Saturday, December 30, 2017

Review of The Empowered by Craig Parshall


What it's about: Ex-attorney, Trevor Black, is back at fighting the dark forces. This time in the city of New Orleans. Two government employees are dead, one in his hotel room, and both look like voodoo is possibly involved. What started out as a trip to talk at a convention turns to a murder investigation that has evil written all over it, Trevor finds himself dealing with the dark world like never before. In a fight against time, trying to locate his missing daughter and fighting against demonic forces, Trevor discovers a sinister, evil empire tied to human trafficking and young girls gone missing with webs strung all the way to top government officials. 

What I thought: Captivating and a bit eerie all at the same time. The voodoo/demonic slant gave me the shivers, but it added so much grit and depth to the story at the same time. This is considered a novel, but it is the 2nd book of Trevor Black. You could read this as a stand alone, but reading the first one helps in the backstory of the 2nd book. Parshall does an expert job weaving this story from the beginning to the end. Despite the dark side of the plot, the suspense is thick and the pace is fast. 

Would you read it: Think This Present Darkeness but in present day form. Add in technology and government and human trafficking and you have what this book is about. It is dark, and you may not want to read before bed, but it is also very hard to put down, so you may be up until the late hours trying to finish it. 

Tyndale House Publishers sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review of Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason

What it's about: Isabella (Izzy) St. James loves her job. And she has her long-time best friend, Kevin Marshall, as her partner and who is newer to the police force. During a steak out turned bad, her partner is killed, and she is left with unanswered questions which she quickly needs to figure out. Kevin's brother Ryan, a homicide detective joins Izzy in figuring out who killed his brother, the stakes are raised. Tips are indicating there may be dirty cops, and possibly in Izzy's own law-enforcement family. The clock is ticking as Izzy and Ryan race to get to the bottom of who killed Kevin and break open an even bigger case than they even imagined.

What I thought: This is the first book in the Blue Justice Series. And it is fantastic!! I loved the pace set right from the beginning as a suspense thriller filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing right up until the end! Eason does a great job again with her storytelling and writing abilities that keep the reader engaged. I did like that the main characters had a history together and that this wasn't a "love at first sight" book. I felt like that added depth to the story. I also loved the deep family bond of both families that was present through the entire book. After reading the 2nd book's teaser at the end, I'm thinking this is going to be an exceptional series!

Would you read it: If you enjoy suspense mystery with a bit of romance thrown in, you will like this book! Gruesome in some parts, heart wrenching in others, which makes the complete story that much better!

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. All opinions expressed are my own.

Tuesday, December 05, 2017

Review of Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon

What it's about: Imagine running on fumes between a full time job and taking care of your ill mother. That's what Trish Bailey's life is like. Until the one fateful day her mother is found passed away. Doubts begin to enter Trish's mind as to how this happened. Was it her fault? Did she let something slip from her mind? Is she going crazy? Her financial advisor has planted these thoughts in her head to make it seem like that is the case. Enter Detective Colin Flynn. He feels like Trish is telling the truth, that she didn't harm her mother that she loved. Is there something sinister happening that needs to come to light? Who is really at fault and why is everything becoming so dangerous?

What I thought: What a great book by Irene Hannon. She spins this story with a masterful weave of plot twists and surprises that keeps you turning page after page. This type of suspense has her fingerprints all over it, and you know you are going to be reading a good book when you pick one of her's up. She takes a different approach as you know the mastermind behind everything from the beginning, but you're along for the ride with the main characters in watching them solve clues and uncover things that were meant to be kept secret.

Would you read this? If you enjoy suspense and romance thrown in there, this book is for you!! A great book to read on a windy, cold, winter day right up next to the fire.

Revell Books sent me this book to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.
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Review of Vanishing Point by Lisa Harris

What it's about: Meet Garrett Addison. A fresh criminal investigator who is beating his own path away from his father's expectations of becoming a shady lawyer. Garrett enjoys the tempo of this job and that he is doing what he loves. One of his first cases is of a girl who was murdered and buried in a shallow grave. All that was left behind was a Polaroid of her right before she was killed. He starts to work the case when another killing happens...then the next year, another killing. All linked together but leaving the detective clueless as to how to catch the murderer. With the complexity of the murders, FBI agent Jordan Lambert is called in to help with the case. The woman Garrett hoped to spend the rest of his life with when they were done with the police academy, but she chose to move on to become an FBI. As the years pass and the string of murders continues to grow from the so-called Angel Abductor, how will Garrett and Jordan close this case before yet another girl is murdered and will they ever come to terms with how they feel for each other?

What I thought: If you read any, or all, of the Nikki Boyd Files series by Lisa Harris, you are going to want to drop everything you are doing and read this book. This answers all your questions as to the disappearance of Nikki's sister, Sarah. I liked how the book started before Nikki or her sister were even in the picture and how the case morphed over the years up until the present time of after Nikki got married. I really liked the pace of this book, how detailed the author was with each case and how she carried the story from beginning to the end, spanning over a decade. I also like how it wasn't heavy on the romance side, but it flowed along with the story and the history of the two main characters. There was a bit time period to cover and I think Lisa did a great job capturing all that happened during that time.

Would you read it? You can read this as a stand-alone book, but to make it even more rich, I highly suggest reading the three Nikki Boyd Files books. This will give you a greater appreciation for this book and all that is happening. A little gruesome in places, but oh so good!

Revell Publishers sent me this complimentary book to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own. 

Review of Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey

What it's about: This is book three in the Chesapeake Valor series. This book highlights FBI agent Declan Grey and his hunt for a terrorist who has been running free on American soil. As the threat on America rises, so do the threats against Declan and his assigned partner Tanner Shaw. While they are chasing bullets and dodging cars, their trail leads across the country and back again as they seek not only the threat to America but the ties to a smuggling ring who is bringing refugees illegally. Will Declan and Tanner capture the person behind the threat in time or will it all be too late? And will their hearts survive the mounting tension that is building between them?

What I thought: This may be a very difficult book to read on it's own. There is so much back story from the previous books and characters that to understand this one, reading the first two may be the best route to go. I did enjoy the pace of this book as it was intense. The story line was complex in regards to following the story line between the ties of the terrorist and the smuggler. One thing I do enjoy about this author is how she weaves in other story lines about previous characters to foreshadowing her next book with a storyline of its own. 

Would you read it: If you enjoy suspense fiction with a dash of romance,  you will enjoy this book. Again, you'll want to read the first two books to completely understand where this one is picking up from. If you have a sensitive stomach, beware as this book can get a big graphic in places. 

Bethany House sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Review of Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano

What it's about: Aurelie Harcourt's life is anything but normal. But she doesn't know anything different. Growing up in a debtor's prison along side her father, her life consists of bringing life and love to those around her. Her father has made a living of writing a continuous story under a pen name about the life of Lady Jayne, his love, Aurelie's mother. Aurelie's father unexpectedly dies she knows she needs to carry on his story, and find the true identity of her mother. Her life unexpectedly takes a turn where she ends up at her father's childhood home and as she tries to fit in with her unfamiliar family, she uses the only outlet she knows...continuing her father's legacy as pen writer Nathaniel Droll. Her eyes are opened to a whole different world and secrets come to light that may do more harm than good. What will become of the Harcourt family and legacy with these new found secrets? Will it destroy them or bring them closer together? And will the true identity of Nathaniel Droll be revealed?

What I thought: Slow in parts, but overall, a good read! The story line and plot kept the reader engaged throughout the whole story and the unexpected end made for a great plot twist! There were some parts I was a bit confused about...like where/how the mysterious people appeared. I enjoyed the creativity of story line though. Very intriguing and different than what I have read before. Not suspenseful, but a bit mysterious with a dash of romance intertwined throughout. I liked how it started in the "present" at the beginning and jumped to the past to bring the reader up to speed as to how the main character ended up where she did.

Would you read it?
If you enjoy something different, light, a bit mysterious (think like foggy, dark alley with shadowy figures in the 1800's mysterious), then you will enjoy this book. You can't go wrong with it. A perfect book for a rainy/snowy day!

Revell Books sent me a complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review of The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner

What it's about: Sarah Hollenbeck has it all. Prestige, money, a perfect marriage to a well-known husband, the perfect house, the perfect life. Except it isn't all perfect. It's anything but. Her marriage is love-less, money can't buy happiness and she's a shell of a person. She finds herself a divorcee from a cheating husband and has a lot of time on her hands. She decides she is going to write a book, that low and behold, launches her in to the lime light with it's steaminess throughout the pages. Then she meets Jesus. And the pastor of the church she begins to attend. And she loves both. How does she put away her past and move towards the future with the baggage she carries and the stories she has written? Will it even work?

What I thought: I loved this book. It was such a different romance than I have ever written. So much of it is written as the what is going through the main character's head that it gives a fantastic insight as to how much happens in one's thoughts! I could relate all to well with letting the imagination get away from you. I found myself smiling throughout this book with the humor and the realness of the characters. I really didn't want it to end! Such a great, honest read that has you feeling all sorts of good at the end. Oh...and I loved, loved the cover! So eye catching!!

Would you read it?
If you enjoy light-hearted romance...you will love this book. The romance is so different than the suspense thrillers in that it's brutally honest. Bethany Turner is on to something with this book of raw, honest thoughts and possibly what it's like to live inside someone's head.

Revell sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. All opinions expressed are my own.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Review of The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin

What it's about:
Ben Payne and Ashley Knox are complete strangers until one decision changes the course of their lives. Ben, a surgeon who is heading home and Ashley, a journalist who's getting married the next day. The decision to charter a plane amidst a snow storm and commercial cancellations puts them on a trajectory far from what they were expecting. When the pilot has a heart attack and crashes the plane where Ben and Ashely survive, they find themselves stranded in the snow covered mountains miles from any civilization. With Ashely severely injured, it is up to Ben's back country experience to get both of them out alive since no one knows they chartered the flight and no flight plan was given to the airport. Journey with Ben and Ashely as they find resilience, grit and determination to survive not only the harsh elements, but the inner battle of wanting to give up.

What I thought:
This is one of the best, well written books I have read in a long time. The story is captivating, heart wrenching, tense and humorous. It's also clean in language and adult content. This was a book I was staying up late into the night reading just to finish it. The author did an amazing job creating a story line that keeps the reader interested up to the very last page. You can feel the agony, pain and hurt of the characters through the pages, the humor despite the horrific surroundings and the deep love between Ben and his wife (which is a story line in and of itself throughout the book). There was nothing negative I experienced about this book.

Would you read it?
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good storyline and an author who is a master storyteller. You can't go wrong with this book. If you watched the movie before reading this book, just know that the two are very different. I have not seen the movie yet, but from watching the trailer, it does not follow true to the book.

Blogging for Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Review of Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley


What it's about...
Kelsey Allen is wanting to break in to the security circles. To get her own firm off the ground, she is hired to break in to businesses and then show them their weak areas. Her second love is old artifacts. So when she is contracted to find out why artifacts at the city's museum are disappearing by being the museum's curator, she is ecstatic. Doing two things she loves every day. But when a murder happens while she's under cover, her security measures come in to question. And she also becomes a target that needs to be eliminated. Detective Brad Hollister finds himself drawn to Kelsey and to helping figure out who is behind the disappearing artifacts, the mysterious box of bones that shows up on Kelsey's desk and who is behind the murder...all the while trying to keep Kelsey from being killed. Will she survive long enough to put all the pieces together?

What I thought...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even with this as a second book in the Memphis Cold Case Series, it can be read as a stand alone novel. The suspense and story line meshed well and balanced each other well throughout the story. Bradley does it again with another great suspense novel that keeps you turning the pages up until the end. I enjoyed the various story lines, how they worked well together and all came together at the end. The romance sprinkled throughout was just the right touch as well. 

Would you read it....
If you enjoy thrilling suspense and action packed goodness, you will enjoy this book! Haven't read the first one? No problem! This is a stand alone novel and you can go back and read the first one if this one is already in your hands. If you pick up an Patricia Bradley book, it's going to be a good one.

Revell Reads sent this complimentary book to me to review. Opinions expressed are my own. 

Review of Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

What's it about?
An up and coming lawyer gets her big break, but at what cost? Prosecutor Kate Sullivan has put in her time and now the biggest case of her career is handed to her. Going up against a major pharmaceutical company has her head spinning and her stress level rising, but she is ready for the challenge. What she is not ready for is the sinister side this case brings. As she gets closer to the truth of what the company is doing, the more the heat gets turned up and the more danger she is in. Hiring a PI to look in to the death of a key player in the case, former Army Ranger, Landon James, steps in and finds himself not only investigating, but protecting Kate as the case gets closer to trial. Who is the mastermind behind the danger and what is going to be the big break in this case and at what cost will it be?

What I thought...
Rachel Dylan did a great job writing lawyer lingo in a way a non-lawyer would understand. I enjoyed the lawyer aspect of how the story was written. Reading about the process and the behind the scenes of a trial was eye-opening and interesting. The story line was a bit choppy in places, but overall, the twists throughout and the secondary characters added a layer of depth that helped the story along. I think a few different times, the story could have been enhanced a bit more, the suspense carried a bit longer as some situations ended abruptly, but again, overall, a great story.

Would you read it?
If you enjoy suspense and a bit of romance thrown in, you will enjoy this first book in the Atlanta Justice Series!

Bethany House Publisher sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Review of The Legacy by Michael Phillips

Nutshell: Loni Ford has inherited an island along with all of it's buildings and inhabitants off the coast of Scotland through ancestors she has never met. Her world is turned upside down with trying to figure out what to do with this very remote place. Over time though, she falls in love with the harsh-weathered island, and it's dwellers, especially one, David Tulloch. In this third and final book of the series, Loni learns more about her past, how it ties to her present and what it means for her future.

What I enjoyed: This book was very different than the previous two. I enjoyed the story-line of Loni's great-grandmother and the history of Loni's ancestry. I also enjoyed the side story of Loni's best friend and her journey of a new change in life. I did like the different angle this book took and how the heritage of Loni came to be. Very well written, very descriptive and overall a great read!

What I struggled with: All the names of the Tulloch ancestors! So many over decades of time that it was hard to keep straight who was from which era of their family. But, the family tree at the back of the book was a tremendous help in referencing who came from who and had which kids.

Would I recommend this book? I would....but the reader is going to want to read the first two books in the series to really understand what is going on. If you try and read this as a stand-alone novel, you will be putting it down in discouragement as it won't make any sense.

Bethany House Publishing sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review of The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

Nutshell: Margie Lane loves nature. And she gets to spend the summer living under the shadow of Mt. Rainer in Mt. Rainer National Park. But as she quickly realizes, living in the National Park is a lot of work, but Margie falls in love with the place quickly. But trouble looms as the man from her past is set on taking over the park. Since he can't have Margie, he will go after what she loves. With her new friend, Chief Ranger Ford Brayden they will do everything they can to save the National Park, even if it means putting their lives in danger.

What I enjoyed: As the sub title describes this book as "A Vintage National Parks Novel", that is exactly what this is! Set in the 1920's, this book feels vintage'y (if that's even a word). I have not read Karen Barnett's books before, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I wasn't sure quite what to expect when I chose to read it, but it did not disappoint. With a little bit of romance, a splash of suspense and oodles of descriptive nature, this book was a delight to read. Vintage quaint comes to mind when thinking about this book. And the cover fits right in with how this book is portrayed.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you are looking for quick read that is quaint and yet has a bit of meat to it, then you will enjoy this book. A good book to read on the beach, a rainy day or by the fire on a chilly, snowy evening.

Blogging For Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Saturday, July 08, 2017

Review of Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge

Nutshell: Have you read Sense and Sensibility? Well, modernize that to present day and you have this great book! Jane and Celia Woodward find themselves in a bit of a pickle due to their father's choices at work. Their last name has been tainted, and while their father flies off to another country to continue his life, these sisters are now the guardian's of their youngest sister and need to find a course of action and fast! They decide to open a tea shop...how hard can that be? After years of success and making a promising name for themselves, the building is handed over to new management and they find themselves on a new adventure, heading for Texas where a cousin lives. Floundering in their personal relationships, Jane with her new boyfriend and Celia with her broken heart, these sisters learn what it really means to be a family and put family above all else when hearts are broken. Between cousins, new boyfriends, and a man who loves Jane, but she is off-limits, follow this story of the Woodward family to find out how their lives become better than a cup of tea.

Pro's: An exceptionally light and easy read that makes you feel all sorts of goodness inside by the time you are done. Lodge did a fantastic job spinning this classic in to modern day-ness. With a light-hearted plot that keeps you engaged all the way through, this book will be one you will want to keep on your shelf and re-read down the road. Also, the recipes at the end of each chapter!! I will be making some of these...I'm a sucker for recipes!

Con's: Not many! There wasn't a whole lot of characters to keep straightened out and the plot was light and simple. Jane's jump from one guy to another was a bit abrupt, but so goes classics and the time-era this story was originally set in. :)

Recommendation: A definite yes! I'll be pulling out the original to read too as this was such a fun story! If you enjoy Jane Austin, you will enjoy this! WaterBrookMultnomah sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review of Just Look Up by Courtney Walsh

Nutshell: Lane Kelley is on a new path she has formed for herself. Far away from her family in the sleepy town of Harbor Pointe, Michigan. She is now on a new journey in the bustling city of Chicago working for a fast-paced interior designer firm and she's about to land the promotion she's worked countless hours for. Then one phone call changes her life and she finds herself back in sleepy Harbor Pointe at the bedside of one of her brother's who is clinging to life. She is torn in two between being there for him when he wakes up from his coma and being back in Chicago - so she can flee from home. But then long-time family friend, Ryan Brooks re-inserts himself in her life and she is beyond confused as to what is most important in life. In the end, which path will her life head down?

Pro's: Loved that the book was set in Michigan, my home state! The story was a great reminder that no matter how quirky family is, they are still your family. And that forgiveness can go a long way in healing old wounds and re-awaken new friendships, even among family. I enjoyed the intertwining story lines of the lives of the two main characters. Great story line and a great book overall!

Con's: Very few! There was a lot of family to navigate through and remember who was who and who belonged to who, but the reader gets the hang of it as the book continues.

Recommendation: If you're looking for a book to read on a chilly, rainy day, or while sitting soaking up the rays at the beach and don't want anything heavy, you will enjoy this one! Tyndale Publishers sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Review of Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl

Nutshell: Kate O'Brien and her sister were brutally attacked one evening and her sister ended up dying. The images of that night haunt Kate. After her court date where she testified against her killer, mayhem erupts in the courtroom and even more people are killed. Kate enters in to the witness protection program and begins a new life in a new town and tries to move forward. But then years later, she is ordered to come and re-testify, drawing back up the memories from long ago. The man who was thought to be her sister's killer has new evidence proving he wasn't the infamous serial killer who took her sister's and many others' lives. One man is there to walk through it all with her. Deputy Marshall Tony DeLuca. He helped her through the original trial and now is back to help her through this walk down a horrific memory lane. Is her killer guilty of all these crimes or is there someone else hiding out there waiting to take her down?

Pro's: A gripping story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy suspense mystery, this is book is for you! It's book 2 in the Defenders of Justice series, but it reads like it's own story, which is extremely helpful. Twists and turns keep the reader flipping page after page in wondering what is going to happen.

Con's: If you have a weak stomach, this is not the book to read, especially at night when the house is quiet and dark. :) It is graphic in nature, even from the start. But if that doesn't bother you, you'll enjoy this book!

Recommendation: A suspense/thriller mystery that has you sucked in from the beginning. Hard to put down. This is not a light, fluffy book, so if you rather read a light-hearted books, this one is not for you. If you enjoy the thrill of mystery that keeps you in suspense, this is for you!

Bethany House Publishers sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Friday, June 16, 2017

Review of Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson

Nutshell: WWII. Best friends Daniel and Brigitte run for their lives to escape the Gestapo who invaded their houses one sunny day. Finally making it to England the 13 and 10 year old become separated. Daniel had promised Brigitte he would always care for her and decades later, he still held on to that promise. Knowing that his life is coming to a close, and needing to know Brigitte is still alive and well, Daniel taps his lawyer Lucas Hough to convince up and coming American journalist Quenby Vaughn to find Brigitte.  Quenby's journey in finding Brigitte becomes personal and her heart travels on a path that intertwines with the past and her present.

Pro's: A fresh storyline that has you engrossed from the beginning. Two stories which become aligned throughout the plot. A fantastic read that will keep you up in to the late hours of the night wondering what is going to show up on the next page. Dobson weaves two lives, two different eras into one story line that captures the reader from beginning to end.

Con's: That the book had to end! There was nothing I would say needs changed in this book.

Recommendation: Definitely read this book. Twists and turns and an ending that you didn't see coming will have you enjoying this book all the way through.

Tyndale House Publishers sent me this complimentary copy for review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Monday, May 01, 2017

Review of Life After by Katie Ganshert

Nutshell: Main character, Autumn Manning boarded a train heading home when minutes in to the ride, an explosion changed the course of her life forever. Being the only survivor of the purposeful blast, Autumn finds herself floundering through life, engrossed in the lives of those who died and spinning into a downward cycle that gets darker day after day. This is a story about a woman's survival and how one little motherless girl reaches out to Autumn and changes the trajectory they both are on.

Pro's: What an impactful, powerful story of seeing life beyond one's own nose and misery. How other's are affected in spite of tragedy. How tragedy can grow something beautiful. How stories can impact one person's life. A beautiful heart wrenching, agonizing story that blossoms in to hope. The words. The story line. Feeling like you are standing on the sidelines a part of these characters. Well written and one of the best books I have read.

Con's: Not really any! It was slightly difficult to grasp all of Autumn's family members. But other than that, a fantastic read!

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of a heavier read. It is not light and fluffy, but a pretty emotionally full book.

Blogging for Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Review of Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon

This is the 3rd book in the Hope Harbor Series by Irene Hannon. She has sculpted another soft, quaint, sea-side novel that is filled with hope. You can feel the sea breezes as you read about Lexie Graham and Adam Stone and the events that tie them together. Each helping the other, walls being broken down, pasts brought to the forefront with forgiveness as the tie that binds it together.

Mix in previous characters from other books, a taco truck vendor who bestows wisdom and has an uncanny look in to each person's trials and strengths, and a kid headed down the wrong path who becomes attached to the felon and you have the daily going-ons in this small, Oregon town.

I enjoyed how the author ties in previous characters, but they feel new to the reader. Her descriptive words and storytelling keep the reader engaged throughout the entire book. If you are looking for a story that keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat, this is not it. If you are looking for a book that is not too heavy and has a feel-good flow, you will enjoy this one.

There wasn't really anything I didn't enjoy about this book. If you need to know the stories of the secondary characters, then you'll enjoy her previous two books, which are constructed along the same lines as this one.

Reveal Books sent me a complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Review of Still Life by Dani Pettrey

This is book 2 in the Chesapeake Valor Series by Dani Pettrey. A suspense mystery novel that will keep you wondering what will happen next. Book two is about photographer, Avery Tate, and her quest to find out about her missing friend who posed in an art gallery photo where she appeared to be dead. Avery and her new friends are on a mission to find the photographer behind the chilling photo.

This book was suspenseful and kept you hanging with each turn of the page. A fast-paced action storyline where a few different plots kept you wondering how each one would turn out. I enjoyed the fact that there were a few smaller spotlights on other characters throughout the book. This helped peak the readers interest in the next book that may be coming in the series. These sub-plots were of a different nature than the main plot which kept the book moving along until the end.

I started reading this book and realized I had no idea who any of the characters were, but was reading it as if they had already been introduced elsewhere. I ended up purchasing and reading the first book, Cold Shot, then jumped in to the 2nd book. That helped an immense amount in understanding the characters and more of their backstory and how they all related to each other.

If you enjoy suspense mystery fiction, you will enjoy this book. Read the first book in the series though....it'll make the second book more enjoyable and understandable to read!

Bethany House Publishers sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. All opinions expressed are my own.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Review of Murder Is No Accident by A.H. Gabhart

Sheriff Michael Keane find himself in the midst of another murder. How does the quaint little town he grew up in yet again become the news of murder? Travel with him through his findings to discovery who the culprit is!

A.H. Gabhart does it once again with her talent of spinning a murder tale entwined with a sleepy, cozy town to produce a story that keeps you reading along. Not suspenseful like other novels, Gabhart crafts a sweet story with a splash of mystery, throws in a bit of love and you have Murder is No Accident.

If you enjoy a not-so-heavy murder mystery full of suspense and violence, you will enjoy this book. My recommendation would be to read the first two books in this series. Not only because they are good, but it will help place the characters and their relationships that are already formed.

Revell Books sent me this complimentary book to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Monday, February 27, 2017

Review of Moving Target by Lynette Eason


What I enjoyed: This books is the third book in the Elite Guardian's series. This book is focused on the characters of Maddy and Quinn. What a great book! Right from the opening, it was filled with fast, action packed suspense and makes the reader wonder how they will find the killer who is after them. With so many well written back stories about these two main characters, it was a great way to tell this story of Maddy and Quinn. Twists and turns have you guessing what is going to happen next and the plot is thick with suspense. This was a book I stayed up late to read as it sucked me right in and took me for quite the ride!

Feedback views: The romance was a bit heavy at times, but knowing these two characters did not just meet, but had been friends for years didn't make it stomach curdling. It was very gory in some areas (for those who are visual readers....it may be a bit much).

Overall recommendation: if you enjoy suspense mysteries, you will love this book! To have a full understanding of this book, read books one and two as that will help (and because the first two books are just as good!!). I'm looking forward to book 4 (the first chapter was amazing and set up what sounds to be another great book)!

Revell Books sent me this copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Review of Justice Delayed by Patricia Bradley

What I enjoyed: Patricia Bradley has done it again with another gripping tale of mystery and suspense. A gripping book from start to finish, this story will have you up until the wee hours of the night just to find out what happens. With a bit of romance mixed in, Patricia's story is an overall thumbs up. With action, suspense, a fast-paced plot, this is one book you will enjoy having on your shelf.

Feedback views: it seemed as though this was a second book in a way as there were characters that were hinted at, but the reader knew nothing about. The personal struggle at the end seemed to resolve too quickly vs how it may happen in real life (can't say much more without revealing the end!)

I recommend this book to those who:
enjoy thriller suspense
want a Christian emphasis
look for fast paced story lines

I would hesitate recommending this book to those who:
have a queazy stomach
read only before going to bed (it's a bit graphic at times)

Revell Books sent me a copy of this to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Review of The Returning by Rachelle Dekker

Nutshell: Twenty years ago two outlaws had to leave their baby girl in the city that they couldn't enter or they would die. Twenty years of heartache. Wondering. Guilt. Prayer. Shame. Thankfulness. Hope. In this breathtaking suspenseful final book of the the Seer Series, travel with Elise Carrington: the long lost daughter who thinks her parents abandoned her. Feel her fear, hurt and pain as she struggles with who she is, why she's still alive and if she even has a purpose in life other than to feel abandoned. With her made up dreams that seem almost real, a battle is being raged between dark and light, good and evil and Elise finds herself the missing puzzle piece to a puzzle that will either finish torn apart, or put perfectly together.

Pro's: Rachelle has done it again. I couldn't wait for this book to come out and I devoured it from beginning to end. What a masterful storyteller she is. You feel like you are walking along side all of the characters. The way she paints and tells her story is like a song that ebbs and flows. So well put together and keeps you moving along until the very end.

Con's: You can't read this book on its own. But you will want to read the other two anyway, so it's actually a good thing!

Recommendation: Read this series!!! It's futuristic, but the struggles are real, no matter the time period. You will not be disappointed!

Tyndale House Publishers sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. Opinions expressed are my own.

Q & A from the author:


What themes are explored in this book?
Identity is something I am always exploring, so that’s no different in The Returning. But in this novel I took a really hard look at forgiveness and how that relates to our journey of discovering who we really are. 

How do you hope this book will resonate with your readers?
I hope, as with both of the other books, that the reader sees themselves in the characters and that the story causes them to look inward. To ask hard questions like, Who am I? What am I capable of? Do I see myself the way the Father does? Can I? I hope it challenges their idea of identity and then gives them hope to see themselves and others more clearly. Because that’s how these stories have impacted me, and we are all really just the same. 

About the Author
The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full-time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat, Blair. 

You can find more about Rachelle Dekker and her books at http://rachelledekker.com

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