Friday, November 27, 2015

My Review - By Your Side


5 out of 5 stars
BY YOUR SIDE by Candace Calvert gives you a steady dose of romance and suspense, while keeping God at the forefront.
Macy Wynn has survived due to her sheer determination and her unwillingness to depend on anyone but herself. The product of uncommitted parents and a foster care system that let her down, Macy learned long ago that she could trust no one but herself. Now, an ER nurse, Macy intends on making a home for her and her foster sister without any outside distractions. That is until she meets Deputy Fletcher Holt. At first, she sees Fletcher as an interloper, and someone to keep at arm’s length. But the more she gets to know him, the more she opens herself up to the possibility of a relationship.
Deputy Fletcher Holt has always believed everything happens for a reason. But after having to relocate from his beloved Houston, watch his mother battle cancer for the second time, and realize his love for a woman will never be reciprocated, he’s second-guessing God’s plan for his life. If that isn’t enough, he can’t seem to get Macy Wynn out of his head, even though she’s made it abundantly clear she’s not interested.
As both of their paths cross with that of a brutal sniper, they find themselves leaning on each other for strength and comfort. When it’s apparent the sniper has chosen Macy as his next target, both Macy and Fletcher must evaluate where to put their trust and faith.
I love the action and realism Ms. Calvert brings to her books thanks to her own background as an ER nurse. She does a good job balancing technical terminology and dialogue so that the reader doesn’t get lost or confused among the medical jargon. Her characters are always warm and caring, even if they are at times standoffish. Macy has reasons for her need to be in control, and Fletcher’s positive outlook is a byproduct of his Christian faith. When they take the time to better understand each other, they realize they aren’t so different from one another. Ms. Calvart always makes sure to surround her key players with characters the reader would like to get to know better. It makes for the perfect segway into her next installment.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

My Review - Vendetta

5 out of 5 stars

VENDETTA is a great start in another series from Lisa Harris
Agent Nikki Boyd’s life has been shaped by her sister Sarah. When Sarah went missing ten years ago, Nikki changed career paths. Now an agent with the Tennessee Missing Persons Task Force, she’s been called in to investigate a case involving a missing teenager. When clues in her current case resemble those of her sister’s, Nikki realizes the case isn’t about finding a missing girl. Someone is stalking Nikki. Someone with information that was never revealed to the public regarding her sister’s case. Trying to stay one step ahead is difficult when you don’t know who you’re chasing. With time running out, Nikki knows she must find the missing girl before she becomes the unfortunate victim in a killer’s twisted game.
Fast-paced, action-packed, emotionally-charged—those are just a few adjectives I can use to describe VENDETTA. Not only is Nikki on a journey in her professional life, but in her personal life as well. After losing her best friend, Kate, in a boating accident, Nikki has remained close to Tyler, Kate’s husband. Though Nikki is dating a guy Tyler dubs “Mr. Perfect”, Nikki struggles with her changing feelings for Tyler. In a twist of circumstance, Tyler is with her as she closes in on the abductor they’re chasing. He becomes the person she leans on during a very difficult time, making her more acutely aware that her feelings for Tyler have somehow changed. But knowing he is still in love with Kate, Nikki keeps her feelings to herself.
I loved everything about VENDETTA. The characters were great, the plot heavily steeped with twists and turns, and the setting beautiful but unsettling. This was a book I didn’t want to put down. When I wasn’t trying to figure out who the killer was, I was internally coaxing Nikki to realize what she has with Tyler is more than just friendship. The perfect mix of romance and suspense. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Book provided for review purposes.
Available October 2015 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Monday, November 09, 2015

My Review - A Cup of Dust


3.5 out of 5 stars

A CUP OF DUST is a deep story depicting a difficult time in history. Slow-paced but moving.
Life is difficult in Oklahoma in the 1930s, but Pearl Spence knows that her father, Sheriff Tom Spence will always make things right. She feels safe and loved, even though the Dust Bowl has turned the town of Red River into a desolate place. But when a stranger comes to town, Pearl feels wary. Eddie talks like he knows her, and always seems to be around. She tries to keep her distance, but he even finds his way into her home. Pearl knows the stranger is up to no good, but he threatens her in order to keep her quiet. She struggles with what she’s seen, and what she’s been told, but no one can convince her Eddie is good. And, it’s up to her to convince her father that Eddie’s really bad.
I enjoyed A CUP OF DUST, though at times, it was difficult to read. I love suspense and intrigue, but I guess since it was wrapped around a ten-year-old girl, at times, it felt disturbing. The author did a great job painting a picture of what it was like during this time in America history. And the characters were diverse and well fleshed out. A good story, a meaningful story, but not a story for those looking only for light reading.
Book provided for review purposes.