by admin | Jul 22, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Novella, PTSD, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Beast of Stratton” is a 172 page novella that takes the reader on a fast and furious suspense-filled ride. It is a story about betrayal, trust, forgiveness, and healing. Readers get an up-close and personal look at the sufferings of an injured military man who suffers from PTSD as he struggles to overcome the pain and flashbacks.
In my personal opinion, “Beast of Stratton” is a good story that would have been even better in a full-length novel. I would have liked more background on the primary players, especially Miles, Aimee, and Ian as well as additional details about what was actually happening during much of the tale. The romance between Miles and Aimee went from dislike and distrust to love much too quickly. I wanted to watch it develop over more than what seemed to be one day’s time. I understand the need to condense and hasten the plot in novellas to fit page requirements. That is one reason I prefer full-length books. The story here is good and the author’s talent is obvious – I just wanted more of it.
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Architect Aimee Hart, determined to locate her father, infiltrates Miles Stratton’s engineering firm as a secretary. Her presence wrenches the shaggy, wounded man from his penthouse, and the quest begins. Betrayed by his best friend, Miles would rather hide than help, especially from the man’s daughter. But something’s not right. Someone’s trying to destroy Stratton Industrial. A decorated war veteran, he’s defended his own before and the Beast of Stratton can do it again. Even with the enemy at his side.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Raised in Louisiana and Wyoming, Renee started writing poetry in junior high school and that, as they say, was that. After having her son, a desire to attend pharmacy school sent her small family to Laramie and she’s been counting pills ever since. While writing’s her first love, well, after the Lord and her husband, she also likes to fish and hunt as well as pick away on her classical guitar. Nestled against the Black Hills with her husband, crazy old dog and ornery cat, she serves the community of northeastern Wyoming as a pharmacist and pens her Christian stories, keeping them interesting with action and intrigue, of course. She loves to interact with readers and invites you check out her website, blog, and social media.
Website: http://www.reneeblare.com/
Blog: https://reneeblare.wordpress.com/
Group Blog: http://diamondsinfiction.blogspot.com/
by admin | Jul 21, 2015 | Adventure, Books, Romance, Speculative, Suspense, Teen, Young Adult
MY REVIEW:
When I agreed to review “The Stonekeepers”, I was unfamiliar with the author and took a chance because I thought the book might be interesting. I did not realize that teens and young adults seem to be its targeted audience. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
From the very beginning the author sets the perfect tone with a mysterious old house that seems to reach out to Lexi Christensen. When she learns that the house is scheduled to be torn down by the city, she and her two best friends set out to stop it. Along the way, she discovers some secrets that actually do connect her to the old home. Little does she realize the adventure and danger she, her friends, and family will encounter before summer is over.
The story itself is so imaginative yet keeps its characters and their relationships very realistic. I liked that Lexi was a typical teen who had conflicts with her parents, a crush on the same guy her best friend claimed, yet she was always determined to practice her faith and to follow the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit.
I believe this is a book that would be enjoyed by most teens and even some adults. I enjoyed it and these days I am far from young.
This book was provided for review by The Bookclub Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
For the past eighteen years, Lexi Christensen has been sheltered from the truth, protected by a soft-cushioned life of normalcy, until the contents of an envelope link her to an ancient vow. All Lexi wants is to get out from between the vise grips of her suddenly protective parents, rescue an historic mansion before she leaves for college, and stop herself from falling in love with the man her best friend claims to love. But finding the envelope thrusts her into new choices . . . and new danger. Someone knows more about Lexi’s heritage than she does, wants what she’s found, and will risk her life to get it. As her future twists into an incredible mission that propels her from her sand-ringed island home to a foreign mountaintop, she’s in a race against both time and danger. Her faith may be strong, but is God asking too much?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sally Chambers lives in warmth and sunshine among palm fronds, revels in sea breezes, loves the feel of sand between her toes, and braces for hurricanes annually. She, her husband, and two married children call Florida home. Sally writes for young adults, new adults, and women of all ages who enjoy contemporary inspirational fiction that’s a blend of easy drama, suspense, and light romance.
by admin | Jul 15, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I wasn’t sure what to expect from “Hush Little Baby” when I first began to read it. The cover was much different from those on books I am accustomed to reading and I was unfamiliar with the author. But I had agreed to review it and dove right in. To my delight, the story grabbed my attention and held my interest throughout.
“Hush Little Baby” is a dramatic suspense that revolves around possible illegal activities in an abortion clinic where Amber Blake has taken a position as counselor in order to investigate. To Amber’s surprise, the doctor in charge of the clinic takes a romantic interest in her despite the fact that she is a little person and he is of normal size. In order to gain more information, Amber encourages his interest while still spending time with her estranged husband who would like to reconcile.
A convoluted tale filled with suspense, drama, and danger, “Hush Little Baby” could come out of today’s headlines. In fact, breaking news about Planned Parenthood is eerily similar to events in this book.
I am glad I took a chance and read “Hush Little Baby”. It is a well-written, faith-based story that addresses important current issues.
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Investigative journalist, Amber Blake, is a little person bent on payback for the death of her average-sized twin sister. Enlisted by her former partner and estranged husband, Evan, she poses as a counselor in an abortion clinic to expose the doctor responsible for fetal harvesting. As a Christian, she struggles with concealing her beliefs to maintain her cover, while the doctor’s romantic overtures tumble her stomach. Amber agrees to date him for the sake of the story . . . but nothing prepares her for what’s behind a mysterious door in his office.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After years of reading books and watching movies with an element of romance, Deborah M. Piccurelli’s desire to write romance novels came naturally. She is active in her church and is an advocate for sanctity of life. Deborah is the author of two novels, a novella and several cause-related newspaper articles. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and the New Jersey Society of Christian Writers. As one of the winners in a contest by The Christian Authors Show, details of Deborah’s writing journey can be found in the 2013-2014 edition of the book, 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading. Deborah lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two sons.
by admin | Jul 14, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Gone Without a Trace” is the second book I’ve read recently that featured a female detective and a PI who she immediately disliked. Fortunately the plots were anything but similar and I enjoyed both books.
The perpetrator in “Gone Without a Trace” was one messed up guy and the reader is given glimpses into his mind at various points during the book. I found it impossible to settle on the guilty party because every time I thought I had it figured out, a little more information was given about another character that directed suspicion in his direction also. I thought the author was genius in misleading the reader and the conclusion is both surprising and horrifying.
“Gone Without a Trace” is an exciting read from the beginning to its end. I thought the characters were strong and realistic and the suspense was broken by a developing romance (of course). I loved the way one disappearance was resolved earlier in the story and how that character helped solve the other case.
I highly recommend “Gone Without a Trace” to anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The past is repeating itself–and time is running out
It’s been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds’s cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts her concerning a senator’s missing granddaughter who was last seen in Logan Point, Livy notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. With self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of the self-assured PI, she’s finding this investigation an uphill battle. But with the prospect of finding her cousin on the horizon, she’ll have to find a way to work with Alex–before it’s too late.
Award-winning author Patricia Bradley keeps you on the edge of your seat with a case–and a relationship–that is anything but certain.
Read an excerpt from Gone Without a Trace.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Bradley is the author of Shadows of the Past, A Promise to Protect, and Gone without a Trace. Bradley has been a finalist for the Genesis Award, winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award, and winner of a Touched by Love Award. Bradley is a published short story writer and cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.
by admin | Jul 6, 2015 | Books, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Drawing Fire” is a high octane suspense that hits the ground running and keeps up a frantic pace throughout most of the book. Skillful plot twists and multiple surprises kept me in the dark but eager to learn more. Although the finale wrapped up most of the loose threads, it was bittersweet because I had reached the end.
Strong characters included “hot shot” PI Luke Murphy who was at first a thorn in detective Abby Hart’s side. Although Abby resented what she considered Luke’s interference in her case, she soon learned that they both had similar interests in solving it. As can be expected, the relationship between Abby and Luke develops into more than a working one.
I always enjoy a good romantic suspense and Janice Cantore is one of the best when it comes to writing one that will keep my interest. I suspect her law enforcement experience gives her that extra edge of authenticity. As long as she will keep these novels coming, I will read them!
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
One case from her past defines homicide detective Abby Hart.
With a possible serial killer stalking elderly women in Long Beach, California, Abby’s best lead is Luke Murphy, an irritating private investigator who saw a suspect flee the scene of the latest homicide. When Abby discovers that the most recent victim is related to the governor, she’s anxious to talk to him about a cold case that’s personal to her—one Luke is interested in as well.
As she learns more about the restaurant fire that took her parents’ lives years ago, Abby discovers why Luke is so invested in finding the ones responsible. The more they uncover, though, the more questions they have. Can Abby find peace without having all the answers?
Read an excerpt from Drawing Fire.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her twenty-two years of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories. She has penned six novels, the Pacific Coast Justice series, Visible Threat, and Critical Pursuit. Drawing Fire is the first book in the Cold Case Justice series.
Visit Janice’s website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook.
by admin | Jun 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Desperate Measures” is the third and final book in Orchard’s Port Aster Secrets series. As the series title suggests, there has been a multitude of secrets including why a mysterious plant is so important that someone is willing to kill for it. Then there are some personal secrets – secrets that have evolved from past hurts and the inability to trust others – and a determination to take care of matters independently.
As the conclusion to the series, “Desperate Measures” answers many of the questions that went unanswered in the first two books. It also built to a final and dramatic finale with a satisfying resolution both to the mystery and to the on-again-off-again relationship between Tom and Kate.
Plenty of action, danger, mystery, and suspense drove the plot and the interaction between strong, interesting characters kept me involved. I enjoyed this entire series and look forward to Sandra’s next novel.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Kate won’t be safe until all of Port Aster’s secrets are revealed
Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the supposed “miracle plant” that tore apart her family years ago. She’s certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding her father’s disappearance. She’s willing to risk anything to find the truth, including her relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But with so many people in pursuit of the plant, going it alone might be a fatal mistake.
Award-winning author Sandra Orchard pulls out all the stops in this breakneck and breathtaking conclusion to the Port Aster Secrets series.
What people are saying about the Port Aster Secrets series
“Romantic suspense maven Orchard plunges readers into the fray immediately. The writing is über-dramatic and the action hectic.”–Publishers Weekly
“I couldn’t put it down.”–Margaret Daley, author of the Men of the Texas Rangers series
“A fun, sometimes quirky whodunit, full of everything a mystery lover is looking for, including a dash of romance.”–Lisa Harris, Christy Award-winning author of Dangerous Passage
Read an excerpt from “Desperate Measures”.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries, including Deadly Devotion and Blind Trust. Her Love Inspired Suspense titles have garnered two Canadian Christian Writing Awards and a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award. Sandra has also received a HOLT Medallion, a Word Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.
