Here are the amazing books I read in July that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.
This is a unique love story and mystery set in the WWII era. Jim is a popular crime writer who is going to an interview about a war criminal. While he travels to do this, his beloved grandfather urges him to explore his story. It’s in this town that he not only finds his grandfather’s peninsula, but he also meets the most unusual and endearing woman, Chastity. Investigating his grandfather’s history, Jim finds himself in a murder mystery while planning Chastity’s wedding with dangerous people in the shadows. In the middle of this, he finds his own story and perhaps his inner hero while still pursuing what’s behind the murder. A fun read with interesting characters like Chastity, who has a ladder to climb into her home, his high-strung editor, and his quirky grandfather. One that kept me guessing until the end about how it would all turn out. A book I can easily recommend!
Love’s First Light: The Women of Black Hawk Canyon Book #1
By Linda Broday
Young Texas woman, Rachael, has lost everything and everyone when a neighbor rancher, Heath, finds her unconscious. He and his sister take Rachael in as she heals, but Rachael is determined to go back and rebuild her family home. Heath offers to marry her, but she doesn’t want anyone’s pity. Instead, people come together and help her get back home. The problem is the secrets she holds inside, plus someone is looking for something on her property, which may mean her harm. Heath and his overbearing sister take it upon themselves to look after her, even if she doesn’t want any help. I loved the relationships that Rachael developed after being kept away from society by her father. The unexpected find by her family’s graves was a surprise and melted my heart. A heartwarming Christian western that emphasizes not only looking after your neighbor but finding love. I can easily recommend “Love’s First Light.”
A Novelist’s Guide to Pittsburgh: An illustrated guide to the city in which all my books are set
By Dan Antion
A quick read but a fact-filled guide to Pittsburgh that attracted my attention from the first page to the last. Not only did I get a tour of a city I wasn’t familiar with, but it highlighted how this city fit into Mr. Antion’s stories. Unaware of the three rivers and numerous bridges, I was most surprised by the stairs. It would be fantastic to bring this with me on a visit to the city, but it’s also enjoyable to read about always interesting settings in books. A place brought to life that I fully appreciated, and a book I can easily recommend!
Eliza was a young girl when her parents were killed in an Indian attack. She took charge of her little brother, Thatch, and they set out to find the fort. Along the way, Daniel Boone finds the children and takes them into his large family. The story is told through Eliza’s eyes as she works hard to help the family and make sure her brother is okay. The history woven into the story was fascinating and made me appreciate how difficult life was. Seeing this frontier world through a child’s eyes pulled me right into the story on the first page. The attention to detail, like hunting, housing, and being alert to danger, made it clear how tough it was to survive. A well-written historical tale captivated me, making it impossible to put down as I wanted to know what would happen next. I highly recommend “Daniel Boone and Me!”
UPDATES and NOTES
- Looking for blog hosts! I have eight spots left for my Miracles & Ghost Past Blog Tour. I spread this one out; it starts in September and ends in December. If you’re interested, email me at d.l.finn.author@gmail.com, and I’ll send you the available dates.
- Next week is the eighth Creative Perspective Challenge!
- I should have my new internet soon, but in the meantime, I’m finding it hard to use what I have. I spend a lot of time watching that circle. So I apologize for not sharing and visiting like I want to, but I swear this DSL gets slower by the day! From what I’m told, corporate has to approve fixing the problem, and with me leaving soon, I’m not going to worry about it!
Embrace your inner child by reading a great book! D. L. Finn (Denise)
Some awesome books to add to the growing pile! I sent you an email.
Always more books to add, isn’t there Darlene? Thank you xo
Great reviews, Denise!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thank you, Yvette 🙂
Thank you so much for the promo, Denise! I appreciate it so much. And I think I will add a couple of your reads to my TBR list. I am currently reading Frozen River.
I loved Daniel and Me Noelle 🙂 You have some good reads ahead. Frozen River sounds like a good one.
I’ve read so many of Linda Broday’s books, but missed that one. Just grabbed it. And Daniel and Me–loved loved loved it.
I love her stories and still playing catch with her catalog, Jacqui. Yes, Daniel and Me was a too read.
I’ve read the first two. Both were excellent. We refer to that connection symbol as the Circle of Death. 😊 At least you know, you’re getting something else soon.
Thanks for adding in your recommendation, Pete 🙂 That’s a good name for it! I’m eager to move on from it and looking forward to it.
Terrific reviews, Denise. Congratulations to Dan, Colleen, Linda, and Noelle.
Thank you, John 🙂 All good ones.
Thanks for the book reviews/recs, Denise! I’m sorry to hear you’re having so much trouble with internet access. Hopefully soon it’ll get better!
Thanks, Priscilla 🙂 My internet relief is coming soon!
Congratulations to the authors on the great reviews! Sharing to tempt end-of-summer readers.
Thank you, Liz! Always appreciate the share.
You’re welcome, Denise!
Hi Denise, these are all enticing reviews. Thanks for sharing 💗
Thank you, Robbie 🙂 Can’t go wrong with them.
It’s wonderful that you posted these great reviews, Denise!
Thank you, Timothy:) Good reads!
Excellent reviews, Denise. I’ve only read Noelle’s book, so you gave me a lot of options. I’d be happy to host you for your tour! I do like to have time to read the book so I can add a review. My calendar is wide open starting in Oct. 🙂
Thank you Diana 🙂 Glad to give options! I will email you.
🙂
Nice variety in the reading, Denise. My MIL was raised in Pittsburgh, and we’ve visited the city many times. Hubby is still a Pittsburgh Steelers/Pirates fan. I just emailed you about Bad Moon Rising.
It was a good variety, Teri! Nice you get to visit and carry over the home teams. Thank you xo
Always good to learn of another Steelers/Pirates fan. I’m in Pittsburgh on vacation as I write this (it’s why I’m late) and got to see the Pirates take the opening game of the series from the Reds last night. The kindle version of the guidebook is always priced as low as Amazon allows, and will be available for free as often as they let me.
My towering TBR is leaning a bit more now, Denise. 🙂 Thanks for the great reviews and recommendations. xo
I have one of those leaning towers too, Lauren! Happy reading xo
Fabulous reviews Denise. I really like ‘Daniel Boone and Me.’
Looks like you found several good reads, again:)
Woot. Woot. For that new internet.
xo
Thank you so much, Denise for including your lovely review of my guidebook. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I would have been here earlier, but I am actually on vacation in Pittsburgh this week. I appreciate being featured with the other authors, and I think I’ll be adding Daniel Boone and Me to my ever-growing TBR pile.
I loved your guidebook, Dan. Makes me want to explore and adds to your stories too. You have a good read ahead.
I like the idea of writing about the city your settings are in. A novel idea;) Is your new internet in place yet?
xo Sandra
Still unpatiently waiting…lol xo
I always enjoy your reviews Denise. A few tempted me – as usual. Congrats to the authors for your great reviews. xx
Thanks, Debby! So many temptations 🙂 xo
Thanks for posting your reviews, Denise. I have Dan’s guidebook, and it’s such a great companion piece for his series, plus a great idea in general. I’m enjoying Noelle’s amazing novel. Congrats to everyone here. Hugs all around.
Happy to share them. I agree the guidebook was a great idea. Reading good one! Hugs xo