“Because You’re Mine” is somewhat of a departure from Colleen Coble’s usual novels but that does not mean she left out the suspense. In fact, there is suspense aplenty and at times it gets just a bit creepy. I will admit that I had my suspicions early on how things might turn out but that didn’t keep me from enjoying the story. In fact, it was fun to see where the plot would go before all was revealed.
Some of Colleen’s usual fans may not care for “Because You’re Mine” but I personally loved it. The primary setting is a spooky old run down mansion sitting right in the swamp near Charleston. That swamp has a resident alligator that is fed regularly by the new (and very strange) husband of Alanna. As the novel progresses, Barry becomes more and more controlling and frightening. Alanna and her unborn baby may actually be in danger of their very lives.
“Because You’re Mine” is just another example of why I try to read every book released by Colleen Coble. It was a page-turner extraordinaire and I did not want to put it down.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Amid the beauty of Charleston, not all is as it seems.
When her husband Liam is killed by a car bomb while their Celtic band is on tour in Charleston, singer and Irish beauty Alanna doesn’t quite know where to turn. Her father-in-law is threatening to take custody of the baby she carries, but Alanna knows she can’t lose the only piece of Liam she has left.
Alanna’s manager offers her a marriage of convenience to obtain U.S. citizenship and allow her to escape her father-in-law’s control. It seems like the perfect solution until she arrives at the family home of her new husband—a decaying mansion with more questions than answers.
Strange things begin happening that threaten Alanna’s life and the life of her child. Are they merely coincidences? Or is something more sinister at work?
A mysterious painting, a haunting melody, and a love stronger than death leave Alanna questioning where darkness ends and light begins.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble‘s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.
I honestly do no know how the author was able to cram so much content between the covers of this relatively short novel! There is suspense – boy is there suspense! There is also a pretty good romance too. The romance and suspense are tied together nicely with some great characterization, an excellent plot, and plenty of faith.
I love stories in which old friends are reunited and fall in love especially when the hero is as well-rounded and supportive as Tyler. Of course Tyler is not without his own set of problems but I liked the way that he and Nicki helped each other overcome not only physical danger but deep seated emotional issues as well.
“Buried Memories” is a book you will want to read in one sitting. I know I didn’t want to put it down for even a minute. Carol J. Post is a pro when it comes to writing engaging romantic suspense. I know I want to read more by this author!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Forgotten Past
After her broken engagement, Nicki Jackson hoped her move to Cedar Key would give her a fresh start—instead she quickly learns someone’s out to destroy her. Are the attacks tied to her mother’s recently reopened murder case…or to the nightmares Nicki’s beginning to suspect are actually hidden memories? With the threats against her escalating, former soldier Tyler Brant vows to keep Nicki safe. He refuses to lose the woman who’s swiftly becoming more than a childhood crush. But when danger circles closer, is Nicki’s traumatic past better left forgotten…or are her memories the key to something far more sinister?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s résumé reads as if she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She currently pens fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for a RITA® award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida with her husband, who is her own real-life hero, and writes her stories under the shade of the huge oaks in her yard. Besides writing, she works alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano. She enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.
“Fractured Memory” was a page-turner from the very beginning. Julia Galloway is recovering from a nearly successful attempt on her life but she cannot remember anything about it or the man who came so close to killing her. She also has no memory of the man who rescued her – a man determined to protect her from a new threat against her.
The fast paced plot was filled with one breath-holding scene after another with so many twists and turns that I had no idea how the mystery would ever be resolved. In the midst of all the suspense and danger, it was fun to watch the relationship grow between Eli and Julia even if she didn’t remember him at all.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Fractured Memory” and eagerly anticipate reading many more suspense novels by the immensely talented Jordyn Redwood.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by The Book Club Network.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Shrouded Past
United States marshal Eli Cayne saved Julia Galloway’s life once…and he’s prepared to do it again. But his task would be easier if she could remember him—or the murderer who almost put her in an early grave and seems to be hunting her once more. To protect Julia from the latest threat against her life, Eli has to consider the possibility that he put an innocent man in jail. Julia has no memories of the serial killer called the Hangman, though, and no reason to trust Eli. But with the killer getting closer, she must work with Eli to confront her past—and the feelings growing between them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jordyn Redwood is a pediatric ER nurse by day, suspense novelist by night. She pursued her dream of becoming an author by writing medical thrillers. She hosts Redwood’s Medical Edge, a blog devoted to helping authors write medically accurate fiction. Jordyn lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two beautiful daughters and one crazy dog. You can connect with Jordyn via her website at jordynredwood.com.
Denise Hunter has a special talent for writing contemporary romantic fiction. Not only do her books contain a satisfying romance but they probe the depths of human emotion. As a reader I am able to easily identify with her characters and want only the best for them. I might become frustrated with their stubbornness and/or poor decisions yet can also rejoice when positive things happen in their lives. I deem it a good thing when an author can pull me into her stories in this manner.
As the final novel in Hunter’s Summer Harbor series, “Just a Kiss” may have also been the most touching. Riley is secretly in love with his best friend Paige but his plans to tell her ended with the loss of a leg in Afghanistan. He feels that Paige deserves a whole man but despite his self-imposed honorable intentions he fails to convince himself. Paige is happy to help Riley as he adjusts to his new life but finds his ever changing moods puzzling. She also has a few problems of her own. Is there any chance Riley and Paige can acknowledge their true feelings and find a future together? From the very beginning I was hoping Riley and Paige would get together but there were times that did not look at all promising.
“Just a Kiss” was one of those books you just don’t want to put down. Both characters were portrayed credibly with believable and deep emotions. The plot moved along at a steady rate with enough ups and downs to keep it interesting. This book is one that can bring its reader to tears then have her laughing at the witty dialogue the next. I also enjoyed seeing more of the characters from the first two books of the series and learning more about their lives.
“Just a Kiss” can easily be read on its own but to get the whole story, why don’t you pick up the entire series and start at the beginning? I don’t think you will be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by The Fiction Guild. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Riley Callahan’s plans to reveal his secret feelings for his best friend are derailed when his life is drastically altered in Afghanistan.
Watching the love of his life fall for his brother was enough to send Riley straight to boot camp. But over a year later, he’s officially a marine, and Beau and Paige are no longer an item. When Riley’s tour in Afghanistan is up, he intends to confess his feelings to Paige and win his best friend’s heart once and for all.
But all that changes when an IED takes the life of a comrade and leaves Riley an amputee. Now he’s heading home, injured and troubled. His plans to win Paige are a distant dream. She deserves so much more than the man that’s left. All he can do now is put some healthy distance between them. But upon his return he discovers his family has arranged for him to stay with Paige.
Paige is a nurturer at heart and happy to take care of her best buddy. By all appearances Riley is adjusting miraculously well to his disability. But as the days pass, Paige begins to see that the smiles and laughter are just a mask for the pain he’s hiding. To make matters worse, her job is in serious jeopardy. The animal shelter that she’s poured her heart into has lost its funding, and she has three months to come up with the money needed to save it.
As the weeks wear on, Paige’s feelings for Riley begin to shift into uncharted territory. Why is she suddenly noticing his arm muscles and the way his lips curl at the corners? Will she be able to deny her feelings for another Callahan brother? And will Riley let his heart heal so he can let Paige in?
It was just a simple cooking class – or was it? Heidi’s idea to offer a cooking class as a way to help fill the empty hours that did not include children to care for was just that or so she thought. Her ad brought together a small group of unlikely men and women who would find their lives forever changed by their interaction with Heidi and her husband Lyle. And could it be that Heidi and Lyle could also find a blessing or two as a result?
“The Seekers” was a warm and satisfying novel filled with charm and wisdom. Characters were well developed and realistic, each one of them with hidden pain and problems. I enjoyed watching their relationships grow naturally through the course of Heidi’s classes. I also enjoyed the peeks into each character’s life through their own points of view.
The first book in Brunstetter’s latest series, “The Seekers” is sure to please readers, especially those particularly fond of Amish fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by
Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Join a class of unlikely Ohioans who take cooking lessons at Lyle and Heidi Troyer’s Amish farm. A woman engaged to marry, an expectant mother estranged from her family, a widowed mom seeking to simplify, a Vietnam vet who camps on the Troyer’s farm, and an Amish widower make up the mismatched lot of students. But Heidi’s cooking lessons soon turn to life lessons as they each share the challenges they are facing. Is this what God had in mind when Heidi got the idea for cooking classes?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of nearly 70 books with more than 9 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine, USA Today, Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, and Country Woman. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.
The third novel in The Worthington Destiny series, “A Primary Decision” features daughter Sarah, an attorney who manages to become the U.S. attorney general yet wants to remain somewhat involved in solving a case she had been working on with her partners. She soon discovers that the people who initiated her new position want to use that position to control her. Sarah’s moral compass demands that she follow her instincts no matter what it costs her personally.
With the most recent U.S. presidential election just completed, “A Primary Decision” brings the reader another look at what goes on behind the scenes in Washington politics and the powers that control almost everything. The entire series was so current and realistic that it could almost have been part of our daily news. The plot moved along at a good pace with plenty of action and intrigue to keep it interesting and a touch of romance for added measure. I enjoyed keeping up with the rest of the Worthington family and was mostly satisfied with the resolution. I only wish there were more people like this fictional family involved in our government.
I thoroughly enjoyed “A Primary Decision” and would recommend it as well as the entire series for those who enjoy a good political novel.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The road to power and position is fraught with perils, even for a Worthington.
But Sarah does not intend to lose.
Sarah Worthington never expected to become the US attorney general–at least not this early in her career. Plunged into the vicious vetting process, with all sides digging for secrets in her family closet, she steels herself for the path forward. Nothing will deter her from making her mark on the world in the biggest way possible–even if that means prosecuting the current president of the United States.
Yet powerful forces conspire behind the scenes to take the Worthington family down, and the president orders her to close the investigation. Will she comply? Or turn the tables to pursue her ultimate dream–the US presidency?
Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker who has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and commonsense psychology. He has made house calls for hundreds of radio and television programs, such as Fox & Friends, The View, Fox’s The Morning Show, Today, Dr. Bill Bennett’s America in the Morning, 700 Club, CBS This Morning, James Robison’s Life Today, Janet Parshall, CNN’s American Morning, and Focus on the Family, and has served as a contributing family psychologist to Good Morning America.
A bestselling and award-winning author, Dr. Leman has written more than 50 books about marriage and family issues, including The Birth Order Book, Sheet Music, Making Children Mind without Losing Yours, and Have a New Kid by Friday. He is coauthor, with his son Kevin Leman II, of a series of illustrated children’s books for each child in the family. He is also featured on 6 video series on marriage, parenting, blended families, and single parenting.
Dr. Leman and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson, Arizona. They have five children and four grandchildren.
Jeff Nesbit isa former communications director to the vice president at the White House, served as the director of public affairs for two prominent federal science agencies, and has been a national journalist with Knight Ridder Newspapers. He is the author of 20 novels. Cocreator of the Emmy award-winning Science of the Olympic Winter Games and the Science of NFL Football video series with NBC Sports, Jeff is executive director for Climate Nexus and writes “At the Edge,” a weekly science column for U.S. News & World Report.
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Best-selling author Colleen Coble‘s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s résumé reads as if she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She currently pens fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for a RITA® award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award. Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida with her husband, who is her own real-life hero, and writes her stories under the shade of the huge oaks in her yard. Besides writing, she works alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano. She enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.
Jordyn Redwood is a pediatric ER nurse by day, suspense novelist by night. She pursued her dream of becoming an author by writing medical thrillers. She hosts Redwood’s Medical Edge, a blog devoted to helping authors write medically accurate fiction. Jordyn lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two beautiful daughters and one crazy dog. You can connect with Jordyn via her website at 
Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of nearly 70 books with more than 9 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine, USA Today, Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, and Country Woman. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.
