by admin | Sep 18, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Because I have read and enjoyed several of the author’s self-published novels, I was excited to see that she received a contract from one of my favorite publishers, Bethany House. Rachel Dylan is an extremely talented writer and deserves the attention of a major publisher. “Deadly Proof” is her first book published by Bethany House and it lived up to my expectations 100%.
“Deadly Proof” is a riveting legal thriller complete with a believable plot, just the right amount of pertinent facts, a bit of danger and suspense, plus a touch of romance for good measure. The plot features opposing lawyers who are good friends – at least they were before a major case against a giant pharmaceutical company. Kate is dedicated to helping the victims find justice and is determined to win her case without compromising her values. Ethan, the opposing attorney, is quite ambitious and eager to prove himself to his partners; however he finds himself constantly pressured by the clients who want to win the case no matter what it takes. Landon is the private investigator hired by Kate who quickly determines that Kate requires protection and takes it upon himself to provide it. Several other characters play minor yet crucial roles as the story plays out.
As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed “Deadly Proof”. The narrative moved along at a steady pace with enough action and mystery to hold my attention and keep me wondering what might happen next. I liked most of the characters, particularly Landon and Kate. I also liked learning more about everything involved in preparing a case for trial without having to wade through the overload of information provided by certain other popular authors. The emphasis on integrity and the importance of faith were also positive factors for me.
Everything considered, “Deadly Proof” is an excellent novel that makes me eager for the next book in the series. I hope others will take a chance on this new book by Rachel Dylan. They might just find a new favorite author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House and the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Standing For What’s Right Could Cost Her Everything
Tapped as lead counsel in a corporate cover-up lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceutical, Kate Sullivan knows this case could make her career. What really drives her, though, is getting justice for the victims whose lives were ruined by the company’s dangerous new drug. But when a whistleblower turns up dead, it paints a target on the back of everyone involved.
Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James steps in to handle security for Kate. He’s still haunted by mistakes in his past and is determined never to let something like that happen again. But it soon appears someone is willing to do anything–even commit murder–to keep the case from going to trial.
As danger closes in, Landon can’t help but admire Kate’s courage and resolve–but will her determination not to back down become too great of a risk?
Read an excerpt from “Deadly Proof” 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.
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by admin | Apr 5, 2017 | Books, Legal, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Another reviewer called Cara Putman a Christian John Grisham. I would have to agree to a point. It is obvious that, like Grisham, she knows her legal stuff and knows how to write a great novel. In the past, I have gotten bogged down by the abundance of legal details in Grisham’s novels. Putman, however, seems to instinctively know just how much detail the reader actually needs to understand the process.
“Beyond Justice” covers a subject that is all too common in today’s United States – illegal immigration. The story covers a side of it we rarely hear about and it raises some very important questions as well as some possible answers. Beyond that, it is a very good story with lots of action, danger, and suspense plus a side of romance. Attorney Hayden’s roommate Emilie seems to be trying to match her up with her handsome cousin Andrew but Hayden is too focused on her career to be interested in romance. When assigned a new wrongful death case that becomes more puzzling by the minute, Hayden learns that Andrew is also connected to the case through another angle. As they are drawn together to try to solve the mysteries stirred up by the case, both Hayden, Emilie, and Andrew face danger and possibly even death. Only their faith might be able to save them.
What an excellent book! An intelligent, well-paced plot and strong characters made the minutes fly by for me as I read well into the night. I did not want to stop! I look forward to the next book in the series,”Imperfect Justice”. December seems very far away.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Hayden McCarthy is on track to become the youngest partner in her prestigious D.C. law firm . . . if the case she’s just been handed doesn’t destroy her first.
Read the first five chapters by clicking here.
Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain when justice is not served. It’s why she became an attorney and why she’s so driven in her career. When she’s assigned a wrongful death case against the government, she isn’t sure if it’s the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there.
Further complicating matters is Andrew, her roommate’s distractingly attractive cousin. But Andrew’s father is a Congressman, and Hayden’s currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse?
The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to kill the case—or her. Logic and self-preservation would indicate she should close the case. But how can she, when justice is still just beyond her reach?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cara C. Putman, the award-winning author of 24 books, started college at 16, graduated college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. FIRST for Women magazine called Shadowed by Grace “captivating” and a “novel with ‘the works.’” Cara is active at her church and a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Krannert. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at:
Website: www.caraputman.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/caraputman
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cara_putman
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/caraputman
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/CaraPutman
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by admin | Jan 6, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Current Issues, Legal, Political, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The third novel in The Worthington Destiny series, “A Primary Decision” features daughter Sarah, an attorney who manages to become the U.S. attorney general yet wants to remain somewhat involved in solving a case she had been working on with her partners. She soon discovers that the people who initiated her new position want to use that position to control her. Sarah’s moral compass demands that she follow her instincts no matter what it costs her personally.
With the most recent U.S. presidential election just completed, “A Primary Decision” brings the reader another look at what goes on behind the scenes in Washington politics and the powers that control almost everything. The entire series was so current and realistic that it could almost have been part of our daily news. The plot moved along at a good pace with plenty of action and intrigue to keep it interesting and a touch of romance for added measure. I enjoyed keeping up with the rest of the Worthington family and was mostly satisfied with the resolution. I only wish there were more people like this fictional family involved in our government.
I thoroughly enjoyed “A Primary Decision” and would recommend it as well as the entire series for those who enjoy a good political novel.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The road to power and position is fraught with perils, even for a Worthington.
But Sarah does not intend to lose.
Sarah Worthington never expected to become the US attorney general–at least not this early in her career. Plunged into the vicious vetting process, with all sides digging for secrets in her family closet, she steels herself for the path forward. Nothing will deter her from making her mark on the world in the biggest way possible–even if that means prosecuting the current president of the United States.
Yet powerful forces conspire behind the scenes to take the Worthington family down, and the president orders her to close the investigation. Will she comply? Or turn the tables to pursue her ultimate dream–the US presidency?
Read an excerpt from “A Primary Decision” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker who has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and commonsense psychology. He has made house calls for hundreds of radio and television programs, such as Fox & Friends, The View, Fox’s The Morning Show, Today, Dr. Bill Bennett’s America in the Morning, 700 Club, CBS This Morning, James Robison’s Life Today, Janet Parshall, CNN’s American Morning, and Focus on the Family, and has served as a contributing family psychologist to Good Morning America.
A bestselling and award-winning author, Dr. Leman has written more than 50 books about marriage and family issues, including The Birth Order Book, Sheet Music, Making Children Mind without Losing Yours, and Have a New Kid by Friday. He is coauthor, with his son Kevin Leman II, of a series of illustrated children’s books for each child in the family. He is also featured on 6 video series on marriage, parenting, blended families, and single parenting.
Dr. Leman and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They have five children and four grandchildren. |
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Jeff Nesbit is a former communications director to the vice president at the White House, served as the director of public affairs for two prominent federal science agencies, and has been a national journalist with Knight Ridder Newspapers. He is the author of 20 novels. Cocreator of the Emmy award-winning Science of the Olympic Winter Games and the Science of NFL Football video series with NBC Sports, Jeff is executive director for Climate Nexus and writes “At the Edge,” a weekly science column for U.S. News & World Report. |
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by admin | Dec 3, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romantic Suspense, Spiritural Warfare
MY REVIEW:
Rachel Dylan is a fairly new author to me but I have enjoyed what I have read of her books thus far. “Trial and Tribulations” is the first novel in her latest series and it takes her writing to a new level.
I have realized for some time that there is an unseen realm at work behind the scenes that has a major effect on our lives. Rachel has brought that realm to life in this book and does an excellent job of teaching her readers a few important lessons in spiritual warfare. That she does so within the pages of a gripping and entertaining novel is a testimony to her skill. For those who love legal fiction, “Trial and Tribulations” should satisfy and those who look for a gospel message will find it within this novel.
Characters are well defined and realistic as is the plot. I loved Olivia’s strong faith that grew as she was confronted with the evil around her. It was also gratifying to see the changes in Grant as the story progressed. In my opinion, Rachel’s portrayal of the spiritual realm was right on without being over-the-top or too graphic. I liked the way she kept Olivia’s faith a strong point throughout the story. I was happy with the way this novel ended yet left some things unresolved for the next book. I am looking forward to reading it very soon.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Windy Ridge Legal Thriller #1
High-powered attorney Olivia Murray faces the biggest test of her career when she is assigned to represent Astral Tech, a New Age tech company, in a lawsuit filed by its biggest competitor. While Olivia is accustomed to hard fights in the courtroom, she arrives in Windy Ridge and discovers there is much more to this case than the legal claims—forces of darkness are at work. Windy Ridge quickly turns from quiet Chicago suburb to spiritual battleground, and Olivia must rely on her faith to defend against legal and spiritual attacks. Although they are enemies in the courtroom, Olivia finds a friend and unlikely ally in opposing counsel, Grant Baxter. Once a skeptic about faith, he ultimately comes to her aid when she needs it most. The battle between evil forces heats up in and out of the courtroom, pushing Olivia to the breaking point. Will she be able to help good triumph over evil, or will the town of Windy Ridge be torn apart?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including inspirational romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense and the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. Trial & Tribulations is a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist.
Rachel has practiced law for a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. She is a member of ACFW and RWA. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. She is represented by Sarah Younger at Nancy Yost Literary Agency.
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by admin | Aug 2, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Over and over I have found Robert Whitlow’s books to live up to the promotions that compare them to those of John Grisham. Personally, I prefer Robert Whitlow. He is a wonderful storyteller who is able to mix legal details, suspense, faith, and even romance in such a way that I look for excuses to keep reading rather than perform those daily tasks I need to attend. I particularly like the manner in which Whitlow shares just enough legal details to inform the reader without boring me to tears or putting me to sleep.
“The Witnesses” may be one of Whitlow’s finest to date in my opinion. The story features a young man and his grandfather, both endowed with a prophetic gifting that sometimes allows them to see glimpses of the future. Grandfather Frank (Franz) used his gift to aid Nazi Germany against its enemies and has lived with regrets for most of his life. Grandson Parker is a young lawyer at the beginning of his career and it remains to be seen how he will choose to use his gift. In a tale where the past intersects with the present, even Frank must choose a path for the rest of his life.
I appreciated the way spiritual truth and faith were woven throughout the story, especially the way Frank began to understand his gifting from a Biblical viewpoint. I also thought that Frank’s strong friendship with his fishing buddy Lenny was another special touch. There is so much I could say about “The Witnesses” and its powerful story of redemption and second chances but I feel it would be best for you the read it yourself. Hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Young lawyer Parker House is on the rise—until his grandfather’s mysterious past puts both of their lives in danger.
Parker House’s secret inheritance is either his greatest blessing . . . or his deadliest curse. The fresh-faced North Carolina attorney shares his German grandfather’s uncanny ability to see future events in his mind’s eye—a gift that has haunted 82-year-old Frank House through decades of trying to erase a murderous wartime past.
While Parker navigates the intrigue and politics of small-town courtroom law, Frank is forced to face his darkest regrets. Then, a big career break for Parker collides with a new love he longs to nurture and the nightmares his grandfather can no longer escape. Sudden peril threatens to shatter not only Parker’s legal prospects but also his life and the lives of those dearest to him.
Two witnesses, two paths, an uncertain future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.
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by admin | Aug 4, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Legal, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have seen Robert Whitlow’s books compared to those by John Grisham but I personally prefer Whitlow’s. Their books are similar in that many of them focus on legal cases and trials but when I read Grisham’s novels, I found myself bogged down in too many legal details that detracted me from the actual story. Robert Whitlow seems to include just enough facts to keep his story plausible but tends to focus more on his characters (at least that is my opinion).
In “A House Divided” the reader meets the Gage family. Corbin, the father is a lawyer as are both his children, Ray and Roxy. Although they share careers, their family is broken mostly due to Corbin’s long history of alcoholism. Corbin accepts an extremely risky case that has far-reaching effects that changes the lives of his entire family.
There were times that the storyline seemed to move slowly and it was difficult for me to keep reading. I did persist and I was glad I did because this book has a wonderful redemptive theme. I particularly liked the way the two most resistant characters turned their lives around and turned to the Lord. In fact, both of them had experiences where they felt they had received direct revelation from Him. The details about Alcoholics Anonymous were interesting and Corbin’s experiences were quite believable. I also liked the way the case was resolved which made it more realistic than a huge victory might have been.
Once again Whitlow proved to me how well he understands people and how skillfully he is able to express himself. I recommend “A House Divided” to all who enjoy a good legal novel.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A father’s mistakes nearly cost his children everything. Now his children must unite to take on the most important case of their respective careers.
Corbin Gage is slowly drinking himself into the grave while running a small law practice in a small Georgia town. The assistant DA in the same community is his son Ray, poised for a professional breakthrough based on a job offer to work for the best law firm in the area. Roxy is Corbin’s daughter, a rising star associate in Atlanta for an international law firm that specializes in high stakes, multi-million-dollar litigation.
Against the advice of everyone in his life, Corbin Gage takes on a toxic tort case on behalf of three boys who have contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to an alleged chemical exposure. The defendant, a herbicide/pesticide/fertilizer company, is the largest employer in the area. Because of the lawsuit, Ray’s job offer evaporates, forcing him to go to work with his father. Roxy’s expertise in complex litigation draws her into the drama.
As their investigation uncovers an audacious conspiracy to conceal dangers to their community, Corbin, Ray, and Roxy come to a personal treaty in their pursuit of justice. But they soon discover that burying a problem can have explosive results.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.
