Sue Thomas & Kate {we're talking about Book #1 in the Kate's Case Files series!} + GIVEAWAY

What would you do if you were accused of a crime you didn’t commit?

Kate watched as her campus was torn apart by bombs and now is being accused of perpetrating the crime. As the evidence quickly stacks up against her, she begins to lose hope that the truth will come to light. Even though the handsome FBI Agent, Patrick, has taken up her cause, will they be able to prove her innocence? Will God, who she neglected for so long, listen to her prayers for help?

Patrick is an agent with a very special team of agents. He wants to help Kate prove she is innocent, but as each new piece of evidence is revealed, that goal seems harder. He wonders why he feels so compelled to help her and so sure she is innocent despite the evidence. Will he be willing to put his job on the line to help her? Can he trust in God to make sure the truth will come out in the end?

And now I have an exclusive bit from the author Sarah Holman to share with you! I'm thrilled to have her as a guest here on In the Bookcase!

Here's Sarah Holman...

Kate’s Innocence was inspired by my love for the TV show, Sue Thomas FBEye. As Tarissa and I both share the love for this show, I thought I would introduce you to the characters of my latest book and the Sue Thomas Characters they originated from.

Kathleen (Kate) Mayfield ~ Kate is part Tara, part Sue, and part a friend to whom I dedicated the book. Kate is smart, has some dark moments in her past, and has a hard time seeing herself in a positive light.

Patrick Connor ~ Patrick is the character that most resembles the one he was based off of, Jack. He is handsome, caring and serious about his job. He does have a hard time trusting God and not his own strength.

Thomas Jefferson ~ Yes, Thomas’ name causes many jokes. He was based off of Miles Leland III, but I didn’t delve much into Thomas in this book, so I am still learning about him.

Brian Heath ~ Brian is a mix up of Demetrius and Bobby. He is the comedian of the group, the peacemaker, and also the only married member of the team.

Kim Ying ~ Kim is an Asian member of the team who was not based on any member of the Sue Thomas cast. She doesn’t talk much, but when she does, it is important.

Logan Sparks ~ Logan was also based on Tara, the quirky fun side of her. Logan is always doing something with small, bouncy-balls, is a girly girl, and is very fond of wearing her gun (often while in a skirt).

What is your favorite character from Sue Thomas? Who do you think your favorite character from Kate’s Case Files will be?

Author bio:
Sarah Holman is a not so typical mid-twenties girl: A homeschool graduate, sister to six awesome siblings, and author of five published books and counting. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it is because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined.

Visit the author online!
Blog • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest • Goodreads • Linkedin

Thank you, Sarah! Watch out for the release of Kate's Innocence on November 16th, 2015.




Readers, stay tuned to read my full review of the book (coming on the 16th). I'm really excited about Sarah's FBI series!

Oh, and while we're on the topic today, if you happen to be interested in checking out the Sue Thomas F.B. Eye TV show... I personally recommend it...



Back to Sarah Holman's awesome new book >>> *GASP!* You could win it!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Listen to the Moon

Listen to the Moon

written by Michael Morpurgo

352 pages // published Oct. 2015 // middle grade fiction // World War I



My Review...

"It is hard to explain how it is not to have memories. But I shall try. You are lost in a world you do not understand, a world in which everything and everyone is bewildering, a world with which you have little connection, to which you do not belong.... You know you must be someone, come from somewhere, but that you will only remember when the doors open, when the light floods on." (Listen to the Moon)

Michael Morpurgo, accomplished author of children's fiction (such as War Horse), has now written a story like none of his previous works.

Listen to the Moon is, in fact, the impossible story of his grandmother as a young girl during World War I. While reading it, one can hardly believe that the stack of events truly took place. (What luck to have a family story seeped into such rich history!)

It's 1915. Nations are rallying together and pitting against the brutal forces of opposing nations and their leaders. One of the most gruesome wars the earth has witnessed is in full effect. Submarines are just making their debut, altering the course of warfare and humankind forever.

And in the midst of it, a girl, almost dead, is found alone on St. Helen's in the Britain's Scilly Isles. Seemingly dropped from the sky, her appearance rumbles through the local villages with suspicion. She won't -- or can't -- speak. Except for one word: "Lucy".

After finding this traumatized lost girl, the Wheatcroft family takes her in. Tension from the neighbors runs high, for there is no way to know whether this girl is a German threat or not. The evidence surrounding Lucy doesn't help her. Nonetheless, Alfie Wheatcroft is determined to be her friend. He desperately wishes to unlock her tongue and provide her with the gift of talking. Who is Lucy, really? Where does she come from?

"To be different in this ignorant world is often mistaken for madness. And we all too often put away those we believe to be different. Difference frightens people, and Lucy Lost is most surely different, very different." (Listen to the Moon)

This is the kind of children's fiction I grew up reading and still enjoy to this day. It's an amazing story filled with historical impact, a quality plot, and the hidden secrets of the human mind. I love Michael Morpurgo's steady writing style -- his allows the story to unveil itself at just the right time.

Listen to the Moon illustrates the power of kindness and the need for healing in any situation. I feel that this novel has many layers. Although most of the book is told through the eyes of a narrator, some parts are told from character flashbacks, or scraps from Dr. Crow's journal or Mr. Beagley's school log. Overall, this gives you the full view of the story, from the various angles, so you can best see how the full story will come to completion.

It is a slow novel, and runs close to 400 pages. This didn't detract from the inclusive delight I held for Listen to the Moon. The elements of Lucy's story come together in an unforgettable way.

Fans of maritime history will enjoy this book due to the eye-opening time period of WWI and the leaps taken during that time (with the advancement of submarines and the tragic sinking of the Lusitania, an event causing opinions to change in the midst of war). My ocean-adoring heart also loved the idea that the children were collected in the mornings and taken to school via a little boat.

I would recommend for anyone 9 and up. Adults will love it too! This makes for a great family story to read together.

Thanks to the author and Netgalley for the free review copy & for the opportunity to express my honest opinions.

Listen to the Moon has just been released in October. Buy your copy from Amazon or Barnes & Noble in either paperback, hardcover, or e-book format.

P.S. Like and vote for this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

Book Review: River of Grace

River of Grace
Creative Passages Through Difficult Times

written by Susan Bailey

192 pages // published in 2015 // non-fiction // Christian life



My Review...




Susan Bailey shares about the trials and triumphs in her life in her new book River of Grace. She tells how God's mercy has shown her a greater kind of essence, once she let herself glide along with His unending grace.

A running theme that you learn all throughout this book is how creativity and spirituality go together, hand in hand. Susan illustrates this time and again. Susan pauses to personalize the reading and ask you how you can create new life in your surroundings as you allow the river of grace to run through you. In each chapter, she takes time (and allows you to take time) to reflect and focus on your emotions, thoughts, and defining events in your own life. If you take a few moments to perform the suggested activities, and allow creativity to lead the way, you will be blessed with fresh insight and positivity.

For people struggling with grief, this book shows that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Freely, the author doles out the pain she encountered on the deaths of her parents, and how greatly her life changed under those circumstances. She then dispenses the successful tools and mental thought process behind obtaining victory over death. Triumph is available to anyone! This is not a story of how to get over grief fast -- but how to deal with it and give your afflictions to the Almighty. You will get through your time of sorrow, and when the grief cycle has ran its course, you will become a more complete person.

Susan Bailey is an accomplished researcher of all things pertaining to American author Louisa May Alcott (Little Women). Myself, also being a reader of Miss Alcott's books, found joy in the way that Susan Bailey shares about her favorite authoress. Miss Alcott's books, which all exude child-like happiness, wedged themselves into Susan's soul and allowed her to identify parallels and discover herself again. It's funny how words that were penned over 100 years ago still create fresh currents in our minds and hearts; it can happen to any of us.

And here's something else I gleaned: Susan and I are both Christians; Susan is a Catholic and I am not. Our religions may differ in actuality, but the similarities are so close. We both believe in God, and that's what counts. In fact, I never realized how closely that Protestant and Catholic Christians are... (You may wonder how I didn't realize this fact growing up -- as I do myself!). My point here is that Susan's writings will touch the reader, whether you believe the same way or not. I know she greatly affected me.

"The river of grace is in constant motion and only when I submit to that motion will I discover the many blessings that lie in the present moment. The longer I am in the river, the richer my life becomes..." (Susan Bailey, River of Grace)

Lovely book. Many a person could benefit from reading it. It can guide you to a discovery of healing and of breaking free from darkness.

Find the flood of God's mercy that flows within, by reading River of Grace by Susan Bailey.

Thanks to the author and Netgalley for the free review copy.

River of Grace releases today, Oct. 30th!! Buy your copy from Amazon or Barnes and Noble in either paperback or e-book format.

P.S. Like and vote for this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

The Sound of Silver // RELEASE DAY!

It's release day!

The second novel of my new favorite series is being released TODAY, October 15th! Rachelle Rea's second novel The Sound of Silver is now available to buy & read!

Being specially privileged (blessed indeed!) to receive an advance copy from the author, I've already enjoyed the pleasure of reading The Sound of Silver myself -- so if you haven't seen my review of her new book, please read my (5-star!) review of it. Book #2 of the Steadfast Love series was just as amazing as Book #1 (The Sound of Diamonds)!

Available as a paperback and ebook!

Why don't you add it to your Goodreads reading list? (or Christmas wishlist!)

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The stalwart saint and the redeemed rebel. One is fighting for faith, the other for honor...

After Dirk rescues Gwyneth from the Iconoclastic Fury, she discovers that faith is sometimes fragile—and hope is not as easy as it may seem. Gwyneth continues her quest to learn more about the love of God preached by Protestants she once distrusted.

Meanwhile, Dirk’s quest is to prevent his sullied name from staining hers. Will his choice to protect her prove the undoing of her first faltering steps toward a Father God? Once separated, will Dirk and Gwyneth's searching hearts ever sing the same song?

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Author Bio // Rachelle Rea plots her novels while driving around the little town she’s lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. As a freelance editor, she enjoys mentoring fellow authors in the craft. A homeschool graduate and retired gymnast, she wrote the Sound of Silver the summer after her junior year of college.

Visit her website and blog at Inspiring Daring.

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The Sound of Silver is now available!

What can you do?

ADD THE BOOK to your Goodreads TBR list
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ORDER THE BOOK on Amazon.com

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Find Rachelle Rea online!

RachelleRea.com // Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Goodreads // Amazon




Grab your copy of The Sound of Silver NOW!

Cover Reveal! The Sound of Emeralds by Rachelle Rea

The author of MY FAVORITE SERIES OF 2015 (this means the lovely Rachelle Rea, by the way...) is ready to reveal the cover of her 3rd book -- it releases in February! The full trilogy will be complete in just a few short months from now...

In the meantime, here's the cover reveal for book #3, The Sound of Emeralds! .

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What once was blazing hatred has turned to lasting love, but could the union of a wild heart with that of a lady ever result in more than heartache?

With the help of an old friend with uncertain loyalties, Dirk inches ever closer to clearing his name. Gwyneth throws her faith into good tidings and the promise of a future as a family. But an old evil comes to call, just as tragedy rips apart a fledgling truce. Enemies from the past and grief for the future threaten to tear asunder what God had brought together...

As the date of Dirk’s trial approaches, his fate and his family hang in the balance. Will he be proven innocent of Gwyneth’s parents’ murders—or separated from her forever? How much pain does it take to erode a love steadfast?

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Book 3 now has my favorite cover design in the Steadfast Love series. >>> It's the English countryside manor in the background, that draws my literature-loving heart to it.

What do you think?

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Author Bio // Rachelle Rea plots her novels while driving around the little town she’s lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. As a freelance editor, she enjoys mentoring fellow authors in the craft. A homeschool graduate and retired gymnast, she wrote the Sound of Diamonds the summer after her sophomore year of college.

Visit her website and blog at Inspiring Daring.

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The Sound of Emeralds will be released February 2016.

What can you do until then?

READ BOOK #1 in the STEADFAST LOVE SERIES:
>> The Sound of Diamonds <<
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READ BOOK #2 in the STEADFAST LOVE SERIES:
>> The Sound of Silver <<
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ADD BOOK #3 to your Goodreads shelf:
>> The Sound of Emeralds <<

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Find Rachelle Rea online!

RachelleRea.com // Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Goodreads // Amazon

Book Review & GIVEAWAY: The Sound of Silver // BLOG TOUR

The Sound of Silver
Steadfast Love series, book #2

written by Rachelle Rea

300 pages // published in 2015 // YA & adult fiction // Reformation era



My Review...




Rachelle Rea's second book, The Sound of Silver, is absolutely perfect. It's cozy-time-in-your-nearest-book-nook PERFECT. The story is set at a steady pace of things to laugh at and to cry over, as we watch our favorite heroine and hero (that's Gwyn and Dirk, if you somehow missed Book 1!) try to keep their love afloat amidst the daily turmoil.

In the mid-1500s, a religious war wages on between the Catholics and Protestants all throughout Europe. Within this dramatic time period, our story unfolds in England as the two lovers are torn apart by matters now uncontrollable; matters of murder, double-crossing, and tender devotion. How can Gwyn and Dirk's love survive or ever progress under such hardships?

This book has such a sweet and fragile romance (or perhaps a couple of romances, but I shouldn't tell more), that the reader can't help but root for. The underlying spiritual themes are fantastic with Gwyn and Dirk's faith in God and hope for each other being the only elements still holding them together...

"I drew a deep breath. I had an old soul, Anders said. I was wise. Then why had I done such a despicable thing to the man I loved? I was not wise. I was foolish. The most foolish girl alive." (Chapter 18, The Sound of Silver)

Rachelle Rea's writing style is faultless. Time and again, I just couldn't get over how well her characters spoke in the language of the time -- the phrasing of a sentence giving the reader more insight into the story. And although the vocabulary retains the right kind of time authenticity, there's no Shakespearean terminology, I promise (it's still in the English we know and love!).

It was also such a pleasant surprise for me that many of the characters from Book 1 (The Sound of Diamonds) returned for the sequel -- Captain Tudder, Reverend Joseph, and others. Each of these were endearing the first time I met them, although I hadn't expected to see them again quite so soon. Miss Rea fleshes out her characters well, making you want to learn more about these people that come alive from her writing.

"Sometimes God calls us to walk in circles, eh? Like the Israelites of old around the Jericho wall." (Chapter 25, The Sound of Silver)

Readers who enjoy historical fiction will love The Steadfast Love series. Buy the books for birthday or Christmas gifts this year. You won't be disappointed.

The suspense of waiting to hear how this trilogy comes to an end is overwhelming for me -- but of course, I wouldn't want Book 3 to come too soon, because then I'd have nothing more of this series to look forward to, no?

The Sound of Silver hits a shelf near you on October 15th.


Author Bio // Rachelle Rea plots her novels while driving around the little town she’s lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. As a freelance editor, she enjoys mentoring fellow authors in the craft. A homeschool graduate and retired gymnast, she wrote the Sound of Silver the summer after her junior year of college.

Visit her website and blog at Inspiring Daring.

The Sound of Silver will be released on October 15.

What can you do until then?

ADD THE BOOK to your Goodreads TBR list
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PRE-ORDER THE BOOK on Amazon.com
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READ BOOK #1 (if you haven't yet!)

AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF... Rachelle is giving away free copies of BOTH The Sound of Diamonds & The Sound of Silver! HOW EXCITING IS THIS?!

To get your name entered in the drawing, visit Rachelle's blog today!






P.S. Like and vote for this review on Goodreads and Amazon.