My Review - When Angels Rejoice by MaryLu Tyndall

 5 out of 5 stars

    The adjectives I think of when describing WHEN ANGELS REJOICE by MaryLu Tyndall are thought-provoking, anxiousness, intensity, and excitement, just to list a few. MaryLu does an exceptional job of thrusting us into the middle of the tribulation and giving us a rendition of what that time in history might look like. With a cast of characters, you both cheer for and despise, WHEN ANGELS REJOICE takes you on an emotional journey that you won’t soon forget.

    Vice Regent in the New World Faith Organization, Thomas Benton feels on top of the world. He’s got a beautiful mansion, a sleek Sports car, and a dream job with his sights set on moving even higher up the ladder. Though the memory of his friend’s execution continues to haunt him, he doesn’t allow anything to distract him from his goal. That is until he is tasked with interviewing and converting a high-level Deviant. It’s not a favorite part of his job, but he is good at it, until he comes face to face with Tori Griffin; the only woman he’s ever loved.

    Tori Griffin is not just any ordinary Deviant. She has information regarding a resistance group helping others avoid detection and execution. Tori refuses to volunteer any info and is prepared to die for her cause, but there is one more person she hopes to convert before she faces her demise.

    The minute Thomas and Tori are together, you feel the intensity of attraction. Even though they are polar opposites in their convictions, their love for each other makes them desperate to save the other from the “lie” of their belief system. Thomas risks everything to have enough time with Tori and show her the errors of her beliefs, while Tori persuades Thomas to embark on a journey that will prove what he’s been conditioned to believe is all a lie. 

    The intensity of this novel is no joke! This fiction interpretation of end times is so masterfully written you can’t help but wonder how close a portrayal it is to what the future might look like. MaryLu shows how easily the non-Christian will believe the lies handed down by the government and how the Christian will be unable to function under the reign of a one-world hierarchy. We also get a glimpse into the spiritual warfare that happens through the eyes of guardian angels. There are several secondary characters that stand on each side of the great spiritual divide. Some will hold to their convictions while others will fall away.

    Though Ms. Tyndall takes creative license in her depictions, each chapter starts with a Biblical reference that speaks of the very situation that follows in that chapter. MaryLu does not write in broad strokes with a fanciful imagination. It is obvious a tremendous amount of research went into the writing of WHEN ANGELS REJOICE.

    I highly recommend this series. However, even though it is fiction and entertaining, be prepared to face some unsettling truths and thought-provoking scenarios.

    Though I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher, it did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Review - Critical Threat by Lynette Eason

5+ out of 5 stars

CRITICAL THREAT by Lynette Eason . . . I have one word . . . WOW! Fast paced. Edge of your seat. Romantic chemistry. It had it all. Lynette Eason at her best! 

FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley and prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe have met before. Even had dinner together, but for whatever reason, Sam ghosted Grace, leaving her to ask herself, Why? When they end up working the same case, they have to maneuver around the awkwardness and clear the air. Once they do, they are thrown head long into a case that is personal for Sam and puzzling for Grace. However, they work well together as a team and are committed to finding the killer before he strikes again.

CRITICAL THREAT was an exciting read! I know when I sit down with a Lynette Eason book, I won’t be disappointed, and CRITICAL THREAT definitely checked all the boxes for what I consider a great romance/suspense novel. Both Grace and Sam are dealing with family baggage making them hesitant to open up to each other. However, being able to relate on so many levels make them the perfect match.

Without giving too much away, Grace becomes the focus of the killer they are trying to catch, triggering Sam’s protectiveness. And when Sam’s family is threatened, Grace is determined to intervene.

There is a lot of action and intrigue in CRITICAL THREAT. And even though I knew the direction the story was headed, I read faster and faster waiting for the characters to come to the same conclusions. There were numerous secondary characters that added life and depth to the story, even a few I wanted to hate. There were even a few nods to some of the characters in the series’ previous installments. All worked together for a well-rounded story that kept me turning page after page. The whole Extreme Measures series has been great. Now I just have to wait for the next installment.

Though I was provided with a copy of CRITICAL THREAT by the publishers, I was not required to write a positive review. All comments and critiques are my own.

My Review - The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H. McGee

3.5 out of 5 stars

THE SECRETS OF EMBERWILD by Stephenia H. McGee was a simple read with an interesting plot. Definitely a good read for horse lovers. 

Nora Fenton is a woman ahead of her time. She is strong, independent, and prefers time spent with horses over most men. She knows she could be a successful horse trainer and save her family farm if just given the chance, but with the passing of her father, her mother and uncle are more determined than ever marry her off before she reaches a certain age. When Silas Cavallero shows up and is hired on as an extra hand, Nora has her suspicions about him, especially when he asks disturbing questions. However, when Silas acknowledges her talent handling horses, she looks at him as an ally. 

Silas Cavallero is out to solve the mystery surrounding his father’s death. If that means helping Nora train her spirited colt, he’ll do it. He’s not sure he’ll ever find the answers he’s looking for, but when strange accidents start happening around Emberwild, he can’t help but wonder if he’s on the right track.

Though both Nora and Silas are attracted to each other, their stations in life make a match between them seem out of reach. Silas has no intentions to stay on at Emberwild, and even if he did, there is no way he would be considered a proper suitor for Nora. And though Nora feels a spark inside whenever she is with Silas, she knows her uncle would never accept a union between the two of them. So, even though a match is not in their future, Nora can’t help but think a family secret is linked to Silas’ search, but to admit it to Silas would mean she would have to give up everything she is fighting for.

I liked SECRETS OF EMBERWILD but felt there was something missing. Though both Silas and Nora had feelings for each other, I didn’t always feel it. The author told us about their connection instead of the characters showing us. The line of suspense was an added feature, though it was pretty obvious from the start who the real villain was. So, there were minor flaws in THE SECRETS OF EMBERWILD but it was still an enjoyable read.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.