by admin | Dec 5, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Military, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I’ll be honest – my adult son laughed when he saw the title of this book. I will admit, the title gives absolutely no indication of the intense, suspense-filled content within the covers of this novel. I sincerely hope that other readers will not pass it by because they would miss a real page turner.
Imagine if you will that you are kidnapped by a drug cartel along with an extremely deadly toxin that could destroy thousands of people if released – and they want you to develop a means to detonate it so they can extract revenge against a rival cartel. You are all alone in a jungle compound with ruthless men when you discover that your very best childhood friend who you haven’t heard from in a decade has been sent undercover to rescue you. Can you forgive him for his disappearance from you life and allow yourself to trust him to get you out of a hopeless situation?
That is exactly the scenario Jess McCoy found herself in the middle of when Will Gumble suddenly appears as another prisoner of the cartel. As he was forced to help her in the lab, the two of them tried to develop an escape plan. As the days grew short, so did their hope of escaping alive.
“Navy SEAL Noel” has a fast-paced plot with a suspense that keeps building. Although I knew that everything would work out in the end (it almost always does), there were times I had my doubts. I thoroughly enjoyed this story about Jess and Will and their eventual realization that without God’s intervention they had no hope. Great book about forgiveness and dependence on the Lord.
A copy of this book was provided for review by the author.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A LETHAL REUNION
Abducted by a drug cartel, scientist Jessalynn McCoy’s orders are simple—release a deadly toxin, or be killed. Trapped with no options, she’s desperate for help…she just never expected it from Will Gumble. The boy who let her down years ago is now a navy SEAL. She trusts his skills, his experience. Yet trusting him is a struggle. Will’s Christmas wish is to heal their damaged relationship and get them to safety. But time is running out and someone is on to their escape plans. Any mistake could mean the difference between facing the holidays together or apart. Forever.
Links to retailers carrying the book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
CBD
Book Depository
Excerpt From Navy SEAL Noel:
“Jess, calm down. I won’t hurt you.” The words made no sense to her muddled brain, but they continued, quiet and assured. “Don’t scream. It’s all right. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
It wasn’t the words that made her sink into him, but the voice that, even after all this time, she’d recognize anywhere. Her eyes hadn’t been playing tricks on her that afternoon. Will Gumble was in this compound. In her very room.
“I thought I saw you—I thought that was you, but…” Her words were little more than a whisper despite his assurance that it was safe to speak. Her stomach pitched, fear and relief mingling with alarm and the echo of a remembered betrayal. But dealing with her emotions would have to wait until she felt steadier on her feet. Exhaustion and the ebbing of her fight-or-flight adrenaline rush had left her legs like jelly. She leaned into Will. He held out his arms, as though he knew just what she needed. As though he was still someone who cared about taking care of her, being there for her.
But she didn’t want him holding her. She wanted answers. She wanted to understand what on earth was happening. Most of all, she wanted to silence the little voice in her head that kept saying Will’s appearance was simply a dream or hallucination.
Yanking herself upright at the last possible moment, she shoved his chest with both hands. “You scared me to death! Why did you break into my room? What are you doing here?”
His lopsided grin had always started with a little quirk to the left before spreading across his mouth. And that hadn’t changed, even as he looked down at the tiny black-and-white-checkered floor tiles.
He scraped his fingers over the black whiskers covering his chin. “Your dad sent me.”
“My dad?”
“Well, I couldn’t say no to my new XO, could I?”
“So you’re still in the navy?” Oh, she sounded bitter—so much more bitter than she wanted to. Why couldn’t her words be flippant and nonchalant, as if it didn’t really matter that she no longer knew even the most basic things about him? He’d popped back into her life, and she didn’t want it to matter.
But it did.
Maybe because of the extreme situation.
Sure. She’d just keep telling herself that.
His smile flickered for a moment before he nodded slowly. “I am.”
Forcing a chuckle, she said, “I figured when my dad realized I was missing, he’d send a SEAL team to bring me home.”
“Not a full team—he just sent one.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager for a Christian publisher. She finds time to write late at night and is a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring local music, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings and shares about her adventures in writing at Facebook.com/LizJohnsonBooks and Twitter.com/LizJohnsonBooks.
by admin | Dec 1, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, International Intrigue, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“The Brothers’ Keepers” is a novel that requires a good bit of concentration and attention to details. A suspenseful story of danger and intrigue laced with a hearty dose of Christian history, the narrative takes the reader on a fast-paced journey from one foreign city to another and back again.
When daughter Maggie is abducted and daughter-in-law Becca is attacked, Grace Madison and her entire family become involved in a race against time and unknown enemies to track down an ancient artifact that seems to be of great value not only to Israel but also to the Vatican and possibly others. With the involvement of Mossad and other intelligence organizations, The Madison family find themselves deeply entrenched in the investigation and realize they have no choice but to trust God and to do the right thing.
Overall, “The Brothers’ Keepers” has a very serious tone but is relieved at times by a touch of somewhat dry levity. With so many characters, I found it a little difficult to identify with any of them but that is most likely because this novel is somewhat different than my usual reading choice. The book is well written with a very involved plot filled with action, drama, danger, a hint of romance and some unexpected twists and surprises.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A friend’s deception. A family’s dilemma.
While cataloging looted antiquities in Brussels, archaeologist Grace Madison learns that her daughter has disappeared in France, and daughter-in-law has been attacked in Switzerland. But before the Madisons can save themselves, they must rescue an old friend—if he’ll let them. Navigating a deadly, four-thousand-year-old artifact trail that crosses three continents, they jeopardize hearts and lives against a foe as old as time—as time runs out.
Because choosing what’s right is all that’s left.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After an award-winning detour through journalism and marketing and a graduate degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, NLB Horton returned to writing fiction. She has surveyed Israeli and Jordanian archaeological digs accompanied (twice!) by heavy artillery rounds from Syria and machine gun fire from Lebanon. Calmly tossed a tarantula from her skiff into the Amazon after training with an Incan shaman. Driven uneventfully through Rome. And consumed gallons of afternoon tea across five continents. Her first novel, WHEN CAMELS FLY, was released in May, 2014.THE BROTHERS’ KEEPERS her second in the Parched series, will be released November 17, 2014. The third in the series will release in the fall of 2015.
Find out more about NLB at http://nlbhorton.com.
Don’t miss NLB Horton’s The Brothers’ Keepers—international suspense at its best. While cataloguing looted antiquities in Brussels, archaeologist Grace Madison discovers her daughter has vanished in France, and her son’s bride has been attacked in Switzerland. After the Madison family unearths a relic whose taproot pierces the Ancient Near East, they realize before they can save themselves, they must rescue an old friend . . . if he’ll let them.
Learn more about book one in the series, When Camels Fly, and enter to win a Kindle Fire.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- When Camels Fly and The Brothers’ Keepers by NLB Horton
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 7th. Winner will be announced December 8th on NLB’s blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
by admin | Nov 18, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Spiritural Warfare, Supernatural, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I was unfamiliar with this author so when I received the book from Amazon’s CreateSpace, I was just a tad unsure whether I had made the right choice to review it, especially since my calendar seemed to be filling up much too quickly. I am happy to say that I did make a very good choice. I thoroughly enjoyed “Destiny Defied” – so much so that I stayed up well past 2:00 a.m. in order to finish it.
“Destiny Defied” is a page-turner for sure. A supernatural suspense, this novel features four college guys who have been friends for many years. A week on a deserted island seems just the thing for a fun and relaxing vacation for them until they discover an injured young woman who has washed up on shore. Their fun and games turn into a mysterious and dangerous adventure that challenges their faith.
While there is emphasis on spiritual warfare, “Destiny Defied” presents the gospel in an uncompromised manner. I believe that the way the “Fearsome Foursome” interacted with Riki had to be one of the best examples of living your faith that I have ever encountered in the many books I have read.
J.A. Marx has made a new fan here. I cannot wait until “Destiny Delivered”, the sequel to “Destiny Defied” is released.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A dramatic shipwreck emancipates Riki Hammad, but the island where she finds refuge is compromised. Unless she finds a power truly great enough to defeat her dark past, she will choose death over returning to captivity. Lord Vétis, high priest of a cultic underground, will stop at nothing to reclaim their chosen one. Using black magic, he manipulates Riki and her four self-assigned bodyguards, triggering a battle that consumes the entire island. The underground will never allow Riki to live out her dreams of a normal life…something she has never known.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
J.A. loves writing embattled spirit novels — adventure and suspense with supernatural undertones. On the side, she dabbles in non-fiction articles and e-zine editing. J.A. owes many thanks Jerry Jenkins and the Christian Writer’s Guild for their support and education.
Find out more about J.A. at http://online.jamarx.net.
Frank Peretti meets a modern day Treasure Island! {And Kindle Giveaway!}
Welcome to the series launch of J.A. Marx‘s Destiny series. Book one, Destiny Defied, is a chilling tale of freedom from oppression and the Light that overcomes the dark.
J.A. is celebrating the launch of her series with a Kindle giveaway and a Facebook author chat party on December 2.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Destiny Defied by J.A. Marx.
Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 12/2. Winner will be announced at the Destiny Defied Facebook author chat party on December 2nd. RSVP for a chance to connect with J.A. Marx, to chat about the book, as well as to win some great prizes!
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 2nd!
by admin | Nov 13, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Native American, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I have recently added yet another author to my Must Read list thanks to the Amazon Vine Review Program. I recently read and reviewed Lisa Carter’s “Beneath a Navajo Moon” and loved it so I jumped at the chance to review her latest novel “Under a Turquoise Sky”. I was NOT disappointed.
“Under a Turquoise Sky” is a riveting suspense novel that takes place primarily on Navajo land in New Mexico. Kailyn Eudailey has witnessed the murder of a good friend by men suspected to be leaders of a Mexican drug cartel. Because her life is also in danger, Aaron Yazzie is called in to protect her. The novel opens quickly with suspense, danger, and action and continues in that vein for awhile. Then there is a lull where the characters seem to relax just a bit with just a hint of the potential for danger under the surface. Then all of a sudden everything erupts into total chaos again with Aaron and Kailyn unsure if they will survive.
I enjoyed everything about “Under a Turquoise Sky”. The plot moved along at a good pace with just the right amount of action, drama, suspense, and romance with even a bit of humor inserted at the perfect times. Interaction between Aaron and Kailyn was believable and had me rooting for them to get together despite their obvious dislike of each other at first. The plot was full of surprises with unexpected twists along the way. I also enjoyed having characters from the previous novel pop up in the story from time to time. Although it is primarily a suspense novel, the author deftly wove a gospel message throughout the story without it being overbearing.
Now that I am familiar with Lisa’s novels, I plan to keep my eyes open for all of her future books. If you haven’t read anything by Lisa Carter, I suggest you check her out.
This book was provided for review by The Amazon Vine Review Program.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When federal agent Aaron Yazzie is assigned to protect the only witness to a drug cartel execution, he hides Kailyn Eudailey in the safest place he knows . . . the vast, untamed wilderness of the Navajo Reservation.
Transporting Kailyn to New Mexico may not be as easy as Aaron would like. Kailyn is a high-maintenance Southern belle who is determined to assert her independence at every step. Although Aaron’s job is to protect her from the dangers that could get them both killed, Kailyn is getting to him. As an undercover agent, Aaron has grown adept at playing many roles. But will he be able to embrace his true identity and God’s plan for his life in order to keep Kailyn alive?
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 | Nov 1, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I had no idea what to expect when I chose to review “Playing Saint” by new novelist Zachary Bartels. Shortly after I selected it, I began to see glowing recommendations for it by other authors, many of whose books I enjoy. I was encouraged to think I had made a good choice and was eager to find a block of time in my schedule to read it.
All I can say is “wow!” What an eclectic cast of characters and a riveting plot that kept me in the dark almost to the end! Who else would think to combine a popular television preacher with a positive message with a group of Jesuit priests, a highly visible self-proclaimed satanist, and several police detectives?
Parker Saint is a successful pastor and TV preacher with nowhere to go but up when he is practically forced into consulting with the police on a series of murders with eerily similar occult type symbols left on the bodies of the victims. Parker’s beliefs and lifestyle are challenged at every turn and his life will never be the same … if he lives! “Playing Saint” is a tale that will have its readers holding their breath from one riveting scene to another. The author scatters clues quite liberally along the way. The only problem is that it is much to easy to fall for the obvious culprit and this author was quite skilled at distracting the reader from the real murderer with a scapegoat who so obviously fit the bill.
“Playing Saint” is a superb first novel in the tradition of such noted authors as Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. Bartels is not afraid of the tough or controversial subjects such as the demonic realm and secret orders of Jesuit priests. I particularly liked the way he portrayed Parker Saint’s self-examination and his realization of how far off-track he had strayed.
I recommend “Playing Saint” to all who enjoy a good suspense novel with a strong supernatural theme. It may be a bit too graphic for some readers but I did not find anything at all about the book to be offensive.
This book was provided for review by the BookLook
Blogger Program of Harper Collins Christian Publishing..
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Yesterday, Parker Saint’s only concern was his swiftly rising star power.
Today, he’s just trying to stay alive.
Parker Saint is living the dream. A cushy job at a thriving megachurch has him on the verge of becoming a bestselling author and broadcast celebrity—until life takes an abrupt turn that lands him on the wrong side of the law. To avoid a public scandal, he agrees to consult with the police on a series of brutal murders linked by strange religious symbols scrawled on each victim.
Parker tries to play the expert, but he is clearly in over his head. Drawn ever deeper into a web of intrigue involving a demanding detective, a trio of secretive Vatican operatives, and a centuries-old conspiracy to conceal a mysterious relic, he realizes for the first time that the battle between good and evil is all too real—and that the killer is coming back . . . this time for him.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Zachary Bartels is the author of Playing Saint. An award-winning preacher and Bible teacher, he serves as pastor of Judson Baptist Church in Lansing, MI, where he lives with his wife Erin and their son. You can find him online at www.zacharybartels.com.
by admin | Oct 25, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I always enjoy a good mystery/suspense novel and “A Promise to Protect” met all my requirements to keep those pages turning. The story opened with a murder to be solved and did not waste any time getting the action going.
With two principal characters who share a past history together and one of them hiding a secret, the reader can be sure there will be some sparks between them. Add several incidents such as attempted shootings, more than one arson case, an explosion, a kidnapping, threatening calls, etc. and the suspense mounts. Several clues along the way hint at the person behind the threats but not enough to be conclusive. Plenty of confusion will keep most readers guessing – not only about the guilty party but whether all the incidents are even connected. Is Leigh the real target or could it be Ben?
“A Promise to Protect” held my attention throughout with a well-developed plot and excellent characters, including a child who added extra depth to the story. A few unexpected twists and surprises added to the suspense. Romance took a back seat to the action and suspense but the conclusion was quite satisfying. The Christian spiritual element was present throughout but was not overdone and seemed to be a natural part of the story.
I have enjoyed both books in Bradley’s Logan Point series and intend to read her future novels as well.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a steamy small town riddled with broken promises, one woman’s secret could change everything.
Acting Sheriff Ben Logan hasn’t heard from Leigh Somerall in a very long time, but it doesn’t mean he can get her–or their whirlwind romance of ten years ago–out of his head. When she calls out of the blue, it is with a strange request to protect her brother, Tony. But all too soon, Ben is charged with a different task–protecting Leigh from the people after her brother. With Leigh doing everything in her power to avoid Ben, it’s no easy task. And the secret she is keeping just may change their lives forever.
Endorsements:
“A taut story of mistakes and betrayal, a mother’s fierce love, revenge and danger–and the redeeming wonders of faith and love.”–Lorena McCourtney, author of the Cate Kinkaid Files and the Ivy Malone Mysteries
“Old secrets, second chances at love, and a skillfully crafted small-town suspense. You will fall in love with Ben and Leigh and cheer them on as they fight for their happy ending. I’m making room on my shelf for all of Patricia Bradley’s novels!”–Susan May Warren, bestselling and award-winning author of When I Fall in Love
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Patricia Bradley‘s manuscript for Shadows of the Past was a finalist for the 2012 Genesis Award, winner of a 2012 Daphne du Maurier award (1st place, Inspirational), and winner of a 2012 Touched by Love award (1st place, Contemporary). She is a published short story writer and is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc. When she’s not writing or speaking, she can be found making beautiful clay pots and jewelry. 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.
