Although Deadly Pursuit is the second book in the Guardians of Justice series it is quite able to stand on its own. This installment features Alison Taylor whose older brother Jake was featured in the first novel, Fatal Judgment. Jake and their other brother Cole make frequent appearances in Deadly Pursuit but their history is not essential to the story. I am looking forward to the next installment that I expect to feature Cole. Can’t wait to see what happens!
Deadly Pursuit is a page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot began slowly with Alison’s receipt of strange phone calls and but the suspense gradually escalated to a dramatic conclusion. One particularly gruesome incident totally upped the danger level for Alison. The action and suspense is tempered by the growing romance between Alison and Cole’s friend and associate, police detective Mitch Morgan, a former Navy Seal who dedicates himself to Alison’s protection and finding her tormentor before it’s too late.
A skillfully crafted plot, three dimensional characters, and plenty of action and suspense laced with unexpected twists and surprises makes Deadly Pursuit a book that should please most suspense fans. A spiritual theme is also interwoven unobtrusively throughout the narrative. There are a few very intense scenes so the very squeamish should be warned.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Bestselling author Irene Hannon returns with the second novel in her “Guardians of Justice” series, Deadly Pursuit (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3457-2, $14.99, 352 pages, September). Hannon is the recipient of several high honors in her literary genre. As Library Journal has stated, “RITA Award winner Hannon is a master at character development.”
Alison Taylor is a young, single social worker recovering from a serious accident and a broken relationship, kept busy by her demanding job and her faithful canine companion, Bert. But when her police-detective brother pushes her into a blind date with his new colleague, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan, she’s not sorry—and neither is Mitch. When she begins to receive anonymous calls and threatening gifts, however, their relationship shifts into professional mode as well. And as Mitch works to protect the woman who is fast stealing his heart, he can only pray they’ll find her tormentor before the man’s game turns deadly.
Once again, Hannon delivers an accelerating thrill ride that will keep readers up late into the night.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the CBA bestsellers Against All Odds, An Eye for an Eye, In Harm’s Way and Fatal Judgment. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America (she’s a five-time finalist), the HOLT Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier award, and two Reviewer’s Choice Awards from Romantic Times Book Reviews magazine. She lives in Missouri. For more information about Irene and her books, visit her website at www.irenehannon.com.
I started this post in order to list my top ten favorite Christian suspense authors. I have come up with double that number and to tell the truth, this list is not complete. I can already think of others who could be added.
If you were to ask me which of these twenty authors is my favorite, I’d probably tell you “whoever wrote the book I’m reading right now.” I have read numerous books by all these authors and have enjoyed them all. My bookshelves contain many books by these authors and if I can swing it, their entire collection.
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels. She received her first book contract in November, 1992 with Barbour Publishings’ Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. In 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests. Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family–especially her three grandchildren–Rainy, Fox and Max.
Judith Miller’s first novel, Threads of Love, was conceived when she was commuting sixty miles to work each day. She wanted to tell the story of a pioneer girl coming to Kansas and the faith that sustained her as she adjusted to a new life. Through a co-worker, she was directed to Tracie Peterson who, at that time, worked down the hall from her. Having never met Tracie, Judith was totally unaware of her writing career, but God intervened. The rest is, as they say, history. Since that first encounter many years ago, Judith has been blessed with the publication of numerous books, novellas and a juvenile fiction book. Joyously, she and Tracie had the opportunity to develop a blessed friendship. In fact, they have co-authored several series together, including The Bells of Lowell, the Lights of Lowell and The Broadmoor Legacy. ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Audrey Cunningham’s father proposes that they move to Bridal Veil Island, where he grew up, she agrees, thinking this will help keep him sober and close to God. But they arrive to find wealthy investors buying up land to build a grand resort on the secluded island–and they want the Cunninghams’ acreage.
Contractor Marshall Graham can’t imagine why the former drinking buddy of his deceased father would beckon him to Bridal Veil Island. And when Boyd Cunningham asks him to watch over Audrey, Marshall is even more confused. He has no desire to be saddled with caring for this fiery young woman who is openly hostile toward him. But when Audrey seems to be falling for another man–one who has two little girls Audrey adores–Marshall realizes she holds more of his heart than he realized. Which man will Audrey choose? And can she hold on to her ancestral property in the face of overwhelming odds?
Learn more about Tracie and her books on her Website.
Learn more about Judith and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Summoned by Boyd Cunningham, an old friend of his deceased father, Marshall Graham reluctantly accepts a position overseeing the construction of a new exclusive resort for the wealthy on Bridal Veil Island. Both Marshall and Boyd’s daughter Audrey share unhappy memories as a result of their fathers’ alcoholism. In fact, Audrey believes that Marshall shares his father’s weakness and wants nothing to do with him. As time passes Marshall proves himself to be an honorable man and Audrey gradually begins to trust him. Despite numerous misunderstandings the pair find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Delays, mishaps, and apparent sabotage plague the construction site and a sense of danger increases daily. Marshall attempts to find answers to the disruptions and Audrey’s efforts to help soon places her at risk.
Set in post Civil War Georgia on the idyllic fictional island of Bridal Veil, To Have and to Hold is a captivating tale filled with remarkable characters. Supporting cast includes one feisty, larger-than-life, shotgun wielding, elderly Aunty Thora who has never gotten over the “War of Northern Aggression”. She adds a touch of levity throughout the book. Vivid setting descriptions cause the reader to almost feel the sticky humidity and southern breezes among the live oaks of the island. A well paced plot is filled with drama, action, touches of mystery and suspense and a satisfying romance. A spiritual lesson primarily about trusting the Lord is woven unobtrusively throughout the narrative.
To Have and to Hold is just one more example why both Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller are longtime favorite authors of mine. If you enjoy historical romance or books about the south, To Have and to Hold should be on your to-read list.
Attracted to Fire is another of DiAnn Mills riveting c0ntemporary novels that feature various branches of law enforcement. In this one, the primary characters Meghan Connor and Ash Zinders are special agents in the Secret Service. The pair meets when they are both assigned to protect the Vice President’s daughter as she once again goes through drug and alcohol rehab because of repeated threats to her life.
Because of past events, hard-nosed Ash has no use for female agents on his team and is unhappy with Meghan’s assignment. As dangerous incidents escalate, Meghan demonstrates her skill, insight, and dedication time and again. Not only does Ash begin to change his mind about her value to the team but begins to view her in an even more personal light.
With expertly developed plot and characters, Attracted to Fire kept me turning the pages. The story contained ample action, danger, suspense, and drama to hold my interest and the romantic elements were an added bonus. Twists and surprises abound. Although the person behind the threats is revealed to the reader fairly early in the narrative, it is still interesting to learn how the agents finally solve the identity of the culprit and accomplices.
I recommend Attracted to Fire as well as the other novels of DiAnn Mills.
This book was provided for review by Tyndale and NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Award-winning author DiAnn Mills launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over fifty books in print and has sold over 1.5 million copies.
DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA Bestseller Lists. Her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2008 and a Carol Award finalist in 2010. She is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010, a Christy Awards finalist in 2008, a finalist for the RITA Award in 2010, and winner of the Christy Award in 2010.
DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also a member of the Christian Writer’s Guild, Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is the Craftsman Mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.
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Award-Winning Author Delivers Edge-Of-Your-Seat Romantic Thrill Ride
Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the CBA bestsellers Against All Odds, An Eye for an Eye, In Harm’s Way and Fatal Judgment. Her books have been honored with the coveted RITA Award from Romance Writers of America (she’s a five-time finalist), the HOLT Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier award, and two Reviewer’s Choice Awards from Romantic Times Book Reviews magazine. She lives in Missouri. For more information about Irene and her books, visit her website at www.irenehannon.com.
