by admin | Dec 8, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Paralyzed” is a heart-pounding suspense that takes the reader right into the experiences of Kennedy Stern. Daughter of missionaries, Kennedy is pretty much on her own in the U.S. while attending college. As a survivor of a recent abduction, Kennedy has returned to her classes but nightmares and flashbacks seem to haunt her when least expected. Is it just her imagination or is someone still determined to eliminate her? If only she can pray enough and make good enough grades, she believes she will be okay.
Alana Terry has such a way with words that I was pulled right into the story and did not want to put the book down until I reached its end. The author vividly describes the frightening life of a person suffering from PTSD and at times I almost felt as if I were experiencing it along with Kennedy. The story deals with some tough subject matter but it is handled very well.
I have not read the previous book in this series but I have it on my Kindle and plan to read the first part of this story asap. I recommend it heartily to those who enjoy a fast-paced suspense. Why don’t you check it out soon? The author is currently offering a free digital copy on her website at http://www.alanaterry.com/free-novel.html
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kennedy Stern has returned to campus after surviving an abduction, but old scars cut deep. Vivid flashbacks and terrifying dreams paralyze her, threatening to ruin her academic career and any chance she has at peace or happiness. This mental anguish, however, constitutes only a small fraction of her post-traumatic nightmare.
A partner in Kennedy’s kidnapping remains at large and will not stop until he has silenced her witness permanently. His violent resolve risks not only her life, but the safety of anyone who tries to help.
Kennedy must engage in a deadly battle of the mind as she struggles to stay alive. While fighting on two fronts — one psychological and one physical — the question isn’t whether she’ll come out of the war stronger in the end.
The question is whether she’ll come out of it at all.
The newest release from inspirational suspense author, Alana Terry, who Christian Fiction has won awards from Women of Faith, Grace Awards, Readers’ Favorite, and several others.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
When Alana isn’t writing, it’s likely that she’s on the floor wrestling with her kids. Or playing outside with her kids. Or chauffeuring her kids. Or trying some random science experiment with her kids. But she’s probably not cooking or cleaning.
Alana is a homeschooling mother of three who loves to write, hates to cook, and enjoys reading a good book almost as much as she enjoys writing one.
Alana won the Women of Faith writing contest for “The Beloved Daughter,” her debut inspirational novel.
by admin | Dec 8, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
After reading “Whispers in the Reading Room” as well as the previous two novels in Gray’s Chicago World’s Fair Mystery series, I seriously hope that the author will continue to provide books of this vein. I consider her to be one of the better authors of Amish fiction but I much prefer this series.
As a voracious reader myself, I can certainly identify with Lydia’s love of books and also found the mysterious male book lover who frequented the reading room to be of great interest. I loved both characters and although I knew they would eventually end up together, it was so entertaining to read about their interactions and exploits as Lydia and Sebastian hoped to find the actual person responsible for murder. Sebastian was a true gentleman despite his humble background and his questionable occupation. Despite Lydia’s own negative opinion of herself, I found her to be a strong and very likable heroine. The plot moved along at just the right pace and descriptions of different settings, characters, and society practices brought the story to life.
As always, I enjoyed seeing the true villains get their just comeuppance and an unlikely pair rewarded with true love. Loved this book so I recommend it and the entire series to those who love historical romance with a large dollop of suspense.
Copies of this book were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity and The Fiction Guild.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), “The Protector,” recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio.
Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
by admin | Nov 30, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
My past experiences with Katy Lee’s novels have proven that I can count on her for an exciting and suspense-filled evening. I also know that I don’t have to worry about running across any explicit intimacy or gruesome violence. For the icing on the cake, I know that I will also find a strong vein of truth and faith running throughout the pages. As the first book in her new Roads to Danger series, “Silent Night Pursuit” totally lived up to my expectations.
Lacey Phillips takes a road trip to learn what Wade Spencer might know about why her brother died. Fully expecting to be back home in time for Christmas dinner, Lacey quickly finds herself in the middle of much more than she expected and begins to wonder if she will ever make it back home at all. Against his will, Wade is forced to flee with Lacey as they both run for their very lives.
Katy Lee seems to get better with each book. In “Silent Night Pursuit” she has amped up the danger and suspense with some absolutely breath-stopping scenes and a mystery that might just surprise most readers. Of course the reader will also expect a romance to develop because that is the very nature of any Love Inspired novel but I particularly liked the way this one developed.
I am really afraid to say more for fear of spoilers but I will say that “Silent Night Pursuit” is the perfect mystery/suspense to have on hand if one finds a few spare moments during the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations. And – it would even be a good read after the holidays. I loved it!
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lacey Phillips believes Captain Wade Spencer knows something about her brother’s mysterious death. So she throws caution to the wind and tracks him down on Christmas Eve looking for answers. Wade tries to turn her away—until bullets start to fly. He doesn’t want to take the stubborn beauty on his life-or-death mission to find out the truth about how Wade’s past may have cost her brother his life. But with killers lurking everywhere, he has to protect her—especially when she breaches the walls around his heart. Can Wade and his faithful service dog keep Lacey alive long enough to figure out who’s targeting them?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Katy Lee writes suspenseful romances that thrill and inspire. She believes every story should stir and satisfy the reader–from the edge of their seat. A native New Englander, Katy loves to knit warm wooly things. She enjoys traveling the side-roads and exploring the locals’ hideaways. A homeschooling mom of three competitive swimmers, Katy often writes from the stands while cheering them on.
Visit Katy at: www.KatyLeeBooks.com.
by admin | Nov 24, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Connie Almony is an author to keep your eye on. Not only are her novels well written and easy to read but she is not afraid to tackle tough issues in them. That she does so with such tact and realism without the crudeness one might find in a secular novel just increases my respect for her writing.
I love Connie’s down-to-earth characters who are broken and have things in their past they would rather not come to the light. Even as strong Christians, their struggle to follow their faith is one most believers should be able to identify with. Despite characters with ugly pasts and only too human personal battles, “Flee From Evil” has a strong message of faith that flows through its pages.
“Flee From Evil” is a romantic suspense novel with a plot that entrapped me until it’s very end. I was not much use around the house until I finished reading it. The story has just the right amount of danger, mystery, and romance with a touch of occasional humor.
I would highly recommend this novel and am considering purchasing a paperback copy for my keeper shelf.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A pastor with a past uses his underworld connections to try and save the child of the woman he wronged many years ago.
Pastor Vince Steegle thought his destructive beginnings were ancient history, but the ramifications of his prior choices just walked in the door of his church. Is Romans 8:28 really true? Can God really make all things good? Or is Vince’s past just too ugly?
After the death of her much-beloved husband, Cassandra Whitaker is looking for security for her children. One, a teen on the cusp of womanhood. The other, a young boy struggling with the effects of autism. But there are those who seek to destroy them. Can Cassandra keep her family safe, or must she flee from evil?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
She’s just a suburb gal from the Baltimore-Washington megalopolis. And that’s what Connie Almony’s fiction is about, a diverse population which is truly, and beautifully, colorful.
Trained as a mental health counselor, she hopes you won’t hold that against her. Though this training helps her delve into the motivations that drive her characters, she promises not to therapize you.
Her favorite things to do include listening to awesome Christian Contemporary music (like Third Day and NeedtoBreathe) and read great stories with colorful characters while spending time with her adoring family. She loves to brainstorm with her almost thirteen-year-old daughter, who writes chapter books on the side, and share peaceful moments with her sixteen-year-old son (who’s like a gentle breeze).
The bantering style of her characters is inspired by her husband’s deep love of mischief, particularly that which craves a sharp response ;o). Still, she loves him anyway … which covers a multitude of sins. She’s been married almost twenty years and counts each one better than the one before.
See more on ConnieAlmony.com
by admin | Nov 11, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mennonite, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
On the surface, the small Mennonite town of Sanctuary appears to be just what its name implies but there has already been a recent kidnapping and murder within its limits. There may be another murderer living among the unsuspecting townspeople and Sophie Wittenbauer is determined to find him in order to boost her journalism career. What does it matter if she has to tell a few lies in order to bring justice to the families of the men he killed?
In “Rising Darkness” readers will find a riveting suspense that will keep those pages turning while following Sophie’s efforts to find a killer before it is too late. Unexpected twists and surprises keep the suspense settings on high but in addition to that, I really liked the realistic character development that took place. In particular, Sophie had great difficulty even returning to a Mennonite town because of her unpleasant experiences in her own hometown. Her time in Sanctuary showed her that all Mennonites were not like her parents and her heart was softened by the very genuine love and protection offered her by some of Sanctuary’s residents. Although it was hard for Sophie to believe that she was worth loving, God had other plans in store for her.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Rising Darkness” and look forward to the author’s next offering.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sophie Wittenbauer left her strict Mennonite hometown under a cloud of shame and regret. Certain she’s left her past far behind her, she’s now focused on her job at a newspaper and is shocked when she stumbles upon the name of someone she knew in her old life. But when she learns the man–a prisoner–claims a suspect from a decades-old unsolved crime is hiding out in the small town of Sanctuary, Missouri, she can’t resist following the lead in hopes of furthering her career.
Almost immediately upon her arrival, Sophie’s confronted with a face from her past and fears her intention of using a false identity to investigate is doomed. But with the help of Sanctuary’s charismatic young pastor, Sophie knows she’s getting close. Will she be able to conceal the truth of her own past long enough to find the suspect before someone puts a stop–fatal or otherwise–to her investigation?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl is the author of twenty-one books, including the Road to Kingdom and Finding Sanctuary series. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. Visit www.nancymehl.com to learn more.
by admin | Oct 30, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Imagine being the doctor with two patients who will die unless they receive an experimental drug and there is only enough of it to treat one of them. To make the decision more difficult, one of the patients is the former President of the U.S. and the other is the woman the doctor loves. Dr. Josh Pearson finds himself in just this “lifeboat” type conundrum when he suddenly learns that he has been chosen to replace the former President’s personal physician.
“Miracle Drug” is a tense, contemporary medical suspense story that takes the reader behind the scenes as doctors, Secret Service members, and local law enforcement work together to save the lives of the former President and a young nurse who had been infected with a rare but deadly disease and to discover who wants the ex-President dead and is willing to kill others to achieve their purpose.
Dr. Josh Pearson is the stand-out character in “Miracle Drug” but several others have fairly strong supporting roles. The story moves along at a good pace with suspicion cast towards several possible killers and motives before its end. Several characters exhibit a strong faith and prayer is mentioned frequently.
“Miracle Drug” did not seem to be quite as suspenseful as some of Mabry’s earlier novels but it was nevertheless a riveting read that held my attention throughout. I try to never miss Dr. Mabry’s novels and am pleased that I had the chance to read this one. I enthusiastically recommend it to all who enjoy a good medical suspense.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Overcoming these odds will take more than a miracle drug—it will take a miracle.
The infection wasn’t supposed to happen, but it did. The treatment was supposed to take care of it, but it didn’t. Then Dr. Josh Pearson discovers why—his patients, including the former President of the United States, have been dosed with a different strain of the original virus, one that is universally fatal. The only chance for survival is treatment with an experimental drug, but the manufacturer might already have discarded its supply.
As if treating the President of the United States isn’t stressful enough, the situation goes from bad to worse when Rachel Moore, a nurse Josh is falling in love with, falls ill. With the nation’s eyes on him, Josh must pull off a miracle to save a man who holds a good deal of power and the woman who holds his heart.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes “medical suspense with heart.” His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers’ debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and Romantic Times’ Reader’s Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. “Miracle Drug” is his ninth published novel. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.
Find out more about Richard at http://www.rmabry.com.
Enter to win a copy of Miracle Drug—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced November 2 on Richard’s blog!
