Create Explore Read: Cindy Loven

Friday, February 6, 2015

Dubiosity by Christy Barritt | RE:View

Curiosity is a weakness for Savannah Harris. She may have pushed it down due to events dealing with her past as an investigative reporter, but when her friend points out the disappearance of migrant coastal workers, she can't ignore the pull. She has to find out what's going on.

Clive Miller has his own secrets. He's able to convince Savannah to let him rent a guest house on her property, but he's decidedly vague about the rest of his life.

The question remains: will Savannah discover the reason for the missing immigrants? Is it possible Clive's secrets are part of it all? And will she be able to resist her own feelings in the process?

I enjoyed this stand alone novel by Christy Barritt. It had the feeling of a Love Inspired book, but with an additional perspective that I think added a lot to the book. I did, however, find myself wanting more in the way of character development. I got a sense for Savannah and Clive, but had wished there was a little more tension and a little more emotion involved in them, separately and together. As true to other books I've read by Christy, she has a great mystery that does keep you guessing.

I recommend this, as I do all of her novels, to fans of romantic suspense that isn't too heavy on "scary" suspenseful details, involves a good mystery, and has sweet romance involved.

Also, this cover is amazing! Just had to say that.

Rating: 4*
Purchase: Dubiosity

Book Description
(from Christy's website)

Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who’ve gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes.

As ever more eerie incidents begin afflicting the area, each works to draw Savannah out of her seclusion and raise the stakes—for both Savannah and the surrounding community. Even as Savannah’s new boarder, Clive Miller, makes her feel things she thought long forgotten, she suspects he’s hiding something too, and he’s not the only one. Doubts collide in Savannah’s mind: Who can she really trust?

As secrets emerge and danger closes in, Savannah must choose between faith and uncertainty. One wrong decision might spell the end…not just for her, but for everyone around her.

Will she unravel the mystery in time, or will doubt get the best of her?

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

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//WINNER//

Last Friday I had the pleasure of hosting Cindy Loven on the blog - you can find that interview here.

She was gracious enough to offer a copy of her book The Parabels of Trevor Turtle as well as an adorable handmade hat as a giveaway.

Our winner is...

Loretta Shumpert

Congratulations Loretta - contact me so we can get you your prizes!

Friday, January 30, 2015

A chat with...Cindy Loven + GIVEAWAY

Hey everyone, weclome to Thinking Thoughts. This morning I'm excited to introduce you to author Cindy Loven. So go ahead and sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and join the conversation. If you're lucky, maybe you've got this view >>>

Here's a little bit about Cindy...

A life long reader, it has always been my dream to write a book. It often seems surreal to realize this dream is materializing. I love to read and review books, and I love thinking of ideas for new stories. I greatly enjoy the fun of thinking up new ideas to write about.

Married for over 29 years to her husband, Dave, they are the parents to two sons, Jarrod who is 21 and John, who passed away in 2009 at age 14. Since his death I have tried to help educate parents against the dangers of the "choking game." I reside with my family in Arkansas which is my home state.

So, how did you get started with writing?
I have been writing things down all my life, I kept a diary as a teenager, I have notebooks all over the place with “stuff” wrote down in them. I started more seriously writing the year my son died, it was very therapeutic. What keeps me writing, is all the stories crowding around in my head wanting to come out.

I completely get that! I find comfort in writing as well. Do you have a favorite book that you've written?
That one is hard to answer, because they are all my favorite “children” so to speak, but I love Dianna's Wings since it is the first published children story.

I know you self published, but what was the hardest thing about publishing for you? The easiest?
I did self publish it. The hardest thing was getting the story to the point I was sure it was ready to go. I worked on this story for over two years from the start to finish. The easiest was the actual publishing. Create Space was very easy to work with.

That's good to hear! I know a lot of people are interested in self publishing and I myself have thought about it. Glad to hear you and a good experience.

So, tell us a little bit about Dianna's Wings. Why did you write it?
The book I am promoting today is a book about self acceptance. Learning that God creates us perfectly.

I started this story with a focus on Trevor Turtle. He is the problem solver, but I realized very quickly the star of the show, so to speak was Dianna. This is a concept all children and most adults need to know.

Ah ok, great premise! Do you have a favorite character in this work?
I love Trevor because he is a fixer, a lot like I try to be. :-) But as far as the artwork goes, I am over the moon in love with the pictures of Dianna, my illustrator was awesome.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
That God created us each wonderfully and marvelously. And He created us in His image. We are made how He wants us.

I love that, Cindy! How did you find inspiration for this story? For your characters? Is it strictly from your imagination or do things in real life play a part too?
Both, most of my places come from combined names of neat places here in Arkansas. I have a series of children stories that I have based on my cousin's children and their antics.

From Pinterest

What are you hoping to create when you write?
A fun, happy story with a strong ethical moral lesson, without being preachy.

What would you tell aspiring authors about writing and publishing?
For writing, WRITE! For publishing, especially self publishing, learn to use the tools available to you by the publisher, it will make your life much easier.

What’s one thing you are looking forward to in 2015?
More stories that are rattling around that need to come out, and great sales for the books out.

I think an important aspect of getting to know other writers is what they have found useful in their learning process. Can you recommend a craft book that you've found helpful?
I write children's stories, so it would have to be The Children's Writer's Word Book. This is my Bible for writing my stories. LOL.

Do you prefer New Years fireworks or a bonfire to celebrate with? Or something else?
I don't really celebrate New Years too much, usually by Christmas I am so worn out from all the work and busyness, I am just resting on New Years.

Oh, I understand that! I'm usually pretty tired by New Year's too! Well, thank you so much for sharing with us Cindy! I'm excited to offer your sweet giveaway to my readers as well.