by admin | Apr 9, 2015 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I am not certain exactly how I started reviewing Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles but I am so thankful I have had the opportunity to do so. Each volume has gotten progressively better – or maybe it’s just because I have become so familiar with the characters and setting of these books that it seems that way. Dawn writes the kind of books that I truly enjoy. Each one has grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it until the end. My only regret is that at this time, I am unable to get print copies for my keeper shelf.
As “The Captive Imposter” begins, Estella Everstone has been compelled by her family to go undercover as companion to an elderly lady. Estella despises the deception and misses some of the luxuries of her “real” life, especially her clothing. As she settles into a routine at the luxury resort Everston, Estella becomes acquainted with its handsome manager Dexter Blakele. As their friendship develops, Estella finds a new freedom to be herself that she has never experienced before.
With a well-paced plot and true-to-life characters, “The Captive Imposter” was difficult to put down. It was a perfect blend of drama, mystery, and romance spiced with just the right touch of twists and surprises. A strong Christian message was a natural and integral part of the story without being in-your-face. I liked the glimpse of a possibly more mature and reformed Vance near the end that makes me wish for another novel featuring him as a main character.
I have never had the slightest desire to even visit Maine but Dawn’s description of the series setting could make me reconsider.
I enjoyed “The Captive Imposter” as well as the rest of The Everstone Chronicles. Do yourself a favor and give this excellent new author a try.
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sent away for protection, hotel heiress Estella Everstone finds herself living undercover as a lady’s companion named Elle Stoneburner at one of her father’s opulent hotels in the mountains of Maine—the one she’d always loved best and always hoped to own one day, Everston. The one thing she doesn’t like about the situation is that her ex-fiancé is in the area and is set on marrying someone else. Reeling from her feelings of being unwanted and unworthy, Estella reluctantly forms a friendship with the gruff manager of Everston, Dexter Blakeley, who seems to have something against wealthy young socialites with too much money, although they are just the kind of people Everston caters to.
When Estella finds herself in need of help, Dexter comes to the rescue with an offer she can’t refuse. She sees no other choice aside from going back home to her family and accepts the position as companion to his sister. Throughout her interactions with Dexter, she can’t deny the pull that’s evidenced between them every time he comes near. Estella realizes that while she’s been hiding behind a false name and identity, she’s never been freer to be herself than when she’s with Dexter Blakeley. But will he still love her when he finds out she’s Estella Everstone? She’s not entirely sure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dawn Crandall is the author of The Hesitant Heiress (released August 1, 2014).A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn’t begin writing until 2010 when her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress. It didn’t take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.
by admin | Apr 5, 2015 | Books, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When a body buried over twenty years ago is exposed by a construction crew, local small-town police chief Lisa Grant is joined by Mac McGregor, a county detective sent to assist her with the case. As they work together to determine the identity of the victim as well as who buried the body, the evidence accumulates and things begin to heat up – both the case and a mutual attraction between Lisa and Mac.
As I have come to expect from Hannon’s earlier novels, the plot of “Buried Secrets” is filled with twists and surprises along with danger, suspense, and romance. Characters are well developed. I particularly liked the integrity shown by Mac and Lisa in their determination to wait until after the case is solved to pursue a personal relationship. The villain of the story is revealed fairly early on so that is not a surprise but the lengths this person goes to to avoid being connected to the case is more than enough to keep readers involved in the story.
“Buried Secrets” is an excellent romantic suspense that held my attention throughout. For those who enjoy contemporary Christian romantic suspense, this is definitely a book not to miss.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
They both wanted quieter, safer lives.
But crime never sleeps . . .
and killers keep killing.
After years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant is ready for the kinder, gentler life of a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes department resources. Enter ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor, the detective sent by the county to assist on the case. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn’t want this dead person telling any tales–and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.
“The queen of inspirational romantic suspense” (Library Journal) is at the top of her game with this riveting new series.
“An excellent suggestion for inspirational fiction fans as well as readers who enjoy Mary Higgins Clark’s subtly chilling brand of suspense.”
Booklist on Vanished
Read an excerpt from “Buried Secrets” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including That Certain Summer, One Perfect Spring, and the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of 
Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, three HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers’ Choice Award, a Booksellers’ Best Award, and a National Readers’ Choice Award. In addition, she is a two-time Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its “Top 10 Inspirational Fiction” list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com
by admin | Mar 16, 2015 | Books, ebook, Law Enforcement, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When I agreed to review the Texas K-9 Unit Series Books 1-3 Bundle, I was told I did not have to read all three books. Once I finished the first one, “Tracking Justice”, how could I not continue with the next two? Over the course of approximately two days, I completed the entire series and now I need to read books 4-6.
Although each book is written by a different author and can stand on its own with a resolution to each individual story, there is a continuing thread of a greater mystery to be solved that I assume will reach its climax in the final book. Each book features a different dog and its handler from the K-9 unit. Of course there is a romance involving each handler and someone involved in the case in some manner. The books are action-packed with edge-of-the seat suspense and unexpected twists.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with the Texas K-9 unit. I loved reading about how each dog has its own unique purpose and personality and how its breed specially equips them for their jobs. I look forward to finding time to read the final three books of this series and am hoping to find them in a second bundle in the near future.
This book was provided for review by FlyBy Promotions Blogger Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Love Inspired Suspense authors Shirlee McCoy, Margaret Daley and Sharon Dunn will get your pulse racing with tales of Texas cops and their loyal K-9 dogs tracking down a crime ring. Enjoy three action-packed Texas K-9 Unit romantic suspense novels in one box set! When a boy goes missing from his bedroom, a police detective must assure a desperate single mother that he and his trusty bloodhound will find her son. A woman with amnesia has to rely on an officer and his border collie to stay alive when she can’t remember who tried to kill her. An FBI agent is called in to protect a single mother when the rookie K-9 officer witnesses a murder and becomes the killer’s target.
Purchase a copy of the Texas K-9 Unit Series Books 1-3 HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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Shirlee McCoy
 Photo: Giordano Photographics Shirlee McCoy has always loved making up stories. As a child she daydreamed elaborate tales in which she was the heroine — gutsy, strong and invincible. Though she soon grew out of her superhero fantasies, her love for storytelling never diminished. Shirlee knew early that she wanted to write inspirational fiction and began writing her first novel when she was a teenager. Still, it wasn’t until her third son was born that she truly began pursuing her dream of being published. Three years later she sold her first book. Now a busy mother of four, Shirlee is a homeschool mom by day and an inspirational author by night. She and her husband and children live in Maryland and share their home with a dog and a guinea pig.
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Margaret Daley
 Margaret has been writing for over 35 years. She started writing in the late 1970s because she wanted to see if she could put a whole story down on paper. That book is still in the drawer and will never see the light of day. But she was able to finish a book, which was her goal. She loved teaching and working with students with special needs, and recently retired from teaching to write full-time. When she isn’t working, she loves to read, travel, and go to lunch and a movie with a friend. She and her husband, Mike, to whom she has been married for over 40 years live in Tulsa. Besides teaching and writing, she is also a mother of one. Her son, Shaun, is married with four daughters.
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Sharon Dunn
 Sharon Dunn first fell in love with mystery and suspense about the time she read Nancy Drew mysteries in the fifth grade. Her first book in the Ruby Taylor mysteries Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves was a finalist for the Romantic Times Inspirational Book of the Year. The second book in that series Sassy Cinderella and the Valiant Vigilante was voted Book of the Year by American Christian Fiction Writers. Her hobbies include reading, working out, hiking, trying to find things around the house and making pets out of the dust bunnies under the furniture. Before she started writing, she used to sew. Now she just collects fabric and patterns and fantasizes about projects. After nearly twenty seven years of marriage, Sharon lost her beloved husband in 2014. She lives with her three nearly grown children, two cats and a nervous border collie named Bart.
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by admin | Mar 14, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“The Promise” left me with somewhat mixed emotions. As expected, it was beautifully written and easy to read as are all books I have read by Beth Wiseman. Based on a true story, it depicts scenarios that should serve as warning to its readers.
I did not particularly care for Mallory, the primary character, who was naive and shallow in many ways. Although her intentions may have been noble, she pretty much went off half-cocked with no regard for anything but her notion that she had to save someone’s life. The danger that she placed herself in was unnecessary and the grief she caused those who loved her was cruel.
The story itself moved at a good pace and the characters were well fleshed out. I gained a pretty good overview on the life of some Muslims, both in the U.S. and Pakistan. It did lend me a little understanding on why some of the characters behaved in the manner they did.
The main idea I came away with from “The Promise” is how impossible it is to try to do heroic things under our own strength and that the Lord cares for us so much that He will often rescue us despite ourselves.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Mallory’s search for happiness leads her to faraway place. But there she finds heartache and betrayal. Can the only man she’s ever loved rescue her before it’s too late?
Tate Webber has loved Mallory Hammond for years. He plans to marry her someday, but not until he has his career and life in order. Mallory is in love with Tate, but his unwillingness to commit has created a rift between them. So when Mallory’s new boss introduces her to his cousin, she’s surprised by his charming, exotic ways and delights in his attention. This exciting stranger begins to sway her thinking about her lifelong dreams and her religious beliefs.
As their online relationship develops, he invites her to visit his homeland in the Middle East, promising her a traditional life based on commitment to family-something she’s never had and always wanted. In a bold move-and with lots of resistance from Tate and those closest to her-Mallory decides to leave the only life she’s ever known to meet this man on the other side of the world.
Tate begs her not to go, but Mallory embarks on the dangerous journey anyway, only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. Her new friend is not who he says he is. Tate must risk his life to rescue the only woman he’s ever loved. Can he reach Mallory . . . before it’s too late?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning, bestselling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but she has also written several successful contemporary novels, set primarily in her beloved Texas, including Need You Now and The House that Love Built. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth’s The Promise is inspired by a true story.
by admin | Mar 13, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The gorgeous cover of “Ashes in the Wind” opens into a suspense-filled story that begins with a bang and continues full throttle until the very end. I found the book to be very well written for a first novel and I was held captive until I read the last word.
Sara Jennings, widow of a DEA agent, has been living under protection for two years after an attempt on her life shortly after her husband’s death. When her location is discovered, Sara decides to go back to her home and face the threats head-on. She is determined to clear her husband’s name as well as find the guilty parties. Although the DEA has had some success in shutting down drug traffic into Phoenix, it has become obvious that someone within their organization is playing both sides. Once they have a suspect, they cannot act without concrete evidence. The question is – can they stop him before anyone else dies?
“Ashes in the Wind” is non-stop action with scenes that had me holding my breath as Sara found herself in one life-threatening situation after another. Although there is a touch of romance, this story is primarily built on suspense and should appeal to both male and female readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will keep my eyes open for Peggy’s next novel. In my opinion, “Ashes in the Wind” can easily stand beside some of my other favorite suspense novels.
This book was provided for review by the Book Club Network, Inc.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
DEA Agent Greg Jennings is dead—and now they’re saying he was dirty, on the take. His widow, Sara, hiding out in the Witness Protection program after an attempt on her life, refuses to believe it, though everyone else seems to have accepted it as truth. Everyone, that is, except Drug Enforcement Administration Agent James (Mac) MacIntyre, Greg’s best friend. When yet another attempt on Sara’s life drives her out of the Wit Sec program and back home to Phoenix, Mac makes it his personal mission to protect Sara and, in the process, to clear her late husband’s and his best friend’s name. With a ruthless drug cartel hot on their heels and a mole in the agency undermining their every move, Mac and Sara find themselves literally running for their lives—even as romance tugs at their hearts. Will they unearth the truth and outrun the danger in time to carve out a future for themselves?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Peggy Levesque grew up in Minnesota as the second of eight siblings. In addition to her background in business, over the years she has led women’s Bible studies, served on church boards, coordinated volunteer assistance efforts into the community, freelanced the writing/editing/production of several publications, and has contributed to three anthologies. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Writers of the West, and Tuesday’s Children, a weekly writing critique group. A recent widow, she lives near Phoenix, Arizona, with her children and grandchildren nearby. Follow her on Facebook at Peggy Levesque.
Learn more about Peggy at her website http://www.peggylevesque.com
by admin | Mar 9, 2015 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have always enjoyed the medical suspense novels of Hannah Alexander so I was delighted to have the chance to review “Hallowed Halls”. Although a bit different than the previous novels I have read by this author, it had all the elements that have kept Hannah Alexander near the top of my “must read” list.
Populated with characters that want to step off the page, the story developed naturally with a nice blend of drama, suspense, romance, and humor. One thing I particularly liked was that the characters were not static. One character in particular was perfectly detestable at the beginning but circumstances brought him around and he ended up being a fairly nice guy at the end. I loved Joy’s somewhat quirky mom and Tressa was a perfect addition to the tale.
“Hallowed Halls” is another great medical mystery by this author team and is a not-to-be-missed story of faith, reconciliation, and redemption. Take my advice and pick up a copy soon. I have already purchased “Dandelion Moon”, the next book of this series and cannot wait to find time to read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author
in exchange for my unbiased review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Dr. Joy Gilbert is fired by a grieving boss who wants more from her than she’s willing to give, she returns to her tiny hometown of Juliet, MO to find her ex-fiance still single, her once-strong and independent mother struggling in every way. Before she can make a move, however, the back door of her car bursts open and Tressa, her former employer’s fifteen-year-old daughter, clambers out, refusing to return home to either of her divorced, embittered parents.
Zack Tyler, director of Juliet Hospital’s ER, is stunned to see the woman he still loves has returned to town, apparently unbroken by the rejection of her former employer. That same employer, Weston Cline, told Zack last year that Joy wanted to spread her wings and take the job Weston offered her in a suburb of Kansas City. Zack would have expected to see her heartbroken, in tears, but all she’s worried about is her mother’s health and Tressa’s rebellion. To help her financially, Zack hires her to work in the ER, but the minute he does that, he knows he’s in for another wild ride of the heart.
When Tressa first begins having blackouts, she’s relieved that they take place when she’s alone. If she’s not careful, she’s afraid Joy will feel the need to tell her parents, who will insist she return home. But more and more often, the blackouts hit, and she’s in grave danger before Joy and Zack can discover what is causing them, and what caused the deaths of her brother, her father’s baby brother, a great grandfather…how many unexplained deaths will her family have to endure?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
HANNAH ALEXANDER is the pen name for the writing collaboration of husband and wife Cheryl and Mel Hodde. They chose the name “Hannah Alexander” to incorporate their two names into one. They have read that Hannah means “her hope is in the Lord,” and Alexander means, “servant of mankind.”
