My Review - Nowhere to Turn

5 out of 5

NOWHERE TO TURN was fast-paced and intense, from beginning to end.

Danielle Harding’s life has taken one difficult turn after another.  Wanting nothing more than to protect her eleven-year-old son from her abusive husband, Danielle decides to flee.  But, in a freak turn of events, Kurt Harding is killed.  And with his death, Dani finally feels safe.  Unfortunately for her, the danger is just beginning.  It seems Dani’s husband has been working with less than reputable people.  When these people suspect Kurt has taken something of value, they go after Danielle.  Dani has no idea why someone is stalking her and her son.  All she knows is there is nowhere to turn but to Operation Refuge – a privately funded organization that helps people disappear.  Dani experiences a rollercoaster of emotions.  She immediately finds herself trusting Adam Buchanan the man assigned to protect her, but her wounded psyche questions if she should trust another man with her life and the life of her son.  But the more time she spends with Adam, and seeing the positive and caring interaction he has with Simon, she feels her heart softening and allows herself to believe maybe there could be something more between them.

Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge moves in to assist Dani and her son, Simon.  Though he feels an immediate attraction for Dani, Adam recognizes he needs to keep his demeanor professional.  What he thinks will be a smooth transition in moving Dani and Simon to safety quickly turns into an intricate game of cat and mouse.  Barely being able to keep one step ahead of Dani’s pursuers, Adam does all he can to keep them safe, find out who is calling the shots, and why they want Dani dead.

NOWHERE TO TURN was the consummate page-turner where the action never seemed to stop.  Dani and Adam were great lead characters.  And Simon was a wonderfully written charmer.  I am a real fan of Lynette Eason and was shocked to find out she had a new series I was unaware of.  NOWHERE TO TURN is the second installment in the Hidden Identity series.  I will definitely be going back to purchase NO ONE TO TRUST, the first book in the series.  If you like action-adventure with romance, you definitely want to read NOWHERE TO TURN.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available August 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

My Review - A Bouquet of Love

3 out of 5 stars

A BOUQUET OF LOVE was a light, quirky romance set amongst a family feud rivaling the Hatfields and McCoys. 

Flowers are Cassia Pappas’ life.  She dreams of being a florist.  A dream that will never be realized if her father has anything to say about it.  Niko Pappas runs his family Gyros business with an iron fist and demands nothing but loyalty from his family.  And loyalty to Niko Pappas means no fraternizing with anyone in the Rossi clan.  That becomes increasingly difficult since the Rossi family has their hands in just about every business at Galveston Island.

When Cassia does the unthinkable and secretly gets a job at the local florist owned by a Rossi family member, she hopes to ease her father into the idea of her working somewhere besides the family restaurant.  When she meets Alex, the local flower supplier, she is more than smitten.  She and Alex immediately hit it off.  But when Cassia finds out he too has close relations to the Rossi’s, she is sure her father is going to disown her . . . if he doesn’t kill her first.  What follows is a cavalcade of characters from both the Pappas and Rossi clans trying to nurture relationships without the family patriarchs finding out.

A BOUQUET OF LOVE was just a bit too quirky and chaotic for me.  I need to clarify that my genre of choice is action/suspense/romance so I am sure that has a lot to do with why A BOUQUET OF LOVE didn’t hold my interest.  The story of the feuding families definitely overshadowed the budding relationship between Cassia and Alex, making their storyline feel more like a filler than the focal point.  But that’s just my opinion.  Anyone who likes slapstick comedy and cozy stories would probably appreciate A BOUQUET OF LOVE.  It just wasn’t my piece of cake, or should I say Baklava.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available August 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - Second Chance Cafe

4 out of 5 stars

SECOND CHANCE CAFÉ was the perfect mid-summer quick read.  The storyline was good and the characters genuine.  The perfect break from the suspense books I usually read.

Isabella Romano is feeling stretched.  Not only does her nursing job keep her busy, but her ailing father occupies her time and her thoughts.  So, when patient Ethan Carter vies for her attention, she convinces herself she has no time for a personal life.  

Firefighter Ethan Carter is smitten with Isabella and does everything he can to convince her to give him a chance.  When his back injury is slow to heal, Ethan decides to fulfill a lifelong dream and buy a café.  Something that pushes Isabella even further away.

Isabella’s family is in the restaurant business, something she wants no part of.  When she finds out Ethan has just purchased the café next to the firehouse, she’s convinced nothing could come of their relationship.  What ensues is the push and pull of two people figuring out if they can really make their relationship work.

SECOND CHANCE CAFÉ was a sweet and enjoyable story.  Isabella is stubborn and Ethan is persistent.  The perfect match for a spark-filled romance. 

Book provided for review purposes.

 

My Review - In Perfect Time

4 out of 5 stars

IN PERFECT TIME by Sarah Sundin was nostalgic romance at its best.

Army flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson is a professional dater.  Stringing men together like paper dolls, she flirts and teases her way from base to base, only to leave broken hearts when the relationships demands too much. 

Lt. Roger Cooper, a C-47 pilot has crossed paths with Kay on numerous occasions but has never fallen under her spell.  Everyone thinks it is his devout Christian faith that has him walking the straight and narrow, but its Cooper’s past that has him keeping his distance from Kay.  But, Roger isn’t the only one keeping secrets. 

Kay struggles with who she is and what she’s become.  Knowing she will never be good enough for the likes of Roger Cooper, she decides a friendship is all they’ll ever have.  But the more Kay is exposed to the God Roger serves instead of the God from her youth, the closer they get.  Thinking they might really have a chance together, Kay is devastated when Roger pushes her away.  Though she does everything she can to stay out of Roger’s path, they are teamed together for a mission that could possibly be their last.

IN PERFECT TIME is the third installment in the Wings of the Nightingale series, but the first one I have read.  It stood completely on its own, and I never felt like I was missing out from not reading the first two books.  I am not usually a fan of period pieces, but I really enjoyed IN PERFECT TIME.  The characters were rich, diverse, and believable.  While the author leads you to believe that both Roger and Kay are carefree people living in the moment, you find out it’s their difficult upbringings and choices they made in their youth that defines who they are as adults.  The setting and the period really enhanced the story, but at times, I felt the author bogged the reader down with intricate flight details that weren’t really that necessary.  I believe this is the first book I’ve read from author Sarah Sundin, but I might just have to go back and read books one and two.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available July 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - Predator

5 out of 5 stars

PREDATOR by Terri Blackstock is a chilling tale taken from today’s headlines.

Krista Carmichael is on a quest to find her sister’s murderer.  Fourteen-year-old Ella was brutally beaten, raped, and buried alive.  Krista is convinced her sister’s killer stalked Ella on the social media site GrapeVyne.  With the media site’s Thought Bubble posting member’s whereabouts and activities, members can be easily stalked by predator’s masquerading as friends.  Krista is determined to find the man that killed her sister.  Reaching out to Ryan Adkins, the creator of GrapeVyne, Krista asks him to post warnings on his site to discourage young people from divulging too much information.

Ryan Adkins is touched by Krista’s loss, but his hands are tied.  Though he is the creator of the social media site, he no longer holds controlling power over it.  GrapeVyne’s board of directors feel posting warnings or disclaimers on their site would in some ways be looked at as GrapeVyne claiming responsibility, something they have no intentions of doing.  But, when two more victims are linked to the media site, Ryan can helped but feel as if action needs to be taken.  When he involves himself with Krista and her agenda, he is fired from his own company.  But that doesn’t stop him.  Ryan is bound and determined to help Krista unmasked the anonymous predator.  He knows he is onto something when he becomes the predator’s next target.

PREDATOR was captivating and unsettling.  With our day-to-day world so wrapped up in the internet and social media, PREDATOR unveils the dangers of people allowing their lives to be an open book for all to see.  The story was realistic, and the characters multi-faceted.  From the diligence of Krista’s quest, to the grieving of Ella’s dad, to the feelings that develop between Krista and Ryan, the storylines blend seamlessly.  Once again, Terri Blackstock has me reading when my attention should be on other things.  Oh well, there’s always tomorrow.

My Review - Downfall

5 out of 5 stars

DOWNFALL, book three in the Intervention series by Terri Blackstock was riveting.

The Intervention series continues with the Covington family. 

Barbara has moved her family to Atlanta for two reasons.  One – to put some distance between her daughter, Emily and her druggie friends.  Two – so she can be closer to Detective Kent Harlan, the man she’s following in love with.

Emily is two years sober and has slowly put her life back together.  She’s in college and working at a recovery center, but her mother continues to walk on eggshells around her, afraid she’s going to relapse.

Lance, Emily’s teenage brother, is struggling at his new school.  Treated as an outcast, he wishes they never would’ve moved.  His only friend is April, a girl he’s smitten with.  But when he finds out she’s dabbling in drugs, he’s angered and frustrated. 

Barbara and Kent’s relationship continues to progress, but with all the drama in Barbara’s life, Kent doesn’t want to put too much pressure on her.

What follows is the twists and turns that bring all these scenarios together.  Emily is being stalked by someone who wants her dead.  Lance is doing all he can to protect April from drugs and the guy who is supplying her with them.  Kent works a case that could have ties to Emily’s problems.  And Barbara is struggling to keep her family together.

DOWNFALL is the perfect culmination to the Intervention series.  I loved that the Covington family is center throughout the series.  With each book you learn just a little bit more about what makes them tick.  They are a family passionately in love with and protective of each other, but the trials and tribulations they face continue to test their bonds.  I can’t say much without giving plotlines away.  So, I will just say that it was a fascinating, suspenseful, driven series that is worth investing in the whole set.

My Review - Vicious Cycle

4 out of 5 stars

VISIOUS CYCLE, the second in the Intervention series was face-paced and exciting.

Lance Covington is a caring guy.  He’s only fifteen, but his concern for Jordan - a pregnant girl he met at his sister’s drug rehab center – is about to get him in more trouble than he thought imaginable.  Wrongly accused of kidnapping Jordan’s newborn, he’s devastated to find out Jordan is the one who fingered him to the police.  But with his Mom and Detective Kent Harlan helping him, he’s sure everything will eventually get ironed out.  But when he gets out of jail, he and Jordan find themselves in even more danger.

VICIOUS CYCLE was a great follow-up to INTERVENTION.  Though Lance was the focus of this installment, Emily, Barbara and Kent’s stories progressed as well. I can’t say much without giving away the story, but the action, suspense, and plotline was intense and riveting.  So glad I already own Downfall-book three -so I can start right in.

 

My Review - Intervention

4 out of 5 stars

INTERVENTION by Terri Blackstock is the first in the Intervention Series.  Though the world of addiction and drug abuse is central to the plot, it’s the suspense and intensity that makes this book a page-turner.

Barbara Covington has just done the hardest thing in her life since burying her husband.  She’s put Emily-her drug addict daughter-on a plane in the care of an interventionist, praying it’s not too late to save her.  But, when the interventionist is found at the airport murdered and Emily is nowhere to be found, Detective Kent Harlan labels Emily their prime suspect.  Panicked, Barbara and her son, Lance, rush to Atlanta to help find Emily and prove her innocence.  Though Emily has lied, stole, and spent time in jail for past offenses, Barbara refuses to believe her daughter would murder just to get her next fix.  But with Emily missing, one of two things have happened.  Either Emily witnessed a murder and is now in danger of being the next victim, or Barbara no longer knows her daughter and Emily has done the unspeakable. 

INTERVENTION is a face-paced, consuming novel centered in the world of drug addiction.  As always, Ms. Blackstock keeps the intensity flowing from on page to the next, making it hard for the reader to put the book down.  The characters were well fleshed out.  A panicked mother, a paranoid drug addict, a smarter than average adolescent son, and a cynical detective, all these characters worked their way into my senses, making them believable and people I genuinely cared about.  Though the plot isn’t hard to figure out in advance of the author laying it out for the reader, it didn’t make it any less enjoyable and thrilling to read.  I haven’t read Blackstock’s books in a while, and now I have read three back-to-back-to-back, reminding me once more why I enjoy her as an author.  Suspense, great characters, and gripping stories that have you staying up late just to read one more chapter. Thankfully, I already have Vicious Cycle on hand, the next book in the Intervention Series.  So much for getting anything else done this weekend.

My Review - Distortion

5 out of 5 stars

DISTORTION was fast paced and completely consuming.  Terri Blackstock has written yet another riveting, action-filled novel.

Juliet Cole’s world has just been rocked.  When her husband in gunned down in front of her, Juliet is in shock.  But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.  What she first thinks is a random shooting she soon learns was an intentional hit.  Finding out her husband has led a secret life takes her out at the knees.  Now she must find a way to protect her children’s memories of their father while she helps the FBI gather evidence against him.  But when the same men that killed her husband go after her sons, Juliet will take whatever risk necessary to protect them. 

In DISTORTION, the Cramer family we were first introduced to in TRUTH STAINED LIES is once again pulled into a vortex of pain and heartbreak.  I would definitely recommend that readers read TRUTH STAINED LIES first so they will know the background of siblings Cathy, Holly and Jay; and Michael Hogan, their close family friend.  Each of these characters are well fleshed out in the first installment of the Moonlighters series and segues seamlessly into the second installment.  I love the tenacity of the Cramer sisters.  And though Juliet is the focus of DISTORTION, we get to see the relationship between Cathy and Michael grow stronger.  I can only assume there will a third installment in the series, which I will anxiously watch for.  But quite frankly, I can’t see how the Cramer family will be handle yet another tragedy.

My Review - Truth Stained Lies

TRUTH STAINED LIES is consummate Terri Blackstock. Action, suspense, with just a thread of romance.  I haven’t read one of Terri’s books in a long time.  I stockpile them, but haven’t picked one up lately.  So glad I did.

Cathy Cramer is a blogger of crimes.  A former lawyer, she sits in on high profile cases and then blogs about them, usually adding her indicting two cents.  Well, that’s all about to change.  When she receives a threatening note, she dismisses it.  But, when her sister-in-law is murdered and all evidence points to Cathy’s brother, Jay, she knows he’s being set-up by whoever left her the note.  But why? 

Cathy enlists the help of her two sisters, and Michael Hogan to prove Jay’s innocence.  Once engaged to Michael’s brother, Joe, Cathy and Michael share a special bond.  And now it is there job to convince the local police that the “facts” against Jay aren’t what they appear to be.

TRUTH STAINED LIES is a fast-paced novel that pulls you in from the very first scene.  The characters Ms. Blackstock created are multi-faceted with flaws and scars.  When I read the blurb about Cathy and her sisters moonlighting as investigators I was concerned that the storyline was going to be cheesy.  Maybe that was why it took my so long to choose to read this book.  But, I should’ve never doubted Ms. Blackstock.  The plotlines involving the Cramer sisters and the lengths they took to try and prove their brother’s innocents were well crafted and completely believable.  I can’t wait to read DISTORTION, book two in the series.  Luckily, I already have it on my book shelf.

My Review - Friend Me by John Faubion

4 out of 5 stars

FRIEND ME is an intense thriller.  Definitely a page-turner.

Scott and Rachel have fallen into a rut.  Scott provides for his family, but keeps long hours.  Rachel takes care of the home, but wishes Scott was home more.  Feeling lonely, Rachel discovers a new website that creates for her a virtual friend.  When she explains to Scott about her find, he decides to look into it himself, and creates a friend as well.  A female friend.  Someone that understands him and supports him when Rachel leaves him lacking. 

Unbeknownst to neither Rachel or Scott, Melissa, a computer genius, is using the Virtualfriendme website to seek out the perfect man.  Melissa uses manipulation and seduction to find out all she can about Scott and Rachel’s fragile marriage.  Knowing Scott is the perfect man for her, Melissa sees Rachel as nothing more than a minor obstacle in her plan to claim Scott as her own.

FRIEND ME might be a work of fiction, but it is so relevant in today’s computer-dependent society that it’s unnervingly realistic.  John Faubion poignantly shows how easily people who toe the line between right and wrong can allow themselves to trip over that line into a world of deception and destruction.  The characters in FRIEND ME reveal the vulnerability that lurks in all of us, and how our weaknesses can and will be used against us in our struggle to keep our hearts and minds pure.

Not wanting to give too much away, all I can say is FRIEND ME is a must read for those who think the internet is harmless as a social gathering place.  This technology might not be present today, but I have no doubt it could be in the near future.

My Review - When Love Comes My Way

4 out of 5 stars

WHEN LOVE COMES MY WAY is not your run-of-the-mill romance.  And while some reviewers found that as a negative, I thoroughly enjoyed its unconventional style

Tess Wakefield has inherited Wakefield Timber from her uncle. Since she knows nothing about the timber industry, her fiancé encourages her to sell it and invest her assets into her own chain of haberdasheries. She has communicated with Jake Lannigan, the foreman of Wakefield Timber, her intentions of selling, but he has not been accommodating or agreeable to her plans.  So, Tess sets out to meet with a buyer and the foreman on Wakefield property.  Unfortunately, Tess is in a devastating wagon accident. Losing her memory, Tess is convinced she is the new schoolmarm. Though every day is a struggle in the small logging town, Tess is determined to make it work and put her mark on the town

Jake Lannigan is beyond frustrated with Tess Wakefield, a spoiled socialite who knows nothing about logging.  Jake and Tess’ uncle had an agreement to replant the groves they were lumbering.  Tess sees replanting as a waste of finances.  She refuses to listen to Jake’s suggestions and decides to sell to Sven Templeton, an adversary of Jake’s.  When Tess is in a wagon accident and losses her memory, Jake allows her to believe she is the new school teacher, even though he instinctively knows she is Tess Wakefield.  Without Tess Wakefield around to sell Wakefield Lumber, Jake figures he still has a chance of seeing his dream of replanting happen.  What he didn’t figure on, was falling in love with the beautiful, engaged, heiress.

Tess has more than fallen for the handsome, Jake Lannigan.  But she doesn’t understand his resistance in having a relationship with her.  She knows he’s attracted to her, but every time they get close, he pulls back.  When Tess finally regains her memory, she doesn’t know how she should feel about Jake.  He’s lied to her about who she really is. But deep down she knows she’s in love with him and willing to forgive him everything.

A really enjoyed WHEN LOVE COMES MY WAY because of its unconventional characters.  When Tess realizes she’s attracted to Jake, she doesn’t hold back.  Being quite forward, she isn’t your typical woman of society.  She sees what she wants and goes after it.  I found that fun and refreshing.  Jake as well wasn’t your normal hero.  He had his flaws but it didn’t distract from the man you knew him to be.  The secondary characters were very well written.  Andre and Echo, even Talbot, Tess’ fiancé was genuine and likable.  A very fun story with a great ending.

My Review - Inescapable

a3.5 out of 5 stars

INESCAPABLE by Nancy Mehl was a pleasant surprise. I am not a fan of the Amish genre, and when I saw the buggy on the cover of this book, I thought, “Oh great, how did I accidently order this?” But, I’m glad I did. To clarify, this book is not set in the Amish community, but a Mennonite community; and was an entertaining story filled with romance and suspense.

After an unplanned pregnancy at the age of eighteen, Lizzie Engel left Kingdom, Kansas, feeling shunned by the community and reviled by her father. Though it hasn’t been easy, she’s made a life for her and her daughter. But that life is now slowly falling apart. Accused of stealing money at her current job, she is fired; with the possibility of prosecution. But that is the least of her problems. Threatening letters, and a man stalking her, has Lizzie fearing for her daughter’s safety.  Feeling she has no choice, Lizzie does the one thing she vowed she would never do.  She runs home to Kingdom.

When her father refuses to accept her back, Lizzie gets a job at a local diner.  Once back in Kingdom, Lizzie realizes a lot has changed.  Many of the people she thought would shun her, accept her and her daughter; among them is Noah Housler.  Noah, a childhood friend, expresses more than just a passing interest in Lizzie.  And when Lizzie concedes to him the reason she is back in Kingdom, he vows to protect her.

As Lizzie dares to dream that she and her daughter are safe in Kingdom, and maybe she and Noah could have a future together, she sees her stalker and realizes she’s been followed. Now it’s not only her daughter that’s in danger, but all those she loves and cares about.

I really enjoyed the approach Nancy Mehl took in INESCAPABLE. Having someone close to the conservative Mennonite community and a history with it, but not having to be entrenched in it, allowed the story to have so much more dimension than most stories in this genre.  The characters were well written and likable.  The tug-o-war Lizzie experiences with her suitors added to the depth of the story. I’m glad I accidently ordered this book.  INESCAPABLE was an enjoyable read.

 

 

My Review - Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard

5 out of 5 stars

BLIND TRUST by Sandra Orchard was a riveting story with plenty of suspense, and enough romance to keep the story moving.

Kate Adams finds herself once again entangled with Detective Tom Parker.  First, it was while she was adamant to prove her friend, Daisy, was murdered.  Now, she finds herself as a suspect in a counterfeiting ring.  Though she has no intentions of getting involved with Tom on a personal level, she’s thankful he is overseeing her case.  She knows he will do whatever’s possible to prove her innocence.  What Kate doesn’t count on is their worlds being drastically rocked when secrets from her past, and that of Port Aster’s converge in another case Tom is working on.  As Kate’s feelings for Tom grow, their relationship is shattered by distrust.  Determined to clear her father’s name, Kate will do whatever it takes.  Even if that means going toe to toe with the conglomerate she is convinced is not only responsible for setting her father up, but for his ultimate death.

Detective Tom Parker not only wants to prove Kate Adam’s innocence in the counterfeiting operation that has moved into Port Aster, he can’t help but be drawn to her on a personal level.  Knowing he has to deal with her in a professional matter, Tom tries to put his budding feelings for her on the backburner until he can prove her innocence.  That becomes increasingly difficult when Tom realizes someone is trying to kill her.  When he discovers Kate’s connection is not to counterfeiters but to murderers, he has no choice but to keep her within arm’s length.  Not only is he providing for her safety, but he is protecting the woman he loves.  His only hope is Kate will forgive him when she finds out the devastating secret he’s keeping from her.

BLIND TRUST was very enjoyable.  The interaction between Kate and Tom was very electric, even when they were pushing each other way.  Kate was the perfect heroine−strong and driven.  And Tom had plenty of magnetism; making him the perfect hero.  Plenty of twist. Some expected, some not.  I will definitely be back tracking and purchasing DEADLY DEVOTION, book one in the series.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available June 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - Undetected by Dee Henderson

4.5 out of 5 stars

UNDETECTED by Dee Henderson might’ve had a few flaws, but I still had a hard time putting it down.

Gina Gray is a genius.  A gift she has struggled with her entire life.  Socially awkward, Gina has a tendency to put too much pressure on herself, causing her to freeze up in stressful situations.   After yet another failed relationship, Gina decides to go to her brother’s and await his return from sea.  A submariner for the US navy, Jeff is all the family Gina has, and seems to be the only person who understands her. That is, except for Commander Mark Bishop.  Mark, one of Jeff’s best friends, knows Gina and some of the challenges she faces.  Gina feels like she can be real with Mark, and trusts him with her sonar discovery that has the potential of changing submarine warfare. 

Commander Mark Bishop loves his job.  As commander of a ballistic submarine, he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.  But he wears the mantle with calm, humility, and a deep-seeded respect for the responsibility given to him.  When Gina Gray shows up on base and confides in him what it is she’s discovered, he realizes Gina’s intelligence places her as a security risk, and immediately steps in as her protector.

Both Gina and Mark are at a crossroads in life.  Mark is a widower longing to be married again, and Gina is looking for a relationship that won’t let her down.  When Jeff suggests Mark date his sister, Mark balks.  Gina is ten years his junior, and someone he’s thought of as a younger sister.  He ignores Jeff’s suggestion and even helps Jeff find a decent guy for Gina to date.  All too soon Mark realizes his feelings for Gina have changed. Now he must prove to her he’s the better man.

My summary can’t even begin to explain the complexity of UNDETECTED.  At times the story is bogged down with complicated scientific explanations. But watching the comfortable relationship develop between Gina and Mark makes the sometimes over-the-top details worth it. Though their relationship is not what I would consider passionate, it’s very real.  Very deep.  Very genuine.  The only other negative comment I have is regarding the manner in which Mark and Daniel handle the fact that they’re both in love with Gina.  The politeness and willingness to step aside for each other seemed a bit over the top.  If they were passionately in love with her, I think there would’ve been a little more jealousy between the two men.  Instead, they always seemed to encourage Gina to spend time with their competition.  Other than these two negatives, I loved the characters.  Gina was very complex; much like Charlotte in UNSPOKEN, and Mark had a soft spoken; but very much in control persona.  UNDETECTED was slow in developing these characters, which only added to their depth. This was a very complex book, again, much like UNSPOKEN.  Henderson took time to develop characters that were inherently strong on the outside but tremendously vulnerable on the inside.  A great combination.

My Review - A Place in His Heart

3 out of 5 stars

A PLACE IN HIS HEART seemed to have all the elements for a heart-warming historical romance, yet there was that something special that was missing for me.

When Mary Langton is left at the altar, her father strongly encourages her to marry an eligible milliner from London.  But Mary wants to marry for love.  Barnabas Horton grieves the loss of his wife, but continues to be strong for his two young boys.  Knowing Joseph and Benjamin need a mother, Barnabas considers the idea of remarrying.  Mary knows Barnabas is still in love with his first wife, but she wants to provide stability for him and his two sons, and she thinks eventually she will win Barnabas’ heart.

When Barnabas moves his family to the New World, Mary must leave behind her own family and cleave to an uncertain future.  Mary is committed to Barnabas, and does everything she can to show him her love, and provide for him another child.  But, even after years of togetherness, Mary is still without a child, and it pains her to realize she may never hold Barnabas’ heart.  Barnabas does not see Mary’s pain until it is too late.  Now it is he who must prove to Mary that she has indeed captured his heart.

Like I said previously, A PLACE IN HIS HEART had all the key elements for a satisfying romance, but somehow it just didn’t click for me on all levels.  I felt the momentum was slow and most times I found myself not liking Barnabas.  I had a multi-published, award winning, author once caution a group of novice writers regarding the development of a hero or heroine.  She acknowledged they could be imperfect, even annoying, but the reader must genuinely care about the character for the reader’s attachment to that character to grow.  And though I did like the character of Mary, at times I felt Barnabas was too cold and self-absorbed.  In fact, I like the character of Jeremy, his brother, much more so, and he was just a secondary character without many pages dedicated to him.  The ending should have won me over.  But quite frankly, by the end of the book, I didn’t think Barnabas deserved Mary. 

Book provided for review purposes.

Available June 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

My Review - Deeper Than Red by Sue Duffy

3 out of 5 stars

DEEPER THAN RED is the third book in the Red Returning series by Sue Duffy.  Though this installment went a little slower, and was a little more difficult to get in to, I’m glad I stuck with it because the ride was worth the wait.

Liesl Bower had hopes that espionage, assassinations, and diabolical plots were behind her.  But once again, she and Max Morozov are right in the middle of an international plot with explosive proportions.  Not the likely life for a pianist and violinist, but here they are again, trying to figure why they are still targeted by a man that is supposedly dead.

Tally Greyson will do whatever necessary to get her mother out of the clutches of Vandoren, a man steep in mind control and the occult.  When she finds an unexpected ally, Tally feels she has a chance.  But when even stranger happenings draw the interest of the FBI to the medium community, she realizes her mother is in even more danger than first thought.

DEEPER THAN RED is so intricately woven together, you have to pay attention to every sigh and every silent glance.  Liesl and Cade are wonderful together.  And the secondary characters of Henry, Ian, Max, and Evgeny, add layers to an already multi-layered conspiracy.  I did find the beginning difficult to get into, and with so many characters, especially with Russian names, it made it hard to keep all the characters straight.  But once the story gained momentum it was easy to stay in the rhythm of the story.  I’m not usually drawn to political dramas, but DEEPER THAN RED had the right amount of romance, edge, and twists to keep me interested.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available March 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

 

My Review - A Woman of Fortune

5 out of 5 stars

A WOMAN OF FORTUNE was an amazing read!

Texas socialite, Claire Massey, has everything.  An amazing husband that dotes on her, three terrific children, designer clothes, luxury cars, a stunning home, and her only worry is matching the right shoes to the right outfit.  That is, until her husband is arrested in what may be the biggest cattle fraud case in history.

Claire barely has time to take a breath before her perfect world crumbles into moments of heartache, loss, and humiliation.  She feels betrayed by her husband, and stupid for not seeing the signs of his demise.  Her love for him is so strong, she doesn’t think twice about standing by him while her family is stripped of everything.  Garrett, her oldest son, distances himself from his father so he isn’t implicated in his scams, and in the process deserts Claire.  Their daughter, Lainie’s own life is in shambles because of her father’s crimes.  She abandons her family and spirals into her own darkness. But Max, the family underachiever, stands by his mother and helps her navigate what is left of her life.  Claire insists on looking at the positive.  With her husband’s full cooperation, he is promised a light sentence, even if he has to give up all his assets to pay for his crimes.  Claire is willing to wait out his sentence and rebuild her life with the man she loves.  That is, until their future is no longer secured. 

A WOMAN OF FORTUNE was so enthralling, I couldn’t put it down.  Ms. Gilbert did an amazing job fleshing out dynamic characters.  Because of the love Claire had for Tuck, I understood her need to stand by him, and hated it when more was piled on her. The reactions of Garrett, Lainie, and Max, were all understandable, but even still, my heart broke for what it did to Claire.  Even in Claire’s self-examination and self-blame, I wanted to pull her aside and assure her she wasn’t to blame.  I didn’t want her to take the blame for what her husband did, and I applauded her for wanting to stand by the man she knew and fell in love with so many years ago.  A great book. A great story of true love and forgiveness.  And I loved the way, in the end, Ms. Gilbert revealed to us the true heart of Reece Sandell. Great touch.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available June 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

My Review - One More Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

4 out of 5 stars

ONE MORE LAST CHANCE is the second book in the A Place Called Home series by Cathleen Armstrong. ONE MORE LAST CHANCE is an easy read, with a simple love story.  Nothing too outlandish to stretch the imagination, but a feel good book just the same.

Sarah Cooley has returned to Last Chance, New Mexico, her hometown.  Taking a job as a school teacher and being near family were perks, but the main reason she’s returned to Last Chance is because nothing ever changes there.  Ever.  After a failed relationship, with a man that seemed to thrive on change, Sarah is looking forward to the constants that Last Chance provides her. 

As the new owner of the Dip’n’Dine, Chris Reed can’t wait to put his mark on Last Chance.  Owning his own restaurant is his dream, and he can’t wait to change up the menu and bring new life to the old diner.  But, he soon finds out the people of Last Chance like things just the way they are.

Sarah and Chris get off on the wrong foot, and continue to trip over each other.  Sarah hates the fact that Chris wants to change things, and Chris can’t seem to get the beautiful, but stubborn, brunette out of his head.  As they both deal with personal issues, somehow, their paths keep intersecting. Last Chance holds changes for both Sarah and Chris. The question is, will they allow the other to help them through their journey.

I really enjoyed ONE MORE LAST CHANCE.  The story was pretty predictable, but that didn’t impact the entertainment value.  Chris was a true hero in every sense of the word.  And Sarah, thought headstrong and tenacious, softened her sharp edges enough to allow her heart to experience love again.  Secondary characters like Juanita, Carlos, and Elizabeth definitely added warm and richness to the story.   The A Place to Call Home series is definitely worth picking up.  I will be looking for book three coming out in Spring 2015.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available May 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - Fatal Exchange by Lisa Harris

4 out of 5 stars

FATAL EXCHANGE, the second installment in the Southern Crimes series by Lisa Harris, was a fast read with suspense, and a few more twists than expected.

Emily Hunt comes from a law enforcement family.  And though she respects her family tremendously, being a school teacher is more to her liking.  After a failed engagement, Emily learns two things.  Marriage without love is not the way to go, and cops are off her approved dating list.  But, when undercover cop, Mason Taylor reinserts himself into her life, she’s not sure if the feelings stirring inside her are personal or a knee-jerk reaction because of the drama surrounding them. One thing she does know for sure, without his help, tragedy is going to continue to touch her family.

Mason Taylor is no longer welcomed in the Hunt home.  After the death of Michael Hunt, his partner, the Hunt family blames Mason, even accusing him of being a department mole.  But, when his involvement in a kidnapping intersects with Emily Hunt, old feelings are brought to the surface.  Mason has no intention of failing the Hunt family again.  But being objective in his latest case is difficult because of his personal feelings for Emily.

FATAL EXCHANGE is fast paced, making for a very quick read.  Twists come at unexpected times, drawing you in, not allowing you to put it down.  The relationship between Emily and Mason is electric.  The Hunt family is tight-knit, reminding me of the bond shared by the Reagan family on Blue Bloods, on CBS.  Though a few plots were guessable, it didn’t distract from Lisa Harris’ overall storytelling.  And the hook for book three, has been anxiously awaiting its release.  I encourage readers to also pick up DANGEROUS PASSAGE, book one in the Southern Crimes series.  It will bring you up to speed on Emily’s sister, Avery North, and give you more insight into the Hunt family.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available May 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

My Review - One Perfect Spring

4 out of 5 stars

ONE PERFECT SPRING by Irene Hannon was a warm, entertaining page turner.

Claire Summers, Keith Watson, Maureen Chandler, and David McMillian; have been brought together by a very unique circumstance.  What ensues is a life-changing journey for everyone involved.

Claire is shocked when she finds out her daughter, Haley, has written a letter to David McMillian.  Known for his charitable acts, Haley asks Mr. McMillian to assist in finding Ms. Chandler’s son−a son she gave up for adoption over two decades ago. Mr. McMillian agrees, and sends his assistant, Keith Watson, to get the ball rolling. Keith wants nothing to do with this project because of the insecurities in his past.  But, being the professional he is, he follows through with the plan. While his meeting with Ms. Chandler goes as well as can be expected, it’s his confrontation with her neighbor, Claire Summers that has him stewing. But, his frustration towards Claire soon turns to attraction.

Maureen is shocked when David McMillian himself pays her a visit regarding Haley’s letter.  She is even more surprised when he asks a favor in return.  Neither Maureen nor David can ignore the chemistry between them.  But, Maureen is gun-shy.  Not only because of her past failed relationship, but because of the cancer battle she hopes is in her past.

While these two relationships blossom, the insecurities they all carry cause the four of them to take things slow.

I really enjoyed ONE PERFECT SPRING. Each character exuded such warmth and authenticity. Though ONE PERFECT SPRING is not the suspense-filled story I am use to from Irene Hannon, it clearly shows her versatility as an author.

Book provided for review purposes.

Available April 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

My Review - The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall

5 out of 5 stars

All I can say is WOW!!  MaryLu has done it again!!  THE RANSOM is swashbuckling, romance and adventure personified. 

Juliana Dutton’s life is becoming more complicated by the minute.  As her father’s health continues to decline, she secretly runs the family shipping business, hopeful he will recover and life will go back to normal.  But that is not to be.  As she struggles to continue her charade, her drunken brother is destined to gamble away the family fortune.  To keep up appearances, Juliana puts in time at social events but has her hands full deflecting the enamored attention of both Captain Nichols and the outlandish Lord Munthrope.  But it is her clash with the notorious Pirate Earl that upends her world. 

Grasping at straws to protect her secret, Juliana accepts a proposal from Lord Munthrope in order to keep Captain Nichols at bay.  And while she sees her betrothal as nothing but a business proposition, she gets the feeling there is more to the foppish Lord Munthrope than meets the eye.  When she has yet another encounter with The Pirate Earl, her senses once again betray her.  She hates herself for the attraction she feels towards the rogue, but the protection, help, and care he has shown her, and those she feels responsible for, makes Juliana question if she has lost her ability to distinguish good from evil.

The Pirate Earl, may live by the sword, but his heart belongs to the fair Juliana Dutton.  While he positions himself to see to her protection and care, Juliana sees only that he is a Pirate.  Though he knows there is no way a lady of Juliana’s character will ever see him as anything more than a renegade, he still does what he can to prove to her he means her no harm and wants only the best for her.

I absolutely loved, loved, loved, THE RANSOM!  The chemistry between the characters was so tension-filled and electrifying, I could feel every tenuous moment as if I was there.  The wit and sharpness The Pirate Earl had with both tongue and sword made for a suave and captivating hero.  And Juliana’s spunk and determination to save not only her family business, but those around her, made her a true heroine. 

THE RANSOM is a must read, and easily one of my favorite books to date.

 

 

 

 

My Review - The Pelican Bride

4 our of 5 stars 

THE PELICAN BRIDE by Beth White is rich in history and characters with genuine appeal.

It’s 1704, and Genevieve Gaillain, along with her sister, is looking for a new start in the new colony of Louisiana.  Passage on the frigate Pelican, comes with one stipulation.  She and her sister must agree to marry one of the men in this new colony.  Since her religious beliefs will only bring her persecution if she were to stay in her homeland, Genevieve decides the new colony is the safer of the two evils.  Especially since she has already been labeled a criminal and will be sought out for her crime.

Tristan Lanier is not looking for a wife.  Already having suffered the loss of his beloved, he chooses to live a solitary life on his own plantation.  Respected by many in the nearby Fort where his brother is still an officer, he makes himself available to this burgeoning colony whenever his talents are required.  Unfortunately, there are those that detest Tristan’s involvement and would like nothing better than for him to go away . . . permanently.

When Tristan helps the passengers of the Pelican make their way to their new home, Genevieve finds herself at odds with the older of the Lanier brothers.  But the mutual animosity between Genevieve and Tristan soon blossoms into something more.  Though both of them struggle with the secrets they are keeping, they can’t seem to fight the powerful forces drawing them together. 

Unrest in the new colony, along with sinister happenings that are hard to explain, soon drives a wedge between Tristan and Genevieve.  The sting of betrayal may be an obstacle too big for them to overcome  When it becomes obvious someone is trying to silence them both, they realize it’s not just their love for each other on the line, but their very lives.

Once I got into the story, I really enjoyed THE PELICAN BRIDE.  At first, the introduction of so many characters, especially the different officers, was a bit hard to keep straight.  I couldn’t tell who was on whose side.  But, as the story progressed, I was better able to identify the good, the bad, and the ugly.  The main characters were fleshed out very well.  I fell in love with Genevieve and Tristan, Nika and Deerfoot, was exasperated with Aimee’s petulance, understood the struggle Marc-Antoine felt to be recognized on his own merit, and loathed Dufresne.  A good book should make you feel a gamut of emotions for the characters involved.  Ms. White accomplished that in THE PELICAN BRIDE.

Book provided of review purposes.

Available April 2014 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

2014 Carol Awards Judge

Hey there everyone -

Just wanted to let you know I have not forsaken my blog.  I am once again a judge in the ACFW Carol Awards.  The Carol Awards are ACFW’s (American Christian Fiction Writer's) recognition for the best Christian fiction published by traditional publishing houses in the previous calendar year.

I am in the process of reading and judging seven entries.  Since the judging is anonymous, I can't very well post reviews regarding them.  I love being a part of the judging panel because I have no control over which books I will receive.  In the past few years, I have come to discover authors I hadn't yet been introduced to.  Authors that are now on my favorites list. 

So, bear with me.  I will have a review at the end of the month and several more in May and June that have no association to the Carol Awards (or are at least not on my judging list).

Happy reading to you all!

My Review - Hands of Darkness

4 out of 5 stars

HANDS OF DARKNESS is an edgy read with a heroine that is anything but run of the mill.

Evelyn has survived the devastation of losing her young daughter to a psychopathic murderer.  Solving the case brought her some sense of closure, but also got her disbarred.  She now works as a consultant for the San Diego Police Department.  Evelyn’s ways are far from conventional and she often speaks without a filter.  But she has the uncanny ability of getting information out of witnesses and criminals alike.  When her current case turns personal, Evelyn becomes even more obsessed with finding the man who is brutalizing and murdering woman.

HANDS OF DARKNESS was a refreshing read, in a blunt, un-censored sort of way.  I like a book with grit, and HANDS OF DARKNESS had plenty of that.  An aspiring author myself, I’m pleased to see Christian publishing houses broadening their borders to include stories that haven’t been sanitized, but still include characters who believe in the power of God.

Book provided for review purposes.

My Review - Summer of Joy

4 out of 5 stars

SUMMER OF JOY by Ann H. Gabhart is a unique book that touches on several genres.  From small town life, to divorce, to the feeling of failure, to forgiveness, to romance, even a touch of suspense, SUMMER OF JOY was definitely an interesting read.

Jocie Brooke is a child of optimism.  Though she’s already experienced heartbreak at a young age, she refuses to allow the negative circumstances in life to get her down.  Since her mother left town when she was younger, Jocie has been fiercely protective of her father.  When her sister returns to town unmarried, with an infant on her hip, Jocie again chooses to look at the good not the bad.  Knowing her father is on the verge of a proposal, Jocie couldn’t be happier, feeling like her family has turned a corner and only the best is yet to come.  Though Leigh is several years younger than her father, she definitely meets with Jocie’s approval.  But, trouble is ahead that none of them could’ve imagine. 

SUMMER OF JOY has a bevy of secondary characters that are closely intertwined with Jocie, leading to various storylines.  There is Wes, Jocie’s grandfather figure that claims to be from Jupiter, Zella, a quirky character that assists at the newspaper Jocie’s father produces when he’s not in the pulpit, to Mr. Hammond, her creepy teacher that uses intimidation tactics on her while having a warped sense of connection with Leigh. 

All these and more make SUMMER OF JOY a story that celebrates the fact that all families have a sense of dysfunction.  But, from that dysfunction comes the things that bond and unite a family together.

Though this was book three in The Heart of Hollyhill series, I was able to read it as a standalone novel without feeling like I was missing out on something.  There are a few references to things that probably took place in book one and two, but it did not detract from or confuse my while reading SUMMER OF JOY.

This book is a re-release from 2008

Book provided for review purposes.

 

My Review - Sadie's Secret

4 out of 5 stars

 

SADIE’S SECRET by Kathleen Y’Barbo is a delightful mix of suspense and romance.

Sarah ”Sadie” Callum is kept on her toes at all times.  When she’s not vetting out criminals as a talented Pinkerton agent, she is busy staying one step ahead of her five overprotective brothers.  Though her family thinks she in only a secretary, her mother is more and more aggravated by her constant traveling, and begins to wonder what it is her daughter really does that requires so much roaming.

After Sadie sees to Jefferson Tucker’s release from prison - a position he found himself in when mistakenly taken for his twin brother – she assumes they both will go their separate ways.  But much to her dismay, the handsome and disarming Jefferson Tucker has a case of his own to solve and knows that he needs Sadie’s assistance to solve it.

British detective Jefferson Tucker is determined to find his elusive brother and make him pay for the year Jefferson lost in prison while mistaken for his brother.  And though he planned on doing this on his own, he realizes the beautiful Pinkerton agent that saw to his release is just the person he needs to help clear his name and get his life back.

Both Sarah and Jefferson are taken with each other, but for professional reasons they insist nothing personal can happen between them.  But the more time they spend together as their cases intersect, they more their attraction for each other builds. 

I really enjoyed SADIE’S SECRET.  Sadie was a strong character while Jefferson was quite debonair.  The twist and turns in the book are not difficult to figure out, but that does not diminish the journey.  I loved both Sadie’s and Jefferson’s family members.  They really added depth and appeal to the story.  This is the third book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series.  I didn’t read the first two books, but I didn’t feel lost or confused either.  An all-around entertaining adventure.

Book provided for review purposes.