by admin | Nov 11, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The second book in the Code of Honor series, Hidden Peril can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. In true Irene Hannon fashion, the story quickly jumps into action and takes its reader on a breath-taking and suspense-filled adventure. Kristin Dane finds herself and her fair trade shop at the center of more than one murder and has no idea why. Detective Luke Carter becomes involved in the case and is not only attracted to Kristin but determined to solve the case before more people die.
Once again I found myself immersed in Hannon’s brilliant plot as I attempted to discern the perpetrator behind the fatal plans. I had my suspicions which later proved to be correct but the many twists and turns of the plot had me second-guessing myself more than once. Hidden Peril lived up to my expectations and reaffirmed my love for this author’s novels. I look forward to the next book in this series.
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:
The most dangerous enemy is the one who has nothing to lose
As teenagers, Kristin Dane and her two best friends took a vow to make the world a better place. Twenty years later, she’s fulfilling that pledge through her fair trade shop that features products from around the world. All is well until, one by one, people connected to the shop begin dying.
Detective Luke Carter, new to the St. Louis PD, wants to know why. Before he can answer that question, however, the FBI weighs in and Kristin suddenly finds herself in the middle of international intrigue–and in the sights of the ruthless mastermind behind an ingenious and deadly scheme. Can this cold-blooded killer be stopped before more people die . . . including Kristin?
Three-time RITA Award-winner and “queen of inspirational romantic suspense” (Library Journal) Irene Hannon doesn’t disappoint in this edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have you up late as you rush toward the explosive conclusion.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels, including Dangerous Illusions, as well as the Men of Valor, Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. All of her suspense novels have been ECPA/CBA bestsellers. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.
by admin | Oct 30, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I always expect a riveting, suspense filled story when I pick up a book by Janice Cantore and Lethal Target did not disappoint. I particularly found the setting of interest because my daughter and her husband moved across the country to Oregon as traveling physical therapy assistants and their first assignment was in Grants Pass, right on the Rogue river. All I can say is that I’m thankful that the books in Cantore’s Line of Duty series are fiction!
With vivid descriptions, genuine characters, plenty of action and suspense, and a touch of romance, Lethal Target held my interest until the very end. I appreciated the fact that due to her father’s death Tess had major issues with accepting the Lord but loved that the author showed her journey toward faith in small steps that gave me hope for her eventual salvation.
There is a lot going on in Lethal Target with multiple twists, turns, and surprises in store. Of course there is at least one more book in this series so I will have to be content to wait along with other readers to find out how everything works out, especially which man Tess will choose. If you have not read any of this author’s books and are a fan of suspense novels featuring law enforcement, be sure to give Lethal Target a chance; however you might want to begin with Crisis Shot, book one of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Police Chief Tess O’Rourke thought she’d taken care of her small town’s drug problem last year. But now Rogue’s Hollow residents are up in arms over a contentious vote on legalizing the sale of marijuana within city limits. And when an eighteen-year-old is found dead of a possible overdose, Tess wonders if the local pot farms might be involved and begins to fear that a new, deadlier drug supply chain has cropped up. As tempers flare and emotions boil over, Tess faces the possibility of losing the town’s support.
With her relationship to Sergeant Steve Logan on shaky ground, Tess could really use a friend, and she feels drawn to Pastor Oliver Macpherson’s quiet presence. But the anger she holds over her father’s death prevents her from embracing his faith and finding peace.
Battling storms within and without, Tess is shocked when a familiar face from her past shows up in town to stir up more trouble. And his threats against Tess may prove lethal.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A former Long Beach, California, police officer of twenty-two years, Janice Cantore worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, administration, juvenile investigations, and training. She’s always enjoyed writing and published two short articles on faith at work for Cop and Christ and Today’s Christian Woman before tackling novels. She now lives in a small town in southern Oregon, where she enjoys exploring the forests, rivers, and lakes with her Labrador retrievers, Abbie and Tilly.
Janice writes suspense novels designed to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Crisis Shot is the first title in her latest series. Janice also authored the Cold Case Justice series—Drawing Fire, Burning Proof, and Catching Heat—the Pacific Coast Justice series—Accused, Abducted, and Avenged—and the Brinna Caruso novels, Critical Pursuit and Visible Threat.
Visit Janice’s website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JaniceCantore.
by admin | Oct 15, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Spiritural Warfare, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Surrounded by Darkness is the riveting conclusion to Rachel Dylan’s Windy Ridge series. The author gives her readers an intimate view of the behind the scenes spiritual battle of which most believers are unaware.
The town of Windy Ridge is the center of an epic battle against the evil forces that desire to take over the entire town. Olivia Murray and Grant Baxter are two of the Christians aware of the potential consequences and bear the brunt of the enemy’s attack along with the pastor of their church. It could be a fight to the very end and at times it is uncertain who the winners will be.
Not since I read This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti many years ago have I encountered another author who manages to convey the existence of spiritual warfare in a way that most readers can understand through the pages of an enjoyable novel. I hope others will read this series and learn from it. The war is real!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
We wrestle not against flesh and blood . . .
When attorney Olivia Murray opens a legal clinic for victims of domestic violence in Windy Ridge, she knows she will face legal and spiritual opposition. The New Age presence has grown stronger as alliances form between groups hoping to spread their destructive way of life and gain a stronghold in the community. While the forces of evil target Olivia’s new clinic and her relationships, she refuses to let them stop her quest for justice.
Grant Baxter is facing legal woes of his own when a former client sues him for malpractice. His faith is shaken as he faces down the possibility that his legal career is over. While Grant struggles to save his once thriving law practice, he wonders if he truly deserves to be Olivia’s partner outside of the courtroom.With evil coming at them from all angles, Olivia and Grant’s relationship is put to the test. The two of them must come together and fight for the hearts and minds of those in Windy Ridge. Will their faith be strong enough–in God and each other–to prevail in the battle that threatens to bring darkness to the entire town?
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes legal thrillers and legal romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. She enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. Rachel writes the Atlanta Justice Series which features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta. Deadly Proof, the first book in the Atlanta Justice series, is a CBA bestseller, an FHL Reader’s Choice Award winner, a Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a Holt Medallion Finalist. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.
by admin | Oct 4, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Readers of Dani Pettrey’s Chesapeake Valor series finally get their chance to discover where Luke Gallagher has been since he disappeared from his friends’ lives. Dead Drift is a wild ride from beginning to end as Luke and his old friends work together (mostly) to stop an imminent attack that could undermine the country. In the midst of all the action and danger, Luke and Kate Maxwell find themselves reevaluating their past relationship and whether they even want to resurrect it. Meanwhile Griffin and Finley may just be close to wrapping up a series of cold case murders that could be the work of a serial killer.
All I can say is “wow!” This book had me furiously turning the pages to see what would happen next while wanting to slow down so the story wouldn’t end. Quite a few breath-holding moments interspersed with a bit of light-hearted dialogue for relief. I always find it interesting when I read about investigative procedure and how it’s really done, especially when the story is not bogged down in too many unneeded details.
Dani Pettrey is a pro when it comes to writing a great suspense novel. I really hate to see this series end but I know I can expect another great book from her soon. If you are a suspense lover and haven’t discovered Dani Pettrey’s books, please give them a try. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
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:
The Final Countdown to Stop an Imminent Attack Has Begun.
Burning debris littering the ground . . . smoke pluming in the acrid air . . . this is just the beginning if he fails.
Seven years ago, operative Luke Gallagher vanished to become part of an elite team set on capturing a deadly terrorist. When Luke returns to face those he left behind, their help becomes his only hope of stopping his target’s latest threat of an attack that would shake America to its core.
Private investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving or looking for Luke after he disappeared. But she also never imagined he left her or his life by choice. Now he’s back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal, all while on the brink of a biological disaster.
Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist’s next mark?
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Michael Pettrey Photography
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than 400,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).
Her Alaskan Courage series and Chesapeake Valor series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists. Dani has also been honored with multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award finalist, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award.
by admin | Sep 6, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance, Suspense, World War 1
MY REVIEW:
I have loved all the books in Roseanna M. White’s Shadows Over England series and am sorry to see it end with the final novel An Hour Unspent. I was captivated by each and every one of the books that featured an unusual family of thieves and how they became an integral part of the war effort in England during WWI. I was quite eager to read Barclay’s story. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect but this book exceeded all my expectations.
Once again the mysterious “V” needed one of the family for an important assignment and Barclay was the perfect choice. Sent to assist and encourage a clockmaker who had developed a possibly important part for war planes, Barclay found himself more involved with the man’s family than he imagined, especially the independent daughter Evelina Manning.
I particularly liked how the author focused on the changes in Barclay as he sought to follow the Lord and how often scripture would reassure him when he had doubts. Evelina also grew spiritually during the course of the book and I felt that she and Barclay were a wonderful pair.
As is usually the case in White’s novels, the plot was filled with ample historical facts, drama, danger, suspense, and of course romance. I do not run across very many books set during WWI so this series was of special interest to me. It was nearly impossible for me to set down this book until I finished it in record time. I do love getting my history lessons in such a delightful form.
As I stated above, I really hate to see this series end but I have heard rumors that a new series will feature some characters who had a role in Shadows Over England and readers might actually have a chance to catch up with their favorite characters. I can’t wait!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With Danger Creeping Ever Closer,
Do Their Dreams Still Matter?
Once London’s top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker’s daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.
Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can’t help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.
As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge—and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina’s father soon finds his whole family in danger—and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape it.
Series: Shadows Over England (Book 3)
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 4, 2018)
ISBN-13: 978-0764219283
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
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When Big Ben Joined the Skyline:
When the design for A Name Unknown, book 1 in the Shadows Over England Series, was shown to me and I saw the spine for the first time, I was so excited to see the series logo they’d come up with. Big Ben’s clock tower.
Big Ben says London. Which is what the designers were no doubt trying to invoke, as my family of thieves are firmly Londoners. But for me, it was more than that. Because in the third book of the series, An Hour Unspent, that iconic clock actually plays a role in the story.
For starters, a bit of naming. Most of us think of “Big Ben” as the clock, but it’s technically not. Big Ben is actually the bell. The clock is the Great Westminster Clock, though over the years the name Big Ben has come to be associated with the entire structure. So now that we’ve got that straight… ?
The clock tower was designed by Augustus Pugin and completed in 1859. Pugin was an architect, one who is most remembered for redesigning the interior of Westminster Palace and the tower in question, which has become one of the most iconic symbols of England. Though he also designed the face of the clock, the mechanics of the thing he wisely handed over to someone else.
But interestingly, the movement–the gears and weights that make a clock work, and in this case, work with amazing reliability–was actually designed by two amateurs to the field. Edmund Denison, a lawyer, and mathematician George Airy. The construction was the only part undertaken by an actual clockmaker, Edward Dent.
The Great Clock’s inner workings are so precise that a penny sitting on the pendulum is all it takes to make slight alterations to the time. That one little coin will make an adjustment of nearly half a second a day. That doesn’t sound like much, but it allows for small incremental adjustments to keep the clock accurate year after year. The pendulum still has a stack of old coins on it, and the clock is still hand-wound three times a week
In my story, I gave the job of upkeep of the Great Clock to my heroine’s father, a clock maker. This part is purely fictional, of course, but it would have been considered a great honor to be tasked with such a responsibility, and in my story that’s the proof of Cecil Manning’s proficiency in his trade, even though he’s by no means made himself rich.
That honor goes to another historical figure that my fictional Manning claims as a friend, who revolutionized the timekeeping world. But you’ll have to check out An Hour Unspent: Companion Guide to learn more about that…
Giveaways & Contest:
Roseanna has several giveaways and a special CONTEST for her readers! Click on the images below to learn more about each Giveaway. Or visit Roseanna’s blog.
by admin | Sep 1, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Lethal Legacy is another fast-paced suspense novel by Carol J. Post that should keep most readers turning those pages and annoyed by any interruption. As the frequency of danger and unexplained accidents increases, the long buried connection between Andrea and Sheriff Deputy Bryce Caldwell pushes its way to the surface, demanding another look at their relationship.
Once again I found myself buried in an excellent story by this author who has a talent for writing captivating suspense. Great character development and vivid details kept the story believable. Every time it looked like the characters could take a breather, something else would happen. There was a good list of possible people who had reason to want Andrea injured or even dead but my guesses at a possible suspect changed as the tale progressed. A few plot twists and surprises along the way and an unobtrusive Christian message combined to make this an enjoyable read. If you have not read a Carol J. Post novel, Lethal Legacy might be a good place to start.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Someone wants her family secrets buried
He’s her only chance to survive
Andrea Wheaton thought her parents’ tragic deaths were accidental—until she’s attacked during a burglary at their home. Now she’s also being targeted. Her ex-sweetheart Sheriff Deputy Bryce Caldwell insists on protecting her, though she refuses to trust him again. But with a killer closing in, can she and Bryce uncover her family’s secrets before it’s too late for them both?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads like someone who doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But her one constant has always been her love for writing. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and enjoys sailing, hiking and camping. Her daughters and grandson live too far away for her liking, so she pours all that nurturing into caring for three fat cats and one spoiled dog
