

New Christian Regency Fiction book  for you to check out and a fabulous giveaway for you to enter. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed reading The Lost Lieutenant so much. The characters were delightful and the author fleshed them out beautifully in word pictures you could see in your mind's eye. You could feel their emotions of fear, anxiety, or joy as the story unfolded.

The social mores of the time were well addressed in the narrative clearly defining the distinct clash between social standings based on wealth and rank.

I grieved for Diana for her dreadful life at home with her harsh, unloving father. I cheered on Evan as he endures the effects of his wound in battle.

The sweet romance between Diana and her lieutenant, Evan, was a joy. The reliance on their faith to bring them through their troubles was inspiring.

I truly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in this series. 

About the book: He's doing what he can to save the Prince Regent's life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well?

Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.

Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.

About the author: Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at www.ericavetsch.com or find her on Facebook.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Prize pack is provided by Kregel Publishing and/or publicist, "Read With Audra."

A Cross To Kill (Shepherd Suspense #1) by Andrew Huff from Kregel Publications [Giveaway}

My thoughts:  I'll admit the cover wasn't necessarily a "come on" to me with its stark red, black, and white graphic and the title was a bit of a put off as well. But after reading the book's premise or back cover matter and knowing the publisher, Kregel, was tops, I committed to reviewing the book.

This isn't your typical Christian fiction that appeals to ladies. This one is so action-packed, and mind-bending that it will soon be a favorite of men who enjoy a fast paced read with the element of faith an integral part.

The first 28 pages were breath taking, action packed, nail-biting with its terse, rapid fire narrative of an exfil or rescue.

Then the book has a few pages of normal - if the CIA, spies, and terrorists can be considered normal - paced interlude setting the stage for the life and actions of the main character, John Cross. He is known by a code name for his work with the CIA. But he is also lovingly known as pastor of a small church.

A bit of romance is mingled within the main thread of the story.

This is the first in a three book series (I think) and the promise of exciting adventures to come incites compelling anticipation. Next is Cross Shadow (Shepherd Suspense 2) and I look forward to its release

About the book: John Cross is a small-town pastor, bent on leading his flock to follow God's calling. He's not the sort of man one would expect to have a checkered past.

But the truth is that the man behind the pulpit preaching to his sheep was once a wolf--an assassin for the CIA. When John decided to follow Christ, he put that work behind him, determined to pay penance for all the lives he took. He vowed never to kill again.

Now someone wants the peaceful pastor to pay for his sins with his own life. And when a terrorist out for revenge walks into the church, John's secrets are laid bare. Confronted with his past, he must face his demons and discover whether a man can truly change. Can he keep his vow--even when the people he loves are in mortal danger? Will his congregation and the brave woman he's learning to care for be caught in the cross fire? In the end, his death may be the only sacrifice he has left to offer .

Andrew Huff's thrilling debut is not only a riveting story of suspense, it's also a deep exploration of the moral quandaries that face those who choose to follow the Prince of Peace in a violent world.

Read an excerpt from Kregel - click here

About the Author:  Andrew Huff spent 10 years in local church ministry before pursuing God’s calling into creative storytelling and media production as the Product Director at Igniter Media, a church media company (ignitermedia.com). He is a two-time finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Contest for unpublished authors (2014 & 2017) and also won the Best Screenplay award at the 2015 48 Hour Film Festival in Richmond, VA.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Religion degree from Liberty University and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. He resides in North Texas with his beautiful wife Jae and their two boys.

I can't wait to read the next books in this exciting series

GIVEAWAY

Nov. 19-Dec. 10

Hosted by: Read with Audra

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DISCLOSURE: Giveaway is hosted on I Read With Audra and details are available from that source. I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions in my review are mine, alone and are freely given.

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace book #3 by Carolyn Miller

ISBN: 9780825444524|
$14.99 | Paperback
Kregel Publishing

My thoughts: Delving into the pages of Austin style prose of a Carolyn Miller Regency period novel is like journeying back in time where social mores were rigid and social position steeped in tradition and expectations. Miss Clara DeLacey is a young lady born of well placed social standing whose conduct in a previous book in the Legacy of Grace series was dubious and placed her in a position of dishonor. Hence..... The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey.

True that by today's standards her behavior was quite acceptable. In the year 1815 it certainly was not and placed her character in question and her hopes for a grand marriage quite dim.

The story's male lead is quite the honorable and trustworthy hero of military fame. His faith and trust in God is strong just as is his personal strength and character. It is quite interesting to read the exchanges and interactions of Clara and Ben.

The thread of faith was woven beautifully throughout the story as those of strong faith encourage others to exercise faith in God and to be willing to follow God's leading for their lives.

Mention of previous characters in the Legacy of Grace Regency Series - some involved with the story's action in The dishonorable Miss DeLancey and some back story mentions - connects this concluding book in the series nicely to the previous two. It is nice to read the books in correct sequence, but not necessary for the story to be enjoyed.

About the book: Will a damaged reputation and desire for society's approval thwart the legacy of grace?

Tainted by scandal and forced to leave London for the quieter Brighton countryside, the Honorable Miss Clara DeLancey is a shadow of her former society self. She's lost the man she loved to another and, in a culture that has no patience for self-pity, is struggling with depression. A chance encounter brings her a healing friendship with the sisters of an injured naval captain. But Clara's society mama is appalled at the new company she's keeping.

Captain Benjamin Kemsley is not looking for a wife. But his gallant spirit won't let him ignore the penniless viscount's daughter--not when she so obviously needs assistance to keep moving forward from day to day. Can he protect his heart and still keep her safe?

When they're pushed into the highest echelons of society at the Prince Regent's Brighton Pavilion, this mismatched couple must decide if family honor is more important than their hopes. Can they right the wrongs of the past and find future happiness together--without finances, family support, or royal favor?

The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey is full of the captivating, flawed characters, fascinating historical details, and masterful writing that Carolyn Miller's fans have come to know in The Elusive Miss Ellison and The Captivating Lady Charlotte. If you love Lori Wick, Georgette Heyer, and other clean, wholesome Regency romance, you'll love this third book in the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

The Captivating Lady Charlotte (Regency Brides, A Legacy of Grace) By Carolyn Miller from Kregel Publications

My thoughts: It was a delight to crack the spin of this second book in the Regency Brides, A Legacy of Grace series by Carolyn Miller. The book is relatively short but certainly not short on enjoyment. Sometimes a story is seemingly endless as it nears or surpasses 400 pages. This delightful read is right at 300 pages and is just right.

The pace is gentle but does not drag. The story is gentle and yet lively. The characters perfect for the time and social standing. It is quite enjoyable to read how gentlemen and ladies conducted themselves in early 1800s English society. And it was very nice to read a bit about the lead characters in the first book of the series and their interaction with the Lady Charlotte family.

This is Christian fiction and a book that I could easily hand to a teen or a grandmother to read and feel comfortable. While romantic interludes occur, they are within the bounds of propriety both to the social era and to Christian morals. Simply stated, this is a good book and I am most certainly looking forward to the next in the series.

Carolyn Miller is an author to watch and await new works.

About the book: Her heart is her own—but her hand in marriage is another matter

Lady Charlotte Featherington is destined for great things on the marriage market. After all, as the beautiful daughter of a marquess, she should have her pick of the eligible nobility hen she debuts. She, however, has love at the top of her list of marriageable attributes. And her romantic heart falls hard for one particularly dashing, attentive suitor. Sadly for Charlotte, her noble father intends her betrothed to be someone far more dull.

William Hartwell may be a duke, but he knows he was Charlotte's father's pick, not the young lady's own choice. And the captivating Lady Charlotte does not strike him as a woman who will be wooed by his wealth or title. While she has captured his heart, he has no idea how to win hers in return--and the betrayal and scandal his first wife put him through makes it difficult for him to believe that love can ever be trusted. His only hope is that Charlotte's sense of responsibility will win out over her romantic notions.

Can a widowed duke and a romantically inclined lady negotiate a future and discover love beyond duty? Will they be able to find healing and hope from the legacy of grace? Poignant and charming, this is another beautifully written, clean, and wholesome Regency romance from Carolyn Miller.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publishing to facilitate a reviewed which is freely given. Opinions expressed are solely my own.