by admin | Apr 5, 2017 | Books, Legal, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Another reviewer called Cara Putman a Christian John Grisham. I would have to agree to a point. It is obvious that, like Grisham, she knows her legal stuff and knows how to write a great novel. In the past, I have gotten bogged down by the abundance of legal details in Grisham’s novels. Putman, however, seems to instinctively know just how much detail the reader actually needs to understand the process.
“Beyond Justice” covers a subject that is all too common in today’s United States – illegal immigration. The story covers a side of it we rarely hear about and it raises some very important questions as well as some possible answers. Beyond that, it is a very good story with lots of action, danger, and suspense plus a side of romance. Attorney Hayden’s roommate Emilie seems to be trying to match her up with her handsome cousin Andrew but Hayden is too focused on her career to be interested in romance. When assigned a new wrongful death case that becomes more puzzling by the minute, Hayden learns that Andrew is also connected to the case through another angle. As they are drawn together to try to solve the mysteries stirred up by the case, both Hayden, Emilie, and Andrew face danger and possibly even death. Only their faith might be able to save them.
What an excellent book! An intelligent, well-paced plot and strong characters made the minutes fly by for me as I read well into the night. I did not want to stop! I look forward to the next book in the series,”Imperfect Justice”. December seems very far away.
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:
Hayden McCarthy is on track to become the youngest partner in her prestigious D.C. law firm . . . if the case she’s just been handed doesn’t destroy her first.
Read the first five chapters by clicking here.
Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain when justice is not served. It’s why she became an attorney and why she’s so driven in her career. When she’s assigned a wrongful death case against the government, she isn’t sure if it’s the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there.
Further complicating matters is Andrew, her roommate’s distractingly attractive cousin. But Andrew’s father is a Congressman, and Hayden’s currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse?
The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to kill the case—or her. Logic and self-preservation would indicate she should close the case. But how can she, when justice is still just beyond her reach?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cara C. Putman, the award-winning author of 24 books, started college at 16, graduated college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. FIRST for Women magazine called Shadowed by Grace “captivating” and a “novel with ‘the works.’” Cara is active at her church and a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at Krannert. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at:
Website: www.caraputman.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/caraputman
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cara_putman
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/caraputman
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/CaraPutman
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by admin | Apr 5, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Memory of You” is the second novel I’ve read by Catherine West and it reinforces my desire to never miss any of her future books. This author has a gift of reaching into her characters’ innermost beings and allowing her readers to know their very souls. Poignant yet hopeful is one way I would describe this particular novel.
Beautifully written, “The Memory of You” is a story of healing and second chances and overcoming the past. I loved how Tanner and Natalie were able to renew their lost friendship and eventually their love for each other. The story is an emotional roller coaster as Natalie is brought back to the place where her nightmares began and she is forced to come face-to-face with the truth and let God’s grace set her free from the guilt she feels.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by The Amazon Vine Program. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Thirteen years ago, Natalie lost a part of herself when her twin sister died. Will traveling back to the family winery finally put the memory to rest, or will it completely destroy her?
When Natalie Mitchell learns her beloved grandfather has had a heart attack, she’s forced to return to their family-owned winery in Sonoma, something she never intended to do. She’s avoided her grandparents’ sprawling home and all its memories since the summer her sister died—the awful summer Natalie’s nightmares began. But the winery is failing, and Natalie’s father wants her to shut it down. As the majority shareholder, she has the power to do so.
And Natalie never says no to her father.
Tanner Collins, the vintner on Maoilios, is trying to salvage a bad season and put the Mitchell family’s winery back in business. When Natalie Mitchell shows up, Tanner sees his future about to be crushed. Natalie intends to close the gates, unless he can convince her otherwise. But the Natalie he remembers from childhood is long gone, and he’s not so sure he likes the woman she’s become. Still, the haunted look she wears hints at secrets he wants to unearth. He soon discovers that on the night her sister died, the real Natalie died too. And Tanner must do whatever it takes to resurrect her.
But finding freedom from the past means facing it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border collie for long walks on the beach or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children.
Find out more about Catherine at http://www.catherinejwest.com.
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by admin | Apr 5, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, FBI, Law Enforcement, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
When I open a new book by DiAnn Mills I know I can expect am extended reading session because I will not want to put it down. “Deep Extraction” totally met those expectations and then some!
With such an unusual murder method that was used, how on earth would the investigating team ever find the killer? As if that was not enough in itself, problems cropping up within the team could very well stop them in their tracks. I knew that the author would manage to wrap up everything before the end in her usual brilliant style and not only would the case be solved but another deserving couple would be looking forward to a future together.
The fast paced plot included the anticipated twists and surprises that make Mills’ books so much fun to read. Escalating suspense kept my on the edge of my seat but the developing romance was a welcome diversion at just the right intervals. Tori and Cole were strong, well-developed characters who were easy to like but her FBI partner Max started out as a real jerk. Fortunately Max redeemed himself before the end and I also gained an understanding of what was behind his actions.
As always, I loved this book by DiAnn Mills and eagerly look forward to her next novel. If you haven’t read her suspense novels, “Deep Extraction” would be an excellent place to begin.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by The Tyndale Blog Network. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A pacemaker should have saved oil and gas magnate Nathan Moore’s life. Instead, it provided his killer with a seemingly perfect means of execution.
A bombing at one of Nathan’s oil rigs days earlier indicates his death could be part of a bigger conspiracy, a web Special Agent Tori Templeton must untangle. But her first order of business is separating the personal from the professional—the victim’s wife, her best friend, is one of the FBI’s prime suspects.
Clearing Sally’s name may be the biggest challenge of her career, but Tori finds an unexpected ally in the newest member of the task force, recently reinstated Deputy US Marshal Cole Jeffers. As Tori and Cole dig deeper into Nathan’s personal and business affairs, they uncover more than they bargained for. And the closer they get to finding the real killer—and to each other—the more intent someone is on silencing them for good.
Deep Extraction is recommended for fans of the following:
Romantic Suspense
Christian Fiction
FBI Crime Solving Novel
Read an excerpt from “Deep Extraction” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
To celebrate Deep Extraction’s official release, DiAnn Mills is featuring a random drawing for multiple giveaway prizes. If you subscribe to her blog then you don’t have to do a thing . . . just wait to see if your name is drawn!
To be eligible for the random drawing for the following prizes, be sure to CLICK HERE!
- 1st Place – Apple iPad Mini 2 (32GB WiFi)
- 2nd Place – FBI lunch kit filled with yummy Texas shaped chocolates and a personalized copy of Deep Extraction
- 3rd Place – $50. Amazon Gift Card and a personalized copy of Deep Extraction
- 4th Place – FBI K9 Dog with an FBI cold beverage container and a personalized copy of Deep Extraction
- 5th Place – Personalized copy of Deep Extraction, FBI pen, and Crime Scene Band-Aids
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by admin | Mar 24, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Book 3 of the Firebrand Series, “Betrayed” is a fast-paced suspense that held my attention until the very end. Featuring Casey Morgan and Reese Alexander, the story finds them fighting for their lives as they attempt to discover exactly who wants them dead. Is it the group of militants in the surrounding mountains or could someone even more sinister be involved?
In the midst of all the action and suspense, Reese and Casey’s personal lives are also put to the test. Casey has always loved Reese but for some reason he has kept his distance. Only when Reese realizes how close he has come to losing her does he have to decide if his secret is reason enough to keep them apart.
As I have discovered with her previous books, Sandra Robbins is skilled at putting together riveting suspense stories that capture my attention and hold it to the very end. Well paced plot and strong characters who share a similar faith are just part of what draws me to her books. I enjoyed “Betrayed” and hope to have the opportunity to read more books by this author in the near future.
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:
Casey Morgan is the only woman to have passed the rigorous requirements for induction into the Firebrand brotherhood. For six years with the group, she has been the perfect soldier as she carried out missions for the CIA with her brothers and has excelled at all she did except for one thing. She has never been able to get Reese Alexander, the commander of Firebrand, to realize she is also a woman who loves him very much. Tired of being ignored by Reese, Casey has left Firebrand to become a deputy sheriff. Her job soon takes her into the path of Malloy’s Militia, a violent group of survivalists who live in the remote mountains and are stockpiling weapons in preparation for waging their final battle when an atomic war comes. When Casey becomes the target of the militants and is abducted, it becomes clear their real agenda is to destroy Firebrand who they consider killers hired by a corrupt government. Reese must put aside the secret that has kept him from Casey for years if he is to save the brotherhood and the only woman he has ever loved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sandra Robbins and her husband live in the small college town where she grew up. Until a few years ago she was working as an elementary school principal, but God opened the door for her to become a full-time writer in the Christian market. When asked what she writes, she replies, “Christian fiction–Southern Style.” Her books in both romantic suspense and historical romance with settings in the South have been recognized in the Daphne du Maurier Contest for excellence in writing mystery, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for writing romance, the Holt, and the ACFW Carol Awards. Sandra enjoys hearing from her readers. To find out more about Sandra and her books go to http://sandrarobbins.net or send her an email at sandra@sandrarobbins.net
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by admin | Mar 24, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
This series reminds me of why I sometimes wish I wasn’t a reviewer and could wait for the entire series to be published before I begin reading it. Both “Cold Shot” and “Still Life” feature a group of friends with a couple of them playing a predominate role in each book. I anticipate that “Blind Spot” will do the same. I spent some time trying to remember where each of them fit into the group but did not have time to go back and reread “Cold Shot”. Nevertheless, it did not detract from my enjoyment of “Still Life”.
Let me just say that “Still Life” is one intense suspense. Reading it made me want to bar the windows and doors for a night or two. The author paced the plot so well that the suspense built with each chapter and the mystery became more confusing. Several possible suspects made their appearance and it was difficult to tell whether any of them were guilty or not. Even the title has a gruesome meaning behind it but I’ll leave it at that.
Ms. Pettrey’s talent at developing her characters and their interaction is brilliant as well. Parker is a hero few women could resist with his Irish accent and protective side. Avery may be a bit more difficult to cozy up to with her apparent hard protective shell but once the reader sees her true heart, Avery is also pretty likeable.
I enjoyed “Still Life” very much and look forward to reading “Blind Spot”. I really hate to have to wait for it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Someone Is Out There. Watching Her. Waiting.
Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime-scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime-scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright–and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.
Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit for which her friend modeled. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead–and the photographer insists he didn’t take the shot. Worse, her friend can’t be found, and so Avery immediately calls Parker for help.
As Avery, Parker, and their friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Michael Pettrey Photography
Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others.
She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson. You can find her online at danipettrey.com.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2017 | Books, Love Inspired, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Jessica R. Patch is a new-to-me author but I can guarantee that I plan to read more of her books. I found her writing to be concise and intelligent with just the right blend of suspense, humor, and romance, with a large dose of faith mixed in. It’s also nice to know that she’s from my corner of the world.
The characters were perfect. I found both Beckett and Aurora to be people I would like to know, flawed but with great integrity. And the plot! Well, it was one that kept me on edge from beginning to end. There were so many twists and turns that I found it difficult to decide just who was at fault. An exciting read until the very end, “Final Verdict” was the kind of book I love when reading suspense. As I said earlier, I will definitely be reading 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:
FATAL JUSTICE
When Aurora Daniels becomes the target of someone seeking their own twisted justice, Sheriff Beckett Marsh is the only one who can rescue her. As a public defender, Aurora has angered plenty of people in town—and in her past. And while Beckett constantly clashes with the feisty lawyer professionally, it’s his duty to protect and serve. Guarding her 24/7 is now his sole assignment. He may not have been able to save his fiancée from a dangerous felon, but he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Aurora alive. Even if working with her to catch and convict this ruthless killer puts his heart in the crosshairs.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica R. Patch lives in the mid-south where she pens inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. When she’s not hunched over her laptop or going on adventurous trips in the name of research with willing friends, you can find her watching way too much Netflix with her family and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook.
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