by admin | Aug 27, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
As a long-time reader of novels by Robin Caroll, I have come to expect a well-planned plot with compelling characters and enough unexpected twists to keep me on my toes. Darkwater Secrets did not disappoint! The story revolves around the murder of a guest at the historic Darkwater Inn in the French Quarter of New Orleans and as evidence is gathered, the number of suspects begins to increase. To make things even more interesting a potential love triangle becomes evident.
As the reader learns more about the victim, she may reach the conclusion that this thoroughly reprehensible man deserved to die – but murder is murder and justice must be served. I was somewhat surprised when the identity of the murderer was revealed and like the primary characters was sympathetic with the motivation behind the crime. I felt that the case was resolved to my satisfaction and that justice was served with compassion.
I thoroughly enjoyed Darkwater Secrets and look forward to the next installment of the Darkwater Inn series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes
The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and general manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. But she is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife.
Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaide’s childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victim’s past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friend–the woman he’s quietly loved for years–kept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau can’t press Adelaide too hard . . . because he’s keeping secrets of his own.
Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.
The best-selling author of dozens of novels, Robin Caroll writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense with a hint of romance.Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage–two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 30 published novels.
When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty+ years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home–in the South, where else?
She serves the writing community as Executive Director/Conference Director for ACFW.
Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.
On her faith, Robin says, “I love Jesus and will follow Him wherever He leads me.”
An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she’ll read just about any good story. Except historicals! To learn more about this author of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robin’s website at www.robincaroll.com.
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 | Jul 22, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I always look forward to Colleen Coble’s latest suspense and have never been disappointed by them. The House at Saltwater Point held true to form and met my expectations completely. Book two in the Lavender Tides series, this book features new characters but contains brief appearances by some from the first novel Lavender Tides. Ellie and Grayson’s stormy relationship was the perfect counterpoint to everything else going on in their lives.
As always, the author leads her readers on a wild goose chase that keeps them guessing from page one through the end. Plenty of unexpected twists and surprises along the way kept my unsure of who the true guilty parties were. Vivid descriptions of the area and honest development of relationships helped to create a realistic story that made me want to keep reading. The perfect balance of suspense, romance, and faith, The House at Saltwater Point is another book for my keeper shelf. I look forward to the final chapter in this series to find out the answers to all the questions left in the air at the end of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by BookLook Bloggers. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The dangerous beauty of Lavender Tides is harboring secrets that reach around the world.
Ellie Blackmore is making a name for herself as a house flipper. But when her sister Mackenzie disappears, Ellie can’t focus on anything but uncovering what happened. Her only clue is the bloodstain on the deck of Mackenzie’s boat. Ellie knows her sister isn’t on the best of terms with her ex-husband, Jason, but he wouldn’t kill her—would he?
Coast Guard intelligence officer Grayson Bradshaw believes Mackenzie faked her own death after stealing a seized cocaine shipment. The problem is convincing Ellie, who seems to view him as the true enemy.
Both Ellie and Grayson want truth, but truth—and family—is often more complex than it first appears. From international terrorism to the peaceful lavender fields of Puget Sound, The House at Saltwater Point is a thrilling race to uncover the truth before it’s too late.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.
by admin | Jun 21, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Outer Banks, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I discovered Lisa Carter’s books several years ago and have since made it a point not to miss her latest. I was blessed to have the opportunity to read and review a copy of A Vast and Gracious Tide for JustRead Publicity but would have definitely purchased a copy otherwise.
The setting and plot may be different than the previous novels but I can guarantee that the suspense and romance are still top notch with plenty of twists and surprises in store for the reader. In this wonderful story both McKenna and Caden are dealing with the loss in their lives in different ways. A chance meeting brings the pair together in ways that will change their own lives and that of others forever.
At times heartbreaking, the story eventually leads to hope and restoration for its characters. I liked how the author managed to convey the despair and hopelessness often experienced by our veterans of war. We lose too many of these young men to suicide yet so many are unaware of their desperation. I also loved how the words of the much loved song Here is Love were woven throughout this powerful story of the power of Christ to restore broken lives.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by JustRead Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
 |
Title: A Vast and Gracious Tide
Author: Lisa Carter
Publisher: Gilead
Release Date: June 12, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense |
A wounded veteran and the police chief’s daughter must work together to bring a killer to justice
Caden Wallis lost friends, his girlfriend, and even his leg to the ravages of war. He arrives on the Outer Banks broken and still reeling, struggling to make peace with his new life.
McKenna Dockery has been stuck in limbo since her fiancé died three years ago . Now, when the handsome yet heartbroken Caden arrives at her doorstep, she starts to wonder if there may be hope for her heart after all . . .
But no sooner do they meet than a man is found murdered on McKenna’s property — and Caden is the prime suspect. The two must learn to trust each other, or no one will be safe in the tangled web of conspiracy, greed, and deceit lurking in the tidal marshlands of the Outer Banks.
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author Lisa Carter describes her Southern suspense novels as “sweet tea with a slice of murder.” She is the bestselling author of seven romantic suspense novels, four historical novellas, and a contemporary Coast Guard series. Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales and researching her next exotic adventure. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball.
CONNECT WITH LISA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Don’t miss your chance to enter this great giveaway prize pack! One winner (US only) will receive:
Print copy of A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter
Sea glass jewelry set (see here)
Framed print of Psalm 93:4 (see here)
$65 value
Giveaway will run from midnight June 18, 2018 through 11:59pm July 2, 2018. It is subject to the policies found here.
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below.
Follow along with the tour HERE for more chances to win!
by admin | Jun 17, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Blind Betrayal is another fast-paced suspense novel by Nancy Mehl that held me in its grip until the very last page. Action and danger fill the pages as a team from the U.S. Marshals Office do everything they can to escort a vital witness to Washington D.C. to testify. The story starts with a bang when a bomb attack at headquarters sends the team off on a mission that is not exactly as planned. Problems continue to plague them and they begin to wonder if any of them will survive. It was interesting to observe the interaction between Casey and E.J. as they were forced to work together despite their past connection. It soon became obvious that there were some misunderstandings that needed to be overcome if they were to successfully complete their assignment.
I enjoyed this suspense filled tale with realistic characters and a plot that could easily be drawn from current news. Plenty of unexpected twists and surprises kept me on the edge of my seat and I did not want to close the cover until I reached the end. I can always count on Nancy Mehl to provide a great read with just the right blend of faith, suspense, and romance.
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:
After two years at the St. Louis U.S. Marshals Office, Casey Sloane is tasked with escorting a reporter to Washington to testify before a grand jury. The reporter’s research on an up-and-coming environmentalist who suddenly disappeared is now even more vital than anticipated.
At first, Casey’s assignment seems routine. But a dangerous attack on the Marshals Office puts everyone on high alert. When Casey and two other Marshals–one a man from her past–are forced on the run with the reporter, they’ll do whatever it takes to protect their witness and make it out alive.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of more than thirty books, including the Road to Kingdom, Finding Sanctuary, and Defenders of Justice series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson. She is part of The Suspense Sisters: www.suspensesisters.blogspot.com, along with several other popular suspense authors. She is also very active on Facebook.
by admin | May 17, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Primary Suspect” is fast-paced suspense at its best. It quickly becomes obvious that someone wants Mitch Callahan dead and will stop at nothing to achieve that purpose. ER nurse Dana Petrie is drawn into the danger when she attempts to help after an attempt on his life at the hospital where she works.
This well-written novel is a page-turner with plenty of action, danger, suspense, and even romance which should keep most readers on the edge of their chairs. I read it in one sitting and plan to locate the other Callahan Confidential books in this series.
I am consistently amazed at the quality of most books in the Love Inspired Suspense line and will recommend them to anyone who loves this genre.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Love Inspired Books through Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Wrongfully Accused
A Callahan Confidential story
When fire investigator Mitch Callahan is attacked at a crime scene, he’s shocked to uncover the body of a slain ex-girlfriend—and realize someone’s framing him for murder. Widowed ER nurse Dana Petrie believes Mitch is innocent, and not just because he makes her feel alive again after tragedy marred her past. But is she willing to risk everything only to love and lose again?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura Scott is honored to write for the Love Inspired Suspense line, where a reader can find a heartwarming journey of faith amid the thrilling danger. She lives with her husband of twenty-five years and has two children, a daughter and a son, who are both in college. She works as a critical-care nurse during the day at a large level-one trauma center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spends her spare time writing romance. Visit Laura at www.laurascottbooks.com.
www.laurascottbooks.com
