Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Need to Be Movies (Part 1)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

The Broke and Bookish are taking a break until mid-August, so I thought I'd come up with my own topic this week. I'm featuring Books That Need to Be Movies. I'm breaking these up into two parts. This week I'm featuring Contemporary and Historical Novels. Next week I'll be featuring Paranormal/Fantasy/Dystopia Novels that need to be movies, so be sure and come back and check those out by clicking here.

Contemporary/Historical

Just the Way You Are

by Pepper Basham

The Thirteenth Chance

by Amy Matayo

Distorted

by Christy Barritt

Ready to Fumble

by Christy Barritt

Annabel Lee / The Raven

by Mike Nappa

Weddings by Bella

by Janice Thompson

The Culper Ring Series

by Roseanna White

The Ballantyne Legacy Series

by Laura Frantz

Wings of Nightingale Series

by Sarah Sundin

The Lady and the Lionheart

by Joanne Bischof

What books do you want to see made into movies?

Review: Over Maya Dead Body (Serena Jones Mystery #3) by Sandra Orchard

Summary

FBI Special Agent Serena Jones arrives on Martha's Vineyard with her family, ready for a little bit of R&R and a whole lot of reminiscing as they celebrate the engagement of an old family friend. But crime doesn't take a vacation, and she's soon entangled in an investigation of a suspicious death tied to an antiquities smuggling ring.

When her investigation propels her into danger, Serena must stay the course and solve this case before anyone else dies. But just how is she supposed to do that when the two men in her life arrive on the scene, bringing with them plenty of romantic complications--and even a secret or two?

Award-winning author Sandra Orchard keeps readers guessing with this fast-paced mystery laced with romance.

Amazon / Goodreads / Barnes & Noble

ChristianBook / Kobo

My Review

Five Stars

Serena and her family are on vacation on Martha's Vineyard to celebrate the engagement of a family friend. When there's a suspicious death and then rumblings of an antiquities smuggling ring, Serena can't help but get involved. With the help of her two potential love interests, Nate and Tanner, and even Aunt Martha, they set out to solve this puzzling mystery.

There were quite a few unexpected twist, turns, and reveals. It had a great mystery that left me guessing until the end. The author did a fantastic job at pointing just enough plausible suspicion on characters that it left me wondering who the guilty party really was.

Over Maya Dead Body had a slightly different feel to it than the first two books in the series, probably because of the change in location, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment one bit. I loved every second of it and think it was the best one of the series. The fun family dynamics were still there and Aunt Martha was still being her lively and 'helpful' self. Many loose ends were tied up and, as promised, the love triangle was resolved. That's all I'll say about that because I don't want to spoil it.

The Serena Jones Mysteries have been such fun books and I'm sad to see it end. I'm certainly gonna miss all these fantastic characters, especially Aunt Martha. Over Maya Dead Body was a wonderful conclusion to a marvelous series. I'm looking forward to reading whatever Ms. Orchard comes up with next. I highly recommend this series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

To learn more about Sandra Orchard, visit her website, Facebook, Pinterest.

Book Beginnings & Friday 56: Warfare (Life After #2) by Julie Hall

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading.

Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Warfare (Life After #2) by Julie Hall

Book Beginning

My heart beat as if it was trying to build up speed and erupt from my chest. I thrust my sword up in a defensive stance as I checked my surroundings, keeping my breathing shallow and silent. On the off-chance my enemy hadn't already discovered my position, I didn't want to give it up.

Friday 56  (56% on my Kindle)

The doors in front of me looked innocent enough. I'd shoved through them a hundred times before without pause...but the uncertainty waiting on the other side kept me rooted in place.

About the Book

The battle is far from over.

When the lives of her loved ones are put in peril, who will Audrey turn to for help? On the surface, Audrey's existence in the afterlife is coming together. Her quirky new mentor guides her on the path to becoming the demon hunter she always hoped. She has great friends and even a kinda-sorta-maybe new boyfriend. But if things are so wonderful, why is Logan never far from her thoughts?

After learning that her family is the target of an unprecedented demonic siege Audrey puts all she’s gained in jeopardy by defying heavenly authorities and returning to Earth. Stranded at the place she once called home with the one person she's been desperate to forget, she'll face vicious monsters, betrayers, and a legion of demons with an insidious weapon that even her celestial sword can't defeat.

Will Audrey’s mistakes in the afterlife be what destroys the lives of the ones she loves the most?

What have you been reading lately? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Review: A Matter of Trust (Montana Rescue #3) by Susan May Warren

Summary

Champion backcountry snowboarder Gage Watson has left the limelight behind after the death of one of his fans. After being sued for negligence and stripped of his sponsorships, he's remade his life as a ski patrol in Montana's rugged mountains, as well as serving on the PEAK Rescue team. But he can't seem to find his footing--or forget the woman he loved, who betrayed him.

Senator and former attorney Ella Blair spends much of her time in the limelight as the second-youngest senator in the country. But she has a secret--one that cost Gage his career. More than anything, she wants to atone for her betrayal of him in the courtroom and find a way to help him put his career back on track.

When Ella's brother goes missing on one of Glacier National Park's most dangerous peaks, Gage and his team are called in for the rescue. But Gage isn't so sure he wants to help the woman who destroyed his life. More, when she insists on joining the search, he'll have to keep her safe while finding her reckless brother, a recipe for disaster when a snowstorm hits the mountain.

But old sparks relight as they search for the missing snowboarder--and suddenly, they are faced with emotions neither can deny. But when Ella's secret is revealed, can they learn to trust each other--even when disaster happens again?

Amazon / Goodreads / Barnes & Noble


My Review

Five Stars

Susan May Warren has done it again! 'A Matter of Trust' was another spectacular addition to the Montana Rescue Series. I've been super eager to read this book, it's been one of my most anticipated books of the year. Gage was a bit of a mystery to me in the first two books, so I was excited to learn more about him.

Gage, a former champion snowboarder, lost it all after the death of one of his fans. Now on the ski patrol and the PEAK Rescue team, he's still trying to put the pieces of his life back together. Ella, one of the country's youngest senators, is in Montana to track down her wayward brother. When their paths cross, Gage is shocked to see Ella again, the woman who had a hand in destroying his career. Can they put the past behind them and work together to find her brother?

Warren is a master wordsmith. I felt as though I was standing right there in the middle of this story beside these characters. I could feel the chill on the mountain, the biting wind, snow falling all around me (which is saying something because it was over 100 degrees outside while I was reading it.)

I loved Gage. He's super endearing... and not to mention majorly swoonworthy! Ella's got a lot of self doubt, but she's someone who really cares about helping those in need, making the world a better place. They're both living with major regrets. It was great watching them try to work through their struggles and emerge stronger for it.

I loved getting to catch up with all the characters from the previous books and meet new ones, too. Pete's one of my favorite characters, so I'm super happy that his and Jess' journey continued. Ty's got a bigger supporting role in this story, which I really loved. He was always in the background in the previous books, so it was nice to get to know him better.

This could probably be read as a standalone, but I'd recommend reading the series from the beginning in order to get the full enjoyment out of it. There's a lot of characters whose story arcs continue to grow with each new book and even though the author does a great job of recapping previous books, I think it's best to start with 'Wild Montana Skies'.

With each new book I read of Susan May Warren's, she further cements herself as one of my all time favorite authors. Each book in this series seems to get better and better. 'Wild Montana Skies' and 'Rescue Me' are some of my favorites that I've read this year and I can add 'A Matter of Trust' right there with them. I seriously can't wait for Ian and Sierra's story in 'Troubled Waters'. It's been a long time coming and I'm so anxious to read it!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.


To learn more about Susan May Warren, visit her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Waiting on Wednesday: Targeted for Danger: Eight Christian Romantic Suspense Novellas

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that highlights upcoming eagerly anticipated releases.

This week I'm featuring Targeted for Danger: Eight Christian Romantic Suspense Novellas by Susan May Warren, Christy Barritt, Lynette Eason, Ginny Aiken, Margaret Daley, Elizabeth Goddard, Susan Sleeman, and Jan Thompson, releasing September 5.

Summary

Avid readers of Christian romantic suspense, you’re in for a treat. From eight of your favorite bestselling novelists come seven brand NEW novellas and one bonus novella of suspense and intrigue, all in one anthology. Fasten your seat belts, and happy reading!

Susan May Warren

Christy Barritt

Lynette Eason

Ginny Aiken

Margaret Daley

Elizabeth Goddard

Susan Sleeman

Jan Thompson

CROSSFIRE

New from RITA, Christy, and Carol Award-winning, and USA Today Bestselling Author SUSAN MAY WARREN

The woman he loves is caught in the crossfire of revenge…but he’ll have to face his crimes to save her.

TAKEN BY DARK

New from Award-winning, Bestselling Author CHRISTY BARRITT

Willa Shields is being taunted by someone desperate to get her attention. When the threats escalate, the only person who can help her is her new neighbor, FBI agent Parker Stone. But will he reach her before the darkness overcomes them both?

LETHAL HOMECOMING

From Award-winning, Bestselling Author LYNETTE EASON

Callie Ainsworth just wants to go home. When her stepfather dies, she believes it’s safe to do so. But when someone tries to kill her minutes before she reaches her mother’s driveway, she realizes that danger still lurks—but this time, she’s not running away.

TREASURE

New from Critically-Acclaimed Author GINNY AIKEN

Freelance writer Chloe Williams's first find at the newest Qumran Caves dig is the dead C/OPS Security guard. Steven “Ridge” Ridgeway, founder of C/OPS, must deal with the murder of his man while keeping the two of them alive. It won't be easy, now that he and Chloe have seen the stolen treasure, since assassins don't give up until all witnesses are dead.

DEADLY SECRET

New from USA Today Bestselling Author MARGARET DALEY

Secrets. Revenge. Reunion. The past comes back to haunt Sarah Patterson, and she turns to the only man who can help her—the man she left at the altar.

DOUBLE EXPOSURE

New from Award-winning, Bestselling Author ELIZABETH GODDARD

Tara Blackburn witnesses a village decimated at the hands of armed men. Grant McCall is working undercover in a race against time to find Tara before the hired killers, but even more deadly is the illness to which she was exposed.  

COLD TERROR

New from Award-winning, Bestselling Author SUSAN SLEEMAN

Forensic artist Hannah Perry and her young son barely escape from a killer and nearly lose their lives to the cold terror of the ocean. Former Navy SEAL Gage Blackwell comes to their rescue and appoints himself their bodyguard. Suddenly, not only is Hannah’s and her son's life at risk—so is her heart.

ONCE A THIEF

NEW from USA Today Bestselling Author JAN THOMPSON

She sets a thief to catch a thief.
Will he also steal her heart?

Private investigator Helen Hu must team up with art thief Reuben Costa to rescue her mother, who has vanished while trying to return a bejeweled egg she stole fifteen years ago. That is, if Reuben still wants to cooperate after what the Hu family has done to his father.

Why I need it

Eight amazing authors all in one collection? Sign me up! I am SO ready to read these romantic suspense novellas!

What book are you eagerly anticipating? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Top Ten Tuesday: Happy 4th of July

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

The Broke and Bookish are taking a break until mid-August, but I thought I'd go ahead and come up with my own topic and since it's July 4, I'm featuring Patriotic Books.

The Culper Ring Series

by Roseanna M. White

Wings of Glory Series

by Sarah Sundin

Wings of Nightingale Series

by Sarah Sundin

Waves of Freedom Series

by Sarah Sundin

Promise for Tomorrow Series

by Terri Wangard

Heroes of Quantico Series

by Irene Hannon

Discarded Heroes Series

by Ronie Kendig

A Breed Apart Series

by Ronie Kendig

Quiet Professional Series
by Ronie Kendig

Operation Zulu
by Ronie Kendig

Uncommon Heroes Series
by Dee Henderson

The Navy Justice Series
by Don Brown

Assault on Saint Agnes
by Joseph Courtemanche


What are your favorite Patriotic Books?

Review + Giveaway: My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Summary

Journey now to Mackinac Island where...A Tangled Gilded Age Love Story Unfolds.

Although the Winds of Mackinac Inn has been in her mother’s family for generations, Maude Welling’s father refuses to let her run it without the guidance of a husband. So she seeks to prove her worth and independence by working incognito as a maid at the Grand Hotel.

Undercover journalist Ben Steffans, posing as a wealthy industrialist, pursues a story about impoverished men chasing heiresses at the famed hotel.  While undercover, he becomes attracted to an intriguing maid. By an act of heroism Ben endears himself to the closed-mouthed islanders—including Maude—and he digs deep for his story.

But when scandal threatens, will the growing love between Maude and Ben be scuttled when truths are revealed?

Amazon / Barnes & Noble
ChristianBook / Goodreads

My Review

Five Stars

After her fiance arrives back on the island married to another woman, Maude Welling's dream of running her family's inn are dashed when her father tells her that without a husband he will not allow it. So she comes up with a plan to go undercover at the rival inn that will surely change his mind and show him that she doesn't need a man to help her run the inn. Journalist Ben Steffans has come to Mackinac Island undercover to work on a story about impoverished men who visit the island looking for wealthy women to wed.  Ben and Maude keep crossing paths and begin to develop a sweet friendship, but will all their deceptions get in the way of their blossoming relationship?

I'm a big fan of Carrie Fancett Pagels, so when I first heard about this book I got super excited. And I've gotta say that it did not disappoint! It's my new favorite book of hers. She is a master at creating memorable and genuine characters and settings that leave a lasting impression. All the historical details lent this novel an authentic feel and made it truly come to life. The descriptions really leaped off the page, transporting me back in time to 1895 Mackinac Island, right there with these fascinating characters.

One thing that I absolutely loved were all the German words and phrases sprinkled here and there throughout the novel. I took four years of German in high school, so it's always fun to see how much of it I actually remember.

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island is a wonderful novel that is sure to delight any fan of historical romance! Highly recommend!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

To learn more about Carrie Fancett Pagels, visit her website, blogs Overcoming with God, and Colonial Quills, and Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest.

Giveaway Info

If there are 10 or more unique commenters on this post, Carrie Fancett Pagels has generously offered to giveaway a copy of this fantastic book! So, if you'd like to enter, just leave a comment below and be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner! Good luck!