Review: Really? At Your Age?: A Better Late Romance by Jacqueline Diamond

 

Really? At Your Age?: A Better Late Romance 

by Jacqueline Diamond

At 52, the doctor dares set her sights on love and motherhood!

Survivor of a painful divorce, Dr. Cody Matchett has a fulfilling medical career but no children. After a quake rattles her small town, she’s jolted into considering the fate of her frozen embryos—along with her long-simmering attraction to hospital attorney Ben Wright.

But as Cody seeks a lasting love and family, she and Ben uncover shocking secrets. Then there’s the tricky task of choosing a surrogate... a role for which Ben’s grown daughter volunteers!

My Take:

Dr. Cody Matchett appears to have it all together - a solid career in medicine at a local hospital in her small childhood California town. But appearances can be deceiving. She's managed to keep the attraction she has for the hospital attorney Ben Wright under control, since he's still loyal to his toxic wife murdered in a robbery. As if that weren't enough, Cody is 52 and can't have children, children she desperately longs for. A minor earthquake rattles Cody into considering the prospect of taking action on the six precious fragile frozen embryos she has in the vault. And it involves Ben too, as not only is his daughter being considered as surrogate mother to carry those embryos to term, he's the donor father for them as well!

As Cody tries to open dialogue with Ben about the embryos, Ben struggles with the attraction he feels for Cody, knowing that a relationship with her will prove difficult, as he's signed away any rights to the children they may have. And shocking secrets are about to hit the media that will upset both their lives.

 Content:

Drug Content:
PG – There's some drinking in this, bottles of alcohol in the fridge, casual drinking. A minor character has a drug addiction and makes bad choices that lead to disaster. 
 
Violence:
G – A murder occurred in the past, other than that, there's nothing at all.
 
Language:
PG – There are a few mild swear words.
 
Adult Content:
PG – There's adultery, pregnancy out of wedlock, discussion of fertility technology and sterilization surgery. There's a kiss or two but nothing further on screen.
 
Christian content:
Not much. There's some discussion of God, and a few characters pray. Still, there are positive character traits on display, such as loyalty, fidelity, diligence, and self-sacrifice. There are negative character traits as well, infidelity, murder, lying, and the like. Plenty of life as we know it.

 
Final Analysis:
I'm not usually a fan of lighthearted romances, but this one had me spellbound throughout. I can see why Jacqueline Diamond is a bestselling author. This book was well-written. The dialogue was on point, the settings were immersive, and the emotion raw and tangible. The characters were believable and the stakes were high. I found myself fully invested in the main characters and their struggles, unable to put the book down until the last page. I look forward to reading more by this author. Five Stars!

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Diamond has more than 100 novels to her name! A former Associated Press reporter and TV columnist, Jackie is best known for her Safe Harbor Medical romances (17 in all) and mysteries (four so far).

She is currently writing a series of romances about three sisters, all over 50, finding or rediscovering love. They are part of the Better Late collection of romantic comedies by Jackie and several other authors. Jackie's first romance in the series is Really? At Your Age?

Jackie has been honored with a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She and her husband, who have two grown sons, live in Southern California. You can learn more about her books at www.jacquelinediamond.net, where you can sign up for her free monthly newsletter. You can contact Jackie at JacquelineDiamondAuthor on Facebook or as @jacquediamond on Twitter.

Review - Health, Healing, and Wholeness by Tracy Crump

 Health, Healing, and Wholeness 

by Tracy Crump

Where do you turn for help when illness or injury strikes? No matter how bleak the prognosis, you can find hope and healing in Jesus.   Through her work as an intensive care nurse, Tracy Crump witnessed lifesaving miracles when everyone involved had given up--everyone except God. She cared for patients, family, and friends experiencing major health crises and offered encouragement no matter the situation, knowing we don't always experience healing in this life.
 
Crafted with unique examples of God's miraculous power and saving grace, Health, Healing, and Wholeness blends Scripture-rich meditations with biblical principles that highlight God's mercy in times of medical need. Moving stories of a mother's sacrifice, children overcoming catastrophic accidents, the beauty of a life well lived, and joy despite traumatic brain injury instill hope.
 
Whether you are experiencing a medical crisis, walking alongside someone who is, or caring for a loved one, these thirty devotions will bring comfort and peace. Prepare to embark on a journey to wholeness.
 
The Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. (Malachi 4:2NLT)

My Take:

Imagine taking examples from a life as a nurse in critical care, holding the hands of the seriously ill, injured, and dying, and watching miracles happen before your eyes. Then bottling that up into a well-written 30-day devotional. That's what this is. Concentrated examples of God's grace, healing, and rescue in life-threatening situations. 

 Content:

Drug Content:
G – none. Well, unless you count lifesaving medications only available with prescription.
 
Violence:
G – Though this book does discuss multiple instances of painful or repeated surgeries, there's nothing graphic or gory.
 
Language:
G – Squeaky clean
 
Adult Content:
G – Squeaky clean.
 
Christian content:
This is a Christian devotional. It's filled with references to God's love, His provision, His direction, His forgiveness, and His plan for your life. Every devotion begins with a verse and ends with a prayer and another verse. Scripture is referenced throughout. There are examples in here of patients who overcome incredible odds, terminal diagnoses, debilitating illnesses, devastating accidents, or even physical results of a life of poor decisions. I will tell you without hesitation or apology, expect to meet with God between the covers of this devotional. If you're willing to do business with Him, He's willing to do business with you. And this little book can be a table where you meet.

 
Final Analysis:
This devotional is a quick read. I finished the back half of it on a treadmill trying to get some exercise in, especially after getting an idea of what a heart condition can do to you. And yet, while walking on that treadmill, I was getting a workout on a different kind of heart condition. Because that's what can happen in this devotional. But I digress. The book is a treasure.  I'll be reading this to the family. There are 30 devotionals, each lasting less than five minutes minutes. So it's a good quick devotional for a month. Each one focuses on a different character trait and has a lot more meat than you'd expect for such a quick dive. Real-life experiences from the author's days as a nurse provide eternal truths. Well-written, engaging, convicting, and encouraging. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Tracy Crump writes devotions of hope that heal the heart. Drawing from her work as an intensive care nurse and using storytelling skills honed in writing for anthologies, she brings God’s Word to life in Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness.

Though this is her first book, Tracy is no stranger to devotion writing. Her work has appeared in Guideposts’ books as well as The Upper Room, Light from the Word, and other devotional publications. More than thirty of her short stories have been published, most in Chicken Soup for the Soul® books, and her articles have been featured in many national magazines. She proofreads for Farmers Almanac, is a freelance editor, and presents workshops through Write Life Workshops and at writers conferences across the country. She edits a popular writers newsletter, and her course on writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul is one of Serious Writer’s top sellers.

Tracy has been married to her high school sweetheart, Stan, for forty-five years. They live in north Mississippi and have two sons and four completely unspoiled grandchildren. She believes Grandma is the most beautiful word in the English language. Visit Tracy at www.TracyCrump.com.

Review: Before by Molly McNamara Carter

 

Before 

by Molly McNamara Carter

In the not-too-distant future, Leadership controls everything and everyone, and a new regulation threatens to take away 13-year-old Wren's little brother. Already reeling from her grandmother's relocation, Wren must give up school, her friends, and the protection of her parents to save her little brother from the cold grip of efficiency. Can Wren and her brother survive the exhausting journey, the scorching desert, and the threatening grasp of Leadership to cross the border to safety and freedom?

My Take:

"Efficiency is key for productivity, and productivity is key for safety." This is the mind-numbing mantra of Leadership, which tries to control the masses by eliminating their rights and freedoms. In the Leadership Lands, the government controls everything you do. All for the sake of efficiency. Before by Molly McNamara Carter is a dystopian tale of a teen’s flight with her mute little brother from a totalitarian state to a land of freedom. When Leadership announces that children who require special care will be forcibly removed from their homes for re-education, permanently, Wren realizes she will lose her little brother Kael, who is unable to speak. Under cover of night, Wren is forced to flee the city with Kael, and cross many miles of forbidding desert while pursued by the agents ordered to prevent their escape, at any cost.

 Content:

Drug Content:
G – none
 
Violence:
G – A wolf attacks one of the characters
 
Language:
G – Squeaky clean
 
Adult Content:
G – Squeaky clean.
 
Christian content:
Not much, but there seems to be a divine intervention going on in the protection of the main character. Wren puts her life on the line for her helpless brother again and again. People along the way take great risks to deliver these kids to safety.

 
Final Analysis:
I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure-packed dystopian thriller. Wren faces drones, soldiers, coyotes, scorpions, deadly heat, and terrifying storms. The threats to Wren and her little brother are tangible. There were multiple points in the book that my pulse was pounding in my ears, fully invested in the story, and hiding there in the dark with Wren, who transforms during the adventure from a slightly rebellious, carefree teen to a responsible and determined adult. is a well-written, action-packed thrill ride, but it’s more than that. This novel is a thought-provoking delve into a possible future devoid of freedom, all for the sake of efficiency. The world-building was immersive, the character development realistic, and the outlook, hopeful. The cover art by Denitsa Shopova was stunning. Before by Molly McNamara Carter is perfect for lovers of dystopian teen fiction and coming-of-age adventures. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Molly has been writing stories since she learned to read them. For her and her sisters growing up, she created magical lands full of adventures that were never far off. Molly continues to delight her own children with her stories and passion for books. She has lived in big cities, little towns, on islands, in mountains and in deserts. She loves adventures like jumping out of airplanes, riding camels, and even swimming with sharks. When she's not reading, writing or working on an art project, she loves to explore with her favorite people. One of her greatest joys is bringing the magic of stories to her readers. Visit her website at mollymcnamaracarter.com/

Review: Claw & Order: Fairy Goose Unit: The Pignapping by Donna Boock

 

Claw & Order: Fairy Goose Unit: The Pignapping 

by Donna Boock

This time, the little piggy couldn’t go wee-wee-wee all the way home from school. Instead, a big, bad ransom note points to a pignapping! Fairy Goose Unit detectives Clawed McDiddle and Allie O' Dumpling search for clues to bring home the bacon. But can they solve this mystery so the Swine family can live hogfully ever after?

Nivya Kuriakose, illustrator, and Donna Boock, author, the duo who brought you Moo-La-La-Ti-Da! (2021), team up once again in this rollicking fun and funny chapter book series.

My Take:

In Claw & Order: Fairy Goose Unit: The Pignapping by Donna Boock, This Little Piggy has gone missing and didn’t go wee wee wee all the way home from school. Clawed McDiddle, the Missing Creatures Detective cat in Fairy Goose Land, is just settling down for a quick catnap at the station when he gets the call.  He and his friend Allie O’Dumpling team up and are on the case! They interview the family, the teacher, and the bus driver, uncovering clues, identifying suspects, and clearing them one by one. Charming artwork on each page contains hidden clues you might miss, so it’s important to keep your eyes and ears open and look for evidence! In true mystery fashion, these two examine the clues and follow them in hopes of bringing the pignapper to justice and bringing home the bacon!

 Content:
Drug Content:
G – none.
 
Violence:
G – There is discussion of turning This Little Piggy into bacon. And there’s a kidnapping. This is an early reader book. I mean, come on. It’s soft edges.
 
Language:
G – Squeaky clean
 
Adult Content:
G – Not a bit.
 
Christian content:
This is on the level of Mother Goose, but there’s nothing Christian in it. Just a kid-friendly mystery.
 
Final analysis:
Claw & Order: Fairy Goose Unit: The Pignapping by Donna Boock is a well-written, engaging mystery story for early readers, and left me hungry for more books in the series. This charming mystery is not scary and is a cozy mystery for the younger set, concerning a safe space that the younger kids can feel comfortable in. Entertaining illustrations on every page add depth to the story, and it’s a quick read. It’s loaded with many baffling clues, and you encounter many well-loved nursery rhyme characters, like Jack and the Beanstalk, the Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf, Simple Simon, Wee Willie Winkie, Little Boy Blue, and Little Miss Muffet. Some of them help find clues, and some might just be suspects! This clean, delightful, illustrated mystery book is a sure winner for early readers and lovers of a cute mystery. Five Stars!
 

About the Author:

When Donna was eight years old, she dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Or maybe a news reporter. Or the person who names lipstick and nail polish those fun names like “Mauve-alous Darling.” But now she can’t imagine anything but writing books that allow her to be part of the very special moment when children are ready to take off and read. It’s pure magic! Donna is also the author of the very funny chapter book series Kinzie’s Kinventions and a picture book called Moo-La-La-Ti-Da!

Donna also loves sharing her passion for reading and writing by coming to play, oops- I mean, visit schools both in person & virtually. She also creates free materials like lesson plans, discussion guides, puzzles, and worksheets to support the incredibly special adults who support those incredibly important young readers. Stay in touch at www.DonnaBoock.com and also on her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCri9... where you can find recorded readings, Kinzie’s “ViewTube” videos, and lots of upcoming fun!

Review: The Sins of Men: Tragic Saga of the Cabin Boy by Danny J. Bradbury

The Sins of Men: Tragic Saga of the Cabin Boy 

by Danny J. Bradbury

Can an impoverished boy overcome his humble beginnings, abduction and abuse to participate in a series of pivotal events in world history? In the same manner as John Jake's classic saga, The Bastard, this novel attempts to document the boy's trials and follow his journey in conquering his past. Set during the turbulent period leading up to the American Revolution, the boy must either slay his demons or perish to be lost as another footnote in history. The story will tear at your heart, but will you believe that such a boy can actually make a difference?

My Take:

 Peter Beale is a young boy from an impoverished family in England. He steals to help his large family have food to eat, and this lands him in prison, where he is selected and impressed into His Majesty's Navy, to serve as a cabin boy and the HMS Progress under Captain Auger. He is tasked with assisting the cook in preparing meals, swabbing the deck, and personally serving the captain dinner, in his cabin, alone. Some of the crew, and especially the greasy cook, have some idea what the captain does to little cabin boys. Peter manages to escape while the ship is being repaired in Boston, and is adopted by a wealthy merchant. But the demons from what happened on that ship continue to torment him. As he matures and war with England looms, will Peter gain victory over his past, or die in the process?

Content:

Drug Content:

PG - There is drinking and drunkenness, but not any more than you might find in a Disney film.

Violence:

PG-13 - Wartime is a bloody mess. Crewmen are hung, and men are shot, bayonetted, and mangled by cannon fire. A character loses a limb in a battle. 

Language:

G - Squeaky clean.

Adult Content:

R - Early in this book there is a somewhat graphic description of an act of sodomy with a boy. Many other acts like that occur but occur completely off-screen. If it was not for that first graphical depiction, this would be PG.

Christian content:

This book is not overtly Christian in nature or content. However, faith plays a significant part in multiple characters in the work. A mysterious protector in the jail teaches the bible to the boy. The sister of his adoptive mother uses the bible to teach him to read, and her husband is a pastor. In several instances, there is a call to pray for guidance and protection. Self-sacrifice, courage against overwhelming odds, and faith in God's cause are significant threads in this tapestry of the American Revolution.

Final analysis:

The Sins of Men: Tragic Saga of the Cabin Boy by Danny J. Bradbury is a well-researched historical novel, with gripping action, immersive worldbuilding, and high stakes. It is emotionally charged, and the author put enough into that first scene of sodomy to draw me into the work in hopes the victim would get his revenge. There were issues with tense and pacing in the first half, or I definitely would have given this one five stars, because it was extremely well-written, and by the end of the book I was fully invested and could not put the book down. Four Stars!

About the Author:

Danny J Bradbury is originally from Greeley, Colorado. He has a lifetime love of history and telling stories which he learned from his father. After spending years working in corporate America, he started writing alternate historical fiction novels to share his accumulated knowledge.

​

He is married and has three grown daughters and two grandsons. He served in the US Navy and now resides in South Carolina.

Review: The Place of Voices (Time Drifter #1) by Lauren Lynch

The Place of Voices 

by Lauren Lynch 

Anna is devastated by a fire that left her orphaned, dependent on an uncle she never knew existed and far from the only home she has ever known. Brendan struggles with a life limited by crippling illness and a family torn by the loss of his mother. Tzutz Nik faces an arranged marriage to the prince of a ruthless dynasty in order to unite their fractured kingdoms. A mysterious invitation gives them each an opportunity to escape their struggles for a while and view their lives from a new perspective. Deep in a remote jungle, amid long-forgotten ancient ruins, they discover the true meaning of sacrifice. In the shadows, a relentless evil presence lurks, threatening to lead them astray. Will they triumph over their adversary or be trapped in his web of lies?

My Take:

 Anna faces an uncertain future at the hands of an uncle she never knew she had, all because a mistake of hers caused a fire that destroyed her home and killed her parents. Brendan has faced a life of near immobility thanks to the polio ravaging his body that took his mother. Tzutz Nik is about to face an arranged marriage to the prince of a ruthless dynasty, to avoid the destruction of her people. In each of their lives, a mysterious invitation pulls them to a jungle sanctuary, a Place of Voices where these three go on a vision quest together. Assisting them is a talking elk named Ben, but an evil enemy also is in this place and is bent not only on Ben's destruction but on their own downfall as well. To each of them, this tempter presents a web of lies geared to make them betray all they hold dear.

Content:

Drug Content:

G - There is none.

Violence:

PG - Animal and human sacrifice is discussed. Someone is terribly mutilated as they are being murdered. This happens off-screen.

Language:

G - Squeaky clean.

Adult Content:

G - There is a hint of romance. 

Christian content:

This novel is full of Christian symbolism. The evil found in the enemy is obviously a typecast of satan. In one instance he speaks to the children from smoke as a snake, and laments how he was forced to travel on his belly. Ben is a typecast of Jesus, giving his life for the sins of others. The animal familiars who escort the children into the Place of Voices parallel the activity of angels. This book is loaded with content for healthy Christian discussion - the battle of good and evil, the need for a savior, the importance of repentance and forgiveness, and the power of praying for others.

Final analysis:

The Place of Voices is a good addition to any Christian's library, but especially those who are fans of fantasy and looking for clean reads, especially if they are looking for something on the level of C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. The world-building was stellar. The character interaction was engaging and believable. Each character had their own issues and arc. The stakes were high and the action was gripping. Five Stars!

About the Author:

LAUREN LYNCH writes faith-infused historical fantasies created to challenge readers of all ages. After many years of focusing on visual arts, she found she could also paint with words and now enjoys dreaming up stories where the real world collides with the fantastic. She lives in a log cabin in North Carolina with her husband, teenage son, a feisty dog, three cats, two escape-artist goats and even the occasional bat. To learn more about Lauren and her other books, visit www.laurenlynch.com.

Review: Things He Hadn't Told Her by Vicky Whedbee

Things He Hadn't Told Her

by Vicky Whedbee

Chad Edwards & Cole Rivers have been best friends since grade school. "Blood brothers forever" they declared, after Chad saved Cole's life. Years later in college at the University of Tennessee, Chad is a student of Sports Medicine, and Cole is the Vol's star quarterback. That's where they meet Maggie Thompson. Ask either one of them and they would tell you, "Maggie is perfect". So, it's no surprise they both fall in love with her. As fate would have it, Maggie falls in love too, but only one of them is the recipient of her affections. It's what happens next that will surprise you.
They made a pact as boys. Can they keep that pact as men?

My Take:

Chad Edwards saved Cole Rivers' life one day when he pulled him from a flood-swollen and dangerous river. Since that time, Chad has been looking out for Cole, making sure he doesn't flunk his classes and get tossed off the football team. Quietly making sure his reputation isn't ruined. Cole is destined for greatness, a star quarterback in High School who goes on to QB the Tennessee Vols in college. Chad, who wants to go into sports medicine, follows him there, and continues to keep Cole out of trouble. It seems that nothing could come between these two friends.

Except, perhaps, Maggie.

Beautiful, talented, compassionate, and full of life, Maggie is perfect. And Chad quickly falls for her. But Maggie falls for Cole. Devastated, Chad has to decide whether to keep his true feelings secret, hurt the two people he loves best, or quietly fade away.

Content:

Drug Content:

G - There is a little casual drinking in a few places.

Violence:

PG - Tragic accidents leave people somewhat mangled. There is no intentional harm done here. No graphic descriptions either.

Language:

PG - There are a few scattered mild expletives.

Adult Content:

G - There is romance and some kissing. 

Christian content:

The characters in this book struggle with where God is in their suffering, but remain steadfast in their faith. Church attendance is encouraged, and nightly prayers with the family are present occasionally. Prayer for healing and safety are not uncommon. Discussion is made about people being in heaven when they die. The raw conflict, self-sacrifice, and ensuing depth of character in the protagonist is stunning. 

Final analysis:

Things He Hadn't Told Her by Vicky Whedbee is a heartwarming tale of unrequited love. The characters have tragic real-life struggles and deal with them in a faith-filled and realistic way. The settings are immersive, and the dialogue engaging. The author has a talent for drawing on common emotional situations, and depicting them well enough to bring even an old granddad like me to tears.  This book covered multiple years of interaction in the main characters. During the first half of the novel, the level of detail in the interactions and experiences of the characters was a bit overwhelming, but it set a gorgeous backdrop for the back half of the story, when things really took off. I was well satisfied with the end, and thought Vicky Whedbee did an excellent job carrying the reader through. Good plot, excellent characters, raw emotions and a heartwarming conclusion. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Vicky Whedbee was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she resided until her 40's when she relocated to San Mateo, Florida, where she currently resides with her husband. An avid reader, she wrote her first novel over a period of years as a labor of love and fulfillment of a life long dream that began with the encouragement of her Engish teacher in high school.
With a diagnosis of cancer for her dad, she decided to become an independent author and published her novel on her own in order to present a finished product to her father before his demise. She was in the process of reading said novel, "Things He Hadn't Told Her", to him at the time of his passing.
She wrote her second novel "Sarah's Song", which was a collaboration with her father set in the time of his childhood in the rural Appalachian mountains, with notes taken prior to his demise. Both books have been met with stellar 5-STAR reviews on Amazon & Goodreads, as well as awarded the 5-star review seal from Reader's Favorite.
After numerous requests, she wrote a sequel to Sarah's Song, titled Sarah's Home, which could also be read as a stand-alone. It, too, is being received with love and 5-STAR reviews.
She is currently working on her next novel.
Visit & contact her through her website https://crwvao.wixsite.com/vickywhedbee

Review: River Rising (Carson Chronicles#1) by John A Heldt

 River Rising (Carson Chronicles#1)

John A. Heldt

Weeks after his parents disappear on a hike, Arizona engineer Adam Carson, 27, searches for answers. Then he discovers a secret web site and learns that his mother and father are time travelers stuck in the past. Armed with the information he needs to find them, Adam convinces his younger siblings to join him on a rescue mission to the 1880s.

While Greg, the adventurous middle brother, follows leads in the Wild West, Adam, journalist Natalie, and high school seniors Cody and Caitlin do the same in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Like the residents of the bustling steel community, all are unaware of a flood that will destroy the city on May 31, 1889.

In RIVER RISING, the first novel in the five-book Carson Chronicles series, five young adults find love, danger, and adventure as they experience America in the age of bustle dresses, gunslingers, and robber barons.

My Take:

Professors Tim and Caroline Carson mysteriously disappeared during an anniversary hike near Flagstaff Arizona. Their grieving five children search for answers until the family lawyer turns over a sealed envelope informing them their parents are time travelers stuck in the past. A secret website gives the oldest, Adam the information needed to rescue them from 1888. The five adult children go back to the gilded age to find them. 

Greg, the middle brother, runs afoul of the law in the Wild West and ends up on the run with a bounty on his head, while Natalie settles into a journalist position at a local paper, where she interviews Mark Twain, writes a transformative column on the prognosticating Puxatawney groundhog on Groundhog Day, and falls for her handsome editor, Sam Prentiss. Twins Cody and Caitlin, high school seniors, try not to let the truth out that they are from another century while trying to fit in at school. And Adam tries to research and find his parents while falling for the beautiful hotel manager. The family adjusts to the slower pace of life there in Johnstown PA, all blissfully unaware of the catastrophe about to strike, when the dam will break and destroy the town.

Content:

Drug Content:

G - There is a little casual drinking in a few places. 

Violence:

PG-13 - Some people are shot and killed. There is no graphic violence due to man, but the descriptions of the horrors of the flood and the corpses afterward earned this a PG-13

Language:

G - I think I may have found one mild expletive in the entire work.

Adult Content:

PG - There is romance and some kissing. A married couple have a mild scene with a bubble bath, with no on-screen action.

Christian content:

The people in the 1800s were quite religious and people are encouraged to go to church, find a church home, and pray. Faith plays a significant part in their lives, especially when tragedy strikes. There are multiple instances where characters sacrifice for one another.

Final analysis:

River Rising by John A Heldt is the first in a five-book time travel series. The pace is quick, the plot gripping, the stakes high. The author obviously did a lot of research into the life and times of the day, the character and life of Mark Twain, as well as significant details about the tragic flood. The characters were well-fleshed out, from coping with differences in the times to dealing with tragedy and loss. 

About the Author:

John A. Heldt is the author of more than twenty bestselling time travel novels. The former reference librarian and award-winning sportswriter has loved getting subjects and verbs to agree since writing book reports in grade school. A graduate of the University of Oregon and the University of Iowa, Heldt is an avid fisherman, sports fan, coin collector, and reader of thrillers and historical fiction. When not sending contemporary characters to the not-so-distant past, he weighs in on literature and life at johnheldt.blogspot.com.

Interview: Dan Morrow, author of A Heartbeat in Danger

 

Today it is my privilege to interview Dan Morrow, author of A Heartbeat in Danger, a novel about a cheerleader named Stacy with an unexpected pregnancy and an uncertain future.

Dan is a multi-published author, husband, and father, and took time out of his busy schedule to visit and answer a few questions pertaining to his craft and this novel as well.

Dan, welcome. Let's talk for a bit about the beginnings of this journey you are on. 

At what point did you decide to be an author? What was your path to publication?

From an early age, I gained an appreciation for the written word. There was something about how authors would string words and phrases together and come up with a beautiful picture you could see in your mind.

For publishing, I searched online and found a publisher who I hoped would work with me to create something wonderful. While I was satisfied with the result, it wasn’t what I expected. Turns out, a ‘Vanity Press’ isn’t the best approach.

Appreciate your candor and advice. That's been the determination of a lot of people in the industry. There is even a website dedicated to warning writers called WriterBeware. Thankfully I ran across that site before publishing my own works, and published via Amazon KDP, which has worked well for me.

What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book?

Any idea that springs to mind, I immediately have to write it down. If I don’t, chances are good I’ll forget what it was.

I've heard that from a lot of writers. Most carry a notepad or leave one by the bed for ideas that hit at night.

In your book, A Heartbeat in Danger, Stacy Kent, a cheerleader, faces some difficult decisions concerning an unwanted pregnancy. What prompted you to write about this subject?

I had a conversation with our daughter’s best friend. We’ve known her since they were in third grade, and she’s become family. One night when I was taking her to a friend’s house, she was overcome with emotion about being pregnant. All the cliches we’ve heard from frightened young women in this situation came out that night.

As I pondered what she was dealing with, I multiplied her situation by thousands and realized maybe this was a common theme among all girls facing unexpected pregnancies. From that thought, the overview of the book took shape.

Wow. Real life does tend to prompt the best stories, and personal experience, even just in your immediate circle of connections, tends to motivate and give the work compelling force.

Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot and plan, or is your writing more organic?

Kind of a combination of all of these, really. When an idea comes about, I’ll write down a brief description of the main plot/idea for the book. From there, I’ll begin the framework of what will happen, then who the characters are and what they do. As I’m writing, it’s more a fly by the seat of my pants approach. I like to be as surprised as the reader at what will happen.

What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?

If you’re into Renaissance/Romance genre, investigate Cheyenne Van Langevelde. If you like a somewhat gritty romantic story, check out co-authors Dana Bowen and Chloe Brogan.

If you had a chance to leave one piece of advice to someone who was interested in writing, what would that be?

Somewhere along the way, I heard someone say it best – you need to write.

Direct, and to the point. If you are a writer, write. With all the distractions to be had here online, that's good advice.

Describe your book, A Heartbeat in Danger, in 30 words or less for people who are just learning about it.

It will challenge any preconceived ideas you may have of the issue of unexpected pregnancy. Read with an open mind.

 Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?

Understand, this issue is more nuanced than we paint it to be. There is more gray area to this matter than we like to admit. It’s easy to shout ‘yes’ or ‘no’ when it’s not you facing uncertainty. But when you or someone you love is caught in the darkness of fear, it becomes complicated. Don’t be so quick to judge someone based on what they do.

What has been the toughest criticism you have received as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Someone who promised to review my book messaged me asking if this was an anti-abortion book. After convincing him to continue reading, he finally gave up, claiming he couldn’t support something that had a message counter to what he believed.

The greatest compliment I’ve received is one word – ‘Wow’. 

What is your favorite line from your book?

“And what is life without persuasion?”

To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?

The latter part of Chapter 6 in Heartbeat. It speaks to a delicate subject surrounding unexpected pregnancies yet manages to dance in the middle of this confusion. It doesn’t tell you what’s right or wrong.

So, what's next? Are you working on a new novel, and if so, give an elevator pitch or back cover blurb for it. When do you think this will release?

As far as the next release, honestly, I’m not sure I can predict when the next book will come out. I’m not even sure which one of the many ideas I’m working on should be next. I haven’t sorted out the details and this has caused a rather lengthy delay in what’s next.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

 Spend time with my family. Being with my wife and two adult children is pure solitude. I find rest in their presence. 

It was really good to connect with you, Dan. For those of you who want to follow Dan, here is his Facebook page and  Linked In. Below I've included a link to his book, A Heartbeat in Danger.

A Heartbeat in Danger

High school cheerleader Stacy Kent dreams of an ideal future with her boyfriend, star halfback Tucker Hamilton. After unexpected tragedy befalls the couple, she is left with a life-altering decision. Surprised to discover she is pregnant and feeling isolated from her divorced parents, Stacy is confronted by a future she never expected. In a misguided attempt at avoiding this responsibility, she is met in her dreams by a stranger, who carefully guides her through an unknown future for her child. Exposed to both beautiful and unsettling glimpses into her child's life, Stacy must reexamine her belief that to remain free of this responsibility is the right one. Forced to watch her child endure hardship and success, Stacy comes to a surprising realization about her own tenuous relationship with her mother. Will she seek to repair the damage done from years of defiance, or will she continue to embrace the unsettled anger between them? Will she allow her child the freedom to discover life on her own or chase her now-hollow, unfulfilled dreams? Whatever the outcome, it will require a level of commitment she is uncertain she can attain.

Review: The First Unicorn by Kathleen J. Shields

  

The First Unicorn

by Kathleen J. Shields

Almost everyone knows what a unicorn is, but do you know where they came from? Who was the first unicorn? How did he get his golden horn? And why did others follow in his footsteps?

Aden is a young horse, who believes that giving of his time and gifts is the best way to share hope in the world. One evening, he is visited by an angel who bestows a gift of gold upon his forehead, “You cannot see or spend it. It’s for others to behold.” Yet, when he returns home that evening, the herd sees the horn as a weapon and chases him away.
Sad but not discouraged, Aden continues to help and care for others. However, when his mother gets injured, he discovers his horn can perform miracles. It was that first miracle that softened the hearts of the others and inspired them to lead a God-filled life as well.

This story is about love, acceptance, kindness and giving. It is the story of the First Unicorn and how God’s creation would succeed at greatness.

“Anything is possible if love is what you choose. Miracles can happen if you share the good news.”

My Take:
The First Unicorn by Kathleen J. Shields is a delightful faith-filled tale of how the first unicorn came to be. Long ago, in a far away land, a herd of horses lived out their lives day to day in a mundane cycle of eating and sleeping. While most of the horses in the herd go about their dreary lives just eating, a young colt named Aden fills his time giving to others, having fun, and doing good deeds. He rescues the weak and comforts the lonely. His actions and care for others eventually result in a gift from God – a beautiful golden horn! But that’s when Aden’s troubles really start. Will Aden find a way to help others when his new appearance frightens even those who knew him well?

Content:

Drug Content:
G – none
 
Violence:
G – A wolf attacks one of the characters
 
Language:
G – Squeaky clean
 
Adult Content:
G – Squeaky clean.
 
Christian content:
This is a Christian book. Unicorns are found in the Bible, depending on the translation/version you prefer. (Job and Proverbs) Aden loves life and God and helps all the woodland creatures. Even when tragedy strikes he doesn’t lose hope. And even when shunned because he is different, he does not lose trust. This story is about love, goodness, kindness, acceptance, giving, and sharing the Good News.
 
Final Analysis:
The First Unicorn by Kathleen J. Shields is a heartwarming story of the first unicorn. Each page is beautifully illustrated by Aashay Utkarsh, and complements the poignant poem contained within this early reader treasure. Short footnotes define difficult or unfamiliar words, and the reading level of this book ensures Elementary-age children will enjoy reading it to themselves. It’s liberally laced with faith and encouragement to children to do the right thing, even when it’s hard. The pacing is perfect, and the plot engaging. Aden is a delightful character, and who doesn’t like stories about horses and unicorns? At 50 pages, it is a very quick read with an engaging storyline and an eternal message. Perfect for young Christian readers and fans of fantasy, unicorns, and faith! Five Stars!

About the Author:

Kathleen J. Shields is a very creative, highly imaginative and extremely dedicated, hard working individual. She runs her own website and graphics design company, a publishing company and has published over 21 books; from fully-illustrated rhyming stories for ages 4 and up, children's chapter books for ages 8 and up, and young adult stories with plans for a few romantic adult stories as well.

Kathleen has been writing poetry and stories for years both for fun and for hire in custom greeting cards and for local speaking outlets. She enjoys sharing her stories and talking with children and adults about how they too can write if they put their mind to it.

Kathleen also writes a blog with inspirational and educational posts both regarding her endeavors as an author as well as a business woman.