GIVEAWAY |
LEESMITH, SANDRA
LOVE'S DREAM SONG
Autumn O'Neill came to Arizona on an archeologist dig hoping to find out what happened to the ancient Anasazi tribes, but her true desire was to discover her own Navajo roots. It didn't help that the dig was located on Jess Barron's ranch and that the handsome rancher scorned his Native American heritage and believed Autumn was part of a drug ring operating on his land. When the dig is compromised and danger threatens their lives, Jess and Autumn can no longer fight their attraction for each other. They both come to understand that finding answers means listening to the voices of their ancestors and the longings of their hearts.
My Review:
Fascinating on so many levels. Leesmith knows how to bring a location to life and her breathtaking descriptions of the Arizona desert take on a character all its own. I also enjoyed the unusual archeological setting -- it added a whole new edge to the intrigue. And I love the way the author has incorporated Navajo folklore and culture throughout the story. All combined to make a riveting read.
And then there's the romance. Autumn and Jess have shared a relationship in the not too distant past that ended badly. Thrown together on the archeological dig just pushes that attraction back to the forefront and it sizzles in every scene. (Gentle readers who normally read Christian Fiction, please take note that some of the romance scenes are more sensual than you are used to reading though it never gets too graphic.)
Leesmith has created a number of barriers to their happily ever after, not the least of which is the way they deal with their dual heritage. While Autumn yearns to embrace her Native American roots, a bitter experience in his past has Jess all too willing to deny his. Both struggle to come to grips with who they are and what their future holds.
A complex suspense plot, full of action (and so many potential villains that I nearly didn't get it right) kept me on my toes right to the very end. A real page-turner of a read
*Just a side note to readers of Christian Fiction who follow my blog and/or reviews -- aside from the above mentioned sensual scenes, this book contains some cussing as well.
My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
If you would like an opportunity to win an ecopy of Love's Dream Song please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 18 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!
Sounds like a good read. kamundsen44ATyahooDOT.com
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Kim.
DeleteThanks Kim, I'm glad you entered for a copy.
DeleteWell, Kav, it sounded like a good one until you mention the language! Is this a Christian fiction book? I draw that line in books I read (no foul language) . Sorry to say, but I'll be passing on this one...thank you anyways! You always bring us great books and I appreciate the fore-warning :-) Better to know up front, than read it for myself and discover it!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love that you watch out for us, this is why I follow your blog :-)
It isn't a Christian Fiction book though there are some spiritual aspects to it -- from the Navajo viewpoint. And yes, mildish language, but I think it's important to note especially since I usually review Christian Fiction books so I didn't want anyone surprised. LOL
DeleteAnd that's exactly what I love about you, how you look out for us :-)
DeleteHi Trixie, I am glad that Kav put in the disclaimer because some can be affected by even the slight use of a minor swear word. Just so you know though, I am a Christian and some of my books have obvious Christian references, all of my books are faith based. I try not to put anything in them like graphic sex or obvious elements that are non-Christian. In other words I write what is classified as sweet romance. Thanks for sharing. And aren't we blessed to have reviewers like Kav?
DeleteI don't usually read a book with foul language either, but while I am surprised - I have wanted to read some of Sandra's writing, & will give it a go, if I should win it. It sounds like an exciting book, I'm not surprised at Sandra's wonderful descriptions - judging from some of her Seeker posts I've read, she must be quite a hiker, explorer, etc.. Thanks for your wonderful review, Kav!!
ReplyDeletebonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
She knows how to bring a setting to life and there's so many fascinating descriptions. The kind of read that carries you away into a whole other world.
DeleteRegarding the language -- it's always hard to make that call as a reviewer. It's not blatant and probably categorized on the mild side, but it is there in places. Not noteworthy if you read secular fiction. Good luck, Bonnie.
Hi Bonnie, I recognize you from Seekerville. smile Yes, this is classified as sweet romance. I try to keep it clean and because I am a Christian, my stories are faith based. In other words, the characters try to follow Christian values. I'm glad Kav warned you though as it isn't a traditional Christian fiction.
DeleteI like the location of the Arizona desert and I can deal with a bit of offensive language if the book is interesting like this one looks like it is. Thanks!
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
It's a wonderful romantic suspense. Good luck, rubynreba.
DeleteHi Ruby, These comments are great because maybe I better not even use the mild language. Its easy enough to take out.
DeleteKav, You really did write a lovely review and as I've told you before, it always scares me to death to send my work to you because you are so well read. So when you like my book, it humbles me and I feel so honored.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you wrote the disclaimers. It is obvious that I need to rethink the use of those words. sigh. They aren't really necessary but just make the characters seem more real to me. But I appreciate the fact you warned about them so people who really do get offended won't read this. Or at least are warned. Thanks so much.
There's also a cultural component to certain words as well.. What's considered no biggie in one part of the world is taboo in another so I can see how it would be hard for an author.
DeleteLoved this book, Sandra. You had me hopping on the suspense. I was sure the villain was one person and then another and then maybe both or every secondary character in the book. LOL And the action scenes are amazing.
Also, sorry I didn't get over here yesterday. I marked wrong day. Good grief, I'm having senior moments again.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to questionable language, it is subjective. There are a few words that I dislike seeing written, b/c it seems to seer itself in my brain - like a neon light is flashing. You can imagine what those words are. Otherwise I'm not too concerned. I appreciate that Sandra Leesmith clarified her faith and her humbled response. It speaks volumes to her character and encourages me to want to read her work. Believe me, I would be the last to throw any stones. I just enjoy a well written book by a Christian author. Thanks Kav and Sandra.
ReplyDeletetlhcoupon (at) hotmail (dot) com
Well said, Terrill. And this is an excellent story. Good luck.
DeleteThank you Terrill. I am glad I was able to clarify for you. You are right. It is all subjective. We are all different and isn't that a blessing in itself? smile
DeleteSounds like an interesting book!
ReplyDeleteTracy.m.smith296(at) gmail.com
Good luck, Tracy.
DeleteThanks for stopping by Tracy. Best wishes.
DeleteSounds like a good one to me!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Good luck, Melanie.
DeleteThanks Melanie. Thanks for stopping by and being so positive. smile
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