Showing posts with label SanFrancisco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SanFrancisco. Show all posts

Monday, June 27, 2016

All Summer Long by Melody Carlson, published by Revell (Contemporary Christian Fiction)


ISBN13: 9780800723583
Tia D'Amico is thrilled to move to San Francisco to help her aunt transform an old luxury yacht into an upscale floating restaurant. What's not to love? Sunset dinner cruises, posh wedding receptions--the possibilities are endless and far more appetizing than staying in a monotonous job in her Podunk hometown. Besides, some of her best memories are tied to San Francisco--especially the memory of Leo Parker, her crush from a long-ago sailing camp.

When Leo Parker himself turns out to be the yacht's captain, Tia is floating on air. But will it all come crashing down around her when she discovers his heart belongs to someone else?

My thoughts: This is a light, sweet read. So pull up a chair on the porch or at the beach or wherever you're retreating, and relax. All Summer Long moves gently through the renovation of an old yacht basking in the sun and breezes of San Francisco and the Bay. Nearby are the fabled houseboats of Sausalito and the male lead lives on one he inherited.

Having visited San Francisco several times and enjoyed the many captivating views of the City, the Bay, and the quaintness of Sausalito, I looked forward to a story set in those environs. I was not disappointed. I've seen scenes across the bay at night and in the fog and when the sun glistened on the water. I've felt the wonderful breeze. So when these were described, I felt I was there.

This is a heartwarming story that holds a charm unlike so many modern novels. Uplifting in that the main characters are people of faith and not afraid to voice their desire to pray. I love the scenes where the young folks gather on deck for gatherings around the firepit, singing and playing varied musical instruments.

This is a story that while mainly about young adults is a good read for teens, young adults, and the rest of us who have a few more years on us. A safe, clean read.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell, to facilitate this
review. I was not compensated for the review and opinions are my own, alone.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Through the Shadows (Book #3 Golden Gate Chronicles) by Karen Barnett [Review & Giveaway]


My thoughts: Stepping into history with Karen Barnett is a treat as she develops very realist characters, scenes, and events.

As San Francisco continues to reconstruct after the historically catastrophic earthquake and fire that gutted the city, corruption and evil manipulate the lives of the populace. The evils of criminal politicians, human trafficking, and racism are rife.

The good folks still exist, though, and Elizabeth King and Charles McKinley muddle through discovering how God's grace and His strength can imbue one with wisdom and virtue to carry on.

This is an absolutely riveting read and a fine conclusion to the Gold Gate Chronicles.

About the book: As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.

The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome---and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King's hopeful future.

Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.

Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney Charles McKinley---a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco's crooked politics---Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?
GIVEAWAY
Begins May 17 
Ends June 5 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you have won a book from a Litfuse giveaway hosted here on Chat With Vera in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win again. 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated. Giveaway copy is provided directly to the winner via Litfuse.