Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill

by | Mar 1, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Law Enforcement

MY REVIEW:

Although I have never read a novel by Tom Threadgill before Network of Deceit, by its end I am confident that it won’t be my last one. In fact, if my TBR stack were already not so tall, I would be picking up a copy of Collision of Lies immediately. It is definitely on my future reads list.

Although considered Christian fiction, Network of Deceit is not overtly so but it is what most would consider a clean read. This book would probably be a good one to share with non-Christian friends who enjoy a good detective tale.

It is rare to read a novel with a female protagonist that is written by a male author but Mr. Threadgill managed to present Amara’s viewpoint quite well. Her love for her family and her tendency to get too involved in her cases made her come to life on the pages. Strong and mostly likeable characters and a steady plot provided a backbone for the story that held my interest all the way through. Several plot twists and surprises kept me guessing  and one final surprise came out of the blue.

I thoroughly enjoyed following Amara’s steps as she gathered clues for a suspicious death that “might” be a homicide. Her interactions with her fellow detective and possible love interest Starsky often added welcome humor to the story. I learned a few interesting things I didn’t know concerning gaming, hackers, and ransomware.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

She’s following her instincts. They’re following her every move.

After her rescue of nearly fifty kidnapped children made international headlines, Amara Alvarez gets what she’s worked for: a transfer to San Antonio’s Homicide Division. But reality sets in quickly when her first case, the suspicious death of a teenager at a crowded local water park, plunges her life into chaos.

As the investigation moves forward, Amara finds herself stalked online by cybercriminals who uncover her personal life in frightening detail. With few leads, she’s forced to resort to unconventional methods to find the killer and prevent her first murder investigation from ending up in the cold case files.

Tom Threadgill is back with another riveting page-turner featuring the detective who is willing to put everything on the line to see justice served and lives protected.

Read an excerpt here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tom Threadgill is a full-time author and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the International Thriller Writers (ITW). The author of Collision of Lies, Tom lives with his wife near Dallas, Texas. Learn more at www.tomthreadgill.com.

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

by | Feb 27, 2021 | Books, Germany, Historical, Romance, WWII

MY REVIEW:

While I have read and enjoyed several books by Sarah Sundin, I believe that When Twilight Breaks must be my very favorite. Set in Munich, Germany during the days leading up to World War 2, the story features U.S. news correspondent Evelyn Brand aka the Firebrand. Feisty and courageous, Evelyn is determined to earn her place in the news agency despite the fact that she is a woman in a man’s domain. Most of all, Evelyn wants the truth to be known about her observations in Germany and is frustrated because her articles have been edited at every turn. Peter Lang, an American graduate student working on his thesis in German and teaching at the university, only sees the positive aspects of German life until his friendship with Evelyn begins to open his eyes.

While I enjoyed every minute of reading When Twilight Breaks, there were a few times when I wanted to put it down because I feared what might happen next. Not only that but there were a few scenes that were so disturbingly similar to what I see happening in my own nation now. Oh, if only we could open our eyes and hearts and learn from the past!

When Twilight Breaks touched me deeply and the story will stay with me for awhile. It is well worth reading with its simple message of faith and courage.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country–or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she’ll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home.

Peter Lang is an American graduate student working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party–to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can’t get off his mind.

As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of several popular WWII series, including Sunrise at Normandy, Waves of Freedom, Wings of the Nightingale, and Wings of Glory. Her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. The Sky Above Us received the Carol Award, her bestselling The Sea Before Us received the FHL Reader’s Choice Award, and both Through Waters Deep and When Tides Turn were named on Booklist‘s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years.” Sarah lives in Northern California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

by | Feb 27, 2021 | Books, Historical, Ireland, Romance

MY REVIEW:

If talented new authors like Jennifer Deibel continue to be published I will never get all the books read that I would like. Another exemplary writer, Deibel’s first novel, A Dance in Donegal, caught my interest quickly and held it until the very last page.

Through the author’s powerful imagery, I walked down the paths along the shores of Ireland and saw it through the eyes of Moira for the first time. I could almost smell the peat fires and the briny air. It was easy to imagine each character as Moira interacted with them. Even the most vile of them played an important role as the story played out.

And what a story it was! It didn’t take very long to discover that the townsfolk had their own opinions about Moira’s mother yet were unwilling to share their secrets except through overheard whispers and veiled threats. Yet Moira’s gentle demeanor and kindness to others won her staunch supporters in a few friends who stood beside her, especially Sean, Brid, Colm, and Peg.

I found it encouraging to witness Moira’s journey as she discovered exactly why the Lord had brought her to Ballymann and the plans He had for her life there. Filled with both joy and sorrow, A Dance in Donegal was a beautiful illustration of how following the lead of the Holy Spirit and showing mercy and care to an enemy can bring true redemption into a life.

I cannot say enough about this wonderful book except that you just have to read it for yourself. I will be waiting impatiently for another one by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

All of her life, Irish-American Moira Doherty has relished her mother’s descriptions of Ireland. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira decides to fulfill her mother’s wish that she become the teacher in Ballymann, her home village in Donegal, Ireland.

After an arduous voyage, Moira arrives to a new home and a new job in an ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira’s mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she’s journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends–and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced–as she seeks to navigate a life she’d never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.

Jennifer Deibel’s debut novel delights the senses, bringing to life the sights, sounds, smells, and language of a lush country and a colorful people. Historical romance fans will embrace her with open arms.

Read an excerpt HERE.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher whose work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com.

 

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

by | Feb 26, 2021 | Appalachia, Books, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

As an avid reader I cannot begin to imagine going through life unable to read. It was a foreign concept to Lucy Wilson also until she traveled to Rowan County, Kentucky to work for her father’s cousin Cora Wilson Stewart, the first woman superintendent of education in that area. As a city girl who had been provided with everything she needed, Lucy’s first encounter with the impoverished mountain people was a rude awakening. Everything and everyone she encountered was alien to her previous experience.

With the eager help of Finn, the more reluctant help of Angie, and the quiet wisdom of Brother Wyatt, Lucy gradually became adjusted to the area and even grew comfortable with the horse she rode to visit the scattered inhabitants of the mountain. She grew to love many of the mountain people and felt increasingly burdened to help them.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the customs of the mountain people and particularly found interesting the mention of using shaped notes to teach music to those who could not read. One of my own ancestors, Mennonite Bishop Joseph Funk was instrumental in the use of shaped notes and wrote an extensive book about their use that is still in use today. How I wish I could have been in Lucy’s shoes the first time she experienced a singing.

The Moonlight School is a beautiful story with vivid descriptions of the land and people of early 1900 hill country of Kentucky. While based on the true story of Cora Wilson Stewart, this book is a fictional account that features Lucy and Wyatt. A bit of mystery and a sweet romance round the story out to make a thoroughly satisfying read. There is much more to discover than I have described so I would recommend picking up a copy for yourself as soon as possible. I don’t think you will regret it.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Haunted by personal tragedy, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to assist her cousin, Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of schools. A fish out of water, Lucy is appalled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters.

Born in those very hills, Cora knows the twin plagues of illiteracy and poverty. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing school master who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose, along with something else she hadn’t expected: love.

Inspired by true events, this novel from bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings to life the story that shocked the nation into taking adult literacy seriously.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 books, including The Moonlight School and the Three Sisters Island, Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, The Deacon’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.