You're Gonna Love Me By Robin Lee Hatcher

Who knew fate could twist a tragedy into a second chance at love?
Samantha Winters lives her life the way a good accountant should—measured, deliberate, and safe. After watching her father die in a tragic skiing accident, she decided never to allow risk into her life again. But she didn’t count on falling for Nick Chastain, who embodies everything she doesn’t want in her safely constructed world.
Against Samantha’s warnings, Nick plans a dangerous kayaking trip over spring break. Furious that he’s so careless with his life, she ends their fledgling relationship with harsh words.
Two years later, Samantha is desperately in need of a change. When she learns her grandmother has had an accident and is in need of a caretaker, Samantha quickly packs her bags and heads to Thunder Creek, Idaho. But nothing could prepare her for the surprise awaiting her in her grandmother’s hospital room . . . Nick.
With the charming backdrop of small-town friends, beloved cousins, and a whole church congregation rooting for them, can they set aside the disastrous ending of their first try at love? Has Nick changed enough to meet Samantha in the middle—and can she realize that a risk in love might be worth taking?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Gonna-Love-Robin-Hatcher/dp/0718085973/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512953566&sr=8-1&keywords=you%27re+gonna+love+me+by+robin+lee+hatcher

Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Winner of the Christy, the RITA, the Carol, the Inspirational Reader's Choice, and many other industry awards, Robin is also a recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She is the author of 75+ novels and novellas with over five million copies in print.

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. Her main hobby (when time allows) is knitting, and she has a special love for making prayer shawls. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with Boo, the high-maintenance Papillon puppy, and Princess Pinky, the DC (demon cat).

Robin is active on her Facebook Author Page where she loves to interact with readers. Please join her there: http://www.facebook.com/robinleehatcher

For more information, please visit her website at http://www.robinleehatcher.com

Please note: Robin's faith-based fiction has been published from 1999 to present. She no longer recommends her older mass-market fiction.                

My Thoughts...
A love story filled with faith. I could see this book being made into a  Hallmark  movie. The book plays out as you are reading it in your mind so vivid. I loved the characters Samantha and Nick so much. I think  this may just be Hatcher's best book.  Well until the next one comes out that is.
I got lost in this book and before I knew it I had read the whole book in one sitting. So don't make any plans when you get your copy, you will get lost in this one for a few hours. And you will get nothing done.
This is a FIVE star book, I HIGHLY recommend it.
 The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Dangerous Ground By Gayla Hiss

It started with an anonymous note—would it end with Kate’s death? Uncle Owen had died mysteriously, and Deputy Marshal Kate Phillips wants to know why. After arriving at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in search of answers, Kate finds herself at the center of an ancient family feud and a land dispute. It turns out a surprising number of people have an interest in her uncle’s estate. Even David Jennings, Kate’s handsome Good Samaritan who rescued her when she arrived, thinks he has a claim on Owen’s property—which some say is cursed. Amid the mounting secrets and rumors circulating in the seemingly peaceful community, Kate has a secret of her own—one that could threaten her life and any future she might have with David. It soon becomes clear someone is targeting her. Could Kate’s troubled past have come back to haunt her, or have the clues she’s uncovered about her uncle’s suspicious death put her life in danger? To solve the mystery, Kate needs David’s help. But can they pull together before time runs out? Or will they become the next victims when it all explodes?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Ground-Peril-Park-2/dp/1943959315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512690455&sr=8-1&keywords=Dangerous+Ground+By+Gayla+Hiss

Gayla’s writing journey began with her hobby painting landscapes. In her imagination, characters and scenes came to life as she painted beautiful natural settings. Her inspiring novels combine her love for the great outdoors with romance, mystery and suspense.

Gayla and her husband often tour the country in their RV, visiting many state and national parks. She enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling, and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest.

To learn more and sign up for her newsletter, visit http://www.gaylakhiss.com/

My Thoughts...

Let me start by saying that this is book two in the  Peril in the Park Series. In my opinion it was much better then book one. The plot and the characters were well rounded and thought out very well in this book. I found Rick and Grace to be my favorite characters.
I hope that you will give this book a try. It can be read as a stand alone.
I gave this book 4 stars.
  The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Blessed Life By Kim Fields

Kim Fields has lived most of her life with people thinking they know her, which is understandable. From her first job on a Mrs. Butterworth syrup commercial at age 7, she has spent 40 years in the public eye. There were 9 years as Dorothy "Tootie" Ramsey on the classic sitcom The Facts of Life, 5 more in her 20s starring as Regine Hunter on the seminal coming-of-age show Living Single, and most recently appearing as herself on Real Housewives of Atlanta and Dancing with the Stars.

Behind the camera, she has directed episodes of Kenan & Kel, Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns and House of Payne, and BET's Let's Stay Together. Between gigs, the pop culture icon's life has included theater, spoken word, music, speaking engagements, and simply being present to the point that she cannot go a day without someone stopping her to say, "When I was a kid, I wanted to be Tootie" or "You were my role model."

Flattered and blessed, after four decades in the business, Kim finally understands the role she has played onscreen and off as a successful, outspoken African-American woman. However, for as much as she's been in the public eye, people have really never known her the way they think they have, and that's because she, herself, spent most of her life figuring herself out. Now, at age 48, she is ready to set the record straight. She says, "It's not that I've been misunderstood. It's that I finally feel like I understand me enough to tell the life story that I've been asked to write for years." It will be a chronicle of living, learning, and keen moments of self-discovery as she's journeyed through the many facets and chapters of life. Fields found faith at age 14 and has found God to be right there every step of the way since then.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Blessed-Life-Surprising-Journey-Hollywood/dp/1478947543/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512525534&sr=8-1&keywords=blessed+life+by+kim+fields

KIM FIELDS had her first job at age 7 on the Mrs. Butterworth syrup commercial. She's spent 40 years in the public eye. There were 9 years as Dorothy "Tootie" Ramsey on the classic sitcom The Facts of Life, 5 more in her 20s co-starring on the seminal coming-of-age show Living Single, and most recently she appeared as herself on Real Housewives of Atlanta and Dancing with the Stars. Behind the camera, she directed episodes of Kenan & Kel, Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns and House of Payne, and BET's Let's Stay Together. Between gigs her life has included theater, spoken word, music, and speaking engagements. She is a dedicated wife and proud mom of two boys. She and her family live in Atlanta, Georgia.

MY Thoughts...

Kim, gets personal and shares with us about her Blessed Life in this intimate and personal memoir.
We all loved Kim in the Facts of Life and then in Living Single and she went on to be one of the Real Housewives of Atlanta and appeared on Dancing with the Stars. Just to name a few.  She gets down and real with her life story and a lot of hard core truths are shared, she digs deep in the book. She shares many stories you will never hear any where else.
I was honored to get to read and review Blessed Life. I loved getting to know the REAL Kim.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend this read. I learned a little bit about myself while reading this one as well.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

The Sound Of Rain By Sarah Laudin Thomas

Judd Markley is a hardworking coal miner who rarely thinks much past tomorrow until he loses his brother--and nearly his own life--in a mine cave-in. Vowing never to enter the darkness of a mine again, he leaves all he knows in West Virginia to escape to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It's 1954, the seaside community is thriving, and Judd soon hires on with a timber company.

Larkin Heyward's life in Myrtle Beach is uncomplicated, mostly doing volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more--maybe moving to the hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she's never even met someone who's lived there--until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father's timber company.

Drawn together in the wake of a devastating hurricane, Judd and Larkin each seek answers to what tomorrow will bring. As opposition rises against following their divergent dreams, they realize that it may take a miracle for them to be together.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Rain-Sarah-Loudin-Thomas/dp/0764219618/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512437912&sr=8-1&keywords=the+sound+of+rain+sarah+Thomas

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first novel, Miracle in a Dry Season, released August 2014. Married with one dog, she now lives in Western North Carolina, which is almost as beautiful as West Virginia.

My Thoughts...

Are you in the mood for a cute love story, a clean one? Then you just might enjoy this one.
It was a bit to slow for my liking that said it was a book I would recommend for someone wanting to read a cute romance.
I like the feeling of living in the 1950's and there was one character that I liked Granny Jane her being from Kentucky did not hurt but she will make you smile.
I gave this book 3.5 stars.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Interview with Cara Putman

THE POLICE SAY THE WOMAN WAS A MURDERER. EMILIE WESLEY KNOWS THEY CAN’T BE TALKING ABOUT HER CLIENT . . . CAN THEY?
To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.
Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.
Thrown together in a race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Imperfect-Justice-Hidden-Cara-Putman/dp/0718083482/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512366333&sr=8-1&keywords=imperfect+justice+cara+putman

Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I've been writing award-winning books with the count currently at 25.

In addition to writing, I am a homeschooling mom of four, attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women's ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband, and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School, and Purdue University's MBA program. You can learn more about my books at http://www.caraputman.com. And if you'd like a copy of my legal suspense novella, Dying for Love, simply connect with me here (http://www.caraputman.com/contact/ ) , and I'll send you the link.

 Welcome Cara, So glad to have you with us today!

1)  What sparked your decision to journey down the path to write Imperfect Justice?

 

     When I envisioned the Hidden Justice series, I knew that each of the women in the cohort of four would get their own story, but I didn’t know exactly what those stories would be. Hayden’s Beyond Justice became based on juvenile immigration issues. Then I turned to Emilie, Hayden’s roommate and started thinking about issues I’m passionate about and would resonate with who she is. I was sitting in Siena at our apartment (I was teaching there for Purdue) and saw a headline about a domestic violence situation in Houston and my mind began to spin what ifs. Emilie’s story was born.

 

2) Share a little tidbit about Emilie and Reid with us.

Emilie likes erasable pens like I do, and Reid is based in part of my husband and feedback from readers. They told me they wanted to see more heroes that are like the men in their lives. So he’s living life and then asked to step into bigger things.

3) What is your favorite genre to write legal thrillers, historical romance or romantic suspense novels?

            Oh, such a hard question. I like each of them for different reasons. I adore bringing real events from WWII to life and wrapping them in a story. I love the pacing and action of a thriller. And I love the tension and romance in suspense. I’m marrying legal thrillers and romantic suspense with the Hidden Justice series, and I know one of them will have a WWII tie. Just not sure which one. J

 

4) How does being an attorney compare to being an author?  And how does that compare to teaching undergraduate law courses?

            I know they look like such divergent careers, but in reality they’re closely tied. At the core each job is about communicating. In law school I learned how to write fast and cleanly. Reading voraciously taught me about story and character. Being an attorney taught me to think quickly on my feet when in court while also doing the deep research and writing needed for appellate briefs. My graduate and undergraduate classes allow me to combine that on your feet communicating skill with a passion for knowing my students. I am blessed to be able to do the three.

 

5) Share with us your favorite place to get away and write.

            I have a home office again which is a great blessing. But I also have an office at Krannert and another at the law firm. Sometimes I have to mix it up. I’ve also written at my husband’s office at the church, Panera, and McCallisters. Basically, I need a plug for my computer and time.

 

6) What would I find around your computer that you have been snacking on when you are on deadline?

            Oh, to take a photo and show you the chaos! It’s nuts. Usually I have files for characters, research books and articles, character interviews, calendars to keep the action straight, my erasable, colored pens, a chocolate bar, and a glass of water, coffee, or both!

 

7) What book are you working on now? Can you share just a little bit about it?

            I just turned in the third book in the Hidden Justice series. I can’t wait for people to get to know Jaime better in Delayed Justice. And I’m eager to dive into Caroline’s story next. I’m also finishing a book for Guidepost and have another one to turn in right after Christmas. Lots of books percolating!

 

8) If you could have one superpower what would it be?

Stopping time. I really need that one to get everything done that I need to do. I’d say a superpower I do have is communicating. I love teaching and writing. And when I look back across my career communication is at the core of each experience. But man, if I could have Wonder Woman’s lasso of truth or Elastigirl’s flexibility, it would be amazing!

 

9) Share with us your top 5 favorite authors and/or books of all time.

·         Colleen Coble

·         Dee Henderson

·         Randy Singer

·         Lisa Gardner

·         Julianna Deering.

It really is unfair to ask a question like this. I mean I’ve already read 77 books this year, and I won’t finish a book if I don’t enjoy it. You can see the books I’ve loved this year here: https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/7650912

 

10) Tell my readers where they can keep up with you.

Http://caraputman.com.     

Facebook: www.facebook.com/caraputman

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cara_putman

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/caraputman

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/CaraPutman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caracputman/

My Thoughts...

Imperfect Justice was a 5 star read and I was so impatient waiting for this second book in the Hidden Justice series. It was so worth the wait. I loved the romance and the legal thriller combination of this book.
You are going to love Emilee and Reid. I can't wait for you all to read this one. 
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Going Up South By Janet Ferguson

No one told him he had a son.

Actor Dylan Conner is furious. Not only has he been left out of his child's life, the baby boy has been given another man's last name. Determined to be a better father than the sorry guy who'd left him and his mother, Dylan fights to ensure a significant place in his son's life. Unfortunately, his bad-boy reputation overshadows his good intentions. Only one woman in this small town sees beyond his Hollywood image. And he's falling for her. Too bad she's the custody mediator.

After her scandalous divorce in the small town of Oxford, Mississippi, attorney Cassie Brooks has no intentions of practicing law again. The humiliating experience left a bitter taste for love, marriage, and her profession.

Now friends need Cassie's help in a custody negotiation, and her role demands she remain objective. She never expected to be drawn to Dylan Conner--the actor who everyone warns is bad news. Not only is the mediation at stake, but so is her heart.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Going-Up-South-Southern-Hearts/dp/0997482265/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

 

Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children's minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.


My Thoughts...

Book two in the Southern Hearts series. Going Up South was such a good read, much better than book one. It can be a stand alone and I would say start with this one. There are two more books in this series and I am going to go ahead and say they are going to be added to your to be read pile. (my reviews are coming up soon).
I loved the characters and the storyline. I hope that you give this book a try. 
I gave this book 4 stars. I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

To the Moon & Back By Kathi Macias

Life had changed drastically for Rachel since the accident, but none of the changes had prepared her for what followed. She wasn’t even sure when it started. She knew only that the darkness appeared more often and lasted longer, accompanied by forgetfulness, fear, confusion…even suspicion. As a result of the accident—which she was certain was entirely her fault—her husband of nearly 45 years was now a semi-invalid, his dependence on her growing by the day. Their only child, a grown daughter named Lilly, lived hours away and was dealing with difficulties of her own, not the least of which was an unwanted divorce. Rachel, however, had no concept of Lilly’s suffering, instead believing her 35-year-old daughter was still a college coed with her entire life ahead of her.

Can this fractured family find its way to a place of healing, or will the darkness prevail, destroying them all in its unrelenting torment? Unconditional love seems to be their only hope…but how are they to get there?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Back-Kathi-Macias/dp/1975940237/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Multiple award-winning author Kathi Macias's more than 40 books include the Quilt series, Freedom series, and the award-winning Extreme Devotion novels for New Hope Publishers. Her devotionals reach hundreds of thousands through the Christian Civic League, Black Christian News, Latino Christian News, Christians in Recovery, and crosswalk.com. The Excellence in Media Angel Award, San Diego Christian Writers Guild fiction awards, Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (Red Ink), Carol Award finalist (Red Ink), 2011 Author of the Year for BooksandAuthors.net, and an international writing contest grand prize are some of her credits. A popular speaker for women's retreats, conferences, churches, and TV and radio programs, Kathi also loves outreach to prison and homeless ministries, and praying for and aiding the persecuted church globally. A mother and grandmother, Kathi lives with her husband, Al, in California.

My Thoughts...

A book about dementia by the timeless author we have all loved over the years.
She can take a fiction story and stick you right dab in the middle of it.
You feel like you are living out the story.
Macias gives it all away in the very beginning, when she says "God stands ready to carry you all the way".
In true Macias fashion, you will get a good clean read with God breathed reading on every page.
I hope that you will check this one out.
I gave this book 4 stars. I would recommend it to Macias fans.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.