"The Pattern Artist"
​by Nancy Moser

Born into a life of hard work, English housemaid Annie Wood arrives in New York City in 1911 with her wealthy mistress. Wide-eyed with the possibilities America has to offer, Annie wonders if there’s more for her than a life of service. Annie chooses to risk everything, taps into courage she never knew she had, and goes off on her own, finding employment in the sewing department at Macy’s. While at Macy’s Annie catches the eye of a salesman at the Butterick Pattern Company. Through determination, hard work, and God’s leading, Annie discovers a hidden gift: she is a talented fashion designer—a pattern artist of the highest degree. As she runs from ghosts of the past and focuses on the future, Annie enters a creative world that takes her to the fashion houses of Paris and into a life of adventure, purpose, and love.
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This was the first book that I have read by Nancy Moser, and I must say that I have found another author to add to my list of favorites. From the very beginning of the story I was held riveted, and I could not put the book down. This story is beautifully written, with very lovable characters, and an incredible journey. One of the things that I enjoyed most about this book is that it is very unique. The plots in the story are like nothing that I have ever read before, and I found that very refreshing and intriguing. There were parts in the story where I laughed and some where I cried, but they all come together beautifully for one amazing book. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

"Christmas Conspiracy"
​by Susan Sleeman

 
Rachael Long has devoted her life to helping those less fortunate in any way that she can. When she bends the rules one time at her day-care center, her entire world seems to fall apart. Someone tries to abduct one of the children in her care, and had it not been for Jake Marsh the abductor may have succeeded.

Jake Marsh is the team leader of the First Responders squad. He and part of his team are called out to handle a kidnapping. So as he prepares to stop someone from kidnapping a baby, he was not prepared for what lay ahead of him after they save the baby and the woman who runs the day-care center.

Jake never expected to feel such a strong connection with Rachael, but the spark between them is undeniable. The problem is they are both suffering from past heartaches and carry a lot of baggage. But as they work together to keep the baby the safe, they discover that they need to depend on and trust God more. 
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Susan Sleeman has hit another one out of the park with Christmas Conspiracy. From the very first page until the last, you will find danger around every corner, friends who are always there for you no matter what, and mysteries just waiting to be solved. In some books I am able to figure out the culprit and the motive fairly soon in the book, but in this story I was held in suspense until the case was solved. I could not put the book down, because I could not wait to see what was going to happen next. Jake and Rachael’s story is sweetly written, and I love how they both learned to trust God while also learning to let go of the past.

Sadly, this is the final book in the First Responders series. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this entire series, and I hate for it to come to an end. I feel like I am saying goodbye to my friends. The entire series is beautifully written and filled with lots of excitement, adventure, intrigue, and romance. I have loved getting to know the entire FR team, and I would love to visit their firehouse and spend some more time with them. I highly recommend this entire series to all mystery lovers. I hope you will take the time to get to know this amazing group of people who will surely become your friends.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
 

"Another Day Another Dali"
​by Sandra Orchard

The world of art theft can be a deadly game--one that Serena Jones understands all too well.

When FBI Special Agent Serena Jones takes on the case of a forged Dali painting as a favor to her grandmother, she assumes it will be a typical investigation. Hopefully collaring the thief will also mean finally measuring up in her grandmother's eyes. But the deeper she delves into the forgery and the suspects surrounding it, the less typical it becomes.

The Dali isn't the only painting that's fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the possibility of a sophisticated theft ring--one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena's grandfather. To make matters worse, someone connected to the forgeries seems to be determined to stop Serena's investigation--no matter the cost.

Another Day, Another Dali gives the plucky Serena Jones--and readers--a new high-stakes case to crack. You won't want to miss a single brushstroke!
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This is book two in the Serena Jones Mysteries series and is it ever exciting. From the very first chapter Serena finds herself in a dangerous position with seemingly no way out, and this sets the pace for the rest of the book. Serena always seems to land in a peck of trouble and she sure finds a lot of it in this book. The story is very fast-paced, and I guarantee you will not want to put it down. The case takes many twists and turns, and the list of suspects is constantly changing with people surprising you and others disappointing you. If you want a good clean mystery, then this book is for you.

Oh and don’t forget to go to http://sandraorchard.com/vote-for-your-favorite/ to vote for the guy you think Serena should date. Personally I prefer Tanner, but that is my opinion and everyone is entitled to their own, right?

​I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. No review positive or negative was required. All opinions are my own.

"Pursuing Gold"
by Cynthia Simmons

With his father dead and his business partner incapacitated, Peter Chandler inherits the leadership of a bank in economic crisis.
 
With only a newly-minted college degree and little experience, Peter joins his partner’s daughter, Mary Beth Roper, in a struggle to keep C&R Bank afloat while the Civil War rages around Chattanooga. Political pressure for unsecured loans of gold to the government stirs up trouble as tempers and prices rise. Their problems multiply when Mary Beth discovers counterfeit money with Peter’s forged signature. Can they find the forger before the bank fails? The two friends must pursue gold on behalf of their business, as they learn to pursue their heavenly Father to find hope and peace.
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I have always loved reading and studying about the Civil War, so I was very excited to read this book. From the very first page, I was held captivated with the story, and I could not put the book down. While this book is set in the Civil War era, the main focus is not on the war itself. Yes, you do get a sense of the War, but the story mainly focuses on the C&R Bank and those who run the bank. I found this a very unique setting to a Civil War novel, and I was pleasantly surprised at all of the behind-the-scenes things that happened in Chattanooga during the war. I was reminded that we need to rely more on God and trust Him instead of worrying about everything. It is so easy to lose focus and get wrapped up in ourselves and our problems that we do not turn to God when we need Him the most. If you love mystery, romance, intrigue, adventure, and fun then this book is definitely for you. 

I received a free copy of this book from the Litfuse Group. All opinions are my own.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
​Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over thirty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. She’s a columnist for Leading Hearts Magazine and she directs Atlanta Christian Writing Conference. Cyndi has a heart for encouraging women in today’s crazy, upside-down world. She loves history and peppers her speaking and teaching with fascinating vignettes from the past. Her first book, "Struggles and Triumphs," was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the Year. She co-founded Homeschool Answers and hosts Heart of the Matter Radio.