Waiting on Wednesday - November 25

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week it's another one of my favorite authors who will be releasing a book early next year.  Ever since I picked up Harlan Coben about 3 years ago I have read each of his new ones as they have come out and have worked on his backlist too.

Caught by Harlan Coben

Release: March 23, 2010

Wendy is a reporter on a mission: She's chasing down the lowest of the low-sexual predators-and exposing them on national television. Her big break comes when she nails a child advocate who works with abused and underserved children. She's there, cameras rolling, when the cops cuff him and the guy realizes his life is well and truly over.

Three months later, the perp is off the grid, missing and presumed dead after the father of a victim claims to have killed him. Wendy, proud to have taken the man down in front of a shocked television audience, has moved on to the story of a missing girl, Erin, in a nearby suburb. The whole country is obsessed with finding this child, and Wendy should be well on her way to journalistic superstardom.

Then is all comes unhinged: Wendy gets a phone call that changes everything. A group of local fathers, out of work and not above vigilante justice, begins to take matters into their own hands on Erin's behalf. Secrets long-buried rise to the surface and Wendy begins to wonder if her assumptions that fateful night three months ago were based on solid investigative journalism-or if she has unwittingly been part of a grand manipulation aiming to destroy and innocent man.

So what are you waiting on this week?

Review: Fatal Gamble by J.P. O'Donnell

Fatal Gamble: A Novel by JP O'Donnell




My rating:  5.0/5.0



My Review:

I received this book, Fatal Gamble along with the second Gallagher book, Deadly Codes from the author J.P. O'Donnell. The author himself is very pleasant to deal with so I was looking forward to reading his book. This is my second suspense novel in the week and while I use to read suspense/mystery all the time, my time is now divided because of various review books.

Fatal Gamble will not disappoint those who like PI novels or just general suspense. The suspense is tightly woven and peeling away the layers while reading is very enjoyable. Daniel Gallagher is a very likeable PI. He strives to do the best at his job and in his life. He's divorced and does not like that but realizes it was for the best. He left a prominent police force job to be a PI because of his personality and not doing well taking orders (hey I can understand that). But despite all of that he is not a seriously flawed PI. As I stated last week in my review of The Cutting - I really enjoy the slightly flawed police/PI characters instead of the seriously flawed ones and Daniel Gallagher fits this bill.

In Fatal Gamble, the first book in the Daniel Gallagher series, someone is murdering doctors who were involved in a real estate deal 20 years earlier. Gallagher is hired by one of the deceased doctor's wives to get to the bottom of the financial side of the partnership so she won't be blindsided if there were shady dealings. Gallagher takes the case and is quickly sucked into it, following leads across the country. There is also a nice romance subplot involving Gallagher and his current serious girlfriend Kate, who I also really liked.

Lots of suspense, intrigue, detective work and some romance make up this well-rounded book. I was hanging on until the end wanting to know the who, what and why of this sinister plot. I am also looking forward to picking up the second book in the series, Deadly Codes and hope more follow that one.

Thank you J.P. O'Donnell for sending me your books. You have a new loyal reader.

About the Book:

Twenty years ago, a group of doctors formed a partnership to build a medical office plaza in Massachusetts. While it wasn't the most above-board deal ever made, the doctors have found continued profit and success—until now.

Someone wants the doctors dead, and he or she has already succeeded in murdering two of them. The identity of the killer remains unknown. Is it a madman with a vendetta against the medical profession, a small-time bookie seeking revenge for a shady real estate deal, or a disgruntled former construction manager who was unjustly fired?

The widow of one of the slain doctors has a clue—but she's too afraid to tell the police. She hires Boston private investigator Daniel Gallagher to help track down the murderer. But as Gallagher begins to unravel the mystery, he finds himself entangled in a web of danger and political intrigue.

With the stakes growing higher, Gallagher faces a growing threat to keep him quiet before he reveals the damaging truth. But when push comes to shove, has Gallagher made a Fatal Gamble?

Challenges:

100+ Book Challenge
Fall Into Reading Challenge 2009
Countdown Challenge 2010 






My Disclaimer:
Though this book was sent to me by the author - that does not guarantee a positive review - my reviews are my feelings on the book and I will be honest about how I like the book. I am not paid for the reviews besides receiving the book.

Teaser Tuesday - November 24

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Gallagher never wanted to be drawn into relationships that affect his judgement and put him in jeopardy.  But this woman was different -- something about her evoked feelings of loyalty and made him want to help her, to exhaust all of the possibilites and push himself beyond the limit.

From Fatal Gamble by J.P. O'Donnell

Book Tour Promo: Dear Coach: Letters Home from WWII

Hey everyone - I just wanted to let you know that on November 30^th, Lois Herr, author of “Dear Coach: Letters Home from WWII” will be stopping by to share a profile of one of the athletes that wrote to her father, Elizabethtown college coach Ira Herr, during WWII.

A collection of not only letters but historical facts, pictures and vivid commentary, “Dear Coach” features letters from WWII that were sent to Lois’s father, the famous Elizabethtown College coach Ira Herr, by various students, friends and family members who once played for the coach. The book gives an inside look at not only the impact of war to a small college community, but that of multiple heartfelt player and coach relationships.

To order your own copy, visit the author’s website: http://loisherr.com.

To learn more about the author and book please feel free stop by her official “Dear Coach: Letters Home from WWII” virtual tour blog and read up on reviews, tour stops and so much more.

Make sure you come back on the 30th to see the profile posted here on my blog and check out the other tours for more information.  This looks like a wonderful book.

What Are You Reading Monday - November 23

Come post weekly and see what others are reading too just so you can add to your tbr - I always do! For more information see J.Kaye's Book Blog and join in!

Books Completed Last Week:

• Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis (audiobook with son)
• The Cutting by James Hayman (review) 
• I Heart Bloomberg by Melody Carlson (library)
• Sole Survivor by Dean Koontz (audiobook)
• Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie Montana by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss (review)
• Fatal Gamble by J.P. O'Donnell

Reading Now:

• Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough (review)
• The Pretty Committee Strikes Back by Lisi Harrison (library)
• Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro

Reviews Completed Last Week

• Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz (4.5/5.0)
• The Secret of Joy by Melissa Senate (5.0/5.0)
  
• Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis (4.0/5.0)
  
• The Cutting by James Hayman (5.0/5.0) 
• Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie Montana by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss (5.0/5.0)
  

Next:

• Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory
  
• Kissing Games of the World by Sandi Kahn Shelton
• The Silent Gift by Michael Landon and Cindy Kelley

Reviews to do:

• Fatal Gamble by J.P. O'Donnell
• Sole Survivor by Dean Koontz
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• Only In Your Dreams by Cecily von Ziegesar
• Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Summary -

Another great week for reading.  I'm back on track with my reading and I read some really great books this week - in fact they were all winners.  I decided I didn't have to catch up  on all the book reviews I had on my backlist so I shortened my need to review list to something much more doable.  I'm continuing to stay organized and that is helping with getting my reviews done and posted.  The next few weeks will be busy with reviews and tours that are due and I'm looking forward to reading more good books.  Have a wonderful week.

Virtual Book Tour: Run at Destruction by Lynda Drews

Join Lynda Drews, author of the true crime book, Run at Destruction: A True Fatal Love Triangle (Title Town Publishing, Aug. ‘09) , as she virtually tours the blogosphere in November on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion!

About the Book

Deeply immersed in the close-knit culture of long-distance running, Pam and Bob Bulik were avid competitors. To all appearances, they were also a happily married couple, devoted to each other and their two young children. Then, Bob made a fateful decision. He began an extramarital affair that led to his wife’s tragic death and to one of the most sensationalized and heavily attended trials in Green Bay’s history.
Candidly written by Pam’s best friend, Run at Destruction exposes the irresistible human passions that make us so vulnerable, and the ultimate price we pay for choosing to act on them. You’ll relive every detail of the crime and the exhaustive police investigation, and watch the courtroom drama from a front-row seat as a major homicide case unfolds in a small town where everyone knows all the players. Then, when you’ve heard all the evidence, you can decide for yourself – was Pam Bulik’s death a terrible accident, intentional suicide, negligent homicide or premeditated murder?

About the Author

Lynda Drews, a Wisconsin native and dedicated runner, recently gave the commencement speech at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, her college Alma mater. One lesson she shared with the graduates was: “to journal your life.” When Lynda, an IBM marketing executive, made the decision to retire after her thirty-year career, she returned to an earlier passion. Run at Destruction is the outcome.
Even though this is Lynda’s first book, she has inside knowledge about the victim and the accused. One of the book’s themes is the impact her best friend’s mysterious death has on Green Bay’s close-knit running community. Lynda and her husband, Jim, a retired teacher and guidance counselor, helped launch the local running movement. Green Bay now hosts the nation’s fifth largest 10K, attracting more than 15,000 participants.
Along with a golden retriever named Bailey, Lynda and her husband have two sons, Collin and Chris. After they reached sixth grade, the author let them pick a yearly one-on-one trip with just their mom. One son chose exotic places like Cancun, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and skiing in Oregon, while the other went to the bathroom sized PEZ Museum in San Francisco, and to eight different locales where the Dave Mathews Band played. Lynda may be the oldest person in the world that’s been to fifteen DMB concerts!
www.lyndadrews.com www.lmdrews.wordpress.com

Read an Excerpt

Now reaching the eight-mile mark in today’s half-marathon, I filed those memories of Pam in the back of my mind so I could focus on the target ahead. I was gaining on Dr. John Kiser, a good friend, my general practitioner, and someone I frequently tried to beat. Sirens filled the air as a rescue squad pulled up alongside him. John perplexingly climbed in. About ten minutes later I neared the corner by Pam’s home. An uneasiness crept through me. What was going on? She’d missed the start and now was absent from this spot. I strained my neck looking up the hill, which then turned left into the Buliks’ hidden cul-de-sac. There appeared to be a cluster of neighbors near the top, but I didn’t see Pam. I had a weird premonition that something was terribly wrong.
The effect of my pre-race caffeine had vanished, and a trudging heaviness enveloped my legs. A cluster of blackbirds, perched high on the crossbar of a light pole, cawed at me, their beaks jerking left and right, temporarily drowning out my raspy breathing. I tried to focus, but thoughts of Pam kept getting in the way.
Finally, the end was in sight. Place did not matter– first or last, runners and spectators would cheer. But today there was little applause. An uncanny quiet surrounded much of the black T-shirted group. Furtive glances from friends felt targeted my way.
Relieved to be crossing the finish line, I heard Dick announce 1:39:10. I was pleased.
But instead of congratulatory words, my friend gave me a despairing look, sliding his arm around my sweaty back, supporting me. “Lynda, there’s no easy way to tell you this.”
A stab of anxiety cut through me. “Tell me what?”
“They found Pam.”
I stumbled at his words, my worried eyes finding Dick’s. “What do you mean?”
“They found her at home.” He tightened his grip on me and heaved a body-racking sigh. “Lynda, Pam’s dead.”
Runners clustered around at the finish line, weeping and whispering. Through my own tears I mentioned my earlier premonition, how, when Pam had not been at the corner, I’d somehow thought, I hope she didn’t commit suicide.
Friends attempted to console me. Dr. John Kiser was now among them. Another friend had driven him back to the finish. John worked in the local hospitals’ emergency rooms, and knew the paramedics who’d coincidentally picked him up. They’d been responding to a 911 call and asked for his assistance. John had been troubled when they’d turned down the Buliks’ driveway. Even though another rescue squad had beat them to the scene they’d entered the home and been directed to the master bathroom off the foyer.
John paused so I could prepare myself. My heart beat spastically, dreading what I’d hear next.
Near the Buliks’ 4×6 foot whirlpool bathtub, he said that a white hospital blanket had covered a body. Kneeling beside it, the coroner had uncovered Pam’s face.
A soft moan escaped my lips. I visualized my friend just last weekend, so alive. I’d told Pam how proud I was of her and then had given her a hug, feeling her warm breath against my neck. Of course we weren’t sisters, but the way I’d felt about her was as dear as that bond.
My pained eyes caught John’s. “Do you know how she died?”
“Apparently, Lynda, she drowned.”
“Drowned?” I could not comprehend.

Lynda Drew’s RUN AT DESTRUCTION VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR ‘09 will officially begin on Nov. 2 and end on Nov. 27. You can visit Lynda’s blog stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com during the month of November to find out more about this great book and talented author!

FIRST Wild Card Tour and Review - Love Finds You In Lonesome Prairie, Montana by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

Tricia Goyer
and
Ocieanna Fleiss

and the book:

Love Finds You In Lonesome Prairie, Montana

Summerside Press (December 1, 2009)

***Special thanks to Amy Lathrop of LitFUSE Publicity Group for sending me a review copy.***

My Review:


Rating: 5.0/5.0

This is a wonderful inspirational historical romance. I have not read any others in the Love Finds You In series, but I want to read more of them after reading this. I will also seek out more books by these authors. Ms. Goyer and Ms. Fleiss did a wonderful job writing this book, from the well-constructed romance to the beautiful imagery of the scenery of Montana. It's all brought to life well in this book.

I loved Julia as the heroine, she is strong and feminine and while she is not sure what she wants, she is good at making her way where ever she is at. I also liked Parson Issac as the hero, he's a good man and he's just trying to do his best even if he is a little stubborn and misguided at times. I loved his selflessness and devotion to God as they were portrayed in the book. Issac's sisters and their families were also a joy to read about - such a loving and giving family.

I found the setting of Lonesome Prairie, Montana to be very captivating. I know very little of this area of the United States, especially back in the early days of settling. Like Julia, I have always pictured towns full of people, not the very rural and lonesome setting of this town. But the women are all strong (they had to be to live like they did) and the area though desolate is charming to see through Julia's eyes.

I love how all the side stories weave their way into the main romance. The realizations of love are wonderful to watch. I just can't say much more about this book - it's just beautiful and I was sad for it to end.

If you love historical romance set in the West during the late 1800's I can't recommend this book enough - it's a well-plotted and the characters seem like friends through the whole book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tricia Goyer was named Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference "Writer of the Year" in 2003. Her book Night Song won Book of the Year from ACFW in the Long Historical Fiction category. Her book Life Interrupted: The Scoop On Being a Young Mom was a Gold Medallion Finalist. Tricia has written hundreds of articles, Bible Study notes, and both fiction and non-fiction books.

Visit the author's website.



Ocieanna Fleissis a published writer and has edited six of Tricia Goyer's historical novels. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area. Connect with Ocieanna on Facebook!



Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Summerside Press (December 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935416294
ISBN-13: 978-1935416296

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

The sound of little girls’ voices and the sight of the sun streaming through the tall, second-story window of the Open Door Home for Destitute Girls, a privately owned orphanage on upper Manhattan, told nineteen-year-old Julia Cavanaugh that the day had started without her. Julia, an orphan herself, now running the place for the owner, brushed a strand of dark hair from her eyes. She submitted to a second yawn as a twelve-year-old girl hopped onto her bed.

“He’s gonna ask her to marry him, don’t you think, Miss Cavanaugh?”

“Oh, Shelby.” Julia wiped the sleep from her eyes and smiled into the freckled face staring eagerly at her. “Give me a moment to wake before you go asking such things.” Julia stroked the girl’s cheek, her heart seeming to double within her chest with love for the youngster.

The embroidery sampler she’d fallen asleep working on still lay at the end of her bed. She picked it up and eyed the image of a small house she’d copied from Godey’s Lady’s Book. Above the house, she’d stitched the words Home Sweet Home in fancy script. Gazing around the broad room lined with small metal cots and bustling with little-girl chatter, Julia noted the embroidered pillowslips, carefully pressed—albeit dingy—curtains, and dandelions smiling from scavenged jam-jar vases. She’d done her best to make the room pleasant for the girls—and herself. She glanced at their faces and smiled, gladly embracing her role as caretaker.

A less-than-subtle “ahem” from Shelby reminded Julia she’d been asked a question. She glanced at her young charge, still perched on the end of her bed. “What did you ask?”

“Finally.” Shelby eyed her with mock frustration. “I said, do you think they will get married—Mrs. Hamlin and Mr. Gaffin? Haven’t you noticed the way they look at each other?” Shelby’s cheeks hinted of red. Her golden hair was already fixed in a proper bun, her hands and face washed, and her simple dress clean and pressed despite its patches and stray threads.

“Shelby Bruce.” Julia shook her head, as Shelby’s two-year-old sister Beatrice wiggled onto Julia’s lap with a squeal. Julia planted a firm kiss on the top of Bea’s head.

“Married? I don’t think so,” Julia continued. “Mrs. Hamlin would’ve told us—told me—if she was being courted. Mr. Gaffin’s just an old family friend.” Julia wondered where on earth the girl got the notion that their headmistress wished to marry.

Although they have been spending a lot of time together. Julia pushed the thought out of her mind as little Bea shuffled to a stand, planting her pint-sized feet on Julia’s thighs. “Fammy fend!” She pointed a chubby finger at her older sister, Shelby.

“All right, Bea.” Julia plopped the toddler on the floor and swiveled her toward the small bed she shared with Shelby. “Time to straighten your bed.” Then Julia eyed the twins. “Charity, Grace, would you two virtuous girls fetch fresh water for the basin?”

Shelby pushed away from the bed, wrinkled her brow, and thrust her hand behind her as if to support her back—a perfect imitation of their middle-aged headmistress. “Now where did I put my spectacles?” Shelby clucked her tongue as she waddled forward.

Laughter spilled from the lips of the girls around the room. Encouraged, Shelby scratched her head. She plopped down on her bed then hopped up again as if surprised, pulling imaginary spectacles from under her rump. “Oh!” she squealed. “There they are.”

The laughter grew louder, and Julia pursed her lips together to smother the impulse to laugh along with them. She planted her fists on her hips. “That’s enough. All of you know what must be done before breakfast.” The girls’ laughter quieted to soft giggles hidden behind cupped palms as they scattered to do their chores.

Shelby lingered behind, her form now straight and her eyes pensive. “Maybe she forgot to tell you, Miss Cavanaugh.” The young girl gazed up at her. “The way they look at each other—it’s like my ma and pa used to, that’s all.”

Julia folded a stray sandy blond curl behind the girl’s ear. “Don’t worry, my sweet. If Mrs. Hamlin was getting married, we’d be the first to know.”

Julia hoped her own gaze didn’t reflect the sinking disquiet that draped her. Mr. Gaffin was a rich world traveler. If there was any truth to Shelby’s suspicion, Julia couldn’t imagine he’d let Mrs. Hamlin continue to work with orphans. Perhaps they’d get a new headmistress.

Or maybe the girls would be separated, moved to new homes…

If Mrs. Hamlin got married, all their lives would be radically changed. And if Julia had to leave the orphanage, she had no idea what she would do. Julia swept that painful thought away and steadied her gaze at Shelby. She couldn’t hide her true feelings from this girl. Julia took Shelby’s hand and answered as honestly as she could.

“I don’t think she’ll get married, but if she does, God will take care of us, like He always has.” Julia lifted her chin in a smile. “And really, Mrs. Hamlin may be forgetful, but no one could forget that. I sure wouldn’t.”

Ardy, a shy Swedish girl, removed her dirty sheets from a small bed and then approached, taking Julia’s hand. “Don’t ya think you’ll ever be gettin’ married?”

“Actually, there is something I’ve been wanting to tell you all….” Julia leaned forward, resting her hands on her knees.

The two girls eyed each other in surprise, and Shelby’s brow furrowed.

“Come closer.” Julia curled a finger, bidding them.

“What is it?” Shelby asked, her eyes glued to Julia.

The girls leaned in. “I’d like to tell you…that there’s a wonderful man who’s asked me to marry him!”

The squeals of two girls erupted, followed by the cheers of nearly three dozen others who’d been quietly listening from the stairwell.

“There is?” Shelby reached forward and squeezed Julia’s hand.

Julia let out a hefty sigh and giggled. “No, you sillies. Well, at least not yet. Someday. Maybe.”

Shelby pouted “But you said… ”

“I said I’d like to tell you I had a man. I’d sure like to, but of course since I don’t, I’m happy to stay here with all of you.”

The girls moaned.

The squeak of the front door down on the first floor of the Revolutionary War–era home-turned-orphanage drew their attention. They waited as Mrs. Hamlin’s familiar chortle filled the air, along with a bash and clang of items—hopefully food and supplies that she’d picked up.

“Julia!” Mrs. Hamlin yelped. “Julia, dear, where are you?”

“Coming.” Julia hurried down the stairs to help the older woman.

Julia neared the bottom of the steps and paused, trying to stifle a laugh at the sight of the twinkly-eyed woman sprawled flat on her back. Scattered boxes and bags covered the donated rug.

“Mrs. Hamlin! What on earth? Why didn’t you get a steward to help you?”

“Oh, I didn’t want to be a bother.” She cheerfully picked herself up. “I was in such a hurry to show you all what I’d bought. And to tell you my surprise. Such a wonderful surprise.” Julia eyed the boxes and noted they were from R.H. Macy & Co. More than a dozen boxes waited to be opened, and she couldn’t imagine the cost.

“I found just what the girls need, and on sale!” the headmistress exclaimed.

What they need is more food—vitamin drops, too—and maybe a few new schoolbooks. But Julia didn’t dare say it. And somehow God’s hand of providence always provided.

“New clothes, I gather. That is a surprise.”

“But only half of it, dear.” Mrs. Hamlin rubbed her palms expectantly. “I also must tell you my news. The best news an old widow could hope for.”

Julia followed Mrs. Hamlin’s gaze toward the idle youngsters who’d gathered on the staircase to watch. Her eyes locked with Shelby’s, then she quickly looked away. “News?” The muscles in Julia’s stomach tightened.

“Girls,” Julia shooed them away with a wave of her hand, “you know better than to eavesdrop. Off to chores with you. We’ll have breakfast soon.”

The girls started to scurry off, but Mrs. Hamlin halted them with her words.

“No, no,” her high-pitched voice hailed. “Come back. This news is for all of you.” They circled around her, and she tenderly patted their bobbing heads.

“What is it?” Julia wasn’t sure she’d ever seen Mrs. Hamlin’s cheeks so rosy or her eyes so bright.

“I’m getting married!”