When the Heart Stops

When a Heart Stops

By Lynette Eason

The highly-anticipated second installment in the Deadly Reunions series, When a Heart Stops will have readers staying up late as they race to the finish to find out what happens. Full of the suspense and romantic tension reader have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When a Heart Stops is intense, emotional and fast-paced.

Spunky and outgoing, nothing much bothers medical examiner Serena Hopkins--except for the thought of falling in love again. But when a serial killer is picking off her former classmates, Serena's life becomes intertwined with her old high school crush, FBI agent Dominic Allen. Is the secret she's keeping putting her next on the killer's hit list? Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it's too late?

Lynette Eason is the author of several romantic suspense novels, including Too Close to Home, Don't Look Back, A Killer Among Us and When the Smoke Clears. She is a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. A homeschooling mother of two, she has a master's degree in education from Converse College. She lives in South Carolina. Visit her website at www.lynetteeason.com and follow her on Twitter at @LynetteEason.

Praise for Lynette Eason & the Deadly Reunions Series

Eason does an amazing job of setting the bar high for romantic tension, as well as offering a deep dark secret that may or may not ever come to light. The first book in the Deadly Reunions series, readers will be so hooked that they’ll want to embark on this thrill ride for years to come!

-          Suspense Magazine

Eason is quickly making a name for herself with taut, suspenseful fiction. The mystery will keep the reader guessing until the end, and as soon as one puzzle is resolved, a cliffhanger will keep you anxiously awaiting the next installment!

-          RT Book Reviews

"I love this book. It will keep you guessing until the very end."

-          Dee Henderson, bestselling author

My Review - When the Heart Stops

When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


WHEN A HEART STOPS by Lynette Eason is the second book in the Deadly Reunions series.  Unlike other books in series that can stand alone, WHEN A HEART SOPS could use a glossary of characters or a little more back story from book one to help bring the reader up to speed.  But once I decided to stop trying to figure out the past and only focus on where the current story was going, I was able to enjoy if better.

Serena Hopkins is a medical examiner struggling with death.  Though death has always been a part of her job, having victims she knows staring back at her is making her job a little more difficult.  And, with Dominic Allen, her childhood crush working closely alongside her, she finds herself having a hard time keeping her perspective.  Strike three comes when Serena realizes her involvement in the Doll Maker Killers is not a coincidence.  The murder knows exactly who she is, and is quite possibly making her his next target.

Dominic Allen is committed to finding the copycat killer reenacting gruesome murders from the past.  His determination becomes personal when his attraction for Serena Hopkins grows and the killer chooses Serena as his next target. 

I really enjoy Lynette Eason’s writing.  WHEN A HEART STOPS is no doubt a suspense book but I felt it was a little light on the romance.  Though we know Serena and Dominic’s feelings for each other are growing because of the internal dialogue of the characters, romantic encounters consist of two kisses interrupted before they even happen, a few protective hugs, and finally the acknowledging of their feelings for each other with a kiss.  If there were any other encounters, they weren’t memorable enough in my book.  With that said, the storyline was intriguing, and about two-thirds of the way into the book, I started being able to place the other characters from WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS, book one in the series.  Loose ends were left in book one, that were still left unanswered in book two.  Of course, what better way to insure the reader will comeback for book three.  Other than the lack of romance, WHEN A HEART STOPS kept my interest, allowing me to finish it in three sittings.

Book provided for review purposes.

**Available October 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker publishers**




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A Love Surrendered

A Love Surrendered

Winds of Change Series- #3

By Julie Lessman

With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and emotional twists and turns, A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman's many fans have been waiting for.

Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents' death. But when she falls hard for Steven O'Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?

Julie Lessman is the popular author of A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied, as well as A Hope Undaunted, which was one of 2010's Booklist Top Ten Inspirational Fiction winners, and A Heart Revealed. Lessman has garnered several writing awards, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She lives in Missouri.

Praise for Julie Lessman & the Winds of Change Series:

 2011 1^st Place Award - Historical Fiction Author of the Year & Romance Author of the Year – Family Fiction

A Hope Undaunted

"A rich girl and a poor boy find that love can be the great equalizer in Lessman’s engrossing tale, which has more awareness and sizzle between the hero and heroine than your average inspirational romance."

Booklist, starred review

4 Stars

The storyline flows evenly throughout this well-written romance and the characters are well realized. Fans of the 1920s will be extremely satisfied. – RT Reviews

A Heart Revealed

4 Stars

The second book in the widely popular Winds of Change series has romance, secrets and unforgettable characters.  Lessman has the ability to bring her books to life for the reader every time. - RT Reviews

My Review - A Love Surrendered

A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A LOVE SURRENDERED is by far my favorite book from Julie Lessman.  Though I enjoyed The Daughters of Boston series and the other two books in the Winds of Change series, A LOVE SURRENDERED had every box checked in the list of things I look for in a great book. 

Annie Kennedy has moved from a small town in Iowa to live with her aunt in the bustling city of Boston.  When she quickly falls in with a fast crowd, it isn’t by mistake.  In fact, it was the exciting life in Boston that her sister, Maggie wrote her about that had Annie hoping she would find some of the same thrills.  And find them she does.  Annie is over the moon when she finds herself rubbing elbows with some of Maggie’s old friends and Maggie’s old flame Steven O’Connor.  What she doesn’t expect is to fall head over heels for the man who broke her sister’s heart.

Steven O’Connor is haunted by past mistakes.  After ending a tawdry liaison that nearly severed his relationship with his father and family, he puts his party image to rest and becomes an officer in the Justice Department.  After rescuing Annie Kennedy from a couple thugs, he encourages her to stay away from the nightlife on Ocean Pier.  But when she ignores his advice, their paths continue to cross.  He convinces himself she is nothing but a kid looking for trouble.  But he soon finds out she is more woman than he has given her credit for, and his interest in her is no longer out of duty.

A LOVE SURRENDERED had more twists and turns than I can remember reading in a romance novel in long time.  I absolutely love the O’Connor family.  Their different personalities and the way they spar with each other makes for a rich backdrop to the struggles facing Annie and Steven.  I really appreciate the fact that Lessman–though this is a Christian novel–does not sanitize or water down the attraction or temptations Annie and Steven face as they try to navigate through their confusing feelings for each other.  Lessman skillfully handles chemistry, passion, and desire without crossing the lines into tasteless or questionable.  Not knowing how the book was going to end, I found myself struggling with how there could be a happily-ever-after for all involved.  The ending with nothing short of satisfying. 

Book provided for review purposes.

“Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”




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The Reunion by Dan Walsh

The Reunion

By Dan Walsh

Expert storyteller Dan Walsh pens a new tale filled with the things his fans have come to love – forgiveness, redemption, love and that certain bittersweet quality that few authors ever truly master. Fans old and new will find themselves drawn into this latest story about restoration for the broken and ignored.

Walsh brilliantly weaves together two stories of men embroiled in turmoil – Aaron Miller a Vietnam vet who returned from war only to lose everything and of Dave Russo, a writer unable to love again. The Reunion opens with Aaron, 40 years after the war, slowly putting his life back together. Dave uncovers his heroic actions during the war, leading both men to find a second chance in life and love – if they’re willing to take a risk.

Walsh captures genuine emotion in his writing, and according to RT Book Reviews, he “demonstrates that, like Nicholas Sparks, men are capable of writing romantic fiction.”

Walsh has mastered telling stories set in separate time periods. The Reunion is a contemporary story with flashbacks to Vietnam. When Walsh was young, he hated history until he discovered a few non-fiction history books that read like page-turning novels. “They made history come alive,” says Walsh. “Reading became a joy. That’s my goal now, to create that same experience for my readers. I hope they get inspired and thoroughly enjoy themselves.”

My Review - The Reunion

The Reunion by Dan Walsh

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


For a person who likes romance books or books with high drama, THE REUNION by Dan Walsh was a departure from my normal reads but exceptional all the same!

Since I usually read romance or suspense books, I didn’t know what to expect from a book that looked as if it would have neither.  What a pleasant surprise.  From the first chapter, I was drawn in and instantly attached to the characters.

Vietnam vet, Aaron Miller, was honored by his country with a distinguished medal, but now, is just a trailer park handyman that lives in a store room.  Aaron came home from the war wounded, hooked on drugs, and became an outcast to his family.  Upon finding the Lord and kicking his addiction, he tried to reunite with his family, but his ex-wife would not allow it.  So, Aaron lives his simple life in obscurity, but continues to touch the lives of the people he comes in contact with.

Dave Russo has been tasked by fellow Vietnam vet, John Lansing with finding Aaron Miller.  Aaron saved the lives of John and two other Marines and the three of them want to get in touch with Aaron and offer him the thanks that are long overdue.

As Dave searches for Aaron, the reader follows the lives of Aaron, Dave, and the parties that ultimately bring about THE REUNION.

I thoroughly enjoyed THE REUNION.  Not only were the main characters likable, but the secondary characters were rich and colorful as well.  The added budding romance between Dave and Aaron’s daughter, Karen was a great side story.  And the honor Dan Walsh bestowed on Vietnam vets in his telling was well deserved. THE REUNION is a true feel good story.

“Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Book provided for review purposes.





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Love's Reckoning

Love’s Reckoning

By Laura Frantz

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. Love's Reckoning is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in Lancaster. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?

Laura Frantz is a lover of history, is the author of The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel's Lady, and currently lives in the misty woods of Washington with her husband and two sons.

My Review - Love's Reckoning

LOVE’S RECKONING is definitely suited for those who like period pieces with grand language.  Unfortunately, I am not one of those people.  It was author Laura Frantz’s name that drew me to this book because I have read some of her previous books and enjoyed them, but LOVE’S RECKONING just never grabbed my attention.  Scenes that I felt could’ve had more emotional impact seemed to be glossed over and left me, the reader, feeling cheated.  I liked the characters of Eden and Silas, and hated Elspeth and Liege.  So, Frantz definitely drew emotion out of me, but it wasn’t enough to keep my interest.  I found myself breezing over long descriptive passages, zoning in on the dialogue, and just wanting to get to the meat of the story.  The last few chapters were more to my liking but I don’t know if that was because I knew how it would end or because I knew the end was near.

Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

Book  provided for review purposes.