Lisa Wingate continues to amaze me with how she ties in her characters and ...
923889
Lisa Wingate continues to amaze me with how she ties in her characters and themes to develop a great story.  Before I read Wingate's novels I use to be a mystery book fanatic.  The Seakeeper's Daughters was a book that was extremely powerful on many levels.  There is history, romance, suspense all leading up to the wonderful integration of characters.  My favorite part of this book was learning about the Federal Writer's Project, which is a historical movement that in my opinion most people should know about.  This is a must read.
4503613
Lisa has done it again! I read The Story Keeper in one day. I couldn't put it down, but wished I had savored it slowly. When a great story pulls you in, it's hard to find a stopping place. Make this a MUST READ on your book list. Lisa  just keeps getting better and better. The Story Keeper will become one of your favorite books.
2567247
Although I will say that some of Lisa Wingate's books are a little hard to "get into" while the stage for the story is being set up for the reader, once the real action starts, for me, the pace picks up. In this novel, as the actors and support people begin recreating the 1891 story of Wildwood Creek and the actual major residents who lived there, in order to make a film documentary based on accounts of what occurred in that community, the action and interactions of the people involved really picks up. What impresses me most is what I consider really "profound" thoughts the author presents based on the difficulties of the characters and what they went through. I have started marking some of these "thought-provoking" statements from the author for me to think about and have to refer to when I need them for my own life. I even love to share them with others in a Christian small group I meet with where we share life's daily ups and downs. A 5 for the thoughts presented in the book and a 4 for the beginning of the story.
2383748
I could not put this book down!  Her ability to get you to connect so intimately with each character is amazing.  Can't wait to read more of her work!
3559154
I absolutely loved this second book!! Lisa did another fantastic job and can't wait to witness more of her amazing work! A must read series and anxiously waiting for more of this fabulous storyline!!
3995200
This book was both heart warming and gut wrenching at the same time!  Susan Wingate is an amazing author that tugs at your heart strings one minute and rips them out the next.  This book was very hard to put down once I started and I could not wait to see what next was in store for Rod!!  Bravo Susan for another amazing story!
4842295
Terry has done it again,  gave us characters that you see as a team, a bond that is individuals but made into family.  Cameron and Faith both have their own agenda but challenges keep getting thrown their way and they team together to find their answers with a little more than they bargained for.  Her secondary characters draw you in so you cannot wait to read their story next.  I am always excited to see what journey she will take me to next.
3539654
Lisa continues the story that began in Glamorous Illusions, literally picking up where she left off. I would definitely recommend reading the first book in the series before reading this one.

Danger continues to follow the Kensington's and the Morgan's as they continue their Grand Tour through France, Austria, and Italy; despite the risk of a kidnapping by the shadowy men who continue to follow them.

Cora, still struggling with the issue of which man, William or Pierre, to give her heart; also has to decide if she is going to follow her heart or her father's wishes. The consequences of her decision will be far reaching.

There were captivating moments like the various dances they attended wearing stunningly beautiful clothes. I think I gained ten pounds just from the thought of eating such delectable food, then there was the cliff jumping and even a nerve-wracking glacier climb (my heart was in my throat during both of these scenes). These moments, the danger and adventure, kept the story flowing even through the final pages.

Also, I loved that Cora and William took their joys and fears to God, praying over decisions that needed to be made, for protection, for each of the other Kensington and Morgan children, as well as, for the people hired to guard and protect them.

I have never physically been to Europe, but as I continue to read The Grand Tour series, I am traveling with the characters to places I can only dream and read about. I love how the descriptions make me feel that I am there right beside the characters, seeing and experiencing the same things they are.

Now I only have one problem... I have to wait until October 2013 to read Glittering Promises (book 3 in the Grand Tour series).

**Grave Consequences (the Grand Tour series #2) by Lisa T. Bergren was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.
3915192
I am completely captivated by the imagination of Sara Rosette. It is amazing to see how this continuing tale unfolds. I can't get enough. Already ordering #3!!!
3377013
First of all, I have to say that I LOVE Lisa McMann! I was at an author event when I first came across her "Wake" series. One of the authors there was convinced that I'd love the series and would not be disappointed. So I bought the first two. Then I went to another author event and bought the third one. Going on about the first two books with another blogger, a lady comes into the conversation and states Lisa is amazing and her books are too. Too which I agree but that's when I quizzed that lady and it so happens the she is her publisher!!! So of course, she's going to say that about her. But she's 100% correct. I speak to Lisa all the time on twitter and she's so sweet and attentive to her readers.

Cryer's Cross is a small town with a population of 212. It's a town where everyone knows everyone and they all basically treat each other like family. But one tragedy changed the town's chemistry. It went from a town confident on its people to a town that has become frazzled by the disappearing acts of two of their local teenagers. However one specific disappearance rattles a girl that has enough on her plate with her OCD. The disappearance of Nico Cruz.

Kendall and Nico were practically born for each other. Wherever Kendall was, Nico was there and vice versa. He was her best friend and her boyfriend. Then one day Nico disappeared just like their other classmate Tiffany. Once again Cryer's Cross came together to search for him. Nico disappearing not only leaves the town unsettled but mostly Kendall. A person with OCD has to have routine. And not having Nico around changes that for Kendall. She has become dependent of Nico's company and presence and now that he's went missing. She is consumed with emotions and uncertainty.

As days passes by, she works on learning to cope with the loss of Nico. She continues to play her sports and is currently making new friends. But the loss of her bf/bff isn't too far from her heart. Having to see the empty desk next to her in class, she feels drawn to it. She sits and traces the graffiti. But something seems odd about them now. There seems to be new graffiti on it, which is weird because no one sits at that desk. "Please Save Me" is what she hears as a whisper when she sits at Nico's desk. She has to do something. But what exactly will she find is the question.

As always, Lisa never fails to amaze me. I love her style of writing. I especially love that she didn't make Kendall out to be a freak because of her OCD. She was still a social person with friends at school. Most of all I love Jacian. I believe that he is the one that helps out the most, even if she finds him irritating. I would have loved to have a Jacian in my life as a teenager. Another great read by Lisa McMann! 5 stars! A must read and definite "Good Choice for Reading"

[...]
2951499
I couldn't put this fascinating book down! From the first page I was mesmerized with the two story lines Lisa Wingate intertwines throughout this read. The world of book publishing comes alive as Jen Gibbs moves into the job of her dreams. A partial book submission is anonymously dropped on her desk and her life will never be the same. These few chapters with no author take her to places she never wants to go. Her search for the real writer encompasses mystery, revelation, and maybe a new life. The characters are full and real. You understand what motivates them and cant wait to discover what they will do next.

I highly recommend The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate. I anticipate reading more of her books.

I received this book by the author via an online contest. I have given an honest review.
3015210
Lisa akers has done it again.  She is brilliant. I truly love how she writes. This book is so emotionally charged. I've cried on several occasions(actually bawled a couple times), laughed, cheered and fell in love with her characters all over again. She shows us the strength that we possess, yet shows us how we need our loved ones. I truly feel you need to read this book.!
4248587
This author continues to amaze me with her insight and development of characters as well as the level of research she uses to authenticate a story.
1645304
With every book in this series the charcters and the story is evolving into something truly amazing.
Pimlico is no longer the little quiet mouse that Elder rescued she is slowly coming out of her shell, she's not the girl she once was but she's emerging as the woman that survived brutality and is slowly growing in strength both physically and mentally and I will admit she is becoming one of just favourite female book characters.
We learn more about Elder in this one, his past and who he really is has been cloaked in mystery and I for one was surprised when some of his secrets are revealed. We learn what I always suspected that Elder is much more sensitive than I could ever have imagined, my heart hurt so much for him when his torment was revealed.
They are two broken souls who seem to just fit together despite how they met but can they overcome the own fears and objections or will fear stop them being together?

reviewed for  Sweet Spot Sisterhood
2656672
As the keeper of our family stories, I was intrigued by the title of this book and couldn't wait for its release so I could devour another book by my favorite author Lisa Wingate. She never disappoints when it comes to weaving a story that feels so real that you feel like you know the characters personally. She is an amazing author and I highly recommend all of her books. The Story Keeper weaves three stories within one and each one draws you into the mystery of the lives of the characters. First there is the 20 year old manuscript that lands on editor, Jenn Gibb's desk from a forbidden slush pile which touches her deeply enough to go out on a limb to follow a hunch as to the possible author of the book. Her search carries her back near her childhood home in the Blue Ridge Mountains and memories that she'd tried hard to forget. Jenn's story along with that of author Evan Hall are woven along with the story contained in the manuscript and each will leave you engaged in the book from start to finish trying to solve the mystery of the manuscript. I'm hoping Lisa will do more books with these characters since it was so hard to say goodbye to them at the end of the story.
4267167
Kristie's fourth book definitely gets more in depth with the characters as the story takes you to new discoveries about Alexis. When I hit the halfway point I was so drawn to the twists and turn that I did not stop till I was finished.

Returning to Florida to relax and replenish her powers after some hard emotional months on the island Alexis finds herself stir crazy. Always wanting to jump into action and take the next step to finding the faerie stone and help the Amadis build their numbers to fight against the Daemoni. But her recklessness and drive could be the end to her hopes in finding the stone, creating a daughter and preserving the future of the Amadis.

With the return of Owen and his unexpected "gift", Alexis has to learn to trust and open up to others like she's never done before. Are they on her side or do they have an agenda of their own?
2004191
Stalked is a mesmerizing addition to Elizabeth Heiters The Profiler series starring FBI Agent Evelyn Baines.  Although this newest release is the fourth novel in the series, it can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the previous installments as well.

Seventeen year old Haley Cooke has been missing for a month when profiler Evelyn Baines is assigned to the case after the teenagers mother, Linda Varner, finds a troubling note in her daughters room.  With Detective Sophia Lopezs help, Evelyn re-interviews the key players in the case and although there is no new evidence, several of the people in Haleys life appear to be less than forthcoming about the missing girl.  Evelyn cannot put her finger on anything specific but something about Haleys stepfather Pete Varner seems a little off.  Haleys college boyfriend Jordan Biltmore is obviously upset about her disappearance but his smug attitude grates on both Evelyn and Sophia.  Haleys father, Bill, is clearly angry and bitter over the divorce and Evelyn cannot help but wonder why he is convinced Haley has run away from home.  Haleys best friend Marissa Anderson reveals her suspicions that Haley was cheating on Jordan with his best friend Nate Stokes but both Evelyn and Sophia have doubts about her claim.

Evelyns boyfriend and fellow FBI Agent Kyle Mac McKenzie and his partner Jimmy Drescott are looking into a troubling attack on local college student Tonya Klein.  Their investigation of her claim she was forced into human trafficking reveals a few inconsistencies with other human trafficking cases they have worked on.  However, they have no reason to doubt her story and following her death, neither Jimmy nor Kyle are quite ready to give up looking into her case.  Surprisingly, their investigation intersects with some of the principals in Haleys disappearance and raises questions about whether there is a connection between the two cases.

Evelyn and Sophia know that with every passing day Haleys chance for survival drops so they are under intense pressure to find the one clue that will break the case wide open.  They feel certain that one of the people in Haleys life is responsible for her disappearance but they are frustrated by their inability to uncover any new evidence.  Evelyn is also quite concerned that her objectivity might be comprised since she is struck by similarities between Haleys life and her own childhood experiences.

Stalked by Elizabeth Heiter is a suspense-laden mystery that is full of unexpected twists and turns.  The investigation takes on a heightened sense of urgency after Kyles and Evelyns cases converge.  When it appears that someone will go to any lengths to stop them from discovering the truth about Haleys whereabouts, Evelyn and Sophia know they are on the right track. Will Evelyn, Sophia, Kyle and Jimmy put the pieces of the puzzle together and rescue Haley before it is too late?

I received a complimentary copy for review.