"Fives and Twenty-Fives" by Michael Pitre

They say that in combat, the team that you live, train, and fight with become closer to you than your own family. Michael Pitre creates a story that shows how important that bond of brotherhood is even after returning home. Using his own experience in the Marines, “Fives and Twenty-Fives” is a realistic, yet fictional story about three such brothers and how they try to piece together their lives after returning home from war. Flashbacks throughout the book show what their lives looked like during war.

This book is a good one for those who desire a real-life view of what the war in Iraq has looked like. The author’s own experience infuses the book with a rawness that is a good reminder that just because our soldiers return home, doesn’t mean the return home the same.

"Secrets of the Lighthouse" by Santa Montefiore

“Secrets of the Lighthouse” transports you from your favorite reading spot to beautiful Connemara, Ireland- a lush land of rolling hills where the mist rolls off the coast while the deceased watch over their loved ones longing to be with them again fueling the mystical stories of fairies and leprechauns.

Ellen Trawton had enough of her claustrophobic, aristocratic life in London and escapes to her mother’s homeland, a secret her mother thought she had carefully guarded, to break the chains of her past and embrace her future of writing and figuring out who she is, not who her mother wants her to be. As Ellen detoxes from city life and adjusts to life in the country, she discovers a family she never knew of and a lighthouse that guards Connemara and harbors deep intrigue. Ellen is drawn to the lighthouse’s past and the mystery of Caitlin, a young local who met her end at the lighthouse. Years later, the locals at the local pub, Pot of Gold, are still gossiping about whether or not Caitlin was murdered or if hers was an accidental death. If rumors can be trusted, her spirit still lingers, roaming over the hills between the lighthouse and her home watching over her husband and children.

Santa Montefiore uses descriptive, flowing language to paint a gorgeous story in “Secrets of the Lighthouse” full of heart-warming, tangible characters that make you want to meet and share a pint with at the Pot of Gold. Hearts that long for beautiful lands and romantic stories will find a treasure in “Secrets of the Lighthouse.”

"Sisters of Treason" by Elizabeth Fremantle

“Sisters of Treason” takes us back in time to the day of the Tudors’ reign in England and allows us to have a front-row seat to watch the horrors of history.

Elizabeth Fremantle takes English history and brings it to life with her own fictional rendition of history. She breathes life into a time full of death and fear of the throne as the reader immediately witnesses the beheading of Lady Jane Grey- the price of being heir to the throne. Fremantle then focuses on the reigns of Queen Mary, known as Bloody Mary to most, and her sister Queen Elizabeth, while their heirs, the Grey sisters, try to live out their lives as normally as possible without causing the Queens to fear for their throne and sentence them to the same fate that their sister met.

“Sisters of Treason” is detailed and emotional… and educational. I learned about Bloody Mary and the Grey family, mere fictional legends if you don’t know their true history. Readers who have a passion for historical fiction, particularly English historical fiction, will not be able to put “Sisters of Treason” down.

"Set-Apart Motherhood" by Leslie Ludy

I jumped into new territory for me this go-around. I am not a parent, I don't even have children in my forseeable future, but I've admired Leslie Ludy in the past. Why not give her newest book about motherhood a chance? I’ve always appreciated the insight that Leslie Ludy brings to the Christian community. Now that Leslie has entered the realm of parenthood, she brings her wisdom to other parents striving to raise their families the best they can. “Set-Apart Motherhood” encourages moms to step up and not fall for the deception that familial life has to be messy and chaotic. Leslie does well at keeping the chapters short and succinct, wrapping them up with some questions to reflect on and Scriptures to chew on. For moms with busy schedules, this could operate as an excellent devotional. The one reservation I had was that it felt as if Leslie was painting this ultra-conservative way to have the perfect family with all your ducks in a row along with the perfect house. It honestly felt a little unattainable to me; however, she mentions multiple times that it’s by the grace of God that order is achieved. As long as you hold on to the “grace of God” mantra, Leslie’s advice is very helpful and encouraging. When this title is released on July 1st, I'd welcome your feedback. What did you think? Encouraging or unrealistic?

"Don't Talk to Strangers" by Amanda Kyle Williams

Amanda Kyle Williams crafts an excellent psychological thriller in “Don’t Talk to Strangers.” It’s one of those books that left me checking over my shoulder every few minutes but not hesitating long enough to put it down. This well-written book follows the case of a killer who kidnaps young girls and leaves them for dead through the eyes of “former criminal investigative analyst” Keye Street.

Dr. Street takes the entire book to aid Sheriff Meltzer in the search for this twisted psycho. A new face in a town where everyone knows everyone and does not welcome strangers, Street’s job is not easy. Putting herself in the mind of the killer is no piece of cake either. If you like the ups and downs of figuring out murder mysteries and can stomach the tough topic, this book comes highly recommended. Do note- it’s not for the faint of heart that like their stories neatly packaged and wrapped up.

I’m hoping to be able to read more of Amanda Kyle Williams’ novels in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Edeilweiss book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. 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.”

"The Survivor" by DiAnn Mills

“The Survivor” is DiAnn Mills’ second book about Kariss Walker, the first being “The Chase.” In this second installment, Kariss has agreed to write the story of Dr. Amy Garrett, a woman who survived a horrid attack as a child. What Kariss doesn’t know is that she is getting herself into a heap of trouble.

Tigo Harris is an ex-boyfriend of Karris who is investigating a bombing that killed the mother and daughter of a local family. The FBI agent still has feelings for Karris, but he struggles with her view of God and her religious beliefs and her knack for getting herself into trouble.

This suspenseful novel keeps you guessing, making you determined to see “whodunit” to characters you can relate to. The drawback for me was the story was choppy in some areas. Right when you thought something was going to be elaborated on, the chapter ends abruptly. Kariss and Tigo also have a more caustic and blunt way of dealing with people, which has the potential to get aggravating.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I’m going to have to go back and read “The Chase” to fill in the pieces I have missed. I like Kariss & Tigo as a couple and hope to read more of their story in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"The Widow of Saunders Creek" by Tracey Bateman

Corrie Saunders is grieving her husband, Jarrod- a soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice. After half a year, she packs up everything she owns to move to his childhood home, desperate to feel close to him and not ready to give up on his memory yet. She may just get what she wanted- things are moving on their own due to a notable presence in the house.

Jarrod’s cousin Eli helps Corrie with the renovations of the house and warns her against the spiritual dabbling of some of his family members who might be trying to convince Corrie that Jarrod’s spirit is searching for her in the house. Corrie, who misses her husband deeply, may just believe that the spirit that lives in her house is Jarrod.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to like this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. Stories filled with demonic presences can be hokey, but this wasn’t one of them. Corrie has to work through the process of grief while fighting her emotions versus her logic. On the flip side, Eli feels guilt for falling for his dead cousin’s widow. A moving story about the power of the name of Jesus.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

"Clouds" by RobinJones Gunn

"Clouds" is the republished fifth book of Robin Jones Gunn's Glenbrooke series. The story revolves around Jonathan Renfield and Shelly Graham-kids who grew up together and eventually fell in love. But due to harsh words, the two break ties. The book picks up five years later as Shelly moves home and memories of Jonathan overwhelm her as she wonders where life has taken him. 

The story is an enjoyable romance filled with travel and sisterhood. I enjoyed the story Robin weaves. Part of me wonders if this is one of her first books published, as it isn't as fluid as some other books I've read of her such as the Christy Miller series. I was sad that the book had such an abrupt ending. Hopefully we'll see more of Jonathan and Shelly in the remainder of the Glenbrooke series, because they have a sweet story. 

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. 

"Grant: Savior of the Union" by Mitchell Yockelson

“Grant: Savior of the Union,” written by Mitchell Yockelson, is the latest installation in the Generals series. This book is a simple synopsis of Ulysses S. Grant’s life, with an emphasis on his military career. Yockelson attempts to provide readers who are unfamiliar with Ulysses S. Grant with a basic, unbiased introduction to his life.


I appreciated this book, because it was a biography that wasn’t overly eloquent, yet it didn’t read like a boring history book either. If you’re a Grant fan, this book probably isn’t for you since it covers the mere basics of the man; however, if you are looking to learn more about Grant’s influence particularly in the Civil War, this is the book for you.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. 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.”

"The Founders' Key" by Larry Arnn

Dr. Larry Arnn’s recent writing focuses on the symbiotic relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. “The Founders’ Key” aims to educate and refocus readers on little known or overlooked histories and points of the documents that make up America’s foundation.

What I enjoyed most about this book is the way it challenged my knowledge and view on America’s history. It’s a shame when a natural born citizen isn’t intimately familiar with such important documents. Arnn does an excellent job breaking down his arguments. He even goes so far as to provide text of the actual documents he references such as the Constitution and Declaration and even some of the Federalist papers. However, what I didn’t like about this book was he breaks down others’ views that we may or may not have heard of anyways. 

Overall, this is an excellent book that is a must read for any citizen. Even if you don’t agree with all the points made, it at least causes you to think more about where our nation came from and where it might be heading.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”