Marian Baay reviews BEOWULF by Ronie Kendig

BEOWULF: Explosive Detection Dog

By Ronie Kendig

A Breed Apart Series, #3

Barbour Publishing, 2014

Reviewed by Marian Baay

~5 stars~

BEOWULF - My New Hero!

Timbrel Hogan is not the girl we thought she was. She has a secret past that will catch up with her in Ronie Kendig’s third and final book in the fabulous A Breed Apart Series—BEOWULF!

Timbrel’s brindle-coated bullmastiff, Beowulf, is a huge dog—some call him ugly and mean—but he is the only ‘man’ Timbrel wants in her life. He is faithful and will protect her with all his might. Beo’s sniffer is trained to find bombs, drugs, and WMDs, but could it be possible that the dog is mistaken when no one can find the source for his ‘hit’?

Tony VanAllen is part of a Special Forces team. He and Timbrel have worked together earlier in the previous books in this series—Trinity and Talon. In Beowulf they team up again and are sent on a dangerous mission to Afghanistan.

Tony really likes Timbrel and wants to be a part of her life, while she is trying to keep him at a distance. But if Timbrel is really honest with herself, she must admit she likes Tony’s attention.

Throughout this story—that is filled with action, intrigue, and suspense—we get to know the real reason why Timbrel is such a difficult character that keeps men on a distance. Inside she is fighting a personal battle and Tony doesn’t make it any easier for her when he doesn’t give up on trying to win her heart. While growing closer to each other, tragedy strikes that will change the course of their lives. Both must find their new paths in life and learn to give God control of everything and trust Him above all.

As always, Kendig writes a fantastic, fast-paced novel and honors the men and women in the military. She also creates awareness of how much soldiers give of themselves for the freedom and protection of their country.

I really loved the characters! Although I didn’t like Timbrel so much in the previous books, I truly have learned to love her in this one. Beowulf made me giggle—he added a cute twist to the story. And Tony is an admirable character that will surely steal the hearts of the female reader.

This was a great series—all books were worth five stars in my opinion, but I think Beowulf is my favorite of all.

Highly recommended!

*Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.*

You can find Ronie's books at Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: This week we are giving away ONE of the two reviewed suspense books. Enter on the review of the book you would like to win and we will pick one winner from all the comments on both reviews. For a chance to win BEOWULF by Ronie Kendig leave a comment and your email on this review. On Thursday you can enter for a chance to win another fabulous suspense book.

Marian Baay reviews Denali Dreams by Kimberley Woodhouse & Ronie Kendig

Denali Dreams

Denali Dreams: Denali National Park

by Kimberley Woodhouse & Ronie Kendig

Barbour Publishing, 2013

Reviewed by Marian Baay

Mountain Wishes by Kimberley Woodhouse

Karon Granger is a 32-year-old cancer survivor. God gave her a second chance to live and now she’s planning to really live her life. It is her wish to climb the highest mountain in North America—the Denali in Alaska. Her other wish is to fall in love, get married and have children.

After a year of preparation, she is leaving for Alaska to climb the Denali, together with her brother. While she is in Alaska she meets a handsome mountaineering ranger named Zack. She is attracted to him and he also shows interest in her. But Karon is afraid that he will turn her down when he finds out that she had cancer.

While climbing the mountain they get into a dangerous situation and Zack and his crew must go out to their rescue. Will they get to them in time? Is Karon strong enough to stay on her feet while waiting for the rescue team?

I love adventurous stories and I love mountains, so this story was right up my alley. I really liked Kimberley’s writing style. The only regret I have is that the story was so short.

Daring Heights by Ronie Kendig

Jolie Decouteau is a rich heiress and someone wants her dead.  She’s going on a trip to climb the Denali with some friends to be away from the assassin, but will she be safe? The Denali took her brother’s and his girlfriend Mariah’s life.

David Whiteeagle—one of the rangers at Denali—was Mariah’s brother. David blames the Decouteau family for his sister’s death. When Jolie and David see each other again old hurts rise. David is determined to avoid Jolie as long as she’s around Denali. But when Jolie gets sick and disappears on Denali David has no other choice than to go after her. Soon they discover that the assassin must have followed Jolie, but who is he? When spending time together they speak about their feelings. Can David ever forgive Jolie for being a Decouteau? And is there a chance to find love for them?

Taking Flight by Ronie Kendig

Deline grew up in Talkeetna. Her father has a restaurant where she’s helping when she’s not flying tourists around the Denali in her Otter.

Logan started working with the Denali rangers two years ago. He has liked Deline from the start, but Deline is a tough girl who doesn’t need anybody…so she thinks, so Logan never had the nerve to ask her out. When accidents start to happen and Deline’s life is in danger, Logan and David are trying to help her and a special friendship grows between Deline and Logan. Who is after Deline? Why is her life in danger?

Denali Guardians by Kimberley Woodhouse

Josh is one of the newest rangers. He has set his sights on Deanna—a fellow ranger. Deanna has lived in Talkeetna for some years now. She is friendly and has a smile for everyone, but she has a secret she can’t share with any of her fellow rangers—she has been hiding in Talkeetna from an assassin who murdered her sister and parents. After years of hiding in Talkeetna she receives a letter from the assassin that he has found her. Deanna calls the FBI for help and they ask Deanna’s fellow rangers to guard her. Josh is also one of the guardians. They get to know each other better and are falling in love. Can Josh and the other rangers keep Deanna safe? Will they catch the assassin before he can hurt or kill Deanna’s guardians/rangers?

Four love stories in one volume—what a feast! I’ve been a fan of Ronie Kendig’s writing since her debut novel. This is the first work by Kimberley Woodhouse I have read and I love it!

*Thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy through NetGalley.*

Kim & Kayla's books can be purchased through CBD, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.

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GIVEAWAY: A book by Kimberley Woodhouse of your choice.

QUESTION: Have you ever been to Alaska or would you like to go?

Interview with Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse is the author of Mountain Wishes and Denali Guardians in the DenaliDreams novella collection, and of Welcome Home, A Life That Matters, No Safe Haven, and Race Against Time.

Kimberley, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers.

 Woodhouse Family Welcome Home!

 

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

That would have to be the diagnosis of my daughter’s rare neurological condition, and then again, when she was diagnosed with another rare condition and had to undergo brain surgery. Those were the toughest days of my life.

When Kayla was a baby, we noticed there were some things “not right.” We immediately started searching for answers only to find out two years later that there would be no “cure,” no easy fix. The Lord worked on me in a huge way. Through this process, I realized not only that I didn’t control anything, but I didn’t want to be in control anymore. God is the Great Physician. He made Kayla, He understood her—even when all the doctors were baffled. And I found myself no longer searching for answers because I knew the One Who had the answers.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

James 1:2-4

“Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, knowing that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

It’s hard to face trials and tough times, but through each and every one—I’ve learned precious lessons. I’ve leaned on the Lord wholly and completely. And I’ve been able to praise Him through it.

Our faith will be tested, but we must persevere. I’m looking forward to heaven and being mature and complete. Aren’t you?

No Safe Haven

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?

I know No Safe Haven is available in large print/hardcover.

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?

That the joy of the Lord is real. It’s always there. No matter what. It’s our job to grab onto it and hold on!

Denali Dreams

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

Oh, each project has taught me so much. Mountain Wishes taught me a lot about cancer survivors and my dear friend who passed away.

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

Cancer, cancer survivors, stalking, and many others issues including fear. I know books can be used in healing in so many ways.

Race Against Time

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

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GIVEAWAYS this week: Kim is giving away 2 copies of each of her books!!! THANKS, Kim!

TO ENTER the contest, you must 'like' Kim's author page on Facebook, and leave a comment here. When you have 'liked' Kim's page then put KW in your comment and you will be entered.

Marian's Favorite Novels for 2012

My favorite novels for 2012 in no particular order.

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The Wings of Morning
by Murray Pura

One of the biggest surprises of 2012 was to discover author Murray Pura's books. After reading The Face of Heaven I was sold and have also read his other 2012 releases: The Wings of Morning, A Bride's Flight from Virginia City, and all the volumes of The Rose of Lancaster series. All these titles are on my favorites list for 2012. 
The Wings of Morning has also released in Dutch.

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Love in Three-Quarter Time
by Dina Sleiman

The first book I read by Dina Sleiman was marvelous. I can't find the words to describe how much I enjoyed this book! I'm certainly going to read any other books Dina writes.

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The Tutor's Daughter
by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen's books are always something I look forward to reading. With her latest book she wrote her best book yet—in my opinion. And what a gorgeous cover!
This book will release in Dutch in 2013.

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Words Spoken True
by Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart has given me some pleasant reading hours with Words Spoken True.

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Central Park Rendezvous
by Ronie Kendig, Dineen Miller,
Kim Vogel Sawyer & MaryLu Tyndall

I'm a big fan of Ronie Kendig's writings. When I saw she wrote in this novella collection I had to get it. It was also great to get to know the other author's works as well. The novellas were very nicely woven together. A really original read!

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Gone to Ground
by Brandilyn Collins

I usually don't read books twice and certainly not twice in the same year. I have read Gone to Ground twice in 6 months time! This really is a page-turner and a must-read for suspense lovers. 
This book will release in Dutch in 2013.

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High Desert Haven
by Lynnette Bonner

Lynnette Bonner's books are amazing. 

High Desert Haven is the second book in The Shepherd's Heart Series which released in June 2012. Books 3 and 4 have also released this year, but I didn't have the chance to read them yet.

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Love's Reckoning
by Laura Frantz

Laura's books are always a feast to read and definitely worth the wait—but oh! why does a year take so long!

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Trauma Plan
by Candace Calvert

What a pleasant surprise it was to find Candace Calvert's book! Candace has found a new fan in the Netherlands. Trauma Plan is also releasing in Dutch next year. 

I surely hope our Dutch readers will enjoy the book as much as I did.

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Firethorn
by Ronie Kendig

With Firethorn Ronie Kendig ended an awesome series. How I miss those guys! 

I'm definitely going to read this series again! Anything Ronie writes is worth the read.

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The River
by Michael Neale

The River was an amazing and emotional ride!

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Injustice for All
by Robin Caroll

Robin Caroll has been on my favorite authors list for a couple of years now. She writes original and fast-paced suspense novels. I really enjoyed this first book in her latest series. The second book in this series also released this year and was an awesome book as well.

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Glamorous Illusions
by Lisa T. Bergren

Lisa T. Bergren started a new Young Adult series with Glamorous Illusions. 

I loved reading every page of this book. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next books in this series.

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A Change of Fortune
by Jen Turano

Jen Turano had me laughing out loud with her entertaining novel A Change of Fortune. This certainly is a fun read!

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Veil of Pearls
by MaryLu Tyndall

This book was so good! Definitely my favorite MaryLu Tyndall book so far. The story had me crying and smiling—so beautiful it was! 

Marian Baay reviews Central Park Rendezvous

Central Park Rendezvous

Central Park Rendezvous 
Four-in-one-collection
by Ronie Kendig, Dineen Miller, Kim Vogel Sawyer & MaryLu Tyndall
Barbour Publishing, 2012

Review by Marian Baay

5 stars *****

Dream a Little Dream by Ronie Kendig
Afghanistan War, present day

Jamie Rosso's uncle Alan is a collector of war memorabilia. He reseaches medals and other pieces and tries to find out who they belonged to. He's a Vietnam veteran and when he returned the woman he was supposed to marry was gone. He always kept hoping he would find her. Now after almost 40 years he's ready to move on with life and he's closing his shop. Jamie can't believe uncle Alan is giving up and she decides not to give up. When Alan is not looking she's snatching away a box with letters from the Wolfe Estate. The Wolfe family is very dear to Uncle Alan and Jamie can't believe he wants to get rid of this box with letters. Jamie decides to dig through the box and tries to find the living Wolfe relatives.

Sean Wolfe got injured by an IED in the Afghanistan War. He's suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury and has scars on his neck and jaw. His fiancée broke up with him. He is hurt and swears he is done with women.
Sean comes from a family of warriors. His father served in Vietnam and came back a different man. He killed himself when Sean was just 4 years old. 

Jamie found Sean and gave him the letters from his grandfather. First he didn't want to read them, because of the bad memories they would give. But Jamie told him: "We all need the bad memories to recognize the good ones." (I love that quote!)
Sean starts reading the letters and finds out that his dad was a better man than what his mom let him to believe. When he is reading the letters he finds out about a coin that has passed through the Wolfe family for centuries. He asked Jamie if she also found that coin in the box with letters.

Jamie wonders if Sean knows a woman called Gail. She is the woman her Uncle Alan was supposed to marry. Jamie is convinced there must be a connection to the Wolfe family.

Together Jamie and Sean are reading the Wolfe letters and learn the history of the Wolfe family. 


A Love Meant to Be by Dineen Miller
Vietnam War, 1973
Alan is at his friend's (Sean's father) house and there he meets Gail. He's struck by her beauty and disappointed to find out she's engaged to another man. Gail is in New York City for the Summer. Alan offers to show her around and finds himself falling in love with her. Gail is attracted to him, too, but she's engaged. Can their love ever happen?
When Alan is called for duty to Vietnam. Gail promised him to wait for him and they agreed to meet each other on the Bow Bridge. Alan gave the Civil War coin to Gail as a promise of his love for her. But when he came back there was no sign of Gail. What ever happened that she wasn't there and couldn't be found?

To Sing Another Day by Kim Vogel Sawyer
WWII, 1941
Helen Wolfe is the oldest of her siblings. Their parents died and Helen tries to run the family. But when her sister gets sick for a long time, she must stop working to care for her and they ran out of money. Her brother Henry has the Civil War coin and it's the only thing of worth they possess. Helen went to the pawn shop in hopes to get good money for the coin. There she met shop owner Bernie O'Day. He felt sorry for Helen and gave her more money for the coin than its worth. Some time later Henry Wolfe came to Bernie's shop asking for a job. Bernie decided to hire him although he didn't need an extra hand. He just wanted to help the Wolfe family. He starts to care for the family and hopes it might grow to something more with Helen.
When Japan attacks the US, Bernie signs up for duty. Will the coin return to the Wolfe family?


Beauty from Ashes by MaryLu Tyndall
Civil War, 1865
Permelia and Annie Shaw are sisters who live on the Shaw Plantation. Their parents died during the Civil War and their brother is serving in the Army. Annie is engaged to Wiliam Wolfe, colonel in the Army. When he left he gave Annie the coin with the inscription 'Love Never Fails W W'. He's been gone for years and Annie gave up on William and found a new boyfriend. She stopped writing to William and tossed the coin out of the window. Her sister Permelia found the coin and started writing letters to William. William thought Annie was writing the letters and he discovered that she has more depth than he thought. He started to fall in love with this new Annie. 
When the war is over he rushes over to the Shaw Plantation and wonders what Annie will think of his injury--burn marks on the right side of his face. When Annie sees them she is shocked and she cannot make herself look at him. Permelia is shocked too, but she is not afraid to look at him or his scars. What he sees in her eyes is confusing him.
Annie is hiding in her room for two days and Permelia is trying to encourage Annie to come out and meet William. When she finally meets him she can't look him in the eyes or to his injured face. William finds out that she sounds so much different than she did in her letters. He also finds out that he is no longer attracted to her, but Permelia makes his heart race. 
A Wolfe is man of his word and he promised to marry Annie, so he still intends to do so.
When Annie's other lover comes calling, she must make a decision, but she doesn't. Who will she finally choose? What will William do when he finds out who wrote the letters? Who will meet William on New Year's day on the Bow Bridge?

This was a tremendous read! I loved to see all the novellas get connected to each other. Ronie Kendig's Dream a Little Dream is split up in four parts and is told between the other three novellas. Jamie and Sean's story each time develops further after they have learned more about the Wolfe family (after another novella). Will they also find love?

All novellas center around the Bow Bridge in Central Park - William Wolfe's coin with inscription 'Love Never Fails' - in each story someone is struggling to trust God and in each story a man goes or went to war.

*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy.*

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. Your choice of Dineen's books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners only receive the book in ebook format, not as a paperback.

Teresa Mathews Reviews Central Park Rendezvous

Central Park Rendezvous

Central Park Rendezvous
Four-in-one collection

By Ronie Kendig, Dineen Miller, Kim Vogel Sawyer and MaryLu Tyndall
Barbour Publishing, 2012

Reviewed by Teresa Mathews

4.5 Stars

In this novella we are introduced to various members of the Wolfe family through four generations, each family tied together by three common threads, one of war, one of a coin passed down from the Civil War Era., and the  romantic Bow Bridge in Central Park.

Dream a Little Dream by Ronie Kendig

Afghanistan War, Present Day

Jamie Russo was raised by her uncle, Alan James, since a young girl when her parents were killed. Alan never married and when Jamie tries to talk to him about the reason why, Alan doesn’t want to talk about. Now that he has gotten older he has come to the conclusion that part of his life is better left alone and forgotten. So he packs up some boxes of old letters from his past and is going to throw them away. Without his knowing Jamie retrieves them and sets out to find out the mystery behind her uncle’s sorrow.

The more Jamie reads, the more she decides she must find this Sean Wolfe that is mentioned in the letters.

 When Jamie finally gets in touch with him and sets a date to met, they are both surprised by the other one. Jamie surprised that she is so drawn to this handsome man, physically scarred by an IED explosion in Afghanistan and mentally scarred by things in his past he endured from an abusive mother. And Sean is surprised because he was expecting a guy and not a beautiful sweet spirited girl that seems to see beyond his flaws to the person he wants to become. As they begin to read the letters and unravel the mystery of Sean’s family will they find out more about the long lost love Jamie’s uncle has been mourning all these years and will they find that same type of love for themselves?

A Love Meant to Be by Dineen Miller

Vietnam War 1973

In this second book in the Central Park Rendezvous Novella Dineen Miller picks up the story of Sean’s dad Patrick Wolfe and his best friend Alan James. Both men are preparing to head to Vietnam, Patrick for another tour and Alan for his first tour.

Alan James is going to a party at the Wolfe home to visit one more time with his best friend, Patrick before he has to go back to Vietnam. When he gets there Alan is greeted by Patrick’s wife, Marcia, who has let her feelings for Alan be known to him. Rumors have it she is enjoying the new “free love” movement while her husband is out fighting in the jungles of Vietnam. Before Patrick leaves he gets Alan to find the prefect ring for Marcia in hopes it will transform her back into the sweet girl she used to be.

Henry Wolfe loves Alan like a second son and he is proud of the way Alan has taken the antique shop and made it into a prosperous business. While at the party Henry hands Alan a gold coin that has been in their family for years, he wants Alan to look into the manufacturer and polish it, so he can give it to Patrick before he ships out.

While at the party Alan meets Marcia’s sister, Gail Gibson who is in town for the summer. He is immediately attracted to her beauty. Alan offers to show Gail around New York while she is in town. When Alan finds out Gail is engaged he is disappointed but determined to still spend time with her as friends. But the more time they spend together, the more Alan is convinced they belong together.

After finding her fiancé in a compromising position with his secretary, Gail calls off their engagement, she is relieved she can now be with Alan without feeling any guilt. When she meets with Alan before he leaves for Vietnam; he gives Gail the gold coin that Henry Wolfe gave him when Patrick refused it. Gail promises Alan she will meet him at Bow Bridge when he returns from the war. But will their lives really have the happily ever after ending they desire?

Dineen did a wonderful job continuing the story of the Wolfe family. I liked how she effortlessly was able to pick right up where the previous story left off. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it made me want to read more by Dineen!

To Sing Another Day by Kim Vogel Sawyer

WWII 1941

Helen Wolfe’s mother and father were killed in a trolley accident and she was left to care for her 3 much younger siblings. Because of this new responsibility she had to sacrifice her dream to be a singer. With no money left, in desperation Helen asks her brother Henry if she can have the gold coin he was given by their father. Helen takes it to the local pawnshop to see how much she can get for it, there she meets Bernie O’Day. Even though Bernie knows the coin is worthless he hears God tell him to give Helen money anyway, so he gives her forty dollars for something he will never be able to sell. After a series of events, including Henry showing up by chance to his door looking for a job, Bernie and the Wolfe family draw close. Bernie gives the coin back to Helen but when he has to leave to join the war, they give the coin back to Bernie with the promise they all will be waiting for him at Bow Bridge when he returns.

Beauty From Ashes by MaryLu Tyndall

The Civil War 1865

Permelia and Annie Shaw are sisters that have endured much sorrow because of the war, they have lost both parents and now their brother is presumed dead. Before the war Annie was engaged to William Wolfe, a colonel in the Union Army, and to show his love before he leaves he gives her a twenty dollar gold piece with the words “Love Never Fails W. W.”, which Annie throws out her window in anger because William has been gone too long. Thankfully Permelia sees it and keeps it safe, and that’s not the only thing Permelia has done. When Annie refused to write William anymore letters, Permelia kept sending letters to him signing Annie’s name. Those letters were filled with the love Permelia has for William, but he doesn’t know they are written by Permelia. William is in love with the Annie that wrote  the beautiful letters.

What will happen when William returns? Will Annie still have the same love for William or will she be so appalled by his disfigured face that she will refuse his proposal and stay with the man she met while William was away fighting? Who will be the one to meet him at Bow Bridge?

　

This was a great story written by marvelous writers, although it was a bit unconventional in the way the first story was divided up between the other three stories. I was thrown off at first when Sean and Jamie’s story stopped abruptly and A Love Meant to Be picked up. By the time I got to the end of A Love Meant to Be, and Sean and Jamie‘s story once again picked up, I had it figured out… there’s a pattern here! J Well done ladies for giving me something that warmed my heart and challenged my mind!

*I was given a copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.* 

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of  Dineen Miller’s books, choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.