Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Hid from Our Eyes by Julia Spencer-Fleming
This is a great suspense mystery about a small town police department from the 1950s to the present. Three police chiefs had very similar cases years apart. All involve unidentified girls found in unusual circumstances in the same spot on a country road.
All the characters are colorful individuals with their own stories that make them very fun to read about. And the ending is totally unexpected for most of the book and still a little unexpected at the conclusion. I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery
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I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Secrets They Left Behind by Lissa Marie Redmond
Shea O’Conner, a police officer who has helped the FBI before as an undercover officer, is called in on another case. She looks very young and can easily pass as a co-ed. Three female college students from a small town disappeared one night and the case has grown cold. So Shea is sent to be a student at the local Community College and become friend with the crowd those girls were part of. As she pursues the case it gets curiouser and curiouser.
I loved this book and highly recommend it.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Last Tourist by Olen Steinhauer
This book was a little hard to get into at first. It is about international intrigue and undercover government operations in the present day. Once I established what was going on and who was who it became very interesting. Lots of food for thought here. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Janes by Louisa Luna
PI Alice Vega and her favorite partner Max Caplan, former police officer, are called in to help with a police investigation into two unidentified females found deceased. But the Police and other officials want to pay them under the table. Vega uses some unconventional methods of obtaining information but is highly successful. It becomes apparent fairly quickly though that there is something going on that is not above board. The local cop that is assisting in the investigation has never seen his chief act the way he is about this particular investigation.
This was a captivating read and kept me riveted on the story. I highly recommend this book.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Hurry Home by Roz Nay
This is a very gripping story of two sisters, one a Child Services social worker and the other a recovering addict who is pregnant and fleeing domestic abuse. The sisters have a troubled past and one is trying to make amends. This book has some unexpected twists and turns and is a great read! I highly recommend it.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
End Game by Rachel Dylan
FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan is teamed up with NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini to get to the bottom of some high profile murders around Washington, DC. The deeper they get into the investigation, the more dangerous it becomes and the deeper they have to dig into the secrets of the rogue government employees at the bottom of this international scheme.
This is a fast paced story that I enjoyed thoroughly. I am always intrigued by the work of the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. This book does not disappoint. I highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Catch Me If You Can by Donna Kauffman
This had the potential to be a great story. Tag, an anthropologist, has returned to his estranged father's home after his father's death and learns that he had inherited not only the family holdings but also a new property his father had purchased in Scotland -- the old ancestral castle. Out of curiosity, he decides to extend his leave before he returns to the dig he is working on in the Amazon, and go take a look at the property in Scotland. In Scotland, Tag meets Maura, the caretaker and last descendant of the clan that has had the castle in their family for hundreds of years. Tag and Maura hit it off immediately and both their plans for the future are rocked.
I would have really enjoyed this story if the author had stuck to the story and followed it to its logical (or even surprising) ending. However I would hazard a guess that less than 25% of this book is the story as described above, and the rest is a long drawn out, too much information, version of their libidos and all the tiny details of that process. It was disappointing because I had to skip multiple pages each time to get to the continuation of the actual story.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this books which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear
This is an interesting historical novel set during the Civil War. Pearl is a Tennessean and keeps house for her widowed father an younger brother. Her cousin, who is a confederate officer, brings wounded Union soldiers from a nearby battle to recover under Pearl's care because he is unable to get them to the prison in the condition they are in. One of the Union soldiers is Josh, who has lost a hand in the recent battle. Pearl's father, while suffering from some dementia, has taught his family and continues to preach about being kinds to and taking care of enemies, so Pearl works at it diligently. Over time, Pearl and Josh form a relationship and the war becomes a side issue to both of them. Neither change their views but their regard for each other continues to grow.
I like the depth of the research the author has done and her handling of the whole situation. I have soldiers from both sides of the conflict in my family tree and all were solid Christian husbands and fathers but also loyal to their homeland. I enjoyed this little view into their life and times.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this books which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
If I Had Two Lives by A. B. Whelan
Vicky has a good job as an FBI agent and a successful Real Estate mogul boyfriend. She had a normal childhood and thought she knew who she was until everything went topsy turvy in her life. She soon realized that her parents hadn't told her everything about her life and strangely, the new information she was recovering was woven somehow into the case she was working on -- trying to track down a serial killer.
This book has a lot of things happening and comes to a surprise conclusion. I enjoyed reading it but felt that in some places there could have been more to the story and in other places there was a little too much information. I would like to continue reading books by this author and see how she advances her craft in later writings.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this books which I received from BookSirens. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Seconds to Live by Susan Sleeman
FBI Agent Sean Nichols is appointed to head a team investigating a hacker who goes by the name of Phantom, who has hacked into US Marshals' Witness Protection database. He needs to go to where a witness has already been pursued by the hacker with the intention to kill her. That witness is being protected by US Marshal Taylor Mills, who happens to be a friend of Agent Nichols even though their friendship has always been online and not in person.
As they chase the Phantom the stakes keep getting higher and the danger keeps getting more frightening. It takes everyone on the team to crack the case. This one is a nail biter and it didn’t take me long to read because I traded sleep time for reading time. Highly recommend!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this books which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Stitches in Time by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Luke and Sam Shrock are brothers who are part of an old order Amish community. They have had a rough time since growing up since their father had done something that upset the community when they were boys and they felt the weight of the community’s disapproval. Luke is nominated for deacon by some unknown person. Luke isn’t worried because he does not feel qualified and is sure one of the other candidates will be the new deacon. However, it doesn’t go that way and suddenly Luke is fielding all kinds of problems in the community. He makes some of his own when he makes the proclamation that the community is interested in foster care. No one seems too up on the idea except Mollie Graber, the new schoolteacher. Sam has his eye on Mollie since the farm where he trains horses is next to the schoolhouse where Mollie lives. Meanwhile, Luke’s wife Izzy is having trouble with the whole deacon’s wife thing and the fact that she was a foster child herself and wants no part of raising another one.
This is just a fun story with some interesting twists and turns and for anyone who likes to read this genre, this will prove to be a really well written, interesting and entertaining offering.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this books which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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The Major's Daughter by Regina Jennings
This book is the third of a series. This story takes place at the time of the Oklahoma land run. Caroline, the oldest daughter of the Major in charge of the local cavalry post, returns from an extended visit with her grandmother and soon after comes in contact with Frisco Smith, a man she had contact with when she lived at the post before. Frisco is preparing to run in the land run and Caroline decides she will run too. She wants to try her hand at homesteading. She borrows her mount from the stables and goes to participate without her father’s knowledge. None of the folks that see her on the starting line believe she will be able to keep up, but not only is she an excellent horsewoman, but she also knows the land well enough to know a shortcut. She beats Frisco to the spot he had his heart set on and since they are both stubborn, they both dig in their heels. It is funny and also gives insight into a historical event.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this books which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
A Crafter Quilts a Crime by Holly Quinn
This book was a fun read and had the added bonus of being set at Christmas. It is about Sammy, who runs a craft shop / quilt shop in a small town, and her sister and cousin who team with her to solve a mystery. It all starts when someone is murdered and it all takes place in Sammy's shop during the busiest night of the year. Sammy and her team try to solve the mystery themselves which leads to hilarous capers and also some dangerous circumstances. This one is too much fun to put down so don't plan on getting too much accomplished except reading once you start it.
I like this author and I enjoy reading about the quilters and crafters that frequent the shop.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this books which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Bright Unknown Elizabeth Byler Younts
This is a story that needed to be told. It gives the reader an up close and personal look at what went on in mental hospitals in the last century, and also the traveling freak shows that exploited people that were different in that time period. This story starts back in t940s. The author has her own way of spinning a tale and it is beautiful.
The story is about Brighton, a young girl born and raised in the asylum that her mother was admitted to when she was pregnant, and raised in the asylum until she was able to get out as an adult. It is also about her two friends, Angel, an albino who was in the home simply because his parents were embarrassed by him; and Grace, a teenager who was placed in the home by her father because he disapproved of her boyfriend.
I had trouble putting this book down so I finished it fairly quickly. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good story and is interested in US history around the time of WWII. You will not be disappointed.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
The End of the Magi by Patrick Carr
The story begins in Babylon in 537 BC with Daniel at the end of his life and continues in 5 BC with the story of Myrad, the adopted son of one of the Magi that serves the King. Quickly embroiled in the politics of the day, Myrad takes what he has left of his father’s papers and coin and flees the palace. He finds other Magi that his father had known and they band together to follow the clues that Daniel left for them. The story goes to Nazareth where they find the baby Jesus where the star led them and then eventually to Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion.
This is a delightful look at the Magi (what we call the Wise Men) and an interesting look at the politics and life of the times. This is one of those books you don’t want to put down to do the mundane tasks of your life (eat, sleep, work).
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Bake Shop by Amy Clipston
Christiana has a bake shop booth in the local Bird-in-Hand market. The booth next door is Jeff’s, who makes leather crafts. Both are old order Amish. Jeff has disappointments in his past that make it hard for him to move forward. Christiana is under the thumb of here overly strict father. Together they work their way through the difficulties to learn to enjoy each other’s company.
The story drags at times, repeating the same basic routine in the same places but that is very likely the essence of this type of life. I enjoyed the story nonetheless and kept reading.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
It's A Christmas Thing by Janet Dailey
This book is a fun read. Rush is a vet whose little girl was taken from him when his wife informed him that she loved someone else and that person was the biological father of the child he thought was his own. He moved to Branding Iron Texas and went into business with two of his buddies and also began running a mobile vet office. He gets a call from a female judge (Tracy) he has admired in the past. She has a stray cat she has taken in that is expecting kittens and an old dog she doesn’t want to die since he is the last living memory of her deceased husband.
It is the holiday season in Branding Iron and everyone but Tracy is getting into the Christmas spirit. When Rush gets a call from his little girl’s caretakers stating they have a family emergency and can’t care for her and that her parents are on a Cruise until after the holidays, Rush consents to keep her. The precious little girl revives Tracy’s Christmas spirit and makes Christmas extra special for Rush.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Fallen by Rebecca Zanetti
This is a fast paced story of a former computer hacker (Brigid) who is assigned to a secret special deep ops unit. Her partner, Raider, is a federal agent who has also been picked up by the unit as well. They go under cover together to try to get information on Brigid’s estranged father who was once involved with the mob and is now a farmer. There is some suspicion that he may be running drugs.
This one kept me interested to the last page. I love these types of stories and this is one of the best. This is the second in this series so now I will have to keep my eye out for number 1 and 3.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock
I loved this newest book by Terri Blackstock. Nate Beckett is a fireman who fights wildfires. He is injured saving a family from the flames and goes back to his hometown to recuperate when he is told to take some time off to mend. When he gets home, he has to deal with old rumors, situations from the past that were out of his control, confronting his dad who has been released from prison and meeting up with an old high school flame (Brenna), who has situations in her own life that she is dealing with.
This was one of those stories you want to read straight through with very few pitstops along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Highland Doc’s Christmas Rescue by Susan Carlisle
Cassandra is a rescue worker that had an injury in the line of duty and came to a rehab facility in Scotland, where she meets the manager of the clinic, Lyle Sinclair, who is in the rescue business too in his spare time in his little corner of the world. He loves his position at this clinic but is being pressured by his father to go back into active military duty. Cassandra is not sure what she will do when she is discharged from care at the clinic. She doesn’t know if she can do rescue work again after the loss of her dog who died saving her.
This is an interesting story. I loved the location – the highlands of Scotland. The people in the story were people you would want to get acquainted with. This is one of those stories you don’t want to put down until you finish it.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson
Krista Galloway takes a City Manager position in Winter Hill, WA and brings her daughter Emily. It is a grand new adventure until she becomes involved in some old battles at the courthouse and also discovers that there is a big Christmas celebration put on by the town every year. Christmas is her least favorite holiday and she doesn’t want to be involved.
Krista meets some great new people and gets involved with the family of her assistant and after a lot of angst she finds a home in this community. This was a fun, relaxing read.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
New Beginnings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard
This is another installment of the story about Promise Lodge, a new community where Old Order Amish and Mennonites are allowed to put down roots. The story involves two of the characters from earlier stories, a widow, Frances Lehman and Preacher Martin Kurtz, as well as most of the other characters from previous stories and a couple of new ones.
I enjoy all of this author’s books and am always eagerly awaiting the next part of the story. This story was no exception. I enjoyed it thoroughly like a visit with old friends. There are compelling characters and a wonderful concept here with the Promise Lodge community. Lots of smiles and a few tears and even some surprises are here. Loved every minute!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Dark Ambitions by Irene Hannon
Rick Jordan is a former Army Night Stalker who is a rescue pilot and runs a kids camp for foster kids in the summer. Heather Shields is a former police officer turned PI that Rick hires to help him find a former Army colleague who has turned up missing. Two things happen right off the bat. Each one has immediate attraction to the other and the whole investigation gets more complicated. I love novels about police officers, private investigators, special forces, FBI, CIA, etc., so this one provided a lot of entertainment for me I had to do one of those continuous reads because I couldn’t put it down and there were all sorts of interesting characters and plot twists. I always enjoy book by this author. She is a master at her craft.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
Friday, August 30, 2019
Hope's Highest Mountain by Misty M. Beller
This is a very engaging story about frontier medicine. Ingrid is traveling with her father (a doctor and researcher) to deliver much needed smallpox vaccine to a mining community in Montana. A wagon accident in the mountains leaves Ingrid alone and at the mercy of a mountain man that finds her. The mountain man is a doctor that has been living as a trapper in the mountains since his wife and daughter died of smallpox under his care. They team up to deliver the vaccine.
I have never read anything by this author before but she is going on my favorites list!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Texas Forever by Janet Dailey
This is a great Western Romance in typical Janet Dailey style. Erin Tyler is the boss’s daughter on a big Western ranch. She is only interested in filling her father’s boots on the ranch Luke Maddox is hired on as a farrier. There is pretty immediate attraction on both sides but the boss is not on board with the idea. Meanwhile there’s someone out there shooting at people.
This one keeps you guessing about the characters in the story and their involvement in what is taking place. This is one of those stories you don’t want to put down until you figure it all out.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Express Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
This is a fun story about a female named Jack who took over running her father’s Pony Express station when her father died. The Pony Express powers that be do not know that Jack is a female and she is reluctant to enlighten them. Meanwhile, Elijah Johnson, a traveler from back East arrives in search of a missing person. They both get pulled into an investigation by a government man trying to catch counterfeiters. It is a very involved story with interesting twists and turns. It makes for late nights reading “one more chapter.”
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Meant To Be Yours by Susan Mallery
This is a fun story about a wedding planner, Renee, who hooks up with Jasper, a reclusive writer with PTSD issues with the intention on both sides to keep the relationship for mutual pleasure with no commitments. The more Jasper researches Renee and her job for his upcoming novel the more committed they become. It was an enjoyable peek into the subject of themed weddings tailored to the people involved.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Aiming For Love by Mary Connealy
Mary Connealy gets better with every series. This new one is the best yet. Her stories are always funny and full of characters that are not so familiar with dealing with the opposite sex, but the humor has become more subtle and less slapstick and is a pure delight.
Jo and her two sisters have grown up on the mountain isolated from the outside world by a paranoid grandmother and a grandfather that was the only one who ever went into civilization, Both grandparents have died and the sisters have learned to survive on their own. David Warden is a rancher who brings his herd up into the mountains to find good pasture and stake a new claim. Jo is curious about the newcomers and soon makes their acquaintance much to the chagrin of her oldest sister who shares her grandmother’s paranoia.
This book is a wondrous read and I’m anxious to learn how the story continues in the next book of the series.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Ford by Susan May Warren
Ford is one of a family or ranch raised siblings that are grown up and pursuing their own dreams. Ford is a Navy Seal. His twin sister RJ is a CIA analyst who unwittingly gets involved in an international incident in Russia. Ford and one of his associates, Scarlett, go to Russia to try to find RJ and get her out of the country before the Russian authorities find her. What follows is a dangerous cat and mouse game with an assassin and aide coming from unlikely sources.
I was expecting a cowboy romance story but it turned into a real all night read fest. I will look for other books in this series. I highly recommend this book and this author.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from BookFunnel. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble
This is a complex tale about Harper, whose mother died when she was born and whose father is unknown. She grew up in Foster care and met Oliver, who mentored her and got her on her career path. Oliver’s son, Ridge, and his sister, did not like the attention Oliver gave Harper and distrusted Harper. As Harper prepares for a job in a lab Oliver has built and put Ridge in charge of, she gets news from a recent DNA test that she has a half sister. The half sister is quite a bit older than she is but her mother died in similar circumstances as Harper’s and again the father is unknown. The father is the parent they have in common. Someone keeps attempting to kidnap Harper and also her half sister.
It’s a fast paced story that keeps you reading long after you should have gone to bed. I really enjoyed this book and will look for more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Monday, July 15, 2019
A Family for Gracie (Amish of Pontotoc Book 3) by Amy Lillard
This story is about a community of Old Order Amish in Mississippi. Gracie has been helping family for years, taking care of those who are ill or having babies, but hasn’t gotten a chance to get married. She is past the age where most Amish girls marry and feeling a little desperate because in her community in Mississippi there is not a pool of eligible bachelors to be had. Matthew Byler has been recently widowed and has no family in the area. He has 4 young sons and a baby daughter to raise. Gracie has always wanted a family so she proposes to Matthew with his ready-made family. He is taken aback by the offer but really needs help with the children so he decides to take her up on her proposal. As with all “arranged” marriages, there is a lot of adjusting to do, especially since there was no courtship. Matthew’s idea of a marriage of convenience does not meld well with Gracie’s desire for a baby of her own to add to the family unit.
This is a very well written story and it seems authentic. I loved the characters and would love to see another story by this author. I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I highly recommend this book to my friends who enjoy this genre.
Monday, July 8, 2019
Best Kept Secrets by Tracey S. Phillips
This book is a roller coaster of events. It involves a female cop, Morgan, who is obsessed with the murder of her best friend when she was younger. The case she is now working is looking very similar to the case of her friend. She and her partner, Donnie, work together to piece all the evidence together and see who the murderer is. The story twists and turns through the current and early lives of the cop and the suspects. There are many inconsistencies where Morgan gets a piece of information and it doesn’t ring a bell apparently because when she finds the same piece of info later it is treated as a new revelation. I also didn’t like the teaser at the end of the book. Instead of making me want to read the next installment like most teasers, it made me not want to pursue the story any further. I found parts of the story to be dark. It was interesting and it held my attention to the end and it is obvious the author is perfecting her craft. Maybe future books will have a better flow.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Monday, July 1, 2019
Tracking Game by Margaret Mizushima
This is another installment in Margaret Mizushima’s series about Officer Mattie Cobb and her K-9 Robo. The stories take place in Timber Creek, CO. This one starts out with the murder of a local businessman and develops into a full fledged mystery. Ms. Mizushima has a way of telling a story that keeps you guessing till the end and very satisfied with the outcome. I love the characters and how the storyline develops as it goes along. She always leaves you hanging on some part of the story at the end so you wait (impatiently) for the next book. In this book that was some information about Mattie Cobb’s personal life.
I enjoyed this book ( as I have all by this author) and recommend it to all my friends who like a good cop story / mystery. I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
An Amish Christmas Kitchen by Leslie Gould; Jan Drexler; Kate Lloyd
This book is 3 novellas by three of the best Amish Fiction authors out there. Each story is unique and captivating. I enjoyed all three and would recommend these to friends who like this kind of story. I have read some weird Amish fiction lately and none of these stories are like that. They are all realistic, intriguing stories about Amish / Mennonite people and how they live today. I love these books of Christmas stories from favorite authors and the fact that this is both Christmas and Amish fiction makes it even more fun.
I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Monday, June 17, 2019
Live Without You by Sarah Grace Grzy
This story is a novella by Sarah Grace Grzy about love, loss and grace. Ezra is a paramedic. He has loss in his life (his mother died a few years earlier). After a shooting in the park, he becomes reaquainted with the sister of his best friend, whom he hasn't seen in several years. She has suffered loss as well. Her brother (Ezra's friend) was killed by a gunshot a couple of years after Ezra last saw him and now Piper has been shot by a random shooter. As she recovers, Ezra helps her get through it since she is a loner and only knows one other person in town besides Ezra. It seems to me there are a lot of improbable circumstances in this story that are not well explained, but it is a good story for processing the idea of God's grace and his unflagging love for all of his children. It was well written and the characters were people we would all want to have as friends.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
King's Shadow by Angela Hunt
This is the story of King Herod’s reign in Judea as told by his sister Salome and Salome’s servant Zara. Angela Hunt brings the story to life with details and history that we might not be aware of. We can find out a lot about Herod in the Bible, but all the little cultural details flesh out the story into something quite wonderful. We meet other famous characters like Octavius and Mark Antony and Cleopatra. I had a better understanding of the time leading up to Jesus birth after reading this book. From the time Moses led the children of Israel into the Promised Land until the birth of Jesus, a lot of infighting and just unbelief and disobedience on the part of the 12 tribes led to some nasty situations and political intrigue was rampant (much like today). If you want to know more about King Herod, this would be an excellent book to read to find out. I highly recommend it.
I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Friday, June 14, 2019
Vigilant (The Night Guardians, #1) by Sara Davison
Daniel Grey is a detective trying to stop a rash of child abductions. He consults two brothers Gage Kelly, an attorney who works some child abuse cases and Holden Kelly who works those same cases as a Social Services caseworker. Both Daniel Grey and Gage Kelly are interested in a woman who helps run a local café – Nicole Hunter. Nicole had a bad childhood and so did Gage so they connect. As they get closer to solving the abductions, it becomes apparent that some of the children that are in the most abusive homes are the ones being targeted in the abductions and someone is “rescuing” them. Daniel asks Nicole for some help in his investigation and she is torn between helping him and staying out of it, which she cannot in good conscience do even though it could be devastating to her.
This was an interesting book and the concept of it is timely given the many horrible cases where children are not adequately protected by the system that is in place to do so and since trafficking is a serious worldwide problem.
I hope to see more from this author in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Vigilant, the first book of The Night Guardians series by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Vigilant
Series: The Night Guardians, Book 1
Author: Sara Davison
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: June 1, 2019
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Neglected by her parents for most of her life, Nicole Hunter keeps everyone, especially men, at arms’ length. So when Attorney Gage Kelly walks into the diner where she is waiting tables one evening, she fights her attraction to him with everything she has.
Gage and his brother Holden grew up in an abusive home, and Gage has baggage of his own. But the connection between him and Nicole is too strong to ignore, and Gage manages to convince them both that their relationship is worth the risk.
Then children begin disappearing in the night.
When Detective Daniel Grey starts to close in on the child snatcher, and enlists Nicole’s help, she faces her deepest fear. Everything and everyone she has clung to so tightly could be ripped from her, leaving her completely alone.
Except for one.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CONNECT WITH SARA: Website | Facebook | Twitter
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a copy of Vigilant and $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 4, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on June 17, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open to US/CAN residents!
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
Monday, June 10, 2019
Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette
I have followed the stories of this family throughout this series and love this latest installment!
Kedesh is a city of refuge in the Promised Land. This story takes place soon after the death of Joshua (who took over as leader when Moses died). Rivkah, daughter of the High Priest over Kedesh, has grown up with the children of Darek and Moriyah (the hero and heroine of the first book of the series). She married one of their sons but had been widowed. Her father insisted that she follow Jewish tradition and marry the next son Malakhi. Rivkah does not want to marry Malakhi and so she runs away with her cousin to hide from the marriage. Of course they run into trouble right away and by the time she realizes she made a mistake it’s too late. Malakhi, who had loved Rivkah for years, was devastated by the situation and threw himself into helping his father as a warrior. When he eventually finds out where Rivkah is he sets out to fetch her but she is in a situation that is not easy to get out of. The story has shades of the Prodigal son in the Bible and is a good story about forgiveness and grace.
I hope there will be another installment in this series.
I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love Nancy Mehl’s suspense stories and the FBI agents that populate them. This is another story about Kaely Quinn. She takes time off to go care for her sick mother and immediately notices a patter to recent fires in the small town where her mother lives. Her partner, Noah Hunter, decides to take some time off and come help her since he is feeling lost without her. The more they look into the fires, the more suspicions they have and the more dangerous it become for them to pursue the answer to the mystery. This story has a lot of twists and leaves you guessing till the end . I read this story non-stop because I had to know the ending and I refuse to cheat and look at the back first.
I received a
Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey
This is another Dani Pettrey home run! This story involves
the Coast Guard, most especially Coast Guard Investigative Service agent Finn
Walker and his unit when they have to investigate the death of one of their
own. Meanwhile, Gabby, Finn’s boss’
sister, a reporter, comes to stay under Finn’s protection because someone who
was convicted of a crime due to a story she wrote is trying to kill her. Of course, being a reporter, she can’t seem
to keep her nose out of the investigation and makes Finn’s life more complicated
and gets herself into danger as well.
Dani Pettrey’s books are always full of suspense and
interesting characters and I look forward to each new installment as they come
out in her series.
I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in
exchange for an honest review.
Listening to Love by Beth Wiseman
This story was interesting and I think somewhat unique in
that both mother and daughter, both of whom are Englisch, have relationships
with Old Order Amish men. Both struggle
with the differences and the Amish men in question are struggling with the
situation as well. Natalie Collins falls
in love with Lucas, who is Amish.
Meanwhile, her mother becomes the employee of Lucas’ neighbor, also Amish. As both families struggle with the
relationship between Lucas and Natalie, they need to find enough common ground
that they can make it work for both of them or else walk away. Natalie’s mother’s situation makes her find
an inner strength that she had been lacking since her divorce.
I love Beth Wiseman’s books.
This one was a little hard to get my head around at first but it was a
solid story all the same.
I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in
exchange for an honest review.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer
Abigail wants to continue to run her bakery after her father dies, but the city council has told her she can't run it without taking on a male business partner. She has a better idea -- she will get married and make her husband the owner of record. One of her customers, Zach, seems like the ideal candidate. We met Zach in a previous book by this author concerning the Orphan Train and a trio of orphans who escaped a train wreck and set out together to live on their own.
Someone wishes her ill and even after she and Zach tie the knot, things continue to happen. This is the story of how they triumped over that with God's help and the assistance of some special friends and customers.
I loved this book! It was fun to read. I received an e-version of the book from Bethany House through NetGalley for the purpose of providing a review. It was my pleasure! I highly recommend this book and this author.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Once again Kim Vogel Sawyer has come up with a solid piece
of Americana and a great story. This
story takes place at the Atlanta Cotton Exposition of 1895. The story explores
the relationships between black and white people in that time period and
place. Ms. Sawyer has developed some
complex characters that tell the story well. The details of the Exposition are
interesting as well and give an excellent portrayal of what interested and
entertained people in that era.
As always, I love the way the author pulls the characters’
faith into the story and makes it an integral, albeit matter of fact part of
the tale. It would be an honor to be
friends with these folks and I’m only sorry that they are not real people that
I could get to know. This is the magic
of Ms. Sawyer -- she makes me want to step right into the story.
I received this book as part of a group organized by the
author / publisher to promote the publication of this book. All thoughts
expressed here are my own. I joined the
group because I am a big fan of Kim Vogel Sawyer’s writing and once again she
more than met expectations.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
The Third Jihad by Michael Youssef
This book provides a very thorough and thoughtful history of
Islam and its various groups. It is very
much a warning of what is happening in the world through the zeal of radical
Islamists. The author goes over
significant happenings in the past and in news of recent years and builds a
case for an ongoing plan of Islamic Extremists to take over the world and make
it over in the image of Islam. This book is a must read for Christians,
especially American Christians who have become complacent over the years. We
need to understand the background and the thought processes of our Muslim
neighbors so we know how to pray for them and how to interact with them. We
need to understand what is happening in the world and the motivations of the
extremists and be actively involved in opposing it. We do need to keep in mind,
however, that, as Christians, our reason for being here is to tell the world
about Jesus (the Great Commission). We must remember that every person is loved
by God and it is His desire that they hear the Gospel. We need to be constant
in prayer. In fact, the final chapter is
entitled “Don’t Be Afraid,” and encourages us to pray specifically and
intentionally about these things.
I received a copy of this book for Tyndale in exchange for a review.
Friday, February 15, 2019
The Unexpected Champion by Mary Connealy
This is the third and final installment of this series. It doesn't disappoint! Everything came to a satisfactory conclusion
but there were a lot of bump in the road on the way. The characters were really fun -- Penny, a spinstress who has
been following her brother all over the West to Army outposts for several years
and is very outdoor-savvy, and John McCall, a pinkerton agent who is very
street and big city smart. John has
come to the West in search of Penny's nephew, having been hired by his
grandparents to find him. Penny is
determined that her nephew will stay right where he is, away from those awful,
grasping grandparents. John is
determined to fulfill his task. But
meantime, they are kidnapped together by the resident bad guys and after that
ordeal are forced by the sheriff and his wife to marry (or they will hang John,
who they suspect to be the kidnapper).
Hilarity ensues as John and Penny go in search of the real kidnappers
and Penny learns all of John's Pinkerton tricks of the trade such as disguises
and ferreting out information. Mary
Connealy is always one of my favorite authors because she always injects humor
into the stories and I thrive on that kind of rhetoric.
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