Noela reviews SMOKE AND MIRRORS: A Romantic Suspense Collection

Smoke and Mirrors

SMOKE AND MIRRORS: A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE COLLECTION

by Connie Almony, Sally Bradley, Hallee Bridgeman,

Heather Day Gilbert, Kelli Hughet, Alana Terry,

Rachel Trautmiller, and Alexa Verde

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

The enthralling ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ collection masterfully combines fast-paced, breath-stealing suspense with delicious, sigh-worthy romances, and enriching spiritual reflections. All eight novellas are exhilarating reads, but I hope the couple I’ve reviewed below will provide a titillating glance!

THE LONG VIEW by Connie Almony

Destiny Long finds herself thrust into the middle of a suspected terrorist plot that’s right in the middle of her backyard, so to speak. Daughter of an FBI supervisor, she knows a few things but is completely inexperienced, placing her in grave danger as she tries her hand at sleuthing. Two men hold affection for Destiny—Damien, a close Muslim friend and owner of a gym at the shopping centre she works at, and the man J.T with whom she’d once shared a mind-altering kiss with, but then walked out of her life. Discovering J.T head-down praying upon a rug makes her wonder who she can trust. Who will betray her and will Destiny and those fighting the war on terror prevail before numerable lives are lost?

I’m a huge fan of Connie Almony’s exceptional stories on important, present-day concerns and topics. I think we need more novels like this that give our spirit food and not just milk. But hold on to your seats, this novella is also chock-full of surprises, mystery, and page-turning suspense—together with a romance that is just as thrilling!

ON THE ROPES by Hallee Bridgeman

Mara Harrison is in hiding and using a new identification. Witness in a federal case against a ruthless Russian mafia boss after seeing a triple murder, she has been keeping low until the trial. Working with the kindly Pastor Ben to restore his dilapidated church, Mara feels safe and treasured.  Formerly a doctor, Mara helps save a boy from a deadly rattler bite but her picture turns up online just one week out from the trial. She barely has time to even pack before the mob leader’s son turns up on the doorstep! Will Victor Kovalev with whom she was once planning to marry try to stop her from attending his father’s court case, or does he have other plans?

Thrilling, heart-stopping, hopeless but hopeful—‘On the Ropes’ is written in the past and the present until the time-frames dramatically collide. This edgy romantic suspense was so powerful; it took me a while before I could read anything afterwards. Hallee Bridgeman is a new-to-me author and I can hardly wait to read more from her!

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You may purchase SMOKE AND MIRRORS for a bargain price from here: AMAZON

GIVEAWAY: Connie Almony is generously giving away 3 E-BOOKS of 'Smoke and Mirrors'! For your chance to WIN one of these, leave a comment below and be sure to include your email address! Write (at) and (dot), to protect against spammers. 

Noela Nancarrow reviews FLEE FROM EVIL by Connie Almony

Flee from Evil

Flee from Evil (Water’s Edge, Book 1)

by Connie Almony

Cracked Door Publishing – October 3, 2015

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

  

‘Flee from Evil’ is a story of second beginnings from shameful pasts that pulsates with breath-taking suspense and heart-wrenching experiences. In other words, it’s a read that’ll knock your socks off!

Vince Steegle is the beloved pastor of Water’s Edge Church in Maryland, a former drug-dealer who has been open about his former life to his congregation. Mostly. When Cassandra Whitaker walks into Vince’s church while he’s preaching, for the first time ever this man with the gift of speech, falters. She represents the one thing he can’t forgive himself for. And judging by her blazing eyes of hatred, she hasn’t forgiven him either. Is God able to break those shackles of pain and unforgiveness within Vince and Cassandra, and will He be able to utilize the evil that once permeated Vince’s life for something good?

The widowed and broke Cassandra has returned to her hometown along with her teenage daughter Sophie and autistic son Tibo, to live with her mother. Upon visiting her mother’s church, she finds herself face to face with the man she thinks of as the devil himself. But when evil once again enters into Cassandra’s world in an even more sinister form and turns it upside down, does she do the right thing in trusting Vince to use his underworld connections to save her child?

Author Connie Almony has masterfully weaved a powerful and gripping tale of heartbreak and hope with surprising twists and tense whispers of ‘oh no!’ Written with realism and sensitivity ensured I was either smiling, spellbound, or weeping, whilst fully resonating with the genuine and fractured characters. There was Tibo the autistic child who lived in his own world and reminded me of my son when he was younger; Lew, the lost and rough around the edges guy; teenager Sophie who’s only just discovering herself as a young woman; and the pastor who is so hopeless at being a handyman that his friends have emergency numbers on speed dial. There are gems of spiritual insights and nuggets of wisdom threaded throughout, such as the universal struggle with forgiveness. The reader also gains a perceptive glimpse into the man behind the pulpit and a mother of a child with a disability. And that’s just for starters. Connie does a stellar job of illustrating how God creates beauty from ugliness! Highly recommended!

David Crowder Acoustic - How He Loves - The Muse for the novel Flee from Evil.

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You may purchase 'FLEE FROM EVIL' here at a bargain price : Amazon

GIVEAWAY: Connie Amony is generously donating TWO books for giveaway!! Two blessed people who leave a comment below will have the choice of either a paperback OR e-book! (There will be a small delay in sending out the paperbacks.) To be eligible, please leave your email address for contact purposes should you win. Using (at) and (dot) will protect you against spammers.

Noela reviews AN INSIGNIFICANT LIFE by Connie Almony

An Insignificant Life

An Insignificant Life (The Maryland State University Series, Book 2)

by Connie Almony

June 2, 2015

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

The far-reaching ripples of careless flirtations and pre-marital sex are 

explored within ‘An Insignificant Life’. Penned with compassion and sensitivity, author Connie Almony portrays the struggles of a group of students at Maryland University - lost but searching for meaning and significance. This heart-rending journey of finding courage and hope, and of God and love amidst heartbreak, is gut-wrenching, gripping, and has the potential to save lives.

The beautiful student and Resident Assistant, Tiffany Lundgren, is pushing toward her future goal of a successful career, seeking the significance that’s missing in her life. Always the flirt, Tiffany is becoming dissatisfied with the hollowness in her heart from poor relationships, and decides to focus on her future. She removes an obstacle that’s in the way of reaching her career goals but instead succeeds in opening a Pandora’s Box of pain that she can’t quite understand. Unfortunately, Tiffany’s poor choices may sabotage her chance to be loved by someone who finally sees past her body.

K-9 campus police officer Adam Grant is working with others to combat the dangerous drug trade on campus. A man of faith, Adam is drawn to Tiffany but troubled by her actions. He struggles in trying to reach her without seeming judgmental. It was inspiring to see him containing his justifiable emotions and in following sage advice from his pastor in order to help her. But can Adam and the tortured Tiffany find common ground or will the escalating campus dangers separate them forever?

Former alcoholic Todd Watson and fellow Resident Assistant Alexa Woo have a palpable animosity simmering between them, but will that change for the better or worse when the truth of their bitterness is revealed? And can Todd deal with his former stigma and the stress of the Campus drug ring without succumbing to the bottle’s allure again? These characters and others are amazingly realistic and relatable, drawing me fully into their lives. And the suspense and mystery surrounding the evil residing within the campus, makes for a story that keeps your attention right to the nail-biting finish!

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Tenth Avenue North - You Are More
Connie's music muse for An Insignificant Life
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You can purchase this book at: Amazon

GIVEAWAY: We have an e-book giveaway of Connie Almony's 'An Insignificant Life' for someone who leaves a comment below! Leave your email if we don't know you! 

Carrie's Favorite Christian Fiction Reads for 2014

At the Edge of a Dark Forest
OWG Bibliotherapy Book of the Year

Surprised by Love, by Julie Lessman

While Love Stirs

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

The books are listed in no particular order but I do have a favorite novel for 2014 and that story is by Caryl McAdoo and the reason is because she's one of the few authors whose "voice" seems so very similar to my own and I really enjoyed the story and characters in Vow Unbroken. All of these novels, however, are STELLAR!!! Several, too, were strong contenders for bibliotherapy book of the year! Elizabeth Camden's and Elizabeth Byler Younts's, in particular! I haven't yet reviewed Elizabeth's on the OWG blog but hope to remedy that omission soon.


 
There were SO many WONDERFUL novellas and short stories out in 2014 and I reviewed quite a few. I didn't feel I could do them justice by pulling out individual stories but I may come back later and do a recap of my fave collections for 2014 because I loved a whole bunch of them, especially the Christmas ones! I have included one novella because it is my Bibliotherapy Book of the Year - Connie Almony's Beauty and the Beast story about PTSD and addiction as well as recovery and rehab for a wounded vet. Beautifully done and a DEBUT book!!!

I'll also be announcing the Angels' Heart winner for 2014. Last year that honor went to Julie Lessman, which disqualifies her for the next five years.  We have three nominees right now from the OWG bloggers and will be deciding soon.

Why no audiobook category? In 2014 I had surgery on my heel. I had a torn Achilles tendon and other issues that had to be repaired. I listened to some audiobooks but I also ended up reading a great many with my eyes instead of listening. Love my Kindle!!!  One audiobook I suggest you avoid is the one for Tamera Alexander's LOVELY novel A Beauty so Rare because the narrator is so poor she ruins the beautiful story. Wonderful book so just read it on your Kindle or ereader and set the font size to large. I have several audiobooks I haven't reviewed on the blog yet that I may add to the post for the novella collections. In general, though, I felt it wasn't a great year for audiobooks for Christian historical romance, which is what I primarily read (because that's what I also write.) But there were some very good ones and I'll get to those in a later post!

Question: What were some of YOUR faves for 2014?

Noela Nancarrow reviews ONE AMONG MEN by Connie Almony

One Among Men

One Among Men: The Maryland State University Series, Book 1

by Connie Almony

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

A captivating suspense and romance covering realistic issues!  

In ‘One Among Men’, Connie Almony has produced an amazingly compelling and gritty tale of a woman’s challenging journey toward discovering purpose, whilst working and living in an all-male dorm crawling with testosterone, alcohol, and drugs.

The male dorm was not her first choice, but it was the only position she was offered. So with some trepidation, Samantha Hart (Sam) accepts the job as Resident Director at the University where she once attended but would prefer to forget. Now much wiser and with a growing faith, Sam hopes she can make a difference while protecting her heart and beliefs, and prays that her ADD doesn’t impede her work.

Chris Johnson, a gifted guitarist, has come back to school as a Music major, but also works on campus as a Facilities guy. When he fixes Sam’s power points, she is surprised at the attraction he sparks in her. After all, he’s younger, and being a resident assistant, that made her his boss. And she especially can’t get past the fact that his friends are known drug users. So why is it he continues to intrigue her, and yet confuse her by frequently coming across as a Jekyll and Hyde character?

Although rewarding, this new job Sam has taken on is in a risky environment and leaves her vulnerable at times. Aside from way too many males in her building, there’s also an unidentified serial rapist that haunts the University and a drug ring operating in the school that has deadly connections. Will Sam be risking everything… her career, her faith, her heart… her life? Might Sam ever find the respect and purpose she’s looking for?

With a cast rich in personality, and suspense that will hold you captive, this deeply real story is one that will stay with you. The romance in ‘One Among Men’ was sublime. It wasn’t contrived or formulaic but authentic, growing, and fraught with insecurities. If you appreciate interesting and conversational dialogue as I do, you’ll love that aspect of this novel. I particularly enjoyed the discussions about God between a Christian and a non-believer. Another superbly written story by Connie Almony!! 

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You can find this book at these bookstores: Amazon and Barnes & Noble 

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away an ebook copy of Connie's new release. Leave a comment.

Connie Almony's "At the Edge of a Dark Forest"--Will be on Carrie's 2014 Best Bibliotherapy Books List!

At the Edge of a Dark Forest by Connie Almony 

At the Edge of a Dark Forest (Fairwilde Reflections)

By Connie Almony

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pages

5 Stars *****

Cole Harrison is a veteran amputee with severe PTSD and is a full blown alcoholic.  Who would have thought that Connie Almony could get the reader to care for a hero who will eventually suffer Delirium Tremens (also known as the DTs)? 

Carly Rose is trying to save her father's company. He makes prosthetic limbs and early in the story Cole has an encounter with Mr. Rose that is very important to the story. Their romance blossoms when Carly moves into Cole's mansion to work with him on rehab and on fitting him.

Connie's  Beauty and the Beast story was unique despite it being a twist on this plot.  At the Edge of a Dark Forest is especially authentic because of Connie's background working in mental health.

This compelling novella by Connie Almony is my top candidate for Best Bibliotherapy Book for 2014 on my blog. I am not a big contemporary romance reader but her story was so well written and so unique that I couldn't stop reading the story until I was done! Strong characterization and a nicely layered storyline. Will be looking for more from this talented author!

Highly recommend, particularly for those dealing with PTSD, alcoholism, coping with amputation and rehabilitation, and for their loved ones! 

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others.

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GIVEAWAYS! We are giving away TWO copies of Connie's book this week (choice of format), a Starbuck's $10 Gift Card Giveaway AND also a a $10 Gift Card to an online bookseller. Please "like" Connie's FB author page and put FB on your comment. Leave your e-mail so that we may contact you if you win!

Diana's Review of 'At The Edge Of A Dark Forest' By Connie Almony

At The Edge Of A Dark Forest

At The Edge Of A Dark Forest by Connie Almony

CreateSpace Independent Publishing (February 17, 2014)

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

5 stars*****

Beauty…and the Beast

In At The Edge Of A Dark Forest, Connie Almony has written a haunting but breathtakingly beautiful story reminiscent of the classic tale; The Beauty and the Beast. Set amongst the alluring beauty of a lush, green pine forest sits a huge mansion that wreaks of wealth, wherein a lonely man resides—scarred both inside and out—an ugly, disfigured "beast" unworthy of love and acceptance, at least in his own mind.

An IED in Iraq has cost Cole Harrison the loss of an arm and a leg and numerous scars, not to mention his self respect. Immersed in guilt over a long buried secret and shame of his ghastly appearance, Cole drowns himself in alcohol and self-pity. His "beastly" behavior extends to all those around him, including Carly Rose who contracts to live with Cole and train him to use his new limbs; a new prototype prosthetic which she invented herself. As Carly (who he has nicknamed Beauty) and Cole begin to draw closer, she sees beyond his outward appearance—to the nightmares and mental anguish the war has inflicted upon this man's spirit. She can help him use his new limbs, but must she walk away from Cole permanently…and leave his inner healing to the One who knows all? Will a mysterious package from the past help hold the key to Cole's healing as well? 

Connie Almony is a new author to me and what an awesome talent she is! I was drawn into this emotive, powerful story from page one and I quickly devoured it. My emotions were all over the page (literally) and ranged from compassion towards Cole, to anger, to frustration, to deep sorrow…as I know Carly's were as well. What an amazingly tough and realistic heroine she is! This story is such a beautiful tribute and "thank you" to all of our wounded warriors and members of the military who sacrifice their lives daily for our freedom—and to those who help them to heal. I highly applaud you, Connie Almony, for such a compassionate portrayal of one such warrior and one such lady.

This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAYS! We are giving away TWO copies of Connie's book this week, a Starbuck's Gift Card Giveaway AND also a Giveaway from Connie this week -- a $10 Gift Card to an online bookseller such as Barnes & Noble or Amazon! **Please leave a comment and an email address in order to qualify.** 

 

 

Noela Nancarrow reviews 'AT THE EDGE OF A DARK FOREST' by Connie Almony

At the Edge of a Dark Forest (Fairwilde Reflections)

By Connie Almony

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 17, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

A modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast

This deeply compelling, raw, and insightful story of Connie Almony's, inserts the reader into Cole Harrison’s intensely troubled life… A life that’s filled with self-loathing, self-absorption, and alcohol abuse. Cole Harrison was only half a man. Ugly on the outside, and ugly on the inside. At least, that is what he thought of himself. A war veteran amputee that suffers from PTSD, he frequently has visions and nightmares of the worse kind, carries an ever-present peace-consuming guilt, and exudes a surliness that he uses along with his disfigurements to keep everyone at a distance.

Cole makes a somewhat hesitant agreement with a man he recently comes across, to try out and potentially invest in the prototype prosthetic's that this man’s daughter Carly Rose has developed. Carly, upon Cole’s insistence, moves into his mansion and life to help train Cole with his new limbs. But Carly soon realizes that Cole’s brokenness isn't just physical and that she’s unable to help this terribly damaged man.

Can Cole become a whole person again – even though he’ll always be missing limbs? As Carly draws closer to him and begins to see Cole may actually contain a heart - a package from his past arrives for him and everything begins to fall apart for Cole. Carly has to leave and now alone, Cole now faces an even greater battle than he did while on active duty. Can he battle his demons enough to let in the only one that can help? And could the contents of the package that broke his resolve, possibly be also what’s needed to pull him back together again?

This modern-day retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast story was intensely heart-stirring and inspiring! Barely able to pause from reading, I was surely a captive of this heart-rending though heart-warming novella, as Cole Harrison was of his precarious mental prison. 'At the Edge of a Dark Forest' is immensely well-written, but what I found particularly engaging, were the conversations and thoughts of the characters… They were exceptionally realistic and captivating throughout the entire story! The romance was also tender, sweet, and credible, and brought an overall sheen to this uplifting tale. It is a story that discerningly demonstrates that it is only God that can renew our spirit and fulfill our deepest needs. Thank you Connie Almony for this remarkable story, that is both a tribute to the brave men who risk life and limb to fight for our freedom, as well as those who work tirelessly to help those brave men recover from the ravages of war with the assistance of prosthetic limbs. Highly recommended!! 

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others.

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GIVEAWAYS! We are giving away TWO copies of Connie's book this week, a Starbuck's Gift Card Giveaway AND also a Giveaway from Connie this week -- a $10 Gift Card to an online bookseller such as Barnes & Noble! Please "like" Connie's FB author page and let me know you did in order to qualify. Remember to leave your e-mail so that we may contact you if you win!

Connie Almony's Interview by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Author Connie Almony

Connie, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. I have so enjoyed the privilege of getting to know you and becoming friends through our ACFW MidAtlantic Zone! You are such a sweetheart and have a heart of gold!

Thanks for having me.

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? (transparency appreciated!)

I’d have to say the most striking thing He did was to prepare me to be the mother of a special-needs child. When I was in grad school, He gave me a dog with a major skin disorder that required I use natural therapies I would later need for my son. I remember saying this dog was an angel from God to teach me how to be a good mother, and then joke, “I guess He’s going to give me a high-maintenance child.” I didn’t realize how true that statement would become.

The other thing God did to prepare me was to show me a novel, Sir Gibbie, by George MacDonald, about a wonderful, compassionate mute boy who wordlessly changed lots of lives. Little did I know then He’d give me a son much like the Gibbie of the book. This helped me to appreciate my son for who he is rather than what he isn’t.

Lastly, He drew me to my current job, at a Christian counseling office, where my faith would be tried and strengthened in order to weather the coming storm. Being there, I had a group of solid Christians who would love, support and pray for me as I journey the challenges of motherhood.

Thank you, Jesus!

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 

Yes, At the Edge of a Dark Forest is currently available in Large Print. I am looking into having an audio version done eventually.

At the Edge of a Dark Forest by Connie Almony

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

This novella deals with many issues surrounding the homecoming of a disabled veteran: Adjusting to life without limbs, alcoholism, dealing with flashbacks due to PTSD, and the pride that gets in the way of accepting the help one needs. It is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. However, I’ve always been uncomfortable with the idea of a woman setting out to change a man with her love. Having counseled many abused women who dated projects rather than soul mates, I worry some could take this story as an encouragement to find a beast of a man and hope to change him. Because of my experience, I felt I needed to adjust the story, just a little bit, so now it’s not her love that makes him whole. I’d love to see a book club expound on that idea after reading this story!

Thank you, Connie, for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Book Blurb:

At the Edge of a Dark Forest

Cole Harrison, a war veteran, wears his disfigurement like a barrier to those who might love him, shielding them from the ugliness inside. He agrees to try and potentially invest in, a prototype prosthetic with the goal of saving a hopeless man’s dreams.

Carly Rose contracts to live with Cole and train him to use his new limbs, only to discover the darkness that wars against the man he could become.

At the Edge of a Dark Forest is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Only it is not her love that will make him whole.

Author Bio:

Connie Almony is trained as a mental health therapist and likes to mix a little fun with the serious stuff of life. She was a 2012 semi-finalist in the Genesis Contest for Women’s Fiction and was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Winter 2012 WOW Flash Fiction Contest. Her newest release, At the Edge of a Dark Forest, is a modern-day re-telling of Beauty and the Beast about a war-vet, amputee struggling with PTSD.

You can find Connie on the web, writing book reviews for Jesus Freak Hideout, and hosting the following blogs: InfiniteCharacters.com and LivingtheBodyofChrist.Blogspot.com.

You can also meet her on the following social media outlets:

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest

Giveaway:  We are giving away two copies of Connie's book this week and a $10.00 Starbucks gift card.  We also have a giveaway from Connie, this week, of a $10 gift card to an online book seller such as Barnes and Noble. Follow Connie on Twitter/Pinterest/or Facebook and leave a comment or answer my Q to enter (and your email address.) Put T/P/FB for wherever you followed this lovely lady!  My question: Were you aware that this is Autism Awareness month?

Liebster Blog and This Week's Winner!!

Tori Chase (K. Victoria Chase) awarded Overcoming Through Time the Liebster Blog award last week.  I passed it on.

The blog is supposed to have under 200 followers but is deserving of note.  Then you post it and pass on to five others and post on their blogs.  Thanks Tori!  Here are my "picks" for the award:

Sheri Salatin Farming with Heart
Connie Almony Living the Body of Christ
Rita Gerlach InSpire
Joan Hochstetler  American Patriot Series
Patricia Iacuzzi AmHis Books


This weeks winner!!!
Well, we have a slight problem - Judy Strunk Burgi won per random.org.  Congrats and  blessings!