by admin | Sep 24, 2021 | Books, Historical, Legal, Mystery
MY REVIEW:
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I received a copy of The Barrister and the Letter of Marque to review. I was not particularly in the right mood when I began to read it and was tempted to put it down for later. It did get off to a slow start but I persisted and after a few chapters I got caught up in the story and had no desire to stop reading before I reached the end.
I know other reviewers have mentioned a few historical errors but I tend to slide right by those because I’m all about the story and this one was quite intriguing. Although it is somewhat unusual for a Regency type novel to be written from a man’s point of view, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque was a refreshing detour from the usual. The legal details involved in solving the case as well as the mystery and suspense that accompanied them made for a story that wouldn’t let go. I loved the fact that there was very little romance involved but the plot and mysterious atmosphere were almost perfect.
I am not particularly acquainted with this author’s other novels but I sincerely hope that he will continue with more along this line. I liked it quite a lot.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As a barrister in 1818 London, William Snopes has witnessed firsthand the danger of only the wealthy having their voices heard, and he’s a strong advocate who defends the poorer classes against the powerful. That changes the day a struggling heiress, Lady Madeleine Jameson, arrives at his door.
In a last-ditch effort to save her faltering estate, Lady Jameson invested in a merchant brig, the Padget. The ship was granted a rare privilege by the king’s regent: a Letter of Marque authorizing the captain to seize the cargo of French traders operating illegally in the Indian Sea. Yet when the Padget returns to London, her crew is met by soldiers ready to take possession of their goods and arrest the captain for piracy. And the Letter–the sole proof his actions were legal–has mysteriously vanished.
Moved by the lady’s distress, intrigued by the Letter, and goaded by an opposing solicitor, Snopes takes the case. But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he learns that the forces arrayed against Lady Jameson, and now himself, are even more perilous than he’d imagined.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Todd M. Johnson (www.authortoddmjohnson.com) has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as adjunct professor of International Law and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong. He lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife and daughter.
by admin | Feb 3, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I love Cara Putman’s skillful combination of the law, suspense, romance, and faith. I actually prefer her succinct explanations of the legal process which tells me just enough for me to understand without making me feel as though I’ve been through a university class on law. Vivid description, excellent dialogue, natural friendships, and true-to-life frailties combined with realistic action and danger made Lethal Intent a true page turner.
Caroline Bragg’s longtime close friendship with Brandon Lancaster has just begun to look as though it might develop into more when she accepts a new job as the lawyer for a pharmaceutical research firm. On her very first day on the job she discovers one indirect connection of Brandon to her firm through a child from his foster care facility who is a candidate for experimental treatment. Later she also discovers that Brandon has invested in the firm and she fears their relationship may create a conflict of interest. Aside from that more than one death connected to the firm and several things that do not add up puzzles Caroline and she is determined to get to the bottom of it.
Lethal Intent is another fully absorbing novel from Putman that keeps this author on my must read list. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it and all her previous novels to readers who enjoy legal suspense novels.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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Book: Lethal Intent
Author: Cara Putman
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Click here to get your copy!
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If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman.
Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home.
When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda?
Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her?
This latest romantic legal thriller by bestseller Cara Putman shines a light on the shadowy world of scientific secrets and corporate vendettas—and the ethical dilemmas that plague the place where science and commerce meet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As a preteen Cara Putman watched lawyers change legislative opinions at an important legislative hearing in Nebraska. At that time, she wondered if she became an attorney if people would give her words the same weight. An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, George Mason University School of Law and Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, Cara has turned her passion for words into award-winning stories that capture readers. Her legal experience makes its way into her stories where strong women confront real challenges.
An award-winning author of more than 30 books, Cara writes legal thrillers, WWII romances, and romantic suspense because she believes that no matter what happens hope is there, waiting for us to reach for it.
When she’s not writing, Cara is an over-educated attorney who lectures in law and communications at the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University and homeschools her children. She and her family live in Indiana, the land of seasons. You can read chapters for most of her books and connect with Cara at her website: http://caraputman.com.
MORE FROM CARA:
Each novel has a unique genesis story. The spark that launches it into a journey of 90,000 words. For Lethal Intent, that journey began with a friend’s journey of childhood leukemia with her oldest. From watching their family wind through years of treatment including cutting edge therapy trials. Then it developed with the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lack and the thought what would someone be willing to do if they believed they’d found the next strain of immortal cells. The lead characters made appearances in other books, but now would have their opportunity to step to center stage. The story morphed and changed, dictated by the vagaries of the law and changes.
Each story has a spark. For Caroline it was a brainstorming session with my writing buddies Rachel Hauck, Colleen Coble, and Denise Hunter. That was when her backstory developed, all the things that happened to her to form her into the adult she is on the pages. One who cares deeply about others but who is fundamentally scared, longing for a place she can relax and take a deep breath.
Each story has a spark. For Brandon, it was brainstorming with another writing friend Tricia Goyer that lead to a creative job for a hero that wasn’t the typical law enforcement. His role with the group foster home was set and the backstory filled in quickly. What would it be like to be separated from and lose a brother in the foster care system? Would that generate this need to keep sibling groups together? And then the law changes and the fabric of your professional identity and something so much deeper is threatened.
Each story has a spark. The pharmaceutical start-up where ethics collides with the desire to save children. The push to do whatever it takes overshadowing the guardrails of the law. If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman. But does Caroline really have the strength to battle and does she need to?
Lethal Intent grew from each of these sparks and many more to develop into a story I can’t wait for you to read. In the process I learned immense amounts about CAR-T cell therapies and foster care law. Most of all, I hope you’ll fall into the pages and be engrossed in a story you can’t bring yourself to put down until the final page.
BLOG STOPS:
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 21
lakesidelivingsite, January 21
Texas Book-aholic, January 21
Through the Fire Blogs, January 22
Sara Jane Jacobs, January 22
A Novel Pursuit, January 22
CarpeDiem, January 23
Betti Mace, January 23
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 23
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 24
Blogging With Carol, January 24
HookMeInABook, January 24
For the Love of Literature, January 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25
Fiction Book Lover, January 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
For Him and My Family, January 26
EmpowerMoms, January 26
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 26
Artistic Nobody, January 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 27
Where Faith and Books Meet, January 27
By The Book, January 28
Older & Smarter?, January 28
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 28
Inklings and notions, January 29
Simple Harvest Reads, January 29
Blossoms and Blessings, January 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30
Splashes of Joy, January 30
Pause for Tales, January 30
Spoken from the Heart, January 31
Just Your Average reviews, January 31
deb’s Book Review, January 31
Hallie Reads, February 1
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 1
Genesis 5020, February 1
To Everything There Is A Season, February 2
Hebrews 12 Endurance, February 2
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 3
Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 3
Daysong Reflections, February 3
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away the grand prize package of a “Just one more chapter” pillow cover, a copy of the book, an Erin Condren journal, and a hand-stamped bracelet!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/10627/lethal-intent-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Apr 12, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Flight Risk is a multi-layered tale that had me hooked from the very beginning. I honestly did not want to stop reading and it was responsible for at least one night’s lost sleep. Another novel that exposes human trafficking, Flight Risk is written from a different point of view and includes several plot twists that are totally unexpected.
The two primary characters, one a woman with her own law practice and the other a persistent journalist determined to expose the truth at all costs, each have trust issues that prevent them from forming relationships with many people. When Jett Glover’s expose’ on an international human trafficking organization include, s Savannah’s ex-husband, she finds it hard to believe but Jett has the evidence to back up his article. Unfortunately the article prompts a series of senseless murders and Jett and Savannah team up to find out why.
I have enjoyed each and every one of Putman’s suspense novels but this may just be the best one yet. With a wonderful cast of characters, a tangled plot with plenty of danger, action, and romance, as well as a strong message of faith, this story will have its readers questioning how to discern the real truth in any situation. I loved Flight Risk and highly recommend it to other suspense fans.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Flight Risk
Author: Cara Putman
Genre: Romantic Legal Suspense
Release Date: April 7, 2020
Click here to get your copy! |
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Bestselling author Cara Putman returns with a romantic legal thriller that will challenge the assumptions of truth tellers everywhere.
Savannah Daniels has worked hard to build her law practice, to surround herself with good friends, and to be the loyal aunt her troubled niece can always count on. But since her ex-husband’s betrayal, she has trouble trusting anyone.
Jett Glover’s father committed suicide over a false newspaper report that ruined his reputation. Now a fierce champion of truth, Jett is writing the story of his journalism career—an international sex-trafficking exposé that will bring down a celebrity baseball player and the men closest to him, including Savannah’s ex-husband.
When Jett’s story breaks, tragedy ensues. Then a commercial airline crashes, and one of Savannah’s clients is implicated in the crash. Men connected to the scandal, including her ex, begin to die amid mysterious circumstances, and Savannah’s niece becomes an unwitting target.
Against their better instincts, Jett and Savannah join ranks to sort the facts from fiction. But can Savannah trust the reporter who threw her life into chaos? And can Jett face the possibility that he’s made the biggest mistake of his life?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Since the time she could read Nancy Drew, Cara has wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met a fellow Indiana writer Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara’s been writing award-winning books. She is currently writing book 33 and dreaming up future books, not hard when she sees what-ifs everywhere.
Cara Putman is an active member of ACFW and gives back to the writing community through her service on Executive Board. She has also been the Indiana ACFW chapter president and served as the Area Coordinator for Indiana.
Cara is also an attorney, full-time lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School, and Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. You can learn more about Cara at www.caraputman.com.
Learn more about Flight Risk and Cara Putman here!
BLOG STOPS:
| Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 6
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 6
A Baker’s Perspective, April 6
All-of-a-kind Mom, April 7
Read Review Rejoice, April 7
deb’s Book Review, April 7
Betti Mace, April 8
Maureen’s Musings, April 8
Texas Book-aholic, April 8
Genesis 5020, April 9
Inklings and notions, April 9
Becka Jiménez’s FB, April 9
For Him and My Family, April 10
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, April 10
CarpeDiem, April 10
Through the Fire Blogs, April 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 11
LIfe, Love, Writing, April 11
Emily Yager, April 12
Splashes of Joy, April 12
Lights in a Dark World, April 12
Mary Hake, April 12
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Older & Smarter?, April 13
Daysong Reflections, April 13
Book of Ruth Ann, April 13
Kat’s Corner Books, April 14
Blessed & Bookish, April 14
Remembrancy, April 14
Blossoms and Blessings, April 15
Spoken from the Heart, April 15
Simple Harvest Reads, April 15 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Writer Without a Space, April 16
By The Book, April 16
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 16
Bigreadersite, April 17
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, April 17
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 17
As He Leads is Joy, April 18
Pause for Tales, April 18
For The Love of Books, April 18
Hallie Reads, April 19
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, April 19
EmpowerMoms, April 19 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away the grand prize package of a Vera Bradley travel cosmetics set, a journal for capturing vacation memories, a copy of Flight Risk, and a bracelet!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f963/flight-risk-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Oct 14, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Hollywood, Legal, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have read many books by Davis Bunn over the years and have always considered him one of my favorite authors so I was pleased to have the opportunity to review Unscripted. While not my favorite of his works, this novel was nevertheless a solid one with an intriguing plot and interesting characters. I particularly enjoyed learning about what goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood including the legal aspects of producing a film. I also loved the descriptions of how many of the scenes were filmed almost spontaneously and the outcome seemed to be so magical that I found myself wanting to see the final product.
The details appear to have been well researched and were quite believable. I’ll admit that I would like to have seen a bit more development of the primary characters, especially Danny and Megan. Their relationship seemed a bit rushed to me and it would have been nice if their dependence had been more on the Lord than on each other.
I did enjoy Unscripted and will always look forward to reading anything this author publishes.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Line producer Danny Byrd is well known in Hollywood for being someone who gets things done on time and under budget. But when his reputation takes a beating after his partner–and former best friend–makes off with their investors’ money, Danny has but one chance to redeem himself and restore his ruined career.
LA lawyer Megan Pierce has sacrificed years of her life proving herself to impossible bosses, only to find herself disgusted at their snobbery and their specious business practices. When an opportunity to actually make a difference comes her way, she knows she has to grab it–even though she’s not entirely clear what “it” is.
Danny and Megan are each other’s best hope for redemption. What they never could have imagined was that they might also be each other’s best hope for love.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Paul Wheeler
Davis Bunn (www.davisbunn.com) is the award-winning author of numerous national bestsellers with sales totaling more than seven million copies worldwide. His work has been published in twenty languages, and his critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction. Bunn is a Writer-in-Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University. He and his wife, Isabella, divide their time between England and Florida.
by admin | Aug 9, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have had the pleasure of reviewing several of Rachel Dylan’s novels and enjoyed each of them. I love the fact that she brings her experience as a lawyer into play in her riveting legal suspense novels which adds an extra layer of realism to them. In my opinion, each of her novels improves on the last one and Lone Witness serves to prove it.
When Sophie Dawson is the only witness to a double murder, she is determined to continue working on an important case but it soon becomes apparent that someone wants her dead. This action-filled, suspenseful tale takes her and Cooper Knight, the security guard hired by Sophie’s father, down a dangerously twisting path filled with surprises and multiple attempts on their lives. More than once, I was certain that I knew the answers only to be proved wrong once again. Strong yet normal characters are portrayed in a way that made me want to get to know them. I love how the author deftly weaves a strong yet unobtrusive message of faith into her narrative.
Definitely a page-turner, Lone Witness held me in its grip until its very last page but I hated to reach the end. I eagerly anticipate the next book in this great series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She’s the Only Witness to a Brutal Crime. Now She Can’t Outrun the Target on Her Back.
Prosecutor Sophie Dawson has taken a new role at the Fulton County DA’s office, and her first case involves a local bank employee who may be cheating customers. She’s determined to bring justice to those who’ve lost their savings . . . but her life is turned upside down when she becomes the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang.
With her life at risk, friends and family convince her that she needs protection, and private security guard Cooper Knight is hired as a bodyguard. But as threats escalate, neither Cooper nor Sophie knows whom they can trust.
Unwilling to back down on either case, Sophie pursues the truth at any cost. But her bank litigation gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from taking the stand. With all sides closing in, steadfast Cooper is the only man she can lean on. But drawing close may be the distraction that costs both of their lives.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan was a litigator in one of the nation’s most elite law firms for over eight years and now works as an attorney at one of the Big Three automobile manufacturers. She is the author of four Love Inspired Suspense novels and lives in Michigan with her husband. She is active on social media, and you can visit her website at www.racheldylan.com.
by admin | Nov 29, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Like many of Robert Whitlow’s books, it took a bit of persistence to get into it but it didn’t take very long before I was hooked. As always the writing was strong with well developed characters and a plot that reflects current events.
I will reiterate what other reviewers have stated. This is a book that everyone should read – those on both sides of the race issue. By the end, I wanted to stand up and clap. Whitlow clearly stated what our society needs to overcome our differences. If only our citizens could understand.
I particularly liked how several characters changed their entire outlook on the issues before the end of the book and reading about how they reached those conclusions. The theme of forgiveness was strongly woven throughout the story and is something we all need to learn to do.
“A Time to Stand” may be one of Whitlow’s strongest books yet. I know it had a powerful impact on me.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a small Georgia town where racial tensions run high and lives are at stake, can one lawyer stand up for justice against the tide of prejudice on every side?
Adisa Johnson, a young African-American attorney, is living her dream of practicing law with a prestigious firm in downtown Atlanta. Then a split-second mistake changes the course of her career. Left with no other options, Adisa returns to her hometown where a few days earlier a white police officer shot an unarmed black teen who is now lying comatose in the hospital. Adisa is itching to jump into the fight as a special prosecutor, but feels pulled to do what she considers unthinkable—defend the officer.
As the court case unfolds, everyone in the small community must confront their own prejudices. Caught in the middle, Adisa also tries to chart her way along a path complicated by her budding relationship with a charismatic young preacher who leads the local movement demanding the police officer answer for his crime.
This highly relevant and gripping novel challenges us to ask what it means to forgive while seeking justice and to pursue reconciliation while loving others as ourselves.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Whitlow grew up in north Georgia. He graduated magna cum laude from Furman University with a BA in history in 1976 and received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1979. A practicing attorney, he is a partner in a Charlotte, NC law firm. He and his wife Kathy have four children and three grandchildren.
Robert began writing in 1996. His novels are set in the South and include both legal suspense and interesting characterization. It is his desire to write stories that reveal some of the ways God interacts with people in realistic scenerios.
