Book Review: Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

This story shares a solid mystery and a sweet romance.

Tidewater Inn (The Hope Beach Series)
by Colleen Coble

• File Size: 834 KB
• Print Length: 341 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1611734975
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 17, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007D1TNYS

Genre:  Mystery, Christian Suspense
My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: July 17, 2012 | Series: The Hope Beach Series (Book 1)

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane.

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer's talent and love of history. She's delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she's met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she's there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby's under suspicion for the crime.

Libby's dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

Review:

Libby has a love of history and has put that to use in her restoration business.  Libby is working on one project when she ‘witnesses’ her partner, Nicole, being kidnapped through a live stream cam video. Libby heads to the Island of Hope Beach to help find her friend but she becomes the main suspect when she fails to disclose that she accidentally may have erased the video when she hacked the line to try to save it.

Libby also discovers that she has inherited the beautiful old Tidewater Inn on the island from her father - a man her mother told her was dead.  Her half brother and half sister are very unhappy about the inheritance. Would either of them kidnap her friend, or worse, to try to drive her away? And how can Libby afford to keep the Inn without funds to restore and manage it? Would the developers who are pressing Libby to sell the Inn use kidnapping as a pressure tactic?

Local Coast Guard lieutenant, Alec, is attracted to Libby but he and his best friend, the town sheriff, are suspicious of her because of her initial untruths.  Is he helping Libby because he is falling for her or in order to stay close to her so he can report back to the sheriff?

The mystery takes twists and turns while Libby feels like she is alone trying to locate her best friend.  Add to that worry, Libby is trying to cope with decisions regarding her new inheritance, having a family she longs for but who don’t welcome her, and developing feelings for a man who may not trust her. The characters, including Libby’s siblings, an Aunt and Alec’s best friend, have distinct quirks that add depth and a "real life" feel to the story.

I was very impressed with the suspense that kicks off early and keeps up till the end. There are extra surprises beyond the kidnapping. I also enjoyed Ms. Coble’s inclusion of a search dog as an added feature. The sweet romance is filled with obstruction and conflict to give it interest. There is a redemption message shared in a subtle way. If you enjoy a good suspense and sweet romance I highly recommend this story.

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Libby’s initial reaction on learning of her inheritance:

How much of her reluctance was rooted in the thought of facing a future that was about to change radically?  Location 79.

Alec sharing wisdom with Libby:

“One thing I’ve discovered in my own walk with the Lord is this: when something is really hard but we do it anyway, the rewards are equally great....” Location 2250

I recieved this eBook from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.

This story is set in the Outer Banks for My Where Are You Reading Challenge.

Sunday Words of Encouragement August 5, 2012

Sometimes I have to change my plans because of God's direction. :-) I had started a post (in my head) for today. But our guest pastor today gave such an awesome message that I am sharing from that instead. He is a missionary from South Africa and very enthusiastic. The message was called The Power of Prayer.  It is certainly not a new topic but he presented a great view.

We pray as the Lord taught in Matthew 6:9, but we should focus on two phrases before we go into a "gimme" list.

1.  "Our Father"...  You are a child and He is your father. It's all about relationship!
When you start to pray do you ever think "I am not important; others have know and served God longer, I am not worthy?" But which child in a healthy household gets the most attention? The eldest or the baby? If a child calls "Daddy" does the dad stop and say, "Wait. You are child number three. I have to see if number one or two child needs anything before you." No... as a member of the household each child has all the rights, benefits and privileges of that household. If you are a child of God, you are a member of His family; He knows you personally, by name.  You are entitled to all the rights, benefits and blessings of His Kingdom and He wants to pour them out on you.

2.  "Hallowed by thy name" ... Stop here and think about who He is!  Think 'my Dad's bigger and better than yours' attitude! He is the creator, master, healer, provider, comforter and so much more. Acknowledge who He is. Focus on His greatness; give Him praise and thanks. All your problems will seem insignificant as you acknowledge who He is and realize that nothing is impossible for Him.  He will work all things together for good for His children.

If you spend time on these two aspects of prayer you will see that you really don't have to give God a list of your needs and desires.  He already knows them!

Thank you, Pastor Stephan for a great message!

 This wasn't the first song I had in mind

but I was led to this one which fits so well!

I Stand in Awe by Hillsong

Verse for Today:

Matthew 6:9

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

Thank you, my Father, that I am redeemed through the sacrifice of your son, Jesus, and adopted into your family by my acceptance of Christ as my savior. 

Sharing Beyond Books #60 Comment Giveaway August 4, 2012

Welcome to another SBB!

I had a busy week as I mentioned in Friday Pick post. I was hoping to work in the office today but I had to pull my share of cleaning the RV which had been disabled for two years. We just got the transmission fixed as we are going to be traveling soon. So I spent 9am to 5pm scrubbing floors and drawers and carrying boxes of dishes and pots and pans into the house to wash.  I am tired and my body aches!

Thank you to all who shared last week.

Interesting that most of you do not watch movies or read books that win awards.  Seven of  twenty-one have seen award winning movies; but only three of us have read a book because of an award. Cheryl checks out the RITAs for good romances. :-)  Several others do follow movie and book review recommendations... me too. 

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The Winner from SBB #59 comments is: #1 Birgit  There are still 6 'love' books to pick from and 2 Christmas choices. Birgit please choose a book (or GC if international) from the remaining Love Books List for Giveaway, remaining Christmas Giveaway Books, OR pick from the Updated ARC/Review List and let me know your choice, your address and a choice of bookmarks by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #60 Questions

Q1. Margaret asks: If there is a movie being made based on a book do you read the book first or see the movie first??

A: I would like to say I read the book but I have seen many movies before I realized there was a popular book, like Gone With the Wind, Casablanca, The Princess Bride and most of the James Bonds films. I did read Lord of The Rings, Left Behind and others before seeing those movies. I've read Hunger Games and The Road but haven't seen either movie yet. 

 Image found at IMDB

 

Q2. My question: What is your favorite romance movie??

A:  I recently saw a list of fav romance movies. I can't find it right now. But there were some classics and some modern movies.  

I do like You've Got Mail, Ever After, Robin Hood (with Kevin Costner), Sommersby and The Last of the Mohicans. But my fav, is portrayed by this pic:

  Image found at Newspaper.li
(While You Were Sleeping)

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask.  Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I will draw from the suggestions I used the month before and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions but some of you others might want to get in a question or two as we have a few people submitting most of the questions so far.  Either way - it works for me. :-)  The question list is being replenished!  Thanks for sending in questions!  



Your turn to share:

1. Margaret asks: If there is a movie being made based on a book do you read the book first or see the movie first??

2. My question: What is your favorite romance movie??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the remaining  Valentine and "Love" books or the remaining Christmas Giveaway Books - there are still about 8 books available to choose from. Also I have added the Updated ARC/Review List now.

SBB Rules: 
a) Must be a follower; 
b) Share a comment on any (or all) of the two/three questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made by Friday, August 10, 2012 at 10 PM central.

Winners of Download of Eathed, A Dragon's Tale

CONGRATULATIONS

to the Winner(s)

of

Giveaway Ending August 3, 2012

Download Giveaway: Eathed, A Dragon's Tale by Troy Lee Henderson

Nrlymrtl,

bn100

and

Tore 

Nrlymrtl, bn100 and Tore please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I'll send a gift for the download.  Please reply within 72 hours!  

Book Review: Moonglow by Kristen Callihan

I enjoy this author's strong plots, unique paranormal elements and warm romance.

Moonglow (Darkest London)

by Kristen Callihan

• File Size: 600 KB
• Print Length: 417 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1455508586
• Publisher: Forever (July 31, 2012)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006FLRDPS

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 2012 | Series: Darkest London (Book 2)

Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .

Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .

Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .

Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.

Review:

Daisy seems a bit skitter-brained but she is really a delightful and frank character.  She is a widow emerging from the ‘proper’ mourning period into freedom from a man who abused her verbally and mentally as well as physically.   She is exited to be free of repression and in a position to enjoy her exuberance and passion for life. Unfortunately her first attempt to step on the wild side results in her turning away from the man pressing kisses on her and seeing her good friend staring glassy eyed from a pool of blood with some creature sniffing about her face!

Lord Ian Ranulf, Marquis of Northrup, is the rightful Apha leader of the Ranulf pack. But he exiled himself from the pack decades before when he refused to challenge his younger brother who killed their father for the royal position of power.  Ian agonized through the lose of those he loved and decided he would shut himself off so he couldn’t be devastated by such lose again. Yet Ian has a great capacity for caring and he quickly comes to the rescue of a panicked Daisy when a sick werewolf turns to attack her.

It appears that the crazed werewolf is attacking women with a sent that matches Daisy’s rather unique fragrance, one she blends herself.  Daisy insists on being part of the investigation and Ian determines the best way to protect her is to keep her by his side. As Daisy faces danger she discovers a few secrets of her own background.

Ian's brother should control the problem of a sick werewolf in the territory, but he is failing to do so. Does the threat go deeper than Ian suspects?  Can he maintain his exile and still save the woman he is falling in love with?

This story includes strong action and a plot full of misunderstandings, intrigue, secrets, manipulation and deliberate deceit.  Ms. Callihan does an exceptional job of twining details of cultural and political circumstances into the paranormal world she has created in this series. 

Daisy and Ian are strong, passionate characters and I enjoyed the fun bantering between them. Although the intimate relationship turns pretty steamy, the emotional aspects of the romance are warm and tender.  Ms. Callihan’s portrayal of the love that blooms in Ian is enough to have any romance fan sighing in pleasure. The warm romance combined with a solid suspenseful plot made this a winner for me.

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Daisy hears Lord Ian’s voice:

His voice was at once lilting and light, yet rough. Silk over gravel. Location 287.

Daisy’s mouth runs on in a humorous fashion:

“Pay no mind to me, sir. There are times my mouth and brain forget to hold a conversation.”  Location 300.

A great description during the police investigation:

Step, turn, guide, release, one danced through an interrogation. Location 946.

Ian’s reaction to his growing feelings for Daisy:

Ah, but she killed him. She had cut out his heart and taken it for her own.  Location 3359.

I received this book from Hachette through NetGalley.