Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley (Review & Giveaway)

About the book: ~~~ She’s a Pinkerton detective. He’s working undercover for Wells Fargo. Neither has a clue about love.

Annie Beckman arrives at Last Chance Ranch in the Arizona Territory holding the classified ad she found. Miss Walker’s search for an heiress who is single and willing to remain so gives her the perfect cover. As a detective for the Pinkerton Agency, Annie’s latest clandestine task is to discover the identity of the mysterious Phantom, a train robber thought to be hiding out at the ranch.

Ranch hand and undercover Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert is secretly tracking the Phantom too, but Annie suspects he may be the train robber she’s after. They’re constantly at odds and she even goes so far as to serve him gunpowder tea in an attempt to gain the upper hand.

Danger lurks around every corner and everyone is under suspicion—even Miss Walker! It’ll be a race to the finish to see which rival detective finds the Phantom first. Nothing—not even romance—can get in their way.

My thoughts: I enjoy a varied genre of stories and those that have a touch of romance, a bit of mystery, some interesting or funny characters, and that blend faith into the mix make for light, enjoyable, relaxing reads. I place Margaret Brownley's Gunpowder Tea in that category. Margaret Brownley is a New York Times Best-Selling author of more than 25 historical and contemporary novels to her credit. Now about this third installment in the Brides of Last Chance Ranch series. 

As you have seen from the introductory information on the plot of the book, Miranda Hunt travels west in the 1890s to apply to be the heiress of rancher Eleanor Walker, but Miranda is really an undercover Pinkerton agent trying to solve the mystery of multiple robberies by the elusive "Phantom." I really enjoy the characters Miranda and Eleanor and their interaction. Both ladies are feisty and both are headstrong.

One of the ranch hands, David Branch, draws the suspicion of Miranda so she targets him for her undercover investigative work.  However, the two are drawn to each other and that gets sweet and it gets funny.  The mystery thickens. The danger encroaches on daily life. That which seems seemly is not in fact what it seems. The ending in this one is a bit of a surprise - but you'll have to read it to know what it is.

Gunpowder Tea, though third in the series, is a good stand-alone read that will leave you feeling you've met some friends (in the characters), enjoyed their good points and understand their bad points, laughed with them and at them, and rejoiced when difficulties are overcome.

GUNPOWDER TEA:  Yes, there is such a thing as "gunpowder tea" and it is a speciality green tea where each leaf is painstakingly rolled into tiny pellets. You can read about it HERE. I found this information very interesting and feel I absolutely MUST try some gunpowder tea!

GIVEAWAY:  I have been graciously given the opportunity to host a giveaway for one copy of Gunpowder Tea to one of Chat With Vera's readers. Just complete the Rafflecopter entries below. Begins October 31  & ENDS November 21 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to US mainland addresses only.
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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of Gunpowder Tea from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of Thomas Nelson Publishing and the author, Margaret Brownley, for the purpose of this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review and was not required to render a positive review.

"How long will you love me?" by Patti Brassard Jefferson (Review & Giveaway)

ISBN-13: 978-1612441788
Hardcover - $16.95

Usually when you pick up a children's book that assures them of your love - forever and a day - it is basic and yet profound but definitely directed to the little ones.  In How long will you love me? the author and illustrator Patti Brassard Jefferson has succeeded in creating a book that you can give to a child or to that special adult in your life.

The illustrations are colorful and engaging. and you'll begin by looking for the heart on each and every page. Interwoven into each illustration is word-play and humor and the ever present promise to love you. Simply turn the page to get another jolt of loving promise with a touch of sweet humor via the delightful illustrations that will bring forth those little deep seated chuckles.

A nice book I can recommend and it'll make a nice gift.

GIVEAWAY:  The author has graciously provided a copy that will be mailed directly to the winner. Just use the Rafflecopter form below to enter the giveaway. Begins October 28 & ENDS November 18 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA mainland addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE:  A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for our honest review. No compensation was received for the review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.

"Texas Wildflowers" a Four-in-one-collection by Anita Higman

I thoroughly enjoy reading Anita Higman's books. Recently I read and reviewed WinterIn Full Bloom and  AMerry Little Christmas and find each of her books slightly different in style but thoroughly enjoyable reads.  In Texas Wildflowers  she writes the stories of four sisters. Each is named after a flower - Rosy, Lily, Violet, and Heather; and each has their own story in novella form bound into one book. Nice idea for bringing a family story to the reader. Instead of one book with their stories interwoven throughout, each is a stand-alone novella.

As a Christian author, Anita Higman has characters whose faith is the guiding force in their lives and key to their decisions.  And in a Christian novel that focuses on sweet romance, that is a real plus.  Also, the romance doesn't get uncomfortable as many romance novels would.

This is a book I would categorize as beach-reads, rainy-day reads, or just-for-fun-relaxing reads.  Each novella can be read in an evening or a "rainy-day" sit by the fire.

DISCLOSURE: The author shared this book with me and I enjoyed reading and writing this review. No expectation was made for a review or for positive opinions. I received no compensation for this review.

"The Justice Game" by Randy Singer

For legal thrillers, Randy Singer is a go-to-author. He is an attorney, pastor, and author. How the man ever finds the time to do two of these, let alone three, escapes me. Needless-to-say, I do enjoy his writings. As many of you are away, "Chat With Vera" enjoys a number of genres and legal suspense/thrillers is one. But as with my other readings and reviews, the majority are written by Christian authors.

In The Justice Game, Mr. Singer writes about an angle I simply would not have dreamed possible - "shadow juries" that try the trials and speculation by wealthy hedge fund groups and individuals on the outcome. Who will win and how it will affect stocks is up for speculation and grabs. When the verdict comes in, millions are made or lost.

In the book there are several storylines - 1) the hedge fund/speculation on trial outcomes, 2) the battle between the gun rights and no gun rights groups, and 3) the harboring of personal secrets that can make or break careers. Interwoven beautifully the sub-plots are delivered in the beautifully worded style of expert, Randy Singer. His expertise as an attorney brings legal credence to the story. His experience as a pastor draws characters flawed and seeking diving help.  The element of danger surrounding
criminal and civic trials to those involved in the proceedings is dirty and evil. If you enjoy legal suspense, I recommend this book.

I previously reviewed Mr. Singer's books. Read my reviews:  Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales, The Judge, The Last Plea Bargain.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free copy of The Justice Game from the Tyndale Rewards program. You can sign up to receive free  book by CLICKING HERE.

"Love's Awakening" by Laura Frantz

Author Laura Frantz writes a compelling historical novel that is well-research and whose characters fit the mores and social restrictions of the period. In Love's Awakening  the story has two basic story lines that captured my interest. One is the generational dislike between two families - one whose livelihood involves the manufacture and distribution of distilled spirits and whose members have flawed and tainted characters, and the other family lives a more genteel, faith-based life that is above reproach.  The other storyline involves the abolitionist controversy in a state that had actually outlawed slavery but which had groups that as vigilantes punished those who supported the freeing of slaves.

Love's Awakening reeks with danger on many fronts. But there is a sweet tale of love between the two families so at odds with one another. The story follows somewhat predictable lines, but thoroughly enjoyable to read in spite of the predictability. But one of the characters is left "hanging" at the end and that is the tale for the next in the series by Laura Frantz.

For reading fiction about the mid-to-late 1800s, Laura Frantz is an author to follow.

DISCLOSURE: I received prize copy of this book via the Goodreads.com giveaway program. No review was expected so this is a courtesy to the author and publisher.

The Journey of Josephine Cain, #6 in the American Tapestries Series by Nancy Moser (Review & Giveaway)

ISBN-13: 9780824934279
Paperback $11.99

About the book: When a socialite from the nation's capital embarks on a journey to the Wild West, her life is changed forever.

A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general's daughter. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.

My thoughts:  I don't recall reading one of Nancy Moser's book previously, but The Journey of Josephine Cain was a fine story to introduce me to her writing. She has taken a little know piece of American history and woven a tale that is interesting and entertaining. Characters:

• Josephine Cain, daughter of a Union General
• General Cain impeccable leader of Union forces during the Civil War and now leader of the railroad's task to lay track across America.
• Lewis - Suitor of Josephine - His character comes across as flawed early in the story, but unbeknownst to Josephine.
• Hudson - Union soldier under General Cain and now trusted worker under General Cain in the railroad's push to lay track
• Mrs. Cain - bitter, grieving mother of Josephine who can not reconcile her grief and live a normal life.

The story begins just at the end of the Civil War when Josephine is attending a theater production in Ford Theater. She sits in a box and has a clear view of President Lincoln and his party. She also witnesses first hand the assignation of Lincoln.

The story moves on and being a real "daddy's girl," Josephine wants to leave her home in D.C. and go west where she can be near her father - really so she can escape the restrictions and confines of her mother's grief. So she journeys with Lewis west to find her father. Once she arrives she meets Hudson who is the epitome of a strong gentleman, gracious in his actions, and respected by his leaders and the men with whom he works.

Historically, the book brings to light the still raw relationship between white men adventuring westward and the native Indians. But it also shows how they are trying to get along. The story also brings to light the fact that America is a melting pot when it refers to the men working the rail line - Irish, Italian, Chinese, black, white, Southern, Northern. How they survived the Civil War and how they must now try to pull the country together and their own personal lives as well.

I found the story interesting and a nice read. The plot was somewhat predictable and I wondered why the villain was so slow to be recognized. "The Journey" was not just a westward trek for Josephine, it was a journey of discovery as to just who she is and what her place in life is to be. It is in discovering that she can achieve and she can make wise choices.

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About the author: Nancy Moser is the best-selling author of more than twenty novels. She is a winner and two-time nominee of the Christy Award, and her latest novel was named to Booklist's "Top 10 Romance Novels of 2011." Nancy and her husband have three grown children and three grandchildren, and they live in the Midwest.  Learn more at Nancy at: http://nancymoser.com/

 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse on behalf of the author and publisher for the purpose of this review. No compensation was received and all opinions expressed are solely my own.

Audrey Bunny by Angie Smith and Illustrated by Breezy Brookshire (Review & Giveaway)

Hardcover w/Dust Jacket - $14.99
ISBN:  9781433680458
B&H Publishing Group

From the cover to the very end, this beautiful book will enchant. The artistry is compelling, soft, delicate, warm, and happy. Just right for a children's picture story book. Illustrator Breezy Brookshire has truly captured the essence of author Angie Smith's delightful tale of a little girl and a bunny.

In a shop there is a barrel of stuffed toys ready to be purchased by children and adults. One is a bunny that is constantly being bypassed for the other toys. You see, bunny is flawed. He has a spot on his chest. But bunny's hope is that someone will want to love him anyway.

There is a delightful little girl and she and her mommy go shopping in the shop. The little girl looked right at bunny and even said something to her mommy, but they left. Bunny thinks it is because he has a spot on his chest. But another day, Caroline (the little girl) and her mommy return and Caroline picks bunny up by the ears and says, "I want this one." She also names the bunny, Audrey. Love began to grow in bunny for Caroline and Caroline began to love bunny. And the story continues sweetly on.

What is so delightful about the book is that it helps children see and realize that each of us is different in some way - each has some type of flaw - and each can be loved just as we are. God has made us all different. 

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14

 
GIVEAWAY:  One of Chat With Vera's readers is going to be blessed to win a copy of Audrey Bunny for some special child in their life. Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Begins October 21 and ENDS November 4 @ 12:01 ET. 
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About the author and illustrator:  Angie Smith, author, is the wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of award-winning group Selah), best-selling author of Mended, I Will Carry You,  and What Women Fear, and a popular speaker and blogger. Check out Angie's blog at http://AngieSmithOnline.com.

Breezy Brookshire, illustrator, also illustrates for Clementine Pattern Co., Noble Rose Press, and The Breezy Tulip Studio.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from FlyBy Promotions on behalf of B&H Publishing, and the author, Angie Smith