by admin | Aug 11, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Although I enjoy most good Christian fiction in general, I find myself drawn to certain genres more than others and romantic suspense is one that I particularly like. I have found that Irene Hannon is one author I can depend on to provide me with a page turning plot that I can’t put down.
As the final installment of Hannon’s Guardians of Justice series, “Lethal Legacy” includes familiar characters from the previous books, especially its hero Cole Taylor who reluctantly agrees to take another look at a closed case for heroine Kelly Warren. Although the death of Kelly’s father was ruled a suicide, she remains unconvinced that he killed himself. New clues persuade Cole that Kelly may be right, especially when suspicious circumstances indicate that Kelly may be in danger herself. When Cole realizes that his interest in the case has become personal, his need to solve it quickly becomes even more important to him.
Irene Hannon has a genuine gift for writing suspense. When the suspense reaches a certain point, she is adept at relieving the tension with a romantic scene or a little humor before ratcheting it up another level. “Lethal Legacy” had plenty of twists and turns and more than one surprise that kept me engaged for the entire novel. Everything was not tied up in a neat little package at the end that left me wondering but it had a satisfactory resolution.
I am a bit sad to reach the end of the Guardians of Justice series but I can rest assured that the next series from Hannon will be just as enjoyable.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Two-Time RITA Award-Winning Author Completes Critically-Acclaimed Romantic Suspense Series
Bestselling suspense author Irene Hannon completes the Guardians of Justice series with her much-anticipated novel Lethal Legacy, releasing in August 2012. Hannon’s signature high-intensity action and taut suspense combined with her talent for writing tender, heartwarming romance will have readers on the edge of their seats. A two-time RITA award winner, Hannon completes the critically acclaimed series with a story of old grudges and a budding romance.
Kelly Warren is on a mission to prove her father’s death wasn’t suicide, but Detective Cole Taylor doesn’t put much credence in her claim. Nothing in his case review suggests foul play until Kelly ends up in the emergency room with a suspicious life-threatening medical condition. The incident strikes him as more than just coincidence. Digging deeper, he discovers she’s linked to a long-ago crime. Is history repeating itself? And who wants Kelly silenced?
Hannon, a former communications executive for a Fortune 500 company, left the corporate world in 2003 to focus on her growing fiction brand. While continuing to write contemporary romance, she also delved into suspense. The result was her Heroes of Quantico series, which began in 2009 with Against All Odds. From the beginning, her suspense books have garnered rave reviews. Booklist named her last novel, Deadly Pursuit (Revell, 2011) one of the top ten inspirational fiction titles for 2011 saying Hannon crafted “compelling characters and an emotionally engaging plot powered by a surfeit of nail biting suspense.”
Each of her suspense titles, though part of a series, can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Available August 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Irene Hannon is the author of more than 35 novels, including the bestselling Heroes of Quantico and Guardians of Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award and two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri.
For more information about her and her books, visit her web site at www.irenehannon.com and follow her on Twitter at @IreneHannon.
by admin | Aug 10, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
It has been a number of years since I read the first book in Colleen’s Rock Harbor series and I have made it a point to attempt to obtain each of her subsequent releases. I’m pretty sure I have most of her collection including some Love Inspired Suspense written as Colleen Rhoads. Whether contemporary or historical, with settings from Hawaii to Texas to the Outer Banks to mention but a few, each of Colleen’s stories has held my attention to the very end and pulled me into the action.
“Tidewater Inn” is one of Colleen’s contemporary novels and is set in the Outer Banks area. Working with her partner to obtain property to restore, Libby witnesses her best friend’s kidnapping at the same time she discovers that she has been left property by her recently deceased father. As a hurricane threatens, Libby desperately attempts to find her friend while getting to know previously unknown relatives who are not exactly welcoming. As the danger increases, Libby realizes that several people could be suspects. Yet in the midst of life threatening situations, Libby has found a man who could just possibly be the man God has for her. But will they survive to find out if that’s the case?
As a long-time Colleen Coble fan, it is a given that I loved “Tidewater Inn”. The descriptions of the Outer Banks makes me want to visit the area. Her characters are so well developed that it was easy to love or hate them, or to hope for a positive transformation in their lives. A story that will have the reader asking along with Libby “What would Jesus do in this situation?”, “Tidewater Inn is an example of some of the best and worst of human behavior from faith and loyalty to greed and murder. It is a riveting story that merges suspense and romance in a delightful way.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.
But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby’s under suspicion for the crime.
Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.
Listen to the first chapter of “Tidewater Inn”:
Find out what the reviewers are saying here!
Purchase your own copy of “Tidewater Inn” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.
Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com. Twitter @colleencoble.
Bestselling author, Colleen Coble, talks about her new novel “Tidewater Inn.”
Win a $500 Weekend Getaway Package from @ColleenCoble and Connect with her at 8/23 Facebook Party!
Celebrate with Colleen by entering to win a $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com
- A copy of Tidewater Inn.
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 22nd. Winner will be announced at Colleen’s “Tidewater Inn” Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/23. Colleen will be sharing the story behind the book, hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways – books, gift certificates and a Book Club Prize Pack! She’ll also be giving a sneak peak of her next book too!
So grab your copy of Tidewater Inn and join Colleen on the evening of the August 23rd for a chance to connect with Colleen and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER about Colleen’s giveaway and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!
by admin | Aug 10, 2012 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingOver The EdgeBethany House (August 1, 2012)byMary ConnealyABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.
The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.
The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.
Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.
The Sophie’s Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.
She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she’s one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.
Learn more about Mary and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Seth Kincaid survived a fire in a cave, but he’s never been the same. He was always a reckless youth, but now he’s gone over the edge. He ran off to the Civil War and came back crazier than ever.
After the war, nearly dead from his injuries, it appears Seth got married. Oh, he’s got a lot of excuses, but his wife isn’t happy to find out Seth doesn’t remember her. Callie has searched, prayed, and worried. Now she’s come to the Kincaid family’s ranch in Colorado to find her lost husband.
Callie isn’t a long-suffering woman. Once she knows her husband is alive, she wants to kill him. She’s not even close to forgiving him for abandoning her.
Then more trouble shows up in the form of a secret Seth’s pa kept for years. The Kincaid brothers might lose their ranch if they can’t sort things out. It’s enough to drive a man insane–but somehow it’s all making Seth see things more clearly. And now that he knows what he wants, no one better stand in his way.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Over The Edge, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Just when you begin to wonder if there can possibly be any more original ideas for historical western romance novels, Mary Connealy delivers one that is totally fresh and unique. She also manages to mix her own special brand of humor with action, drama, and suspense to come up with a rip-roaring, page-turning, just plain fun read that also gets across a strong message of faith.
Over The Edge is the perfect ending for the Kincaid Brides series although one big surprise makes me wonder if this is really the end. Connealy’s brash and bold yet surprisingly innocent characters kept me wanting the story to last forever while eager to find out what would happen. Over The Edge is a wonderful story with a satisfying resolution that includes forgiveness and reconciliation as well as much needed emotional healing for the Kincaid brothers. I could go on but would really like to avoid spoilers.
If you are already a Mary Connealy fan, Over The Edge will not disappoint. If you have not yet discovered her books, go ahead and pick up the entire series. You will be glad you did.
by admin | Aug 7, 2012 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romance
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingChasing The WindB&H Books (August 1, 2012)byPamela Binnings EwenABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Until recently retiring to write full time, Pamela Binnings Ewen was a partner in the Houston office of the international law firm of Baker Botts, L.L.P., specializing in corporate finance. She now lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, James Lott.
She has served on the Board of Directors of Inprint, Inc., a non-profit organization supporting the literary arts in Houston, Texas, as well as the Advisory Board for The New Orleans Pirate’s Alley Faulkner Society, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Tennessee Williams Festival in New Orleans; Pamela is a co-founder of the Northshore Literary Society in the Greater New Orleans area. She is also a member of the National League of American Pen Women.
Pamela’s first novel, Walk Back The Cat (Broadman & Holman. May, 2006) is the story of an embittered and powerful clergyman who learns an ancient secret, confronting him with truth and a choice that may destroy him.
She is also the best-selling author of the acclaimed non-fiction book Faith On Trial, published by Broadman & Holman in 1999, currently in its third printing.
Although it was written for non-lawyers, Faith On Trial was also chosen as a text for a course on law and religion at Yale Law School in the Spring of 2000, along with The Case For Christ by Lee Stroble. Continuing the apologetics begun in Faith On Trial, Pamela also appears with Gary Habermas, Josh McDowell, Darrell Bock, Lee Stroble, and others in the film Jesus: Fact or Fiction, a Campus Crusade for Christ production.
Pamela is the latest writer to emerge from a Louisiana family recognized for its statistically improbable number of successful authors. A cousin, James Lee Burke, who won the Edgar Award, wrote about the common ancestral grandfathers in his Civil War novel White Dove At Morning.
Among other writers in the family are Andre Dubus (Best Picture Oscar nomination for The Bedroom; his son, Andre Dubus III, author of The House of Sand and Fog, a Best Picture Oscar nomination and an Oprah pick; Elizabeth Nell Dubus (the Cajun trilogy); and Alafair Burke, just starting out with the well received Samantha Kincaid mystery series.
Learn more about Pamela and her books on her Website .
ABOUT THE BOOK:
At 8:47 A.M. on Wednesday, October 12, 1977, new-to-town businessman Bingham Murdock flew his small plane into New Orleans, banking it in such a way that a ray of sunshine shot through the city at light speed.
Amalise Catoir saw the flash from her sixteenth floor law office window. Finally feeling alive after the death of her abusive husband, she imagined seeing the plane was a fate for her eyes only; a special connection between the unknown giver and she, the recipient of light.
But someone else saw it, a six-year-old Cambodian refugee in foster care for whom a sudden burst of brightness reminds him of artillery fire.
Destined to cross paths with the man and the child, Amalise doesn’t yet know the deeper spiritual lesson she will learn: that we are responsible not only for the things we do, but also for the things that we don’t.
If you would like to read an excerpt of Chasing The Wind, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
Chasing The Wind is a story filled with chance encounters that some might call “divine appointments” – encounters that connect the lives of perfect strangers in subtle ways that can affect their lives forever. Set in post Vietnam War New Orleans, the story focuses primarily on a high stakes real estate legal case and the people involved from the investors, to the lawyers, to the unsuspecting neighborhood residents who will be affected by the transaction. Expertly woven into the plot are also a romantic triangle, the story of a Cambodian refugee and his foster family, and a true life mystery that remains unsolved.
Although there were hints throughout the story, I thought it was brilliant that it wasn’t really evident until the end that the book was somewhat of a mystery. I also liked the way the author worked in the real life mystery by connecting it with one of her characters, offered a plausible explanation yet left it a question at the end.
Chasing The Wind is a strong character driven novel that left me wanting more. So far each book I have read by Ms. Ewen has been unique but I believe that Chasing The Wind has to be my favorite to date. For those who enjoy legal thrillers, this one is a must read.
