Review: Silver Totem of Shame: A Meg Harris Mystery by R.J. Harlick

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: Dundurn (April 26 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1459721691
• ISBN-13: 978-1459721692

Book Description

While visiting Vancouver, Meg Harris comes across the crime scene of a murdered Haida carver. The young man proves to be the adopted nephew of the estranged sister of Meg's husband, Eric Odjik. The unexpected encounter with his sister forces Eric to confront his painful past and eventually sends Meg and Eric up the coast to Haida Gwaii in search of the boy's family and his killer. As the search progresses, a totem pole carver sets out to carve the ancient story of a long ago chief's treasure and how it incited betrayal and shame. It reaches its nasty tentacles into the present and embroils Meg and Eric in a modern-day story of clan rivalry and betrayal.

About the Author

 R.J. Harlick's love for Canada's untamed wilds is the inspiration for the six-book Meg Harris series. The fourth in the series, Arctic Blue Death, was shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Award for best crime novel. She lives in Ottawa.

My Review

Silver Totem of Shame is initially set in Vancouver, which is where I live, so of course my interest was immediately grabbed. Then R.J. Harlick's wonderful writing style and story kept me glued to the book. This is the sixth in the series but the first I have read. The books in the series are all priced very low for the Kindle on Amazon right now so I bought more already. It is not necessary to read the earlier volumes to be able to follow Silver Totem of Shame; it could easily stand alone.

Meg Harris and her husband, Eric Odjik, are visiting Vancouver for a First Nations meeting. A young Haida carver is murdered. Events start to get really interesting once it is discovered that the murder victim is Eric's adopted sister's adopted son. Both Eric and Alistair the murder victim are of First Nations heritage. The action soon moves from Vancouver to the isolated and rugged Queen Charlotte Islands which are known today by their Haida name: Haida Gwaii.

Things heat up once everyone is in Haida Gwaii. The new chief is holding a totem raising and potlatch which is expected of a new chief. Not everyone is happy with the person is the new chief. Old hurts, old shames fester beneath the surface and erupt as the story progresses.

This is an outstanding mystery that fittingly portrays the current realities of First Nations people in British Columbia. R.J. Harlick has brought Vancouver, the Haida people, and Haida Gwaii to life. The islands are beautiful but desolate and the cold there is such a wet cold that deeply penetrates your bones. I could feel for Meg as the waves were crashing over the boat. 

I really enjoyed the Silver Totem of Shame. R.J. Harlick is a wonderful storyteller and able to provide the reader with an authentic sense of place. Be sure to pick up a copy when it is released in April.

Review: Down by the River by Lin Stepp

• Format: Kindle Edition
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: Kensington Books (May 27 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00GYLVSK0

Book Description

"A charming portrait of the Smokies, their people, and a wonderful way of life." --Deborah Smith, New York Times bestselling author


Set against the backdrop of Tennessee's breathtaking Smoky Mountains, Lin Stepp's Down By the River is a warm-hearted novel that proves it's never too late--or too early--for a fresh start. . .

While on a visit to the Smokies, Grace Conley makes a stunning decision: she's going to walk away from her busy life in Nashville to move to tiny Townsend and open a bed and breakfast. There's a beautiful old inn for sale along the Little River that will do perfectly. Of course, Grace's family is scandalized. After all, she's a middle-aged widow! And as a career homemaker, she's always been available for babysitting, chauffeuring, and generally being the peacemaker among her grown children. Has Grace lost her mind? She begins to wonder the same thing once she finds herself attracted to the local ladies' man. But the surprises don't stop there. . .

To further complicate her move, Grace's daughter, Margaret, has grudgingly come to live with her. Having just graduated from college, remote Townsend is not where she envisions her future. Yet the handsome young minister next door is convinced he and Margaret are meant for each other. As life choices abound, soon both women will discover that the biggest decisions require confidence, a sense of humor--and a deep, abiding faith.

Praise for Lin Stepp and her Smoky Mountain Novels
 
"I've finally come across someone that believes in all the things that I do. . .love, family, faith, intrigue, mystery, loyalty, romance, and a great love for our beloved Smoky Mountains." –Dolly Parton

"A wonderful, new Southern voice." --Joan Medlicott, author of the bestselling The Ladies of Covington series

About the Author

 Dr. Lin Stepp is a native Tennessean, a businesswoman, and an educator. She is on faculty at Tusculum College where she teaches psychology and writing. Her business background includes over 20 years in marketing, sales, production art, and regional publishing. But closest to her heart is her beloved series of contemporary novels set in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.

My Review

I really enjoyed this book by Lin Stepp. First, it is set in the beautiful East Tennessee Smoky Mountains in a small town near Gatlinburg. Second, it is about a middle aged woman whose family is grown, her husband has been deceased for three years and she is ready for a new start in life. So she buys an inn against the wishes of her children and her formidable mother-in-law. She had always been treated like a beautiful trophy wife who was "just" a housewife and mother. It is wonderful watching her character evolve with this new venture. I really enjoyed the character of Grace because she is a similar age to me and facing some similar situations. I was impressed that her character was able to see her worth in the amazing crafts that she created despite her family having trivialized her crafting in the past. And that her homemaking and event planning skills were put to use in her new business endeavor.

It is not always easy for Grace Conley. Though she was the perfect wife and mother for thirty years, she neglected her own ambitions and neglected her family. She did what a lot of people do - she didn't always think about how her actions were affecting others. Luckily she has a mother to set her straight! Many of the characters in this story grow in their Christian walk which is very inspiring.

This is a romance, a mystery and a Christian novel. Lin Stepp, the author, has provided a study guide at the end of the novel if you are reading this in a small group or book club. This is the first book of Lin Stepp's that I have read and definitely will not be the last. Thanks for taking me back to the glorious Smoky Mountains through your words!

Review: Forgiving Our Fathers and Mothers: Finding Freedom from Hurt and Hate by Dr. Leslie Leyland Fields

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 753 KB
• Print Length: 212 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0849964725
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (Jan. 21 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00DNBE996

Book Description

“If our families are to flourish, we will need to learn and practice ways of forgiving those who have had the greatest impact upon us: our mothers and fathers.”

Many of us struggle with the deep pain of a broken relationship with a parent. In a unique style that seamlessly moves between analysis, biblical interpretation, and memoir, Forgiving Our Fathers and Mothers offers portraits of authentic forgiveness that model ways to repair those relationships.

The authors share their own experiences with forgiveness, providing comfort and hope to those wrestling with questions like these:

What does the Bible say about forgiveness? Why must we forgive at all?How do we honor those who act dishonorably toward us, especially when they are as influential as our parents? Can we ever break free from the “sins of our fathers”?What does forgiveness look like in real life? Do I have to let an estranged parent back into my life? How do I forgive a parent who has passed away?
Fields connects true stories with scriptural support for encouragement, while Hubbard’s chapter-ending commentaries add a clinical perspective. Their hope is that we gain a greater understanding of ourselves, our parents, and our God, arriving at “a place of freedom that we cannot even imagine now, a freedom that promises to begin to heal the brokenness of the world itself.”

About the Author

Leslie Leyland Fieldsis an award-winning author of eight books, a contributing editor for Christianity Today,a national speaker, a popular radio guest, and a sometimes commercial fisherwoman, working with her husband and 6 children in commercial fishing on Kodiak Island, Alaska where she has lived for 36 years.


Dr. Jill Hubbard is a clinical psychologist and regular co-host on Christian radio's nationally-syndicated New Life Live program. Dr. Jill has gained a reputation for her gentle and insightful style of connecting with radio callers. She is also in private practice where she sees clients who struggle with depression, addictions, eating disorders, and relational and personal growth issues. Dr. Jill lives with her family in southern California.


My Review

 I choose to read this book, "Forgiving Our Fathers and Mothers: Finding Freedom from Hurt and Hate", because like my other adults I have continuing issues with my feelings toward one of my parents. My father has been gone for fifteen years but the hurts remain. They were never resolved. And in his death, he found ways to hurt us even more. So forgive...how do you forgive.

Of course, I know as a Christian how important it is to forgive. But it is advantageous to have it all laid out for you....laid bare by someone else who has been there. This book uses the author's own stories to tell the struggle of parental forgiveness. And more importantly, it points the reader in the right direction to scripture to find the answers of how to forgive.

If you are struggling with forgiving one or more of your parents, this book will provide tremendous assistance to you.

Women in Mystery Month

Every month should be devoted to celebrating kick-ass women crime writers—but because it’s Women’s History Month, we have extra reason to praise these genre-pioneering women.

From Dorothy B. Hughes, the queen of hard-boiled domestic suspense and Edgar Grand Master, to Dorothy L. Sayers, who argued for women’s rights and created the beloved Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries, these women writers have not only worked to achieve greater gender equality in the mystery genre, but in the world.

To honor these women and their work, Open Road Media has created this video, featuring several authors speaking about breaking into the male-dominated mystery genre and defying the status quo. Hear from Ruth Rendell, Susan Isaacs, Laura Lippman, and Susan Dunlap, a cofounder of Sisters in Crime.

Better yet, several of these mysteries and thrillers will be on sale from $1.99 through the end of the month. To learn more, visit their Womenin Mystery page, or their dedicated Amazon page.

Giveaway: Cats, Books, and...More Cats!: Our guest today: Lucy Burdette!

Cats, Books, and...More Cats!: Our guest today: Lucy Burdette!: Meow! My guest today is author Lucy Burdette!   Lucy Burdette (aka Roberta Isleib) is the author of 12 mysteries, including th...

Review: Before We Kiss (Fool's Gold #14) by Susan Mallery

• Format: Kindle Edition
• Print Length: 368 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin HQN (May 27 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00HAZ6BHO

Book Description

New York Times bestselling sensation Susan Mallery returns to Fool's Gold, California, where it's true that sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs…

Former pro-football kicker Sam Ridge has notoriously bad luck with women—from cheaters to fame chasers. Still, the gorgeous brunette at the bar in Fool's Gold looks harmless—until she takes him home and he discovers a room devoted to securing a man, for life.

Dellina Hopkins never guessed that storing gowns from a friend's bridal boutique would chase away her first and only fling. After her parents died, she skipped her "wild youth" to raise her sisters. She doesn't want forever from Sam, but one night—all night—would've been nice.

His clean getaway gets messy when his firm hires Dellina to plan an event. As long hours lead to late nights, the two succumb to temptation again. Has Sam's luck finally changed? Or this time, will Dellina be the one to run?


About the Author

 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women. Publishers Weekly calls Susan’s prose “luscious and provocative,” and Booklist says “Novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.” Susan lives in Seattle with her husband and her tiny but intrepid toy poodle. Visit her at www.SusanMallery.com.

My Review

I think this is the steamiest Fool's Gold book yet by Susan Mallery. I'm blushing just thinking about it!

The main character in Before We Kiss, Dellina, is an event planner which I found particularly interesting as it is one of the jobs that I most enjoy.  And she is an excellent event planner, on top of everything.  Dellina is working with former pro-football player Sam Ridge to plan an event for his company and the sparks do fly and they sizzle! 

The secondary stories are quite interesting. I'm finding Mayor Marsha fascinating all of a sudden. And like I said, this is one steamy romance novel.

Always enjoy visiting Fool's Gold. It's better than comfort food. If you are a fan of this series then you are going to be thrilled with Before We Kiss.
 

Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour Review: Southern Heat by David Burnsworth

Southern Heat Tour Page

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2014/02/18/pump-up-your-book-presents-southern-heat-virtual-book-publicity-tour/

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 500 KB
• Print Length: 304 pages
• Publisher: Five Star Publishing (Feb. 19 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00IF9FAKS

Book Description

Gunshots echo down an antebellum Charleston alley. Brack Pelton, an ex-racecar driver and Afghanistan War veteran, witnesses the murder of his uncle, Reggie Sails. Darcy Wells, the pretty Palmetto Pulse reporter, investigates Reggie's murder and targets Brack.

The sole heir of his uncle's estate, Brack receives a rundown bar called the Pirate's Cove, a rotting beach house, and one hundred acres of preserved and valuable wetland along the Ashley River. A member of Charleston's wealthiest and oldest families offers Brack four million dollars for the land. All Brack wants is his uncle's killer.

From the sandy beaches of Isle of Palms, through the nineteenth-century mansions lining the historic Battery, to the marshlands surrounding the county, Southern Heat is drenched in the humidity of the lowcountry.


About the Author

 David Burnsworth became fascinated with the Deep South at a young age. After a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and fifteen years in the corporate world, he made the decision to write a novel. Southern Heat is his first mystery. Having lived in Charleston on Sullivan’s Island for five years, the setting was a foregone conclusion. He and his wife along with their dog call.

My Review

Just visited Charleston and the surrounding area in October so was very much looking forward to reading this book! Southern Heat hooked my interest right from the first pages. Brack Pelton stumbles across his uncle's dying body in a Charleston alley while on his way to meet him for dinner. The police initially suspect that Brack is behind the killing but Brack works with an interesting assortment of characters to solve the crime.

New author David Burnsworth has created quite the cast of characters in Southern Heat. The setting is represented beautifully and the story is well written. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the readers interest. It is a great mystery!

I really enjoyed Southern Heat and I'm sure you will too. I'm looking forward to more novels from David Burnsworth.