by admin | May 21, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mennonite, Romance, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingGathering ShadowsBethany House Publishers (May 6, 2014)byNancy MehlABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.
All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”
She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Wynter Evans is a promising young reporter for a television station in St. Louis, but even a bright future doesn’t take away her pain over the disappearance of her brother nine years ago. So when she stumbles across a photograph of a boy with an eerie resemblance to him, she can’t pass up the chance to track him down. With research for work as her cover, she sets out with one of the station’s photogs for the place where the picture was taken: the town of Sanctuary.
Almost as soon as she arrives, she meets the town’s handsome young mayor, Rueben King, and together they begin to uncover long held secrets that could tear the small town apart and change everything Wynter thought she knew about her life. As the truth of her family’s past hides in the shadows, it’s clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the answers she’s searching for hidden forever–even if the cost is Wynter’s very life.
If you’d like to read the first chapter of Gathering Shadows, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Sanctuary is an isolated town in rural Missouri that is populated primarily by old school Mennonites – and those who like the seclusion and privacy the town offers. When Wynter Evans decides to feature Sanctuary in a travel series for her television station, she also has some personal reasons to spend time there. Odd events, threats, and even a death convince Wynter that she may be closer than she thought to finding her long lost brother.
Gathering Shadows is definitely a page-turner. Its pages are filled with secrets, suspense, and several surprises. The obligatory romance was secondary to the real meat of the story as far as I was concerned although I did like the character of Rueben King. Renewed faith and restored relationships were of prime importance.
As with all Nanch Mehl’s previous novels set in Sanctuary, I thoroughly enjoyed Gathering Shadows.
by admin | May 9, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
The events described within “Fatal Exchange” could easily have come from the pages of current newspapers in cities across the U.S. In a world where school shootings or hostage situations are much too common and Hispanic drug cartels are on the rise inside our borders, many have become accustomed to hearing or seeing them on the news yet are often in denial that it could happen to them. Although fiction, “Fatal Exchange” offers the reader an up-close look at what it could be like to be at the center of such a dangerous incident.
The relationship between the two primary characters is complicated. Mason is an undercover detective who works with Emily Hunt’s sister Avery on the police force. Avery firmly believes that Mason is responsible for their brother Michael’s death and continues to look for evidence to prove it. Although most of Emily’s family has served in law enforcement, Emily does not have the stomach for it and loves working as a teacher. When Emily’s class is held hostage by a desperate student, she finds herself working with Mason to try to circumvent a disaster.
“Fatal Exchange” was so riveting that I read the entire book in one evening. The plot’s steady progression was filled with several unexpected twists and I never found a good spot to take a break from it. Character development was excellent and I enjoyed getting to know Mason and Emily as their true personalities and natures were exposed. Mason’s integrity and strength were apparent and Emily’s courage throughout the ordeal proved that she was stronger than she believed. With a strong theme about trusting God and forgiveness as well as a sweet romance “Fatal Exchange” is just about perfect. I anxiously await the final book in this series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Desperate times create desperate people. And desperate people are dangerous . . .
Though Emily Hunt comes from a family of cops, the relatively quiet life of a high school teacher suits her just fine. She’s saving up to buy a house, slowly moving forward after her brother’s death, and settling into a life she loves. So the last person she wants to spend time with is Mason Taylor.
An undercover cop, Mason is enemy number one as far as her family is concerned. His involvement in the death of Emily’s brother is still up in the air, and now he expects her to help him with a case. Mason has been working with one of her students, Rafael Cerda, whose brother has been kidnapped by a drug cartel. And with time running out to meet their demands, Rafael is getting desperate.
Emily will have to draw on all of her strength to handle what happens next . . .
Fatal Exchange will draw you into a complex matrix of intertwining lives, unraveling secrets, and unexpected love.
Read an excerpt from Fatal Exchange HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award finalist, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has sold over thirty novels and novella collections. Along with her husband, she and her three children have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women’s group, and runs a nonprofit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves . . . the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice” (Proverbs 31:8).
When she’s not working, she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa, visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com or her blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. For more information about The ECHO Project, please visit www.theECHOproject.org.
by admin | May 6, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Richard Mabry was an unfamiliar author to me when I reviewed Diagnosis Death in 2011. Since then I have been blessed with the opportunity to review other books but this outstanding author. I love getting to review his novels but without a doubt I would purchase them if not offered to me for review. Each of his books is somehow related to the medical field, whether set in a hospital or the primary characters are doctors or nurses. I like the fact that Mabry’s suspense novels contain enough pertinent medical facts to authenticate the story but do not overwhelm me with unneeded information.
“Critical Condition” has everything I love about Dr. Mabry’s novels. It began with a shooting and progressed at a rapid rate through an increasingly suspenseful plot that included more murder and mayhem before reaching a dramatic conclusion. The suspense and tension grew at a perfect pace with several unexpected twists. Characters were very well developed. Shannon’s panic attacks, struggles with her faith, and reluctance to commit to her “almost fiance” were just a few of the details that made her as real as one of my friends. Mark was the perfect hero with seemingly unlimited patience and support for Shannon and a strong faith that kept him grounded. Sister Megan’s determination to overcome a sketchy past filled with poor choices was also a strong point.
“Critical Condition” may be my favorite book yet by Dr. Mabry although I have enjoyed them all so far. I hope his next one will not be too far behind. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy medical suspense.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Dr. Frasier couldn’t save the gunshot victim on her front lawn. Now she’s fighting for her own life.
It began as a quiet dinner party honoring Dr. Shannon Frasier’s colleague, but became a nightmare when a man was shot on her lawn, reviving emotions from a similar episode a decade ago. Then a midnight call from her sister, Megan, causes Shannon to fear that her sister is on drugs again.
Her “almost-fiancé” Dr. Mark Gilbert’s support only adds to Shannon’s feelings of guilt, since she can’t bring herself to fully commit to him. She turns for help to her pastor-father, only to learn that he’s just been diagnosed with leukemia.
Shannon thought it couldn’t get any worse. Then the late-night, threatening phone calls begin, the rough voice asking, “What did he say before he died?”
With everything around her in a critical state, simply staying alive will require all the resources and focus Shannon has.
Learn more and purchase a copy at Richard’s website.
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.
CRITICAL CONDITION Kindle HDX Giveaway from Richard Mabry!
Richard Mabry’s latest medical suspense, Critical Condition, is receiving high praise. USA TODAY says, “Mabry combines his medical expertise with a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.”
Richard is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HDX
- Critical Condition by Richard Mabry
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 11th. Winner will be announced May 13th on Richard’s blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by
Richard’s blog on May 13th to see if you won.
by admin | May 1, 2014 | Alaska, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I am probably the world’s biggest coward and I really, really don’t like heights. I am also getting a bit on in years for too much adventure but that doesn’t stop me from experiencing some excitement vicariously through my novels. The pages of “Silenced” were definitely filled with the kind of excitement I personally go to great lengths to avoid, especially mountain climbing.
Dani Pettrey describes the gorgeous Alaskan setting in all the books of her Alaskan Courage series so well that it almost makes me want to visit there. I enjoy reading about the McKenna family and their friends and like the way each of them makes an appearance in every book of the series. I will be sorry to see this series end. I loved watching Jake and Kayden’s relationship develop as they worked together. I especially liked the author’s portrayal of Jake that included his protectiveness toward Kayden as well as his integrity and strength.
The plot itself was one that kept me on my toes. There were several major surprises in the investigation and things took off in a totally different direction than I expected. Plenty of suspense, action and danger with some romance and a couple of weddings made “Silenced” a satisfying read. I liked that Jake gained some closure of his own during the story’s conclusion.
This book was provided by Bethany House, a division of
Baker Publishing Group for me to review as an author influencer.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jake Knew Something Was Wrong.
But He Never Guessed How Wrong.
A relaxing day of rock climbing takes a disturbing turn when Kayden McKenna’s route brings her face-to-face with a dead climber. Is it a terrible accident or something darker? When the case is handed to overburdened sheriff Landon Grainger, he turns to Jake Westin for help. With Jake’s past now revealed, he’s ready to use his talent for investigation again–but he could never prepare for where the mystery will take him.
Kayden’s climbing expertise soon leads her and Jake to the realization that the death was no accident. And worse, it seems the killer is onto them. When strange things begin happening in Yancey, Jake is terrified that once again his world may put someone he loves in danger. But the truth is far worse than he could ever imagine.
Praise for the Alaskan Courage series
“Readers who enjoy Lynette Eason, Irene Hannon, and DiAnn Mills will add this to their to-read list.” Library Journal about Stranded
“I have not been this enthralled since the O’Malley series by Dee Henderson! Pettrey does such an excellent job of developing the character of each and every family member…” Christian Manifesto
“Hard-to-put-down romantic suspense with snappy dialogue, realistic characterizations and fast-moving intrigue.” Suspense Zone
Read an excerpt fro “Silenced” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the author of the bestselling romantic suspense novels Stranded, Shattered, and Submerged, winner of the 2013 Holt Medallion for First Novel and the Colorado Romance Writers 2013 Award of Excellence. She and her husband have two daughters and reside in the D.C. Metro area.
Twitter: DaniPettrey
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DaniPettrey
Website: http://www.danipettrey.com
by admin | May 1, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I was a subscriber to Love Inspired Suspense for years and always looked forward to receiving my four new books each month. I reluctantly gave up my subscription because the books began to pile up after I started reviewing Christian fiction. There just never seemed to be enough time to fulfill my commitments and read anything else. I do have a special affection for those books so I am always delighted when I am offered one to review. Kind of like having your cake and eating it too!
“Grave Danger” got off to a fast start with the discovery of a skeleton on the beach. As sheriff Wesley Grant and forensic anthropologist Ludia Muir work together to learn the identity of the victim as well as details concerning her death, they repeatedly find themselves in life-threatening situations. Some of the obvious clues lead them into more danger or on wild goose chases. At times it seemed that they were bound for the same fate as the victim.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Grave Danger”, especially the banter between the two primary characters. The romantic tension was perfect. The suspenseful plot built at just the right pace and the guilty party was not at all obvious as is sometimes the case. “Grave Danger” is a fine example of an excellent romantic suspense novel in a shorter form. I look forward to “Sunken Treasure”, book three in the Stepping Stones Island series.
A copy of this book was provided by the author for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book Two in the Stepping Stones Island Series releases May 2014!
BONES OF CONTENTION
When skeletal remains are found on a small Maine island, forensic anthropologist Lydia Muir is sent to investigate. It’s Lydia’s job to determine whether the homicide happened long ago—or more recently. Island sheriff Wesley Grant seems sure the murder didn’t happen on his watch. But when Lydia uncovers the victim’s identity, someone goes to great lengths to get Lydia off the island. Wes vows to protect her, but is the handsome lawman holding something back? To help catch a killer, she’ll have to trust him—or become the next victim.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As an Inspirational Romantic Suspense author, Katy Lee writes higher-purpose stories in high-speed worlds. Through her writing, ministries, and teaching, she dedicates her life to sharing tales of love, from the greatest love story ever told to those sweet romantic stories of falling in love. Katy and her husband are born New Englanders, but have been known to travel at the drop of a hat along with their three children. But www.KatyLeeBooks.com is where you can find Katy anytime.
by admin | Apr 17, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Suspense
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingLip ReadingDavid C. Cook (March 1, 2014)byHarry KrausABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A Word from Harry:
I started writing my first novel during my last year of surgery training at UK. I was a chief resident, and started writing Stainless Steal Hearts in a call room at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Lexington. It was a crazy time to write! I had a very demanding schedule, often spending days and nights in the hospital. I had two sons at that time, and I recognized the wisdom in my wife’s urging: “Now doesn’t seem the right time for this dream.”
My experience as a writer is far from typical. Having received my formal training in biology and chemistry and medicine, my only preparation for a writing career was a love for reading. The longest thing I’d written before my first novel was a term paper in undergraduate school. My first novel was accepted by Crossway Books and published in 1994, and it wasn’t until after I had FOUR published novels that I even opened a book of instruction about the craft of writing fiction. This is not what I recommend to others! Yes, I was successful, but I was bending the “rules” without knowing it. I had a natural talent for plotting, but I realize my initial success may have stunted my growth as a writer. I’d have made faster progress if I’d have gone to the fiction teachers sooner.
I have three sons: Joel, Evan, and Samuel. Look closely in all of my books and you’ll see them there. My lovely wife, Kris, provides the basic composition for all those beautiful, athletic, dedicated women in my novels.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She Could Save Millions, or Save Herself
She just needs a little longer. She’s really close. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a medical researcher, stands on the verge of a breakthrough that will transform medicine. But she soon discovers the reason behind the miraculous progress in her research, and it leaves her with a nearly impossible choice . . . and little time to decide. More than her research is at stake. And more threatens it than this latest revelation. Something she’s tried hard to cover up. There is a high cost to some things in medicine and it’s not always the patient who pays. Can Rebecca find the faith and wisdom she needs to make the right call? The clock is ticking and the pressure is on.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Lip Reading, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Lip Reading is a riveting contemp0rary medical novel that held me spellbound until its somewhat surprising end. It would be misleading to say that it doesn’t end with a happily-ever-after but it is definitely not the one I expected. A story filled with drama, tragedy, romance, suspense, sacrifice, and redemption, Lip Reading moves along at a fairly rapid pace. Characters are well-rounded and realistically portrayed. There were times I didn’t agree with the choices made but those choices took the storyline to an inevitable conclusion.
Lip Reading was a very satisfying novel and I recommend it to all fans of contemporary medical fiction.
