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:
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Dec 28, 2016 | Alaska, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Turbulence” is a fairly short novel; however the author manages to cram quite a bit of content in between its covers. Not only does heroine Kennedy Stern find herself once again in the midst of deep trouble but also manages to have some deep spiritual conversations that have profound effects on her life and on others.
Situations within the plot are very believable and are so current the reader could hear about something similar in tomorrow’s news. Portrayal of different characters was on point, especially some of the attitudes toward others that reeked of racial profiling. I also loved the little granny lady who spent so much time with Kennedy. I had to wonder if she was one of those “angel unaware” encounters.
A fun read, “Turbulence” held my interest until the very end. I think I read it in one sitting. My only complaint is that it ended much too quickly.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital 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:
Facing doubts and terror at forty thousand feet.
It’s been another grueling semester at Harvard, and Kennedy can hardly wait to take a break from her premed studies for some much-needed rest and relaxation at her roommate’s homestead in rural Alaska.
Unfortunately, Kennedy’s great arctic adventure might come to a crashing halt before it ever begins.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alana is a pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom, self-diagnosed chicken lady, and Christian suspense author. Her novels have won awards from Women of Faith, Book Club Network, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and more. Alana’s passion for social justice, human rights, and religious freedom shines through her writing, and her books are known for raising tough questions without preaching. She and her family live in rural Alaska where the northern lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer make hauling water, surviving the annual mosquito apocalypse, and cleaning goat stalls in negative forty degrees worth every second.
Learn more about Alana and her books on her website.
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Oct 16, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I remember reading the two books of Bunn’s Reluctant Prophet series (“The Warning” and “The Ultimatum”) nearly twenty years ago (could it be that long?!) and then watching later as much of his warnings seemed to play out in real life. I didn’t know if this author was a prophet or someone who just knew finance and paid close attention to what was happening in that world. I did decide that I could trust that his research for his novels would be thorough.
Well, Davis Bunn is back with another financial thriller in his latest novel “The Domino Effect”. As usual, the story itself is riveting with plenty of drama, action, and dangerous situations. I was almost unable to put the book down before I finished it. I had to admire the heroine Esther Larsen for her courage and determination to do what was right even at her own risk. Although it did not come as a total surprise, I did find it somewhat frightening to read about how close the world could be to a total financial disaster due to the manipulation of the markets by large and powerful banks.
Mr. Bunn provide a wealth of information within this suspenseful story. I cannot say that it was exactly a pleasure to read because the subject matter is so crucial, especially if it is based on true possibilities as I believe it must be. “The Domino Effect” is a novel that should grab the attention of its readers and give them some serious matters to consider about how they handle their own money in the future.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Blogging Bistro. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Financial Thriller That Will Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats
Esther Larsen, a leading risk analyst at one of the country’s largest banking institutions, is becoming more and more convinced that she has uncovered a ticking bomb with the potential to overshadow 2008’s market crash. And as her own employer pursues “investment” strategies with ever-increasing levels of risk, she becomes convinced she must do something. Yet what can one person really do?
The markets are edging closer to a tipping point–like the teetering first domino in a standing row that circles the globe. And when Esther does sound the alarm, she wonders if anyone will take her seriously. But as public support grows for her ideas, so does the desperation of those whose conspiracy of greed she seeks to expose. With global markets on the brink, and her own life in danger, Esther is locked in a race with the clock to avert a worldwide financial meltdown.
This fast-paced suspense novel will make you wonder where the fiction ends and reality begins. . . .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Davis Bunn is an award-winning novelist with total worldwide sales of seven million copies.
His work has been published in twenty languages, and critical acclaim includes four Christy Awards for excellence in fiction and his 2014 induction into the Christy Hall of Fame.
Davis divides his time between Florida and England, where he serves as Writer In Residence at Regent’s Park College at The University of Oxford. Visit Davis at http://www.davisbunn.com/
Davis’s other online outposts:
Download a free PDF of Davis Bunn’s published novels: http://bit.ly/1nUdVIb
Subscribe to Davis’s e-newsletter: Send a blank email to davisbunn@aweber.com
Receive Davis’s latest blog posts via your feed reader: http://feeds.feedburner.com/DavisBunn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davisbunnauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/davisbunn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/davisbunn
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/davisbunn/
Save
Save
by admin | Oct 10, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Mike Nappa was an unknown author to me when I chose to review “Annabel Lee”. That particular novel was a bit more violent than what I usually read but the story was so clever and compelling plus I loved Trudi and Samuel that I couldn’t help but agree to review “The Raven” also. I really wanted to catch up with the Coffey and Hill team. I was not disappointed.
In the latest installment with a nod to Edgar Allen Poe, a young street magician known as the Raven finds himself in over his head with the Ukrainian Mafia. Samuel is sent to find out if there is any truth to something big might be going down soon – something rumored to have the code name of “Nevermore”. Then there is Mama Bliss who has connections because of her business and seems to know everything going on in her neighborhood. Everyone knows she still grieves her grandson but Mama Bliss has some secrets that would surprise most people. Somehow all these people interconnect in one way or another to the point that it is sometimes difficult to tell exactly what is really going on. But by the end, everything comes together and makes a bit more sense.
“The Raven” is not nearly as violent as “Annabel Lee” but it does have its moments. I really felt for poor Raven even though he probably asked for some of what he got. Despite his sticky fingers, he was actually a likeable fellow. And even with their past history, I can’t help but hope Trudi and Samuel will end up back together.
Mike Nappa, you have captured my imagination with your Poe themed books and I will have to read each and every one of them in this series. Superb writing and unique stories come together to make several hours of intense reading. If you enjoy good suspense novels, take a chance on both “The Raven” and “Annabel Lee”.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As part of his street performance, a deception specialist who goes by the name The Raven picks his audience’s pockets while they watch. It’s harmless fun–until he decides to keep the wallet of a prominent politician, hoping for a few extra bucks. When he finds compromising photos of the councilman and his “personal assistants,” The Raven hatches a plan to blackmail the man. However, he quickly finds himself in over his head with the Ukrainian Mafia and mired in a life-threatening plot code-named “Nevermore.”
Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must scramble to sort out the clues to rescue The Raven from a wild card bent on revenge.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mike Nappa is an entertainment journalist at FamilyFans.com, as well as a bestselling and award-winning author with more than one million books sold worldwide. When he was a kid, the stories of Edgar Allan Poe scared him silly. Today he owns everything Poe ever wrote. A former fiction acquisitions editor, Mike earned his MA in English literature and now writes full time.
Save
Save
by admin | Oct 4, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I was unfamiliar with Alison Stone’s novels when I agreed to review “Pointe and Shoot” but its description sounded interesting so I decided to give it a try. I was pleased to find it to be a well-written book that held my attention throughout with its fast moving and suspense filled plot. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more books by this author.
I particularly liked Jayne, the primary character. Her devotion to her family, especially her mother, was admirable. Giving up on a career she had dreamed of in exchange for helping her mother with her dance studio was a pretty big sacrifice. I also thought that Danny was a good match for Jayne and enjoyed reading about how their relationship grew from a renewed friendship to love. When one of the dance instructors dies in a mysterious car crash, Jayne suspects it was more than an accident and is determined to prove it despite the doubts of nearly everyone else. Even Danny is unsure of her suspicions but because he cares, he tries to help. Adding the perpetrator’s thoughts to the story was a brilliant idea that gave me some insight into the warped mindset of the killer without giving too much away. By the end, I did have an inkling of who this person was but was never 100% certain.
Lots of danger, mystery, and suspense as well as plenty of personal insight fill the pages of “Pointe and Shoot”. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and learning about the dance school. I also found the subtle message of faith to be just the right touch. I would recommend this novel to all who enjoy a good contemporary suspense.
A digital copy of this book was provided by the author through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jayne Murphy has always put family first. That’s why she abandoned her dream of joining the police force to run her ailing mother’s dance studio.
When one of the studio’s most talented instructors dies in a car crash, Jayne isn’t convinced it was just an accident. Relentlessly pursuing her hunch, she teams up with Officer Danny Nolan, the best friend and partner of her brother Patrick, who died in the line of duty. Haunted by Patrick’s death, Danny has begun to question whether he should still be a cop at all.
As Jayne digs deeper, suspects emerge, including the victim’s clingy ex-boyfriend and a jealous foe from the cutthroat dance world. Her evolving insights into the case rekindle Jayne’s passion for police work. Danny, too, feels a renewed sense of purpose…and a definite attraction to his unofficial partner, which seems to be mutual. Now, if Jayne can only keep herself out of harm’s way, she and Danny both might get a second chance—with their careers and each other.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
With a degree from Georgia Tech, Alison Stone was an engineer in several industries before trading her corporate career for motherhood shortly after the birth of her second child. She became a novelist in a roundabout way, first trying her hand at writing children’s books and articles for local publications before eventually discovering her love of romantic suspense. Stone lives with her husband of twenty-plus years and their four children in western New York, where the summers are gorgeous and the winters are perfect for curling up with a good book—or writing one.
Save
Save
Save
Save
by admin | Sep 11, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I love discovering new authors and I love romantic suspense novels so it was a no-brainer to agree to participate in the blog tour for “A Memory Worth Dying For” by Joanie Bruce. To my surprise and delight, Joanie also included a copy of her first novel, “Alana Candler, Marked for Murder”. I read and enjoyed both books and hope to find time to review the other one in the near future.
“A Memory Worth Dying For” has an unusual plot with both primary characters suffering from some degree of amnesia. Marti Rushing cannot remember anything concerning the events surrounding a tragic auto crash that killed her sister-in-law, her husband and Marti’s unborn baby. Angry because he believed a drunken Marti was responsible for the accident, her husband divorced her. During the three years following the crash Marti has moved from place to place because of a stalker and threatening communications but when she receives a letter begging her to return to Texas, she feels she has no choice but to do so.
Although some of what happens in this book is a bit of a stretch, I personally enjoy having my imagination challenged. The plot built upon itself as one dangerous incident after another menaced Marti and more than one possible perpetrator looked suspicious. Multiple plot twists and major surprises popped up along the way but were all resolved satisfactorily by the conclusion.
“A Memory Worth Dying For” is an enjoyable read with a theme of forgiveness and restored faith. I believe that those who do not tend to over analyze plot details but just love a good romantic suspense would enjoy this one.
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
“Do Not Return To Texas!” Marti Rushing gets the message, loud and clear. If she returns to Texas, her life is in danger. If she stays in Tennessee, she’s safe. But when she receives a letter telling her that Daniel, her ex-husband and the love of her life, is dying, she knows she has to defy the stalker and return to Texas to see him. Three years ago, Daniel accused her of things she couldn’t remember doing. Without waiting for an explanation and after four wonderful years of marriage, Daniel kicks her off of his family’s Quarter Horse ranch. Now, three years after their separation, he walks into her art reception in Tennessee and acts like he doesn’t remember her. Does the memory loss have anything to do with the letter she received, or is Daniel pretending? Is he the one stalking her, or is it someone with a deadly, sinister motive? Ignoring the deadly warnings, she leaves for Texas, but on the way there, the attempts on her life begin. Will she be able to evade her pursuer’s attacks? Or will Daniel’s face be the last one she sees?
To purchase your copy, click here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joanie has a strong passion for reading, and her love for books with nail-biting suspense, inspires her to write contemporary suspense books. Thankful that God has given her the ability to write from her home in the country, she strives to use that opportunity to honor Him in all of her writing. Joanie and her husband, Ben, live in a country home near Madison, Georgia, right in the middle of a pasture full of beef cows. There they raised and homeschooled their three children. She enjoys cooking, taking long walks, painting oil portraits, and caring for their home in the country.
GUEST POST FROM JOANIE BRUCE:
Hello everyone. My name is Joanie Bruce, and I’m happy to visit with you today and tell you a little about myself and my book, “A Memory Worth Dying For.”
The idea for this book actually started from a simple memory. Years ago, I watched a movie about a woman whose father-in-law ruined her marriage. That thought raised a question in my mind: What would happen if a married woman was kicked out of her home by her father-in-law, and her husband never stood up for her against his father?
Many questions and solutions emerged from that one idea, and the brainstorming began… One answer lead to another problem, and the answer to that problem produced another question. When all was done, the plot for this book emerged.
After adding suspense, mystery, love, and a growing spiritual aspect to that one idea, I was able to combine them to form an interesting plot. Finally, after several months of work, “A Memory Worth Dying For” was born.
I love this story because it shows forgiveness at its highest peak. Marti and Daniel have a wonderful marriage, but because of greed, selfishness, and a colossal misunderstanding, that marriage is dissolved. Even though they are separated, the love they feel for each other never wanes. Marti’s love for Daniel throws her into a dangerous situation, but that same love also gives her the perseverance and determination to stay in Texas and fight for the happiness of the man she loves even though her life is threatened if she does. I’m sure you’ve all read the Bible verse Joel 2:25a. “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.” That verse is the one Marti clings to throughout the story.
As I do my writing each day, I pray that God will teach me something. Writing this book taught me so many lessons. Not only did I fall in love with the characters, but with the idea of practicing forgiveness in my own life. It also reinforced the knowledge that I should never jump to conclusions and get the facts before I make decisions. In this book, Daniel jumped to a conclusion and listened to gossip which caused the break-up of his marriage and unnecessary stress in his life.
Years ago, one of my Sunday School students gave me a book for Christmas called “In His Steps.” If you remember, that book started the campaign that encouraged you to ask “what would Jesus do?” before every action. I was convicted while reading that book because I knew I wasn’t doing things in my life for the Lord’s glory. So the next Sunday in church, I dedicated my life back to the Lord, and I began praying He would use me in whatever way He chose.
After those sincere prayers, the Lord began showing me how I could use my life and the talents He gave me for Him. It was shortly after that prayer I found out I had the ability to paint portraits, and not long after starting my art career, my first attempt at writing was accepted for a publishing contract. I realized then that following the Lord’s leading in my life and an attitude of gratefulness and obedience all worked together so the Lord would bless my efforts.
If you take anything away from this post, I hope it will be that the Lord can use anyone who is willing to be used. If you surrender your talents to him, no matter what your age or limitations, God can still use you for His glory.
Thank you for listening to my ramblings. I hope and pray that God blesses each of you in all of your accomplishments.
BLOG STOPS:
August 30: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
August 30: Cassandra M’s Place
August 31: Petra’s Hope
September 1: A Reader’s Brain
September 2: Quiet Quilter
September 2: Splashes of Joy
September 3: History, Mystery & Faith
September 4: Ashley’s Bookshelf
September 5: Carpe Diem
September 6: Pause for Tales
September 7: Blogging with Carol
September 8: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
September 9: A Baker’s Perspective
September 10: bigreadersite
September 11: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
September 11: Daysong Reflections
September 12: just the write escape
September 12: Mary Hake
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Joanie is giving away a Kindle Fire and her books! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a29f
Save
Save
Save
Save
