by admin | Jun 18, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Fatal Trauma” is a fast-paced medical suspense that held my attention throughout its pages. Once again, Richard Mabry has written a novel that severely interfered with getting my household chores taken care of. I was pretty much useless until I finished reading it. The story immediately jumped into suspense mode on the very first page during a scene in the ER and the tension had very little relief until final resolution.
ER doctor Mark Baker finds himself in big trouble after the deaths of two members of a dangerous drug cartel. Not only is the cartel out for revenge against him and other ER staff, but the police suspect he is responsible for another subsequent death. Time is at a premium as Mark attempts to prove his innocence at the same time he is in fear for his life.
Numerous plot twists and surprises and excellent writing kept me turning the pages. Just the right amount of medical details were included to keep it interesting without overwhelming me with unwanted facts. I liked how the author worked a bit of romance and faith into the story without lessening the suspense.
I enthusiastically recommend “Fatal Trauma” as well as any book by Richard Mabry, M.D.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A gunman who has nothing to lose faces a doctor who could lose it all to prove his innocence.
When Dr. Mark Baker and Nurse Kelly Atkinson are held at the mercy of a dangerous gunman, the lives of every emergency room patient are at stake. At the end of the evening three men are dead. One of them is a police officer who couldn’t be saved despite Mark’s best efforts. The other two are members of the feared Zeta drug cartel.
Though the standoff is over, the killing is not, because when the drug cartel loses its members, revenge is not far behind. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.
At the height of the conflict, three questions remain: Who is the shooter? Who will the next victim be? And can Mark prove his innocence before the gun turns on him?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader’s Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.
Find out more about Richard at http://www.rmabry.com/.
Thrilling New Read from Richard Mabry | ‘Fatal Trauma’ and the Perfect Prescription Giveaway
Can Mark find out who the shooter is before he becomes the next victim? You won’t want to miss the suspense in Richard Mabry’s new book, Fatal Trauma. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.
Richard is celebrating the release of Fatal Trauma by giving away The Perfect Prescription Prize Pack!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 20th. The winner will be announced June 22nd on Richard’s blog.
by admin | Jun 6, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, International Intrigue, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When I elected to review “Wilderness Rising” I did not realize it was a sequel to “The Church Builder”. Since I had not read the first book, I decided to pick up a copy to read while I was waiting for this one to arrive. I am so thankful that I did. I would have been mostly lost if I had not already read “The Church Builder”. The series is about a centuries-long battle between two opposing groups, the Wilderness and the Garden. One group is composed of atheists and the other of supposed believers. Unfortunately, in their ongoing war, both sides are often less than ethical and casualties are just part of the battle.
Bethany Barclay has unwittingly become the central focus of the battle after being set up by one of the groups who hope she can find the ancient relic her best friend had possibly found before her own death. With the FBI and other law enforcement agencies determined to find her because they believe she is a terrorist, Bethany has followed her friend’s trail to England in hopes of finding the Pilate Stone. With both the Garden and the Wilderness after her as well as other unknown parties, Bethany’s life has become surreal with never a moment to feel safe but she is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery because another young person’s life is also in danger.
There is so much going on in both “The Church Builder” and “Wilderness Rising” that I was often confused. I decided that the author probably planned it that way to give the reader a sense of Bethany’s confusion and desperation as she raced against time for her own life as well as Janice’s. Jam-packed with action, danger, and suspense, “Wilderness Rising” raced to a strong finish with plenty of surprises along the way.
I enjoyed both volumes of the Church Builder series and would recommend them to all who enjoy suspense that keeps the reader on the edge of the seat and never sure what will happen next. Both are lengthy novels but I found myself unable to put them down.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
From A. L. Shields-pseudonym for New York Times best-selling author Stephen L. Carter-comes the thrilling sequel to The Church Builder.
An age-old struggle between the enemies of God and the champions of faith.
A rumored relic that could prove Christ performed miracles-or declare him a fraud.
A woman on the run from international authorities.
Bethany Barclay is fighting to outwit the Wilderness, an ancient and powerful cabal bent on destroying Christianity. Its members murdered her best friend, framed her for acts of terrorism, and captured the brilliant teen hacker she vowed to protect. To ransom the girl, Bethany must find the Pilate Stone-a mysterious first-century artifact that might not even exist.
But she’s not the only one looking for the stone. In an international landscape of double agents, Bethany finds it impossible to tell friend from foe. The Garden, a secret group of powerful intellectuals sworn to save the Church and help Bethany, is collapsing under the rising power of the Wilderness. And an ocean separates her from her only proven ally-the lone wolf Ray Fuentes, who has battles of his own to fight.
A sparse trail of breadcrumbs takes Bethany across Europe into a labyrinth of academics, art historians, and followers of a reclusive monastic order. As her quest transforms into an ever more complex and dangerous game, unlikely actors in the drama emerge. Some are ruthlessly devoted to preserving a world where faith is possible. Others aim to brutally, and finally, undermine belief.
Including her own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A. L. Shields is a pseudonym for Stephen L. Carter, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law at Yale, where he has taught for thirty years. He is also the author of seven acclaimed works of nonfiction and five best-selling novels. His first novel, The Emperor of Ocean Park (2002), spent eleven weeks on the New York Times best seller list.
by admin | May 30, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Once again Katy Lee has invited me to visit the Stepping Stone Islands where Gretchen Bauer has agreed to allow a home improvement television crew film an episode at her Victorian house in hopes that they can restore it in time to open her Bed and Breakfast. Unfortunately, it seems that her fellow islanders are not in favor of her plans and someone wants her dead or injured.
Irish television host Colm McCrae did not exactly impress me at the beginning because of his flippant attitude. It didn’t take very long, however, for Colm’s true colors to show themselves even if it took Gretchen awhile to trust him. Of course with her experience with men, who could blame her if she never trusted another one?
Katy weaves a fine suspense in this short Love Inspired novel with more than adequate character development and an attention-holding plot. With plenty of action, danger, romance, and surprises, “Permanent Vacancy” further convinced me that Katy Lee’s novels are not to be missed.
This book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Gretchen Bauer begins renovating an old Victorian house to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she barely escapes several dangerous “accidents” at her home. Colm McCrae, host of the home improvement TV show helping her renovate, refuses to believe these aren’t on purpose. Could this be a harmful ploy by his boss to boost ratings? Yet with Colm’s smooth-talking Irish brogue, Gretchen wonders whether he could be involved. But with a whole town full of neighbors disgruntled about the inn bringing strangers to their shores, Gretchen has a list of more likely suspects. Now she must trust Colm if she wants to keep her new business venture from turning into a five-star death trap.
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 | May 26, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Having read previous books by Lisa Carter, I was eager to jump into another of her mystery/suspense novels. In the others, I have enjoyed the realistic plots and settings as well as well-rounded characters and complex relationships. I was not disappointed in “Vines of Entanglement”.
As the story opens, Laura Mabry finds a body on the trail that runs behind her house. To her surprise and horror, the murder victim is her employee …and Laura learns that investigators suspect that she could be responsible. To make matters worse, the lead detective turns out to be a man with whom Laura has a romantic past – a man she had hoped to never see again.
Not only is “Vines of Entanglement” a murder mystery but it is also somewhat of a romantic mystery also. During the course of the investigation, the story of Laura and Jon’s past is gradually revealed. A story where the past collides with the present and secrets and lies are revealed, this novel is one that held my interest until the very end. A strong message of faith is woven deftly throughout the story which makes it all the more relevant for me.
This book was provided for review by Amazon Vine.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A tangled web of lies characterizes the life Laura Mabry has built for herself and her son after the tragic death of her husband. But Laura’s carefully constructed world slides off its axis when she stumbles upon the body of a young college student on the recreational trails of Raleigh’s Greenway. What’s worse, Detective Jon Locklear is Laura’s worst nightmare…and her dream come true.
Jon has spent years trying to forget Laura. Past experience has taught him that he can’t trust her, but old habits—like old loves—die hard. When the killer turns his attention on Laura, Jon may be the only one who can save her.
Truth and murder lurk just around the corner for Laura. Can she find the courage to face her deepest fears and unravel the lies of her past before she and her son become the Greenway Killer’s next victims.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Carter is the author of Carolina Reckoning and Aloha Rose, and a writer and teacher whose articles have appeared in FamilyFun, Thriving Family, MomSense, and Christian Parenting Today. She is a frequent speaker and vocalist at women’s ministry events and has taught at the collegiate, high school, and middle school levels. Lisa is a member of ACFW, RWA and Sisters in Crime. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys traveling, quilting, and researching her next romantic adventure. She and her husband have two daughters and make their home in Raleigh, North Carolina. Visit her online at LisaCarterAuthor.com.
by admin | May 20, 2015 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, Western
MY REVIEW:
Colleen Coble’s Journey of the Heart series continues in “A Heart’s Danger” with more plots and plans, escalating tension with the Sioux, threats and danger from an old enemy, and of course a touch of romance. The story line in the first three volumes of this six book series seems to reach a conclusion in “A Heart’s Danger” where major revelations and romance are wrapped up nicely by the end.
Thus far I have enjoyed reading these short books that have been revised and re-released from Cobles first two novels. My only complaint is that I have to wait an entire month to read the next installment. I have to confess that I can be a very impatient reader. Nonetheless, these brief novels are a welcome break from some of the longer and more serious novels I have on my review list. It is easy to see Coble’s talent in her early work and how far she has come since then.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
On the brink of war with the Sioux, Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves.
Christmas is coming, and the air at Fort Laramie has turned cold . . . but relations with the Sioux have turned colder. As tensions between soldiers and natives approach a tipping point, a trap has been set for Rand Campbell.
Rand’s new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns.
Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell—the man whose love she craves—and Croftner—the man whose lies have cost her everything.
Will Rand fall victim to the conspiracy and go through with his wedding? Or will he declare his love for Sarah and make good on the promises that brought her into the rugged western territories?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several romantic suspense novels including “Tidewater Inn,” “Rosemary Cottage,” and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.
Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.
Colleen Coble’s Perfect Pairing Giveaway and Blog Tour
Sarah risks everything to expose the betrayal threatening the man she loves—but will the risk be worth it? Find out in book three, A Heart’s Danger, of Colleen Coble’s A Journey of the Heart series.
Rand’s new fiancée wants to keep him from returning to Sarah Montgomery . . . for whom his heart clearly still yearns. Sarah just wants to move on with her life at Fort Laramie, but doing so under the watchful eyes of both Campbell—the man whose love she craves—and Croftner—the man whose lies have cost her everything.
Enter to win the perfect pairing giveaway: three books (books one–three in Colleen’s A Journey of the Heart series) and coffee to pair with your new book!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A copy of A Heart’s Danger
- A pound of Colleen’s favorite coffee, Captain Davy’s Coffee Roaster Costa Rican
- A copy of A Heart’s Disguise
- A copy of A Heart’s Obsession
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 31st. Winner will be announced June 1st on Colleen’s website.
by admin | May 14, 2015 | Books, Depression Era, Historical, Mystery, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I chose to read and review “Hollywood Lost” because I have often seen books by Ace Collins but am fairly unfamiliar with his work and decided to try something a bit different from my usual choices. Apparently many reviewers were disappointed with this particular novel but I actually enjoyed it. If “Hollywood Lost” does not live up to this author’s usual quality, then I absolutely must read more by him.
“Hollywood Lost” takes place during the depression era and the story revolves primarily around one movie studio. A number of murders takes place that seem to be connected to the studio and evidence points to one of its top actors. As the story progresses, the lines become a bit blurred as numerous red herrings point to more than one possible guilty party. I had my suspicions all along that turned out to be correct but there were times that I had to wonder just a bit if I was on the wrong trail.
I enjoyed reading about life during the glory days of Hollywood where nothing was as it seemed and studios were adept at manufacturing fairytale lives for their actors both on and off the stage. Shelby Beckett was a breath of fresh air and innocence in the midst of all the glitz and glamor and pretense. Other characters were hard to read. I wanted to like Dalton and even Flynn but the author did a good job of keeping me suspicious of them.
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip back to Hollywood’s past through the pages of this novel. I would recommend “Hollywood Lost” to all who enjoy an old-time detective type novel.
This book was provided for review by the Amazon Vine Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Struggling to make ends meet during the Great Depression, Shelby Beckett flees the Oklahoma dust bowl to find work in the wardrobe department of Hollywood’s largest movie studio. Surrounded by glamor and wealth, Shelby is charmed by box office star Flynn Sparks as well as Flynn’s chief rival, fellow actor Dalton Andrews. As Shelby joins her suitors at opulent parties and intimate dinners, she rubs elbows with the likes of Clark Gable and Cary Grant and is drawn deeper into a lifestyle where her small town values are challenged or ignored.
Lurking in the shadows of this Gatsby-like lifestyle is an unseen evil force that strangles beautiful women. Suspecting a madman is connected to the studio production where Shelby works, homicide chief detective Bill Barrister believes the only way to uncover the identity of the ruthless killer is to offer Shelby as bait.
Hollywood Lost is a romantic suspense novel where separating reality from fantasy is all but impossible; where love is rare, life is cheap, and values are lost in pursuit of fame and fortune.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than fifty books including novels Farraday Road, Swope’s Ridge and Words of the Father, as well as the nonfiction Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, grAttitudes, and Lassie A Dog’s Life. His books have become movies and network television specials. He has appeared on Good Morning America, the NBC Nightly News and The Today Show and has been featured in the Distinguished Lecture Series at the National Archives in Washington D.C. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career.
You can visit Ace on the web at www.acecollins.com.
