by admin | Aug 31, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Revell, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have been a Lynette Eason fan since I first read some of her Love Inspired books. I was thrilled when she moved up to full-length novels and I don’t think I’ve missed any of them to date. So far I’m enjoying her Elite Guardians series and fully expect to continue to do so. Like many others, I love the idea of female bodyguards.
In this second book of the series, Katie Singleton is the featured partner of the agency. When it becomes perfectly clear that someone has targeted him, restaurant owner Daniel Matthews reluctantly agrees to allowing the agency to protect him and his niece – but only because he knows he can’t keep an eye on Riley by himself. As the danger escalates, Daniel and Katie suspect the guilty party must be someone close to him but who could it possibly be?
Eason’s characters are well-defined and strong. Katie is tough and confident enough to take on dangerous protective jobs and do it well. Daniel is strong enough to protect himself but humble enough to accept help when he needs it. I particularly liked how much he cared for his niece Riley. The plot moved along at breakneck speeds with enough twists and turns to keep me wondering what would happen next. I had a few suspicions along the way but was mostly surprised at how it all ended.
“Without Warning” is another winner from Lynette Eason and I highly recommend it and the first book in the series.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.
Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.
Daniel might be concerned, but he’s not convinced that a bodyguard–and a female one at that–is necessary. A new attack and his niece’s urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who’s behind the intimidation and threats–before a would-be killer strikes again.
Read an excerpt from A”Without Warning” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, and the Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching and Without Warning in the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of an ACFW Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. She has a master’s degree in education from Converse College and lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.
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by admin | Aug 27, 2016 | Books, England, Revell, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
One of the hazards of reviewing books is the frequent addition of new authors to my must read list that continuously increases. At this rate I will never read all the books I want to read. And yes, you guessed that I’ve added Janine Mendenhall to my list. I absolutely adored “Starving Hearts”!
Annette and Peter were both unforgettable characters. Despite her serious health problems that embarrass her mother so, Annette is actually a strong and intelligent young woman who is determined to make a difference to others. No way is she planning to let her mother force her into an unwanted marriage, especially to the man who assaulted her. Peter is one of those men with outstanding character who are often overlooked by those whose aim to to succeed at all costs. I thoroughly enjoyed watching as the relationship between him and Annette became stronger despite all the odds stacked against them.
What a story “Starving Hearts” is! Not only is it a delightful regency romance but it is also suspense filled mystery of the very best kind. It is one of those tales where just when everything looks to be going in the right direction, another complications appears out of nowhere to send everything off course once again. Annette and Peter are caught up in the malevolent plans of a deranged man who will stop at nothing to achieve his revenge. Death and danger lurk around each corner and hope seems lost more than once. This story has more twists than a mountain road and I held my breath at times in fear of what could happen. I so appreciated the way the tables were turned on the villain at the end. They say that “all’s well that ends well” but what a suspenseful journey to get to that end!
I am so looking forward to the next book in this series “Never Past Hope”.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage.
She yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .
Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy, and he desires a godly wife by his side. After a failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.
Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette both endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter’s faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28OtflH
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janine Mendenhall teaches teens English, of all things! Sometimes she sleeps, but most nights she reads, writes, or watches movies like “Pride and Prejudice” and claims she’s researching her next book. “Splickety Love” and “Splickety Prime” have published her flash fiction. She and her husband, Tom, live in North Carolina where they and their two golden retrievers help gratify the needs of their five children and two cats.
Find out more about Janine at http://www.janinemendenhall.com.
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Janine Mendenhall’s ‘Starving Hearts’ Prize Pack Giveaway
Will Annette’s search for love and acceptance replace the loss and hurt in her heart? Find out in Janine Mendenhall’s book one, Starving Hearts, of the Triangular Trade Trilogy. Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately, her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way. . . .
Join in the search for love and acceptance with Janine and Starving Hearts by entering to win the Delightful Heart Gift Pack Giveaway.
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on September 12. The winner will be announced September 13 on Janine’s blog.
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by admin | Aug 18, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I was unfamiliar with Rachel Dylan’s novels but when I read a description of “Devoted Defender” I was pretty certain that she writes the kind of books I like to read. To prepare myself to review this book I decided to purchase the first book in the series “Lethal Action” and was so glad I did. Although each of the books easily stands on its own, I loved having the background from the first one as I read “Devoted Defender”. I will have to find time to review “Lethal Action” also.
When Annie Thomas witnesses a murder, she is forced to run for her life. When she arrives in Maxwell, Georgia she decides the small town may be a good place to lie low. Her first encounter is with police chief Caleb Winters when he pulls her over for speeding. Because of events in her past, Annie is afraid to trust the man who seems to read her mind. It doesn’t take very long until she is forced to trust him with her life.
The plot of “Devoted Defender” jumps right into action from the very first page and the danger and suspense mounts with each chapter. No matter what Caleb and other trusted law enforcement try, Annie’s location is compromised over and over. As most readers will expect, Caleb and Annie’s close proximity during such threatening circumstances leads to the inevitable romance between them. Fortunately the relationship develops in a natural and believable manner and does not seem forced. The story was filled with unexpected twists and a couple of major revelations that kept me on edge throughout.
I enjoyed catching up with Gabe and Hope as well as meeting Caleb’s twin Mac and their sister Gabby. I am hoping the entire crew will show up in future books of this series. Another author has been added to my favorites list and I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more of Rachel’s books.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Danger in the Deep South Book 2
Personal Chef Annie Thomas thought she’d finally found a safe haven from her past. But when her boss is shot in cold blood leaving her as the only witness, she’s forced to go on the run—again. And this time there is an even bigger target on her back.
Navy SEAL turned small town police chief Caleb Winters doesn’t like that danger has come to Maxwell, Georgia. But he vows to protect the innocent woman seeking refuge from an organized crime network that he knows will stop at nothing to tie up loose ends.
When hiding is no longer an option and threats surround them, will Caleb be the devoted defender Annie needs with her life on the line?
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 | Jul 26, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Nikki Boyd usually investigates missing people but when two murdered bodies are discovered in a house and the homeowners are missing, she is called in to help with the case. As she searches for clues to the missing couple, she is drawn into a dangerous situation involving more murders with evidence that could point to a good friend.
“Missing” is one of those page-turners that grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go. I really have a big problem putting down a book as suspense filled as this one. I am tempted to let everything go – the housework, the laundry, meal prep, and even sleep. I’m glad my husband is pretty tolerant of my reading addiction.
With just the right combination of well-developed characters, danger, drama, suspense, and a developing romance, the plot of “Missing” moves along at a rapid rate. Frequent plot twists and surprises kept me on edge and guessing all the way to the end. I love it when I don’t guess the perpetrator too soon. The only problem I can find with “Missing” is that it left me impatient for the next installment of The Nikki Boyd Files.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Nikki Boyd isn’t usually called in on homicides; her forte is missing persons. But when a case with two murdered and two missing pops up on a quiet suburban street, she’s ready to start the investigation and find missing homeowners Mac and Lucy Hudson. When the first clues lead her to the boat of her friend Tyler Grant–and another dead body–Nikki must untangle what ties Tyler to the Hudsons. The clues pull her into a deadly maze of counterfeit drugs and a killer who will stop at nothing to silence anyone who threatens his business–including Nikki.
Christy Award-winning and bestselling author Lisa Harris puts you right into the action in this fast-paced thriller.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has sold over thirty novels and novella collections. Along with her husband, she and her three children have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women’s group, and runs a nonprofit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves . . . the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice” (Proverbs 31:8).
When she’s not working, she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa, visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com or her blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. For more information about The ECHO Project, please visit www.theECHOproject.org.
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by admin | Jul 26, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Deadly Encounter” may be one of my favorite novels by DiAnn Mills to date. From the discovery of a dead man and an injured dog at the very beginning all the way to its exciting conclusion, I had difficulty putting the book down.
The sometimes fast but always steady paced plot contained plenty of danger and excitement which included dead bodies, mysterious illness, military drones, and so many possible suspects it was no wonder even the FBI had trouble solving the case. The romantic element was subdued and for the most part took a back seat to the action and suspense. I liked the primary characters, especially the extremely gifted Whitt who tried to steal the show from Stacy and Alex. Woven into this wonderful tale is a thread of faith as Stacy and Alex realize they need to return to theirs and Whitt’s fear that God might just be like his own abusive and negligent father.
You can’t go wrong with any of DiAnn’s novels and “Deadly Encounter” would be a great one to start with if you’ve never read any of them.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston’s airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man’s motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.
Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted. As a health emergency endangers Stacy’s community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms
listed at her website.
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by admin | May 25, 2016 | Books, Historical, Romantic Suspense, WWII
MY REVIEW:
“Anchor in the Storm” may just be Sarah Sundin’s best book yet. With a large dose of World War 2 facts I never knew, a suspense filled mystery woven into the story, a lovely romance, and her bold inclusion of what many would consider “defective” characters, this novel was fascinating from the first to the last page.
Both Lillian and Arch made appearances in “Through Waters Deep”, the first book in Sundin’s Waves of Freedom series and have moved to center stage to star in their own story. Arch is one of those guys who is burned out on romance because all the gals are more interested in his family’s wealth than in who he really is. Lillian is just as shy of romance but for her own reasons. After losing a leg to a childhood accident, she has grown used to people thinking of her as a “freak” and because of a bad experience does not trust any man. Naturally that is just the right fuel to ignite the fires of romance but is it possible for either of them to overcome their fears enough to trust the other?
I loved reading about Lillian and Arch and seeing their personal development through their story. It was encouraging to watch Lillian’s confidence grow and her fearless pursuit of the truth about the drug ring she and Arch were investigating. Arch had some personal growth too as he learned to trust Lillian (most of the time) and to trust the Lord as he slowly began to overcome his fear of death while on his ship.
“Anchor in the Storm” is a wonderful tale with just the right combination of elements to make it work. I look forward to the final book in this series and hope I don’t have to wait too long to read it.
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One plucky female pharmacist + one high-society naval officer = romance—and danger
For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy–even if he is her brother’s best friend.
During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves–and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?
Sarah Sundin brings World War II to life, offering readers an intense experience they won’t soon forget.
Read an excerpt from Anchor in the Storm.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Sundin is the author of eight historical novels, including “Anchor in the Storm.” Her novel “Through Waters Deep” was named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years,” and her novella “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” in “Where Treetops Glisten” was a finalist for the 2015 Carol Award. A mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school.
Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahsundin.com/.
GIVEAWAY:
Celebrate the release of Sarah’s Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
- Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
- Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
- 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
- Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
- “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
- Set of two nautical tea towels
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah’s blog.
