Customer Comments

Wow! Just a big wow at how intricately the plot is woven around the theme of a woman with amnesia who forgets everything once she falls asleep. Liv is the victim of a traumatic incident in her life, resulting in her amnesia and also putting her life in danger. When two friends are killed and she is the only witness as well as a suspect, Liv cannot remember what happened at all, but her life depends on her regaining her memory. When another friend is killed and Liv is the primary suspect, she wanders around the city trying to recall who she is and where she should be. I really enjoyed how tightly woven together the plot was and how it all came together in a spectacularly mesmerizing conclusion. I was impressed by the detective work of Halliday and her dogged determination to find out the truth about the murders. There were interesting details added, like Liv’s work at a magazine called Cultura and her hanging out at a bar called Nocturnal. I liked that all of the details ended up being important in the end and were actually clues. All opinions expressed are my own.

With action from the first page all the way to the end, this book is fast paced and riveting entertainment. Julianna Jameson is a hostage negotiator who is good at her job and can boast that she has never lost a hostage. At least, that is what she can say until she meets up with the latest serial hostage taker who moves from one scene to another, requested Julianna’s presence and taunting her with danger. At the first scene, Julianna meets SRO Clay Fox when his sister is one of the hostages. The action is non stop and kept me totally engaged. The characters showed realistic vulnerabilities and doubts about their faith as the intensity of the threats ramps up. I enjoyed the plot and its realistic details, but I mostly enjoyed getting to know the characters through their interactions with each other. My favorite character was Dottie, Julianna’s teen sister who demonstrates courage. The themes of overcoming the past, facing the future, forgiving yourself and others and trusting God are all prevalent and an integral part of the story. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Revell, but all opinions are my own.

This is a riveting spy thriller combined with domestic suspense and written with a dual storyline. Beth Bradford is a CIA analyst who has devoted her career to finding an Iranian asset called “the neighbor.” When she is replaced at work during the same week that her youngest son leaves for college, Beth is feeling totally abandoned. The dual timeline is when Beth thinks back to the past and her happiness in her old home on the cul-de-sac, a home now occupied by a new family while she is alone in a rental. Because of her state of mind, Beth is almost an unreliable narrator, making it difficult at times to discern the truth about what was really happening and what was only in her mind. I have read the other CIA books by Karen Cleveland and enjoyed them immensely. This one was just as enjoyable but had less action and more psychological probing into Beth’s past and her present circumstances. I felt as though I got to know Beth a lot better in this book. The theme of not knowing whom to trust is prevalent to Beth as well as to me as the reader. Fans of spy novels will enjoy this multilayered and complex plot of deceit and determining what truth is. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ballantine Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

With multiple layers of deceit and a boatload of red herrings, this book is a perfect romantic suspense. When Madison Thorne returns home to Natchez to investigate a white-collar crime, she is not prepared to be caught up in the middle of a murder case and a human trafficking ring as well as an adoption scam. With fellow ranger Clayton, Madison faces danger and her own worst fears as she works to solve the cases that come at her from all sides. The themes of forgiveness, trusting again and forming new relationships are heart warming and interspersed with faith. The plot was extremely fast-paced, moving from one dire situation to another rapidly. I enjoyed meeting the characters, especially the housekeeper Nadine who dispensed pearls of wisdom and faith liberally. In addition to all of the suspense there was also a spark of romance and plenty of other relationships forming. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell, but all opinions are my own.

First, let me say that spy thrillers are not my usual go-to genre, but I was attracted to this one by the thought that a female spy is the main character. Emma Makepeace works for the secretive Vernon Institute, an agency that gives her clandestine assignments. The new task she has is to find and secure Michael Primalov, a Russian expatriate whose mother is seriously in danger from Russian assassins. Michael thus becomes a high level target and Emma’s job is to get him safely to MI6. Of course, the assignment sounds easy but it proves to be extremely difficult as her resources are cut off, she has to hide from assassins who seem to know her every move with Michael, and she does not feel quite up to the task without support. The setting makes the story as Emma travels around London, hiding and creeping about looking for a safe place to stash Michael while also trying to contact her bosses who have gone silent. This was like a female James Bond thriller, with a young woman who showed determination, tenacity and ingenuity in her quest to defeat the Russians and safeguard her client. I especially enjoyed the fast pace and the short chapters.

This book is an intricately woven and multi-layered suspense/murder mystery that is centered around a family with a lot of problems. Marisa’s twin sister Clare was murdered when she was sixteen. As a result, Marisa has a problem with alcohol abuse and the inability to close that chapter of her life since Clare’s killer was never caught. Brit, her older sister, is a control freak who is a successful lawyer who generally gets her way about everything. The cast of characters is as numerous as the possible suspects and at times, it was difficult to discern the red herrings from the real clues. The story was so well-woven and intricately designed to keep me interested and guessing. There are friends who were around when Clare was killed, new friends, a police detective about to retire and unhappy that he hasn’t been able to close the case. I loved how the author developed the plot like a spiral…start from the outside with a lot of different things that could be true and work towards the middle to what is actually true. This was an edge-of-my-seat and talk-to-the-characters kind of book for me. I loved this book so much that I was sad to see it end! I received a complimentary copy from the author, but all opinions expressed are my own.

Finley O’Sullivan, the protagonist of a new series, is my new favorite heroine. Smart, determined and with a past that could kill a weaker person, Finley is a legal investigator who throws her best efforts into whatever task she is assigned. Working with Jack, the head of the investigative agency and her godfather, Finley is tenacious as well as compassionate with the clients. The realistic portrayal of the characters, with all of their weaknesses and self-doubts, is what makes this author one of the best and one of my go-to authors when I want a good book to read. This book was exceptional in that it introduced a new series with a complicated plot and plenty of suspects to choose from. The twists were innumerable and there were plenty of surprises along the way, too. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author, but all opinions expressed are my own.

Really unexpectedly dark LIS book. With themes of kidnapping and violence against women, this book was different than the usual faith-based books that I have come to know from LIS. The plot was fast-paced and riveting but had a lot of triggers in it. The characters were all well-developed but their faith was like that of a new Christian, just developing and not quite sure how to balance the faith with all of the evil that they are combatting. I enjoyed the book but I’m uncertain that the genre for the publisher is accurate in that faith was on the back burner whereas murder took first place. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but all opinions expressed are my own.

Clara Kip is dying but the legacy she leaves behind is unbelievable in ithe way it encompasses everyone whose lives she has touched. Cub reporter Aidyn Kelley is assigned to write her obituary but in interviewing her, she finds a new friend and a story worth telling to the world. This is a story that touched all of the right strings of my heart, making me laugh aloud at the antics of Mrs, Kip and then cry quietly as her time to pass away got closer. By the time the book ended, I admired Mrs. Kip;s dignity and acceptance of life’s hard times and her unwavering faith in God. This book is one of the best ficition books that I have ever read, with characters that spoke softly but insistently into my soul. The plot was perfectly paced for the story that was being told. In fact, I did not want it to end and would love to know what heppens to Aidyn later after she has been influenced so much by an old lady who poured so much into her life. I received a complimentary copy of this book but all opinons expressed are my own.

This is a sweet, clean romance with lessons included within the fast-paced plot. Two hurting people find each other in a small town and have to get past their devastating losses in order to face a future together. Hope’s twin brother died in military action and Cade is a wounded veteran, a young man who seems without any reason to live. They meet each other while volunteering at a local animal shelter and the attraction begins. There is conflict and drama at the local high school where Hope teaches because there is bullying and drug abuse. Hope is determined to stop both and puts herself in danger because of her actions. The lessons taught are self-acceptance, forgiveness and moving on towards a better future after a hard past. I enjoyed getting to know the characters who were all realistically portrayed and I especially enjoyed meeting Shadow, the friendless dog whom Hope adopts. I was delighted that the author honored veterans in her book and give her extra kudos for recognizing their service and sacrifice.

This is a stunning conclusion to the series, beginning with a shooting at a Coast Guard Graduation ceremony. CGIS Agent Noah is tasked to find the perpetrators while the love of his life Brooke is endangered because of what she observed at the shooting. The action is fast paced and non-stop, with characters that are realistic and totally relatable. This is a book not to be missed and so engaging that I completed it quickly and wondered where the time had gone. I enjoyed the entire series but this one is definitely my favorite. Any of the books may be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the entire series so that the characters are totally fleshed out.

This third book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series wraps up the series in a dynamic way as the characters from the previous books play an active role in this one. Set in picturesque Montana, this is the story of Alex and Mackenzie who end up together in Montana when Mackenzie’s life is threatened and Alex agrees to protect her. Mackenzie is a hacker who has a past that has taunted her since she was a teen and now it seems to catch up to her when her family’s tech company is being threatened by a devious cybercriminal. With non-stop action and a fast pace, this book was engaging as well as informative. The research into cyber attacks was evident and flowed seamlessly in the story. The romance was a back-burner kind of thing, not too pushy but definitely a part of the story. I enjoyed the characterization that was well done, with relatability as well as vulnerabilities showing through. Fans of romantic suspense, with emphasis on suspense, will definitely enjoy this book.

Brilliantly written and totally mesmerizing story of FBI behavior analysts who endanger themselves to catch a ruthless kidnapper of young women! Profiler Alex Donovan faces danger and has to use her wits and her faith to get herself back to safety. Her teammate Logan Hart faces his own challenges as he is forced to undergo life threatening surgery while Alex is facing a psychopath. The action was non-stop and at a breakneck speed that had me racing to finish the book and assure myself that all would be okay. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of the faith of the characters as they faced various challenges as well as the well-written and methodically unraveling plot. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions expressed are my own.

This enemies to lovers story was entertaining, with themes of holding grudges, forgiving and heroism. The main characters are Courtney and Owen, former high school classmates who encounter each other again when Courtney moves back to Michigan to start a clothing store. I enjoyed the interactions between the two characters even though I thought that Courtney’s holding on to a grudge from high school was a bit over the top and not quite believable. She was ostracized and bullied there and blames Owen for not coming to her rescue. Owen feels guilty and wants to mend their relationship but at first Courtney is having no part of that. Owen is the town’s local hotshot hero and is in danger from a lurking and mysterious murderer who is going around targeting firefighters. Once Courtney inadvertently saves his life a couple of times, she also realized that she is attracted to him. The story of their attraction is cute if not totally original, but it was fun to read. The mystery is the dangerous stranger who is revealed at the end. With more suspense than romance and more mystery than anything, this book was a good addition to my romantic suspense bookshelf. I have not read the other books in the series and was able to read this one as a standalone with no problem.

Told with a dual timeline and with two female protagonists, at first I found the book confusing and hard to follow. However, the more I read, the more compelling the story of Sofie and Lizzie became. Sofie is a German wife who moves to America to be with her husband Jurgen, a rocket scientist recruited by the U.S. Intelligence service. Once in the U.S., she is just beginning to feel comfortable in her new environs when she encounters Lizzie, an American wife of a rocket scientist who is bitter about the war and its effects on her beloved brother Henry. Lizzie uses Sofie as a scapegoat to represent all things Nazi and ends up stirring up a storm of resentment and prejudice against Sofie and her family. This was an emotionally riveting story, at times even heartbreaking as Sofie had hoped to build a new future and faces a wall of prejudice instead. The themes of family, right versus wrong and choices were all compelling. I enjoyed the characterization even though I did not like Lizzie or her husband at all. I sympathized with Sofie and her feeling of being lost in a world that she doesn’t really understand. This is a well-researched book based on fact and was very informative and intriguing. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, but all opinions expressed are completely my own.

This is a multi-generational story that is character driven and set in an idyllic location in the Outer Banks. Ivy returns home when her grandmother passes away and is forced to deal with secrets from the past that keep being revealed slowly. The novel is about family relationships and finding your true self when you’re not sure who that really is. I loved all of the characters, but especially cousin Talley, a no-nonsense kind of person who knows the truth and sits on it for years. Told in a dual timeline, with Ruth’s past occupying a considerable part of the plot and Ivy in the present the other part. I enjoyed the multiple narrators and the dual timeline as they flowed together seamlessly to create a mesmerizing and well-written story. I enjoyed finding out about the truth from the past and how Ivy would move on into the future. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

An entertaining Amish mystery with several unexpected twists. Leah Miller barely escaped with her life when a man she was secretly dating murdered her entire family. A decade has passed and the killer has returned. Leah is a deputy sheriff now and wants to stop him before he kills again. She is helped by the new police chief Dalton Cooper. Some of the events are very predictable and some are total surprises. The book was a good, entertaining read with a fast-pace and relatable characters.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough as it has everything that I enjoy in good, clean fiction. There is a hero named Ranger Kingston, a man who is willing to risk his life for others. There is a strong female protagonist named Noemi Sutton, the daughter of a Navy SEAL who is independent, feisty and also vulnerable to love. There are family connections between Noemi and her mother’s family in Nigeria. I really enjoyed getting acquainted with her Uncle Efe and Aunt Precious when Ranger and Noemi stayed at his palace. There are brilliantly written descriptions of the landscape and customs in Nigeria which were informative as well as entertaining. Finally, the book was also set in Alaska at Ranger’s family’s ranch, also an education in itself. I enjoyed the family interactions, the romance, the building suspense that started at the beginning and just kept going to the end. I’m absolutely delighted that there is another book in the series to look forward to, although this book can be read as a standalone. Excellent and engrossing book that I think all fans of good romantic suspense should read.

Beginning with a murder victim found buried in the dunes on the beach, this book is non-stop action and is a great addition to the author’s Texas Murder Files series. Macey Burns is a former reporter, now disgraced, and seeking to make her way in the world by creating a documentary. She is in Lost Beach filming a tourism commercial and there she meets Detective Owen Breda. The love affair is predictable but none of the events surrounding the investigation of the murder are anywhere close to being guessed at. There are many twists and red herrings, making this a thoroughly entertaining and engaging book. It is a quick read with likable characters and non-stop action. I’m already looking forward to a new book in the series!

This is a lovely story about a mom and a daughter who establish a real bond over a new business venture. Marnie Dixon is recently widowed and has just completed treatments for cancer when her daughter Dawn tells her that Kevin broke their engagement. The wedding that was supposed to be imminent was called off. Both women decide to visit Cape Cod together and mend their hearts and souls. While there, Marnie purchases an ice cream shop and Dawn commits to helping her make the ice cream. This is a solid Christian fiction with the lesson of looking toward the future while preserving the lessons from the past. With well-developed characters, a fast pace and a riveting story, this is a memorable book that should be read by all who enjoy a good story with unforgettable characters.

This is the second book in the series, third if you count the prequel, but it can be read as a standalone. The main character in this book is Kekoa, the computer guru for the Snap Agency. Kekoa’s backstory is a focus in this book and it was delightful to find out more about this mysterious computer guru. In this book, Kekoa finds himself attracted to his neighbor Elinor only to discover that she is the subject of an investigation of his agency since she is suspected of selling secrets to Russia. Kekoa wants to discover the truth in spite of his friendship with Elinor and devotes himself to tracking down what is happening at her company. The action is intensely intriguing and fast-paced, with non-stop introduction of new elements for Kekoa to investigate. The characters are realistic and likable, especially Kekoa who shows his vulnerability in this book. I enjoyed the entire book and look forward to the next one in the series.

With an unreliable narrator, a secretive cult, an addiction and possibly murder, this is a hard novel to read. The book has a slow start, but the premise was interesting enough that it kept me engaged to the end. Olivia goes to the House of Lights in order to conquer her addiction and to hide from her own foolish actions. The discovery of what she thinks is the murder of some of the members, Liv escapes from the cult and produces a true crime podcast to get listeners to try to solve the mystery that she is obsessed with. There were some pleasantly disturbing twists and a real mystery underlying the the story. The characters were fleshed out but none was particularly likable or relatable. This is a really dark story about obsession and secrets and addiction and is not for everyone, but it is a good read if you stick with it.

This is a sweeping saga of a pilgrimage to find self-worth and the journey along the way. Mel Ellis has always been made to feel less than, so she wants to be less than, leading her to suffer from anorexia. When given the choice between therapy and her own journey of self-discovery, she chooses the latter and sets out from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Mount Ranier, Washington. Along the way, the characters she meets who encourage her are quirky and realistic. I particularly liked meeting Chrystal and her young brother David. They are not just surviving in the wilderness of Idaho, but they are thriving and tend to Mel’s wounds both inside and out. The book was extremely well written and the descriptions of the scenery along the way gave me vivid mental images. Mel’s struggles were realistic and heartbreaking at times. Her journey towards the future and hope is an unforgettable one, so I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read good fiction.

I loved, loved, loved this book and its surprisingly well written combination of romance, comedy, drama and mystery. It even included a murder! The characters were realistic, with just enough vulnerability to make them very likable and relatable. The story rolled along at a fast pace and plenty of action. I enjoyed getting to know Hattie and her construction team and cheered when she fell in love. With the frantic action of a crew on deadline and the addition of a Hollywood production being recorded, this book is one that will long stay with me as a fun and entertaining read with all of the best elements of fiction within its pages.

The story is so well told that it was like I was seeing a movie in my head of all of the past hurts and all of the healing that had to take place. Dirk was hurt physically, but more than than, he was wounded emotionally and spiritually. In helping Rose and her girls, he opens himself up to more pain but also to a healing beyond his imagination. This book includes some suspense about how to get the girls out of the orphanage as well as a mystery as to what happened to Dirk’s first love who seemingly disappeared after his accident. Calla’s desperation to stay at Uncle Dirk’s farm was evident and gut-wrenching. She was willing to sacrifice everything just to have a place to live that was good for her little sister. Sienna touched my heart with her simple love of nature and acceptance of all things good. Rose’s predicament was realistic and horrifying and then such a sweet turn-around when she is safely ensconced in her new home at The Meadows. The whole story was fast-paced and a joy to read. I raced through the pages to find out what would happen to Rose and the girls, but I also wanted to know what, if anything, would open up Dirk to forgiveness and love again. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to those who enjoy historical fiction, romance and mystery because this book has it all!

This is an intricately woven story of deception and the heartache that lies bring. The story of Jenna Mason continues in the second book of the trilogy, and although it can be read as a standalone, my recommendation is to read the books in order. Jenna is a talented graphic novelist who has been running away from her past for over a decade, hiding from the truth and keeping the truth hidden from her teen son Josh. Josh wants to know why they constantly moved and who his father is, but Jenna doesn’t want to share a painful past with him. In hiding her past, she unwittingly endangers Josh and herself as she gets involved in a dangerous cat and mouse game with a predator determined to destroy her. In this book, Jenna has to face her past with courage and to depend on people other than herself for help, especially when Josh is targeted and disappears. The suspense increased tremendously once Jenna is injured and Josh gets away from her. I really enjoyed the way that Jenna has matured as a character, realizing that she cannot do everything alone and that she can’t hide from the truth forever.

This is a change from the usual genre for the author and I think she successfully hit it out of the park. The characters are relatable and believable, with all of the common angst of teens as well as their tendency to dramatize situations. The plot is fast-paced and well developed, with the conflict one of a teen girl who has lost her father and now her mom wants her to move to a new place and leave everything that is familiar behind. Paisley adores the camp her father established at Camp Starling and the thought of leaving it causes a lot of tears for her. When the new boy at the camp, Hayden Bennett, finds out her dilemma, he makes a plan to help her break up her mom and Dave so that Paisley can stay just where she is. The wit and nostalgia of this book is wonderful and the entire book is entertaining and a fun read.

This is a brilliantly written historical fiction mixed with contemporary fiction in a seamless style that is absolutely absorbing. The characters are relatable and captivating. I especially enjoyed the young woman, Ava Laine, who is tasked by her father to go to Russia and seek a missing Faberge egg. Ava wants to get to know her father better since they have been estranged for a decade and Nick has health problems that make this his last opportunity to relate to his daughter. The historical details about the House of Faberge and the masterpieces that they created was fascinating and Ava’s quest to find the missing egg was fraught with danger as well as some underlying romance. This is a book that captured my attention from beginning to end and educated me about a period in history that stirred my imagination. The story has underlying themes of family devotion, reconciliation, forgiveness and redemption and is well worth reading. This is a memorable book that was totally absorbing.

This is a sweet romance with the addition of multiple layers of family drama. The Porter family is grieving the loss of Lily, a free sprit who drowned a few months previously when she was saving the lives of two young girls. The mom and her remaining daughters come together to put their lives back on track but each of them really finds a new path in their lives. Therein lies the conflict and a really well-written story. The characters were completely relatable and the plot was fast-paced even in its intricate telling of how lives that fell apart are finding peace at the cape. The story was one that tugged at my heartstrings and made me feel good about reading it. This is women’s fiction at its best.

This is a complicated look at family relationships and secrets that have been held close for decades. When Marlow decides to return to the family home on an island after her father’s death, she took her friends Aida and Claire with her. Both of her friends are reeling from losses, Aida having just suffered through a contentious divorce and Claire losing her business to the fires in California. Marlow is dealing with her mom’s MS as well as the loss of her father and then has to also deal with a former friend to whom she has been attracted for years. Finally, there is a big secret about the family that is revealed and that blows Marlow’s mind and tears at her heart. The writing was tight in a complex plot. Intricately woven and totally absorbing, this book is a beach read that had me enthralled from one chapter to the next. The characters were realistically portrayed, with deep emotions as well as some flaws that were totally human and believable. Fans of the author and of good romance will enjoy this book, with its romance, hint of mystery and family relationships that are not all that they seem to be.

This is a poignant look at a mother’s love for her special needs child who has non-verbal autism. The author was very honest in portraying the challenges that she faced, including problems with going out in public or to any crowded space. Her descriptions of Cooper’s meltdowns were vivid and heart-tugging. With a sincere desire to tell others about her journey down this difficult road, the author wrote without holding back any punches. She was honest about her marital difficulties and her trouble relating to other parents who did not understand that her greatest desire was to see Cooper be all that he could be. After all, no one expects to have a special needs child and her innate desire to be a mother with a child who could relate to other children was understandable as well as heartbreaking. Ms. Swenson describes her journey from denial to acceptance in a way that was realistic and forthright, compelling me to think about the repercussions that come in waves once a child is diagnosed with ASD. There were a lot of “aha” moments as I read and discovered new methods of dealing with ASD by the trial and error that the author and Cooper had to endure. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the perspective of the author in her dedicated quest on Cooper’s behalf. Teachers, parents and even siblings of children diagnosed with ASD should read this book and take to heart the lessons that the author learned.

My eighth visit to Hope Harbor was a wonderful success as I loved this book, absolutely loved it! The story of Christi Reece, a young woman who once had everything, and her former boyfriend, Jack Colby is one for the record books. It is such a sweet story of loss and redemption, forgiveness and hope. Christi arrives in Hope Harbor to find Jack and ask him for a big favor. Of course, Jack is not open to granting her wish but he is at least willing to listen and think about it. The town of Hope Harbor welcomes Christi with open arms and heals some of the pain from her past. The residents offer her a job, a place to live and friendship along with responsibilities that use her talents. I enjoyed the plot that was paced just right for the story to move along, but I especially enjoyed the characters and how real they were, complete with flaws and needs. My favorite character was Charley, the taco truck vendor, who dispenses wisdom that is Biblically sound and unobtrusive. The author has created a magical town that all should want to visit! I received a copy of the book from Revell. All opinions expressed are my own.

With captivating intrigue and romance hovering just under the surface, this romantic suspense book is a must read for fans of the genre. This is the last in a series but can be read as a standalone. Deputy U.S. Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn race to save a babysitter and her charge from ruthless criminals determined to stop her from testifying. Ava is clever and escapes the clutches of both the bad guys and the Marshals repeatedly, thus contributing to the non-stop action and the fast pace of the book. This is a propulsive mystery with characters that are more like friends than fiction. By the end of the book all of the subplots are tied up and we finally know who killed Madison’s husband Luke, Very satisfying conclusion! I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author, but all opinions are my own.

This is a heartfelt look at love, loss, renewal and hope, all within the pages of this novel. Nova is a death doula, meaning that she helps prepare people for their own death. When she meets a man named Mason, she wants desperately to make his path to death uncomplicated and as painless as possible. The two begin a journey that is as unexpected as it is complicated. There are all kinds of nuances and twists in the story with a big surprise at the end that had my heart racing and my eyes streaming tears. The characters were so well-developed and the theme of finding forgiveness and hope was totally encouraging. I loved how the plot and the complexities of the interactions between the characters were unrolled methodically, like building blocks on a solid foundation. I especially enjoyed getting to know the role of a death doula and how they can ease the step from one life into the next. The research was impeccable and the story itself was mesmerizing. Fans of contemporary fiction will enjoy this story and want to host book clubs to discuss it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is romantic suspense at its very best! With believable characters and fast-paced action, this book held me captive from beginning to end. Dr. Ivy Collins is extremely intelligent and very vulnerable to the man who wants to destroy her and all of her hard work. Selfless in her research on a prosthetic that makes life easier for those missing limbs, she never set out to become wealthy, but she is and also very successful. When her life is threatened, she meets her old flame from high school, Gil Dixon, a Secret Service Agent who has loved her for his whole life, so seeing her again is like instant attraction. The cavalier way Gil treats Ivy is a story right from fairy tales of our youth. Gil is the swashbuckling young hero who wants to win the heart of fair damsel Ivy. The danger that Ivy is in is real and disturbing since everyone around her is endangered as well. I really enjoyed how the book flowed and how the intricate plot was woven seamlessly together to create a story that had me engrossed in finding out who the bad guy was and how he would be stopped before Ivy was killed or injured. I purchased my own copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own.

This is a lovely second chance at romance book set in beautiful California wine country. Brynna has given up on love but her adventurous friend Jan persuades her to go on a camping trip with her. While traveling, Brynna confides that she once loved a boy named Leroy whose family owns a vineyard somewhere near where they are camping. This begins the quest to find Leroy. The search for Leroy wasn’t too long or drawn out and was humorous at times. I enjoyed Brynna’s self-discovery and her desire to be the best she could be for Leroy and his family. I especially enjoyed the interaction between Leroy and his daughters because it was very realistic and heart-warming. But, mostly, I enjoyed the romance that was touching and sweet and just right. All opinions in this review are my own.

This is a police procedural combined with a mystery that deals with the difficult topics of police incompetence as well as domestic abuse. The main character is a police constable named Philomena McCarthy who has escaped from her mobster father’s influence to go into law enforcement. Much to her dismay, Phil discovers that there are crooked cops who cover for each other and who are determined to make her pay a price for trying to reveal their corruption. The plot is intricate and complex, with a lot of action throughout. The characters are realistic and profoundly flawed humans who act and react just as would be expected. The one character who was the deepest was Tempe, an abused young woman who is also psychologically damaged in many ways. I enjoyed the story, being swept into the details quickly and holding my breath at some of the parts in which Phil or a spouse was endangered. I own a copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. the opinions expressed are my own.

With vivid descriptions of war-torn Paris and the effects of the Nazi regime on the citizens, this book is historical fiction not to be missed. The backbone of the story is Lucie, a ballerina turned bookstore owner who is attracted to Paul, a wealthy auto maker who has the reputation of being a Nazi collaborator. How they overcome their differences and discover truths about each other is a wonderfully woven story! The characters were three-dimensional, with flaws as well as fears and strengths portrayed realistically. My favorite character was the little girl Josie, a motherless child who retreats into her imagination and tells stories in order to cope with the changes around her. As the war continues relentlessly and more atrocities are committed by the occupying forces, Lucie finds that she cannot just run the bookstore. She has to contribute somehow to the resistance. Her putting her life in danger was a hart-pounding experience, as well as Paul’s efforts to slow down the Nazi aggression. The story was well-constructed, with multiple layers and plenty of action and suspense. Fans of historical fiction that is compelling and authentically accurate will not want to miss this beautiful story. The opinions stated here are my own.

This book is one that needs to be read by all evangelical Christians because it is a warning and a call to action. The warning is that a tsunami is coming our way, preceded of course by earthquakes like the sexual revolution and acceptance of others. The author does a masterful job of explaining how our culture got where it is today and then gives succinct and practical advice about how Christians should be reacting to the new culture. The book was fast-paced and relevant, making it a book that all pastors, lay leaders and evangelicals should read. When I first started reading, I was concerned that only the problems with the current culture would be portrayed, but I was proven wrong as the author offered so many solutions to what is happening and what we can do to stop the tsunami from overtaking us. The whole theme is that it’s never too late for God to work, so in faith, we need to go forward and represent Him here on earth. The research was well done and provoked many thoughtful discussions between me and my husband. I highly recommend it for church study groups to tackle and discuss how they will plan to face “The Coming Tsunami.”

A completely intriguing and original novel in which the entire whodunit mystery is told via emails and text messages. The characterization was deeply profound and the plot was intricately complex. There were a multitude of characters, all involved in the town’s play and all having something to do with the appeal to provide funds for a child’s cancer treatment. I was totally absorbed in this book, with hours passing without my even realizing it. This book was a different kind of book for me, but so enjoyable that I look forward to more from the author! I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The story of Kendra Brennan, author, coming to terms with her past is a sweeping saga about forgiveness and redemption in extremely difficult circumstances. Kendra has published her first book and a letter from “A Very Disappointed Reader” has her returning to her grandfather’s cabin in Hidden Lake in order to confront the writer. In her attempt to find the writer, she goes on a journey of self-exploration that inevitably leads to acceptance of her responsibility about the events in her past and forgiveness of those who have hurt her. She also meets a new love interest in the form of German translator Andreas, a man who is comfortable with who he is and ready to embrace the future. The story itself was well-written, intricate and detailed and engaging. The characters were realistic, at times bringing tears of frustration to my eyes because they were unaware of what they were doing to each other. As part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program, I received a complimentary copy of this book, but all opinions expressed are my own.

Compelling romantic suspense with likable characters and a complex plot that the author wove masterfully. I really enjoyed the story of Torie trying to find the truth about her friend’s death and not being concerned about the danger to herself as she investigates. The romance between her and Joe, a USN sea lion trainer, was a sub-plot that kept me interested in how their relationship would develop. This book is a well-written romantic suspense that is a clean read that will appeal to all fans of this genre.

This is a pulse-racing, breath-holding suspense thriller with two strong protagonists. Penny Carlton is a helicopter pilot and EMT who has a deep attraction to FBI agent Holt Satterfield. Their attraction to each other has to be put on hold when Holt has to capture an escaped serial killer who seems to be targeting him and Penny. There are some twists and some really intense moments in the plot, so it was an absorbing book to read. I really enjoyed that the characters were totally fleshed out, including their family connections and their past mistakes. With a theme of forgiveness and family and hope for the future, this first book in a new series holds the promise for many more hours of mesmerizing entertainment and more than a few pounds of my heart. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys engaging in a life or death struggle against a wily foe.

This book had my head spinning with an unreliable narrator (protagonist) and deception and schemes throughout the book. I really enjoyed the multiple layers and the deep dive into the characters and their weaknesses. Elisa Wright suspects that her brother-in-law is a serial wife killer but has no proof. Add to that the fact that she may be delusional since she suffers from PTSD, this book was hard to put down. I can’t say that any of the characters were particularly likable but all were mysterious and magnetically creepy. I did not know what was going to happen next because so many clues were given, some of them red herrings. This is a domestic suspense book that should not be missed by those who enjoy the genre. It was slow paced for me at first, but the pace picked up, as did the action and the suspicions and my own deductions (many of them incorrect). The author is a master of weaving a complex tale and having the reader wonder where she is taking you. In this case, it was a dark and mystifying ride down a winding road and ending with a satisfying ah-ha conclusion.

This is a sweet and predictable romance, filled with family love and community relationships that stand the test of time. Miriam agrees to help Matthew recover from a serious accident, going to her neighbor’s house daily to assist him in his rehabilitation. Matthew is understandably bitter and angry about the accident that killed his brother and left him unable to move his legs. Miriam has her work cut out for her since she has to convince Matthew to have hope and his sister to allow her to do her job. The story moved at a quick pace and the characters were like beloved old friends, described well and giving a real heart to the story. In fact, I think that the characters made the story. The Amish traditions are included and are a welcome addition to the background of the plot. The themes are forgiveness and holding on to hope in spite of life’s lemons. I particularly enjoyed the humanity of the characters, their struggle with their daily lives and their close relationship to their family and friends. Fans of good Amish fiction will not want to miss this book. Although it is part of a series, I read it as a standalone and had no difficulty jumping right into the story.

A multi-layered murder mystery that kept me guessing to the end. The plot was well-paced and totally realistic, including such details as a true crime podcast and anonymous callers. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, Podcaster Lucas Vega was intelligent and persevered in seeking the truth. He sought the help of former U.S. Marshal Regan Merritt and the two of them make a formidable team. This was the best mystery I have read this year, and it will be hard to top it ever! With sympathy for the victim and the family members and dogged determination to discover the truth of a co-ed’s murder, the characters led me on a merry chase all around a lot of twists and red herring. Loved this book and appreciate being a member of the HTP Blog Tour!

The danger continues for the fugitive heroes and in this book, the hero in focus is Dean Delgado, a man with a mission to stay alive. At least, that is his mission until his former lover Kate Sawyer is endangered. His mission instantly switches to keeping her safe, no matter the cost to his own life. He and Kate together face one dilemma after another, starting with the birth of a baby in vet Kate’s mobile office. The action was intense and intriguing, with characters that endeared themselves to me because of their determination and dedication to one another. The bad guy is related to Dean, making the story even more absorbing as I waited for the next shoe to drop from the traitor. I enjoyed the plot and especially the characters and their interactions. This series can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading all of them because they are so good!

This book literally propelled my eyes through the pages since I really wanted to know who would break into a family’s home and threaten the wife and children for such a strange amount of money. Cam Lasky is a renowned chef who has secrets that he is keeping from his wife. What he doesn’t know is that he has crossed the wrong person and that man has taken his family hostage in their home, a home with alarms, cameras and up-to-date security that did nothing to keep them safe. The action is fast-paced, written like a why-dunit in a spectacularly mesmerizing style. With the narration switching between Jade and the kids who are hostages, then to Cam, trying to get the money for the bad guy, I just didn’t want to stop reading even to fulfill other obligations (like shopping for Christmas). The characterization was spot-on realistic, with the mother determined to save her children no matter the cost to herself and the father getting more and more desperate as the clock is running out on the deadline given by the hostage taker. Great characterization…could not have been better! This was a book that made me think “what if” and then my imagination went wild as I read. What a great book to escape into, with characters that I cheered for or yelled at as I read. Fans of domestic suspense will devour this book and be surprised at some of the twists that made the story move along quickly.

Sweet romance with some sizzle underneath the surface. It also includes time travel to Medieval times, so if the 14th century is your cup of tea, then this book is for you. Since I had not read the first book, I felt like I was missing parts of the story at first, but I quickly caught on and enjoyed the plot that involved healing waters and villains willing to do anything to get their hands on it. I wasn’t too impressed with the love between Ellen and Harrison because he did not come out as a strong, swashbuckling hero. But, steady as he goes worked okay with Ellen as the main character who has to come to terms with her own weaknesses and move forward toward the future. This was a different kind of book for me because I felt like it mixed Christian faith with fantasy, sci-if and romance, all in a plot that worked well together. The characters were fleshed out well, but Harrison was still not my favorite hero because he was somewhat indecisive at times. What enticed me to read was the synopsis and what kept me reading was the realistic struggle with faith that the main characters had. This was presented in a way that did not at all distract from the main plot of a healing water cure for all diseases and Ellen’s quest to find and save it for herself and others who need it. The themes of unselfishness, sacrifice and God’s intervention were all welcome additions to the story.

This is a sweet and predictable romance, filled with family love and community relationships that stand the test of time. Miriam agrees to help Matthew recover from a serious accident, going to her neighbor’s house daily to assist him in his rehabilitation. Matthew is understandably bitter and angry about the accident that killed his brother and left him unable to move his legs. Miriam has her work cut out for her since she has to convince Matthew to have hope and his sister to allow her to do her job. The story moved at a quick pace and the characters were like beloved old friends, described well and giving a real heart to the story. In fact, I think that the characters made the story. The Amish traditions are included and are a welcome addition to the background of the plot. The themes are forgiveness and holding on to hope in spite of life’s lemons. I particularly enjoyed the humanity of the characters, their struggle with their daily lives and their close relationship to their family and friends. Fans of good Amish fiction will not want to miss this book. Although it is part of a series, I read it as a standalone and had no difficulty jumping right into the story.

Heart-touching book that had me crying and cheering and wishing and hoping. Richelle and Michelle are identical twins who had a huge fight resulting in a broken relationship. Richelle is all alone this Christmas since her father passed away, and she is blessed with a new member in her writing group at the library. Justin is an enigma, but in all of the good ways. The story just flows well from beginning to end, with themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and trust. This may be my favorite RPE book ever since it was so realistic and such a needed story in these days of holding grudges and exacting vengeance. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: My sister purchased a copy of this book for me as a gift. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is part of a series and reading it made me want to go back and find the other books I have missed. Kayla Harris is a preschool teacher who has never been kissed. No, not kidding! Twenty five and never been kissed! She encounters Tony DiNunzio when he enrolls his nephew in her class. The little boy is precocious and suffering from being recently orphaned and in some ways is a center of the story. Kayla and Toni become allies in helping his nephew succeed and overcome fears and then they become friends and then…well, it’s predictable, but so much fun getting there. The story was entertaining and well-written, with just a hint of mystery and a lot of clean romance. My favorite scenes were at the holiday dance when Kayla reminded me of Cinderella, complete with an evil stepsister (actually just a former classmate) who has set her sights on Tony. The dialogue between Kayla and Tony is realistic, setting a tone of humor as well as a deep need to be understood and accepted. The themes of acceptance, forgiving others and yourself and looking forward to a brighter future are all uplifting and just what is needed for the upcoming holiday.

This is a sweet Christmas story set in the exotic wilderness of Lapland in Northern Sweden. Christy has planned a perfect holiday getaway with her family and her best friend Alix. But when marital problems derail her plans, Christy sends Alix along with Holly, Christy’s daughter, to Lapland to get the festivities started. There are two romances being worked out at the same time in this multi-layered book. One is that of Christy and her husband, both of whom sincerely love each other but who have encountered more than a few bumps in their relationship. The second is between Alix and Zac, a man that Alix is attracted to but for whom she also feels a deep enmity because of a prior problem with him. Together, Alix and Zac have to keep Holly entertained and happy without her parents there, so they tackle the challenge in good spirits. The setting was described in such detail that I felt as though I could see the Northern Lights and feel the bitterly cold wind against my cheeks. The relationships between the friends and the family members was well developed and realistic, if a little mysterious at first about what caused a rift between Christy’s mom and her Aunt Robyn, the owner of the snow spa in Lapland. I totally enjoyed delving into this book and getting to know the characters who became like friends to whom I was giving advice. A lovely Christmas story with themes of friendship and restoring relationships is a perfect tale to read during the holidays.

First of all, let me be totally honest and say that there were parts of this book that were hard for me to read, especially the descriptions of the suffering of the Covid patients and how hard the doctors and nurses had to work to save only what seemed to be a small number. But this is a story that had to be told and needs to be read. For me, it put the pandemic into perspective, the perspective of what I had lost in the last year but also a perspective of being more thankful than ever for what I have. Diana O’Toole is an art major, living the dream and working at Sotheby’s. She is in love with a surgical resident named Finn and the two have planned a dream trip to the Galapagos. Then Covid hits NYC hard and Finn tells Diana that the vacation is a no-go. What happens next is unbelievably textured and painted with word pictures that are vivid and outstandingly memorable. Life is more than what you earn or who you know; life is choices that we make every day, and I hope more people than imaginable will pick up this book and read it, just for the hope and enlightenment if offers. I read it for enjoyment and completed it with a new depth of understanding of myself and the effects of the pandemic on a world that is still discovering what has happened to all of us. So much research went into this novel as to make it almost read like non-fiction at times, but it is definitely fiction.

The action is non-stop and totally unparalleled since there is a hit squad from the CIA that is determined to kill the female protagonist. Zenobia Hanley once worked for the CIA but is now a fugitive after an operation went bad. Hiding in Alaska, she meets former SEAL John Lowery. When the hit squad tracks her down, her wits and partnership with John have to keep her safe as she tries to find out why the op went bad. The intense emotions that I felt when reading this book kept my heart racing as I cheered for John and Zee but also feared for their lives. Ryker Rudin is a villain, head of the hit squad, and someone I loved to hate because he is just that evil. He didn’t even sympathize when members of his own team were injured or killed; he just stayed focused on the mission to kill Zee. The plot was well-written, with some steamy love scenes between Zee and John later in the book. There were endearing characters too, especially Zee’s daughter Olivia, a firecracker like her mom and twice as smart as any tween should be. Survival is the only option and the author trapped me with the premise and kept me captured until the end. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author, but all opinions expressed are my own.

The final book in the Devlin and Falco series is a complicated tale in which the present gets mixed up in the past and all of it flows seamlessly to a fantastic conclusion. Kerri Devlin and Luke Falco are partners in the Birmingham PD and are tasked with finding out who or what caused a fire that killed a young mother and her daughter. When the husband, a former police officer, confesses, neither of them totally buy into his confession and are determined to ferret out the truth. In their quest for justice, Devlin and Falco uncover some really dark truths about Falco’s past that he has not dealt with yet. With rogue cops and creepy grandmothers, this book has a lot of red herrings and tons of false trails that kept me guessing almost to the end. I won’t give anything away here, but I will say that I was able to follow the clues and guessed who the villains were, just before they were revealed. The author did a masterful job of weaving a realistic story that kept me engrossed and wanting more. Kerri is a strong female protagonist who is in tune with her partner and his needs. Luke shows his vulnerability in this final installment of the series and that was a perfect addition to his very macho character. I will miss this duo because this is one of the best detective series that I have read. Fans of suspense will really enjoy this book, but the first two should be read first so that you get to know the characters well before delving into the final book.

This book was an intense and high-octane read, with a plot that was twisted and totally absorbing. When a serial killer finds a way to have his victims die without being there, the action ramps up and the story took off to parts that were unexpected and highly entertaining. The FBI’s BAU team seems to be the ones targeted and even protection inside the academy is not keeping them safe. They know someone on the inside is helping out the killer, but they have to find out who it is before the next person dies. Sound fascinating? It really was! With believable characters who are struggling with their faith and their personal relationships this book had me mesmerized and waiting for the next victim to fall, trying to guess the identity of the next one to die as well as the perpetrator. The author did a stellar job of creating a dark and eerie atmosphere and so much suspense that it made my heart race from beginning to end. This is a romantic suspense, with a little romance and tons of suspense. Fans of this genre will be missing a real treat if they pass up this book! I received a copy of this book from Bethany House but all opinions expressed are my own.

With a well-written plot and sub-plots that all come together in the end, this is a book not to be missed by fans of romantic suspense. Ainsley Beaumont is an investigator for the park rangers and a target of more than one be killer. Her former boyfriend is a former FBI sniper who wants to keep her safe but doesn’t know how he can when he doesn’t want to use a gun ever again. There are a lot of details about the characters and the setting that really made the story totally intriguing. The sub-plot about her aunt’s missing diaries was an absorbing mystery by itself. The main plot is the danger that Ainsley is facing daily and her determination to keep working on the murder of the teen in spite of her own peril. I enjoyed the way the author presented the viewpoint of the killer at regular intervals, giving me a glimpse into his mind and his next plans for Ainsley’s demise. There was a big surprise twist at the end that I totally enjoyed and did not see coming. Although this book is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I am part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program so I received an advanced copy of this book. Nevertheless, all opinions are my own.

A thriller from beginning to end, with the SNAP agency tasked with finding a missing spy. The two main characters, Brynn Taylor and Jack Hudson, have a past together that makes their working together difficult, but they manage to overcome those difficulties for the good of the nation. The action is fast-paced and non-stop and the characters are believable and mostly likable. I especially enjoyed the Hawaiian computer guru Kekoa, a man with a dry wit and a big heart. The themes of second chances and forgiveness made the book even more enjoyable. This book about international intrigue is the first in a new series by the author and I am already looking forward to the next book about SNAP and how they use unconventional means to solve problems. I am part of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour, so I received an advanced copy of the book. All of the opinions about the book are my own.

Wow! Just wow! This book left me with a pounding heart and racing breath as I rushed to find out what was going to happen. Two horrible crimes are linked together, both of which left young teens murdered in their place of employment. The links between the characters are based on these two crime scenes. The characters were so realistic that I felt bad for them having to re-live such an awful event. Keller is the FBI agent who is investigating. Ella is a survivor from the first attack at Blockbuster. And Jessy is the survivor of the most recent attack at an ice cream parlor. Finally, Chris Ford is the brother of the young man originally accused of the crime, the one who got away. Twenty years apart doesn’t sound much like a serial killer, but there is a possibility there, so all hands are called on deck to investigate. There was intense action from the beginning and a lot of drama, with a back story involved and multiple shady characters who could be the real thing or red herrings. The twists were outstandingly incorporated into the fast-paced and riveting plot. I am convinced that this author is one of the authors who will always be on my TBR list because he has shown that he is a master of the suspense thriller. Engaging, enthralling and scary all at the same time! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

This is not a typical fluff piece of romance. Rather, it is a multi-layered look at relationships between a young man and woman who have both been severely damaged by life. It also explores family relationships and whether friends can be trusted or not. I enjoyed seeing characters from previous books in the series, especially Seth’s mom Aiyana, a woman who is wise, kind and generous. I really enjoyed getting to know the realistic and multi-faceted main characters, Seth and Tia. Both are artists in a way since Seth created artwork and Tia is a Hollywood actress. When they meet, it’s not bells they hear but rather explosions of disbelief that they seem to be stuck with each other as both try to hide from the world. The story of how they discover their feelings for each other makes a complicated tale that is well woven and totally absorbing. I highly recommend this book for all of the happy feelings it gives as well as the self-reflection that it can evoke.

With fast-paced, non-stop action, this book had me totally engrossed from beginning to end. Starting with a boat accident that almost kills the protagonist, Erin Larson, the action just keeps on going. When she encounters her former boyfriend Nathan, a deputy in her former hometown, the two of them together seem to be a target for a gang of assassins. They have to investigate quickly in order to unravel the secrets from the past that are endangering both of them. The characters were realistic and even had a few human flaws, like lack of self-confidence and the inability to move forward after trauma in the past. I enjoyed getting to know them better and reading their story as the mystery unfolded. The plot was complex but not so complex that it was not easily understood. There were red herrings and twists that satisfied the mystery solver in me and romance simmering beneath the surface. Excellent book with lots of reasons to love it! This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series, but it can be read as a standalone. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author, but the opinions expressed here are my own.

With fast-paced, non-stop action, this book had me totally engrossed from beginning to end. Starting with a boat accident that almost kills the protagonist, Erin Larson, the action just keeps on going. When she encounters her former boyfriend Nathan, a deputy in her former hometown, the two of them together seem to be a target for a gang of assassins. They have to investigate quickly in order to unravel the secrets from the past that are endangering both of them. The characters were realistic and even had a few human flaws, like lack of self-confidence and the inability to move forward after trauma in the past. I enjoyed getting to know them better and reading their story as the mystery unfolded. The plot was complex but not so complex that it was not easily understood. There were red herrings and twists that satisfied the mystery solver in me and romance simmering beneath the surface. Excellent book with lots of reasons to love it! This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Courage series, but it can be read as a standalone. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author, but the opinions expressed here are my own.

I loved the way the author drew me into the story of birdwatching by introducing characters who were compelling and who demonstrated regular human weaknesses. Ben Zook’s return home to Stoney Ridge had only the purpose of being able to spot an elusive Tern, but once there he goes on a journey of self-discovery and finds relationships that he had left behind. This is a thought-provoking, entertaining and educational read. I learned a lot about birds in these pages as well as about forgiveness and establishing deep roots in family and friends. I was entertained by this novel as well as educated about the habits of birds, since there is a journal entry at the end of each chapter about various birds. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially Micah, a young man who wants to be accepted but who does not know how to fit in. This story speaks to the human side of all of us and encourages each of us to be the best and unique person that God has made us to be.

This book has everything anyone could want to read in a contemporary romance. The characters are believable with flaws that make them so realistic. There is humor from the beginning, especially in the way the relationship between Jude and Rory starts, with an online dating service that gives them a safe space to “talk” to one another. Both Rory and Jude want to successfully run a food truck and they both decide to enter a cooking contest, without each other knowing about it. The dialogue was chuckle worthy and highly entertaining. With a brilliantly written plot and some unexpected twists along the road to happiness, this is a book not to be missed by those who enjoy a clean romance with some quirky characters.

This was a no-holds barred, insightful and intense romantic suspense. Although it is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. With the themes of drug trafficking and missing teens, the action starts from the first page and doesn’t let up until the very end. The characters were fascinating, particularly Cate Reilly, the heroine who goes undercover at an exclusive girls’ boarding school in order to try to find out what happened to two missing teens. There she meets her old love, Zeke Sloan, an undercover DEA agent. The two of them combine forces to solve the mystery and to keep me totally engaged as I raced through the pages, trying to solve the mystery of the drug kingpin along with the two of them. The book is action-packed and intriguing and a welcome compelling mystery.

From the minute Naomi Honea discovers body parts in the lab’s freezer at her family’s organic farm, I knew this book would be mesmerizing, and it certainly was. With characters that included a love interest from the FBI and a child of a former Nazi sympathizer, the book was fast paced and absorbing. There were plenty of red herrings and twists to keep me reading late into the night. I thought I had solved the mystery a couple of times, but then there was an additional twist, over and over again. Entertaining romantic suspense at its best!

Heart-stopping and breathtaking romantic suspense, with the emphasis on suspense. When Hope Fischer comes into Gage Graham’s life, little does he know that he has met his match in sheer grit and determination. Hope is determined to find out what really happened to her sister Faith since she is not buying the story that she committed suicide. Gage is determined to survive killer hit squads that are hunting him. Both take refuge in the off-the-grid town of Benediction. There they combine forces to keep each other safe and to discover the truth. This book was fast-paced and extremely well-written, with tons of action in every chapter. Wonderful hero and heroine and likable secondary characters, too. I especially liked the sheriff of the local town, a man dealing with his own heartache but willing to step outside of his comfort zone and help two rogue operators. Loved the suspense and the romantic element wasn’t so steamy that it was objectionable to me. Highly recommend!

Wealthy enclave of girls at a private school meet the bad boys who were sent to Rookwood School. Jenna and Adam are the main characters and the narrators and their world is rocked when a friend is murdered near Rookwood. Most of the characters are possible suspects so there are a lot of twists and turns before the satisfying conclusion. Touted as a young adult mystery, there are some mature themes here, including using drugs and hooking up. The mystery itself takes center stage as Jenna and Adam, the narrators, try to solve the mystery before someone else gets hurt or the wrong person is arrested. With themes of growing up and finding your place in life, maturity and rebellion, this is a book that will appeal to older teens who enjoy a good whodunit.

This is such a sweet and heartwarming romance, perfect for an afternoon of reading before the holidays. Hannah is a shy dog trainer who doesn’t think she can ever have a relationship with a man because no one would ever look at her twice. Partnered with her neighbor, Luke Hutchenson, she is intent on building a training school for dogs so that she can have a regular income and insurance. Her goal is to be able to properly take care of her deceased sister’s twin daughters, three year old Addie and Emmy. The girls are adorable and how they wrap all of the adults around their fingers is so cute. Although the plot itself is predictable, the story is so charming that it deserves to be read and is a quick read. Hannah’s keeping a secret that could affect her relationship with Luke, so that is enticing in itself. Lovely story with well-developed characters and a good message to share.

This was a romantic suspense that was hard to put down because the mystery was so well written. Leigh Larson crosses paths with homicide detective Brandon Reynolds when her client Vanessa Adams turns up missing, with blood on the scene. The two decide to investigate her disappearance and follow a twisted path to the conclusion. There are clues in each chapter and a plethora of possible suspects. The romance is steamy but not overwhelming since the emphasis is on finding out what happened to Vanessa. I especially liked lawyer Leigh’s specialty of helping those who are being sexually extorted and harassed. There is a backstory there that is worth reading, too. This was a creepy good book with a villain who remains an enigma almost up until the end. Fast paced plot with well developed characters kept me intrigued from beginning to end. Highly recommend it!

This is a delightfully enchanting romance set in a small town. Leah returns home to Heritage to start a small business and runs into a conflict with an old high school flame named Jon. Jon has returned home to take over his deceased father’s business and to raise his teen sister Abby. There is another new couple in town, Colby and Madison who also have romantic sparks flying. This book was so well-written that it was like reading an adult fairy tale, with a lesson to learn and a happy ending. Getting to the ending was a lot of fun, with humor and realistic dialogues between all of the characters. I really enjoyed how vulnerable Leah was and how strong Jon tried to be for her, letting her have space when she needed it. The parts about the hippo named Otis, a figure in a park, being moved and then totally disappearing, added some mystery as well as a sense of magic to the tale. There was not a single part that I didn’t like about the book except maybe when it ended. I really wanted to stay in Heritage and enjoy getting to know more of the townspeople. Although this is part of a series, I did not read all three books but followed the story well, so they can each be read as a standalone.

This multi-generational story of a grandmother, her daughter and her granddaughter, was written with love and compassion on every page. Glory Ann, Rosemary and Sarah are each wounded from the past and the present and each is hiding secrets from one another. The story is unfolded beautifully, revealing their secrets, their hopes and their dreams. I was enraptured by their story and by the lessons that each had to learn and to teach me. The theme of letting go of the past, forgiving yourself and embracing the future was wonderfully told and memorable, touching the deep places in my heart. I highly recommend this book as entertainment and also as a tool to reflect, accept and move on.

I cannot possibly write in a short book review the emotional impact that reading this book had on me, but suffice it to say that it is a haunting and realistic look at the effects of the Covid pandemic on people, specifically the characters in the book. Diana O’Toole is an art major who works at Sotheby’s and has a plan for her life. She will get married to her surgical resident boyfriend Finn, they will have children and happily ever after will begin for them. They even have a plan for an exotic vacation to the Galápagos Islands. Then, Covid hits the world, and plans change. The book was absolutely mesmerizing, with characters that I loved so much I felt as though I could invite them in and have tea with them. The Covid pandemic changes everything, including the outlook on life and the plans that were made. You have to read this book to find out how things are changed! It was remarkably well-researched and made me think about goals, plans and what is important in my life. This is a perfect book for a book club to read, so grab some friends and get reading! Best book that I have read in years!

An intense, fast-paced, can’t-put-it-down book with action from page one until the very end. Jordan Poe is a Texas detective who is on the trail of a serial killer. It’s vitally important to her that she catch him because she thinks he is the same man who attacked her sister Avery years earlier and almost killed her. Avery is left with nightmares and Jordan is left with a mission to protect her at all costs. Jordan’s efforts are somewhat stymied by a Texas ranger named Carter who takes over the case and in no uncertain terms lets her know that he is in charge. When Jordan is seriously injured by the perpetrator and left partially blinded, she is still determined to find him and to seek justice for his victims. As I read, I learned how scary it is to suddenly lose vision and to depend on others, not to mention have to figure out what to do with you life when you can’t pursue the career you intended to have forever. I enjoyed the characterization, especially the strength and vulnerability of Jordan and the compassion of Carter. I especially enjoyed the cat and mouse game that was played throughout the book between the detectives and the villain, as I tried to guess the identity along with the Carter and Jordan. The tension ratchets up significantly when Jordan is placed squarely in the bullseye of the criminal who won’t stop until he kills her. Fans of suspense thrillers with twists will love this book. I know I did!

As a long-time fan of the Temperance Brennan series, I was over-the-moon with excitement about the new book. Although it can be read as a standalone, I recommend the entire series because they are all so good! This one has Tempe working with her lover Ryan, now a private investigator, and a Charleston police detective named Vislosky to solve the murders of four females, one only a child. Found in shipping containers and wrapped in plastic, two in Canada and two in Charleston, Tempe is determined to find the connection between the four victims. Her quest for justice leads her to the shady world of genome projects and vaccines. This was a well-written and informative book about how evil people can use genetics to make a profit. I was a little lost on the mRNA, DNA and CRISPR descriptions, but the author did a good job of enlightening me. I enjoyed meeting the new detective and her brusqueness was humorous as well as refreshing. All in all, the book was entertaining and mesmerizing, a look at the scientific world from the viewpoint of a forensic investigator who is well known to her many fans. Highly recommend!

This is an intense and completely absorbing spy thriller told by an author who has first-hand knowledge of the CIA. When Jill’s family is threatened by a so-called asset, she does what she knows she can do to protect them. She runs. But when they find her anyway, she has to confront the danger and her fears. The action was fast-paced and non-stop. This book left me breathless with anticipation about what would happen next. With two strong female protagonists and innocent children involved, this is a must-read for fans of thrillers with a mountain of realistic details piled on. I highly recommend this author and this book!

A fascinating character study with a foundation of friendships, lies and betrayals. When Amelia goes to spend the night with a new friend and doesn’t return, Whitney is beside herself and is determined to find her daughter. Lots of twists are revealed as the story progresses. Although there was a slow start, the pace picked up quickly and rolled smoothly to lots of surprise revelations. I really enjoyed the characterization of the overprotective mom and the rebellious teen and I enjoyed being fooled as to what was really going on. Great domestic drama, with lots of twists! Totally enjoyable!

This is a really sweet story with lots of lessons to learn. Meg Whitaker and Oliver Ross are paired in her father’s lobster fishing business. The two are enemies who become friends and eventually lovers with some really humorous adventures between. It amazed me that Meg quit her physics teaching job in order to work on the lobster boat, particularly since she suffered from seasickness. I enjoyed how real the characters seemed and how many adventures they ended up having together. There as a small mystery involved as well because their boat was being sabotaged. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and getting involved in their story. The themes of letting go of the old and embracing the new, forgiveness and letting go of grudges. A good, wholesome story in the beautiful setting of Prince Edward Island.

This is a dark and twisted novel about life for the faculty and students at an exclusive private school. The plot is well written but the book is actually more character driven than plot centered. The important characters include Teddy Crutcher, a demanding teacher who is also unfair to his students at times, although his opinion is that he is doing what he does for their good. Sonia Benjamin is a former graduate of Belmont who teaches there and who questions Teddy’s actions. Two important students are Zach and Courtney, both privileged and both under suspicion of murder at the school. The plot moves along at a fast clip, giving more and more information about the leading characters and their actions. Not one character was totally likable although some did have redeeming qualities. For example, a former student named Fallon returns to Belmont Academy seeking revenge. Not excusable, but understandable considering what happened to her after graduation. This was one of the best psychological thrillers that I have read this year, so I highly recommend it.

This is an intense, high-octane thrill ride from beginning to end. Someone is killing entire families and there is an international spy link involved. Ava Jackson has left the military to be with her dying mother, only months after her father passed away. Her life is already topsy turvy when a serial killer of families seems to paint a target on her back. Enter FBI agent Caden Denning, a former high school crush, to investigate and to keep her safe. The action never stops from the first page to the last. The characters were so realistic that I found myself giving them advice when danger was near. What a great book! It is the fourth book in the series but can definitely be read as a standalone.

This is an epic tale with a dual timeline. Zara is a hospice nurse who loves her dogs and her family. When she is summoned home to take care of her ailing grandmother, she is also tasked with cleaning out the attic. There she discovers a diary written during WWII, a diary that reveals the past of a young woman that Zara wants to get to know more about. The mystery is the identity of this young woman, the one who sheltered and saved allied soldiers during the time when Italy was occupied by the Nazis. The horrors of war are described well as is the bravery of those fighting behind the lines. In the present timeline, Zara is dealing with impending loss and this book really tugged on my heartstrings. I will long remember it as a book filled with love, loss, redemption and hope for a new beginning.

Wow! I mean all caps, WOW! I have not read a book this fast in years, but I honestly couldn’t put this one down. This psychological thriller is a character study about family and choices (good and bad ones). It’s about innocence and second chances. The story is centered around a television investigative reporter named Lily who is known as #PerfectLily because that is how her life seems to be. She has a producer named Greer as her friend, a nanny named Petra to take care of her household and the most darling little seven year old named Rowen that anyone could ever hope to meet within the pages of a book. But all is not actually perfect in Lily’s life because when she was about Rowen’s age, her beloved older sister Cassie came into her room and told her good-bye and then vanished. Lily has always wondered what happened to Cassie, but there are no easy answers and even though she has the intelligence and connections to find her, she hasn’t been successful in her quest. When a confidential informant starts feeding Lily and Greer information, they are a little wary but the tips are useful so they choose not to look a gift horse in the mouth. When Lily starts getting strange gifts, she begins to suspect that what the detective had told her about Cassie may not be the truth. Her investigation and its effect on her life is the crux of the story, but there is so much more to it!

This is the thirteenth book in the series and begins with a graphically violent murder of a formerly Amish young woman. Rachael Schwartz is killed her first night back to the town of Painters Mill and it is the responsibility of Chief of Police Kate Burkholder to find her killer. There were plenty of suspects as well as twists and turns and red herrings. There was not a lot of romance depicted between Kate and her love interest Tomasetti as both were busy with the case. Fast paced with realistic characters, this book is a good addition to the series but can also be read as a standalone.

The era of the Vietnam War is a tough one to tackle since it is surrounded by controversy. However, this author does a stellar job of bringing the differing factions together and creating a story that is heart-warming and educational at the same time. Mindy, a child adopted from Vietnam by former hippie-type protesters of the war, has to find her place of belonging. She finds it with Linda and Bruce and her siblings who all want what’s best for her. She meets discrimination and is determined to find her birth mother. Supported by her adopted family, her quest is worthy of reading over and over again in order to gain the valuable insights into this high goal. From this book, I learned lessons about forgiveness, acceptance and hope for the future. A lovely book to read and ponder!

Non-stop action about a widower caught in the throes of grief who does the unthinkable. As a college professor seeking tenure, he takes the manuscript that a student submitted to him and claims it as his own. Now a bestselling author, he is still an unhappy widower. Things get worse when the author of the manuscript disappears and the book seems to have been written about an actual murder. The professor becomes an immediate suspect and has to find the killer before his life is destroyed. Choices are important is the theme of this riveting new novel!

Heart pounding domestic drama about a family that separates and then has to work at coming together again. The interaction between the characters was realistic and at times heart-breaking. I liked the no-nonsense character of Josh the best. He has had a difficult life but he works hard to overcome his problems. This is the first book in a series and I am already looking forward to book number two. I couldn’t put this fast paces, dynamic book down!

With non-stop, fast-paced action, this book is the second in the author’s U.S. Marshals series. Madison James and Jonas Quinn are partners who are tasked with finding and capturing bank robbers who have eluded authorities and seem to have a contingency plan for whatever happens to them. Both are dealing with personal issues and also starting to have feelings for each other. The pace of the book was rapid fire, flowing seamlessly from one chapter to the next. The thieves were determined not to be caught, but Jonas and Madison pursue them relentlessly. The theme of perseverance is definitely a large part of this book. I enjoyed getting to know about Madison’s family and Jonas’s past struggles which seem to have followed him into the present. The ending came too soon for me because I wanted to know more about Madison, Jonas and the work that they do as U.S. Marshals.

This is a beautifully written book about life in the hills of Kentucky during the Great Depression. People find help from their neighbors and enjoy the good stories told by the fire by their elders like Aunt Perdita Sweet. Tansy Calhoun is a packhorse librarian who knows everyone and who encourages literacy and the love of books. Faced with the dilemma of choosing between two suitors, Tansy has to make a choice between life as she knows it and a whole new life. I loved the characterization that was so realistic that the characters seemed to jump off the page. The plot was simple, but was told like a story within a story and thoroughly enjoyable. The uplifting tales of how people survived in spite of hardships was a wonderful one to read and I highly recommend it!

This was a five plus stars book that I raced through to find out what would happen to the characters. Told in three points of view, the book was fast-paced and a thrilling ride all the way to the end. Jack lost his memory when he was injured on the beach in Maryland. Somehow, he instinctively knew to go to a small town in Maine where he rediscovered his sister Maya and she told him that his real name is Ash. Lily, his lover in Maryland, followed him to Maine and the action really begins after her arrival there. The author did a stellar job of keeping me engaged since I never knew what to expect would happen next and I also got all wrapped up in the lives of the characters. I was rooting for a happy ending for Jack and Lily all the way. The ending is still percolating in my brain because it is just that kind of thriller, one that will stay with you. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers that are mesmerizing and totally entertaining.

Slow paced at first and then rocketing around twists that are unbelievably entertaining, this book was the author at her best. Alice discovers that Leo has hidden a secret from her about their new home, a secret that devastates her. A murder occurred there and Alice wants to know the truth about the victim and about her killer. Delving into Nina’s past has Alice almost befriending a ghost, a former therapist who seems to speak to Alice and lead her down some really dangerous paths. The neighborhood that seemed safe is not so safe after all, as Alice soon discovers. I really enjoyed the Hitchcock like twists and surprises in the story. It was like a roller coaster ride all the way to the end, at which point it seemed to drop me off a cliff. Well-developed characters, a realistic plot and an atmosphere of total mystery held me captivated. Good book, stunning ending and satisfying read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this multi-generational tale about the Rizzo family. Lina left home early to find her fortune in yoga videos and exercise clothing. Her daughter Adrian is even more ambitious that her millionaire mother and wants to establish her own exercise empire, but she wants to do so from her home environs of Maryland, with her beloved grandfather as her rock and supporter. Adrian, unfortunately, has attracted the attention of someone who wants her dead and threatens her at least once a year that he or she is coming for her. Adrian’s response is not to run and hide but to get a large, lovable dog named Sadie who is her constant companion and who heeds all of her commands flawlessly. I enjoyed getting to know Adrian’s team that helped her produce her videos, especially Teesha who just told her what she honestly thought. My favorite characters were Adrian who was fearless and fierce in her pursuit of love and the future that she wanted. I highly recommend this book to those looking for a good family saga with romance, mystery, murder and plenty of drama.

Delightful light romance that was a quick read. It included lovable characters, likable characters and deplorable ones. The plot dealt with a missing sister in the city of Philadelphia and the lengths her brother was willing to go to in order to find her. There was some evident research done on the plight of the homeless, a central theme in the story. With sibling love and a new romance in the air, this book was a wonderful pick-me-up.

This was a totally engrossing modern tale written like the Gothic suspense novels that I used to read many decades ago, only better. The plot is wrapped around a young woman named Claire who is engaged to wealthy Jack Compton. Jack’s family is so rich that they own an island off the coast of Italy and reside in a villa there on Isola. This imaginary island was painted with such realistic details that I felt as though I had visited the island personally and was ready to be a guest at the wedding of the century. Claire and Jack have secrets that they are hiding from each other and these secrets could prove to be deadly to them and to others. I think that there were parts of this novel that I gasped aloud at the revelations. The author did a fantastic job of the “slow reveal” which was what made this book so fantastic. The island itself and the villa are almost like characters themselves, necessary to the plot and to the lifestyle of the characters. I highly recommend this book and would give it more than five stars if I could.

Touted as Christian romantic suspense, I could see the romance and the suspense was evident, but there were no Christian elements in the book. The two main characters are both quirky. Kadance Tolle is a former CIA sniper who is being hunted down by her family of assassins. Lyndon Vaile is a total nerd, with three doctorates and an eidetic memory. The plot was one in which not only is Kadance being pursued but so is Lyndon because someone wants his knowledge about Ebola in order to unleash a bio-weapon on the capital of the U.S. There were some parts that made the book hard to put down but others that it just seemed to stagnate for me. My biggest peeve was that the suspense was built up and I was ready for a really spectacular conclusion, but it just ended abruptly. I recommend the book as mildly entertaining, but I’m not sure that it would appeal to readers of Christian romantic suspense as it should.

I was so excited to see that Joanna Schaffhausen has a new series and that I got to read and review the first one for Netgalley. Detective Annalisa Vega is a complex character with a sad and intense past, including a father who was also a policeman. Her new case is to find the Lovelorn Killer, a serial killer who has been active for two decades, long enough for her father to have tried to catch him before the task fell to her. Her partner Nick is also her ex-husband the rapport between the two was humorous and rare. The killer is currently trying to catch Annalisa alone so that he can make her another victim, but her partner and her friends are not going to let that happen. The story moves along at a fast pace, with plenty of action and twists along the way. I certainly did not guess the killer’s identity, even with the multiple clues that the author left on the trail. Schaffhausen is an absolute master of weaving an intricate tale with hidden clues and likable characters and this one was no exception. In fact, it was so good that when I got to the end, I immediately wanted to know how long I have to wait until book two of the series is released. Annalisa is a sympathetic character who understands people and she knows that we will not want to wait long to see her again! Fans of mystery/suspense/police procedural should not pass up a chance to read this one!

With strong characterization and a fast-paced plot, this conclusion to the Capital Intrigue series is a definite must-read. State Department attorney Vivian Steele gets inadvertently caught up in government schemes when she witnesses the deaths of two ambassadors at a state dinner. The Egyptian ambassador’s death appears to be a plot against his government and somehow Viv is targeted afterwards because of her prior dealings with that government. Because she becomes a target, she is assigned security in the form of Jacob Cruz, a former SEAL who is determined that no one else will die on his watch. The American ambassador who died, Penelope King, has an entire backstory that is intriguing and adds to the story. Her death is being investigated by Delaney, an FBI agent extraordinarily well-suited for her position. Delaney’s investigation was a cerebral one for the most part. The first plot, involving Viv, had a lot more action in it, with bad guys targeting Vivian and some “bite your nails” moments as she narrowly escapes death herself. There is violence depicted in the book, but it is not graphically described, so the novel is a clean read. I did especially enjoy the epilogue that was like a curtain call for all of the characters from this book and the previous ones. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the entire series because each book is a fascinating look at investigations and the inner workings of our national government. Fiction, of course!

This is a stellar collection of short stories all based around the central theme of the title. Some of the stories are really short and some are mini-novellas, but all are absolutely mesmerizing. Including some of the best mystery writers that are my favorites like Lisa Unger and Dean Koontz and introducing me to many others, this book was entertaining from beginning to end. I must admit that some of the stories really need to be read with all of the lights on! This collection seriously reminded me of the old Alfred Hitchcock collections in which I never knew what to expect from the next story. I am usually a fan of anthologies, but this one was amazing! Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance copy to read.

The story of three women, all of whom face huge challenges in life, was written with so much powerful emotion that it carried me along, much as the tide carries the shells with it. Mary, the mother of Autumn and grandmother of Taylor, is hiding a terrible secret that she fears others will discover. Autumn’s husband of a couple of decades is missing after a trip to Ukraine and she is undone by his disappearance. Finally, Taylor, Autumn’s daughter, has some serious drama of her own to deal with. Just when I thought not one more secret could be revealed, they just kept coming. I loved the mysterious aura that was scattered throughout the book and the way the characters interacted with each other at each new revelation. I really liked all of the characters and thought that each of them was portrayed realistically and with real heart. From chapter to chapter, I personalized the story and asked myself what would I do if that dilemma were mine. Being able to put myself into the story created a bond between me and the characters so that when I got to the end, I wasn’t really ready for it to conclude. I wanted the story to go on and on, with happy endings for all. The lesson that I learned from the story is that sometimes you just need to let go and do what is right for you, no matter what others think. This is not a light romance, but it is a romance that you will never forget!

Great romantic suspense with some steamy bedroom scenes included. Someone is killing people in what seems to be random in Lost Beach, Texas, and Detective Joel Breda enlists the aid of forensic photographer Miranda Rhoads to catch the killer. With the clock ticking before the next victim is chosen, it is up to Joel’s team plus Miranda to figure out the killer’s motive and pattern before he or she kills again. Fast-paced with non-stop action, this is a book not to be missed. It is book #2 in the Texas Murder Files series, but it can.be read as a standalone.

This is an interesting and original take on marriage and the struggles that come with commitment. Julie Holliday is totally committed to her marriage, but not so much her husband Dan who seems to be having affairs. Or, at least, Julie is convinced that is the case, so rather than continue to suffer with her broken heart, she sets out to carve a new life for herself. The plot was wildly romantic at times and unbelievable at others (especially the amount of money that Julie gave out for bonuses), but I was rooting for her character to be successful in her new endeavor of opening her own inn in Rhode Island. The emotional turmoil that she felt was well portrayed and the characters were realistic and likable. My favorite character was one of Julie’s first hires, Teresa, who also became her good friend and confidante at the inn. I also liked the can-do-it attitude of Frank, the contractor, who became Julie’s go-to guy each time she had a new project. Fans of romance that is slightly quirky and very entertaining will enjoy this book. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author, but all opinions are my own.

This is a completely magical trip to a fictional town that the author manages to make real, along with the characters. The story of Zach Garrett, a coffee shop owner, and Katherine Parker, a would-be visitor and recluse, is one that is unforgettable and that touched my heart. I enjoyed the escape to this little town with characters that spoke to me as much as to each other. Teaching lessons and developing relationships along the pathway of a plot that was twisted at times, this book is one not to be missed. Although it is a part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Hope Harbor and look forward to meeting more people there in future books.

A story of siblings who discover each other through a DNA test, this book touched all of the emotions deeply. Sela and Caroline live separate lives in different places until Caroline decides to gift the family a DNA test. What she discovers changes everything that she thought about her life. I could not read this book fast enough because I really wanted to know what was going to happen between these two girls who bring two families together. The plot was so intricately woven, with great research and details and so much emotion. The characters were realistic, facing real-life dilemmas and making choices that anyone would have difficulty making. I received an advanced copy of this book and purchased one of my own to read. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the first book in a new series by the author and is a book that kept me reading from chapter to chapter because of the excellent plotting and the fast pace. The action was non-stop, beginning with a plane crash in the Montana mountains and then the discovery of a dead body. Detective Jack Tanner and US Forest Special Agent Terra Connors reluctantly join forces to follow the clues to the killer. The plot is intricate and intriguing, involving stolen and trafficked artifacts. I learned a lot as I read this engaging and entertaining book and I was delighted to be a part of the advance review team. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series since this one was a glued-to-my-seat kind of book. Highly recommend for its suspense and its simmering romance!

This book is romantic suspense done right! With explosive action at the beginning and continuing throughout the book, it captivated me and kept me reading from page to page until I got to a satisfactory conclusion. This is the story of a female FBI agent assigned to find out who is killing secret service agents in the Raleigh, NC office, picking them off one by one. There is sadness for the remaining agents and the families of the loved ones and there is determination from each of them to find the killer and stop him or her. Faith is the FBI agent in charge of the investigation and she butts heads with Luke, the wounded secret service agent who does not trust the FBI. The action is non-stop and the feelings that the book gave me were intense and gut-wrenching at times. I really enjoyed the fast pace and the conversations between Faith and Luke. I also liked the minor characters like Faith’s sister Hope and Luke’s friend Gil who added humor and a real trust in God to this Christian fiction story. I always love a good Revell book and this is one of the best! I’m looking forward to more in the series.

This was a blockbuster of a novel that had me speeding through it from beginning to end. Emma, a physician, is caught up in an impossible choice when her young son Josh is diagnosed with leukemia. She can choose to follow her brother Ben into the drug trade in order to finance Josh’s treatment or Josh will die. Nick, her detective husband, loves Emma and Josh with his whole heart and he thinks the solution is for him to solve a murder quickly and get promoted. The fast pace of this book was stunning and the research was spot on. I learned a lot about the opioid crisis and about CAR-T cell treatment for leukemia. I finished the book and was just grateful that I did not have to make the choices that Nick and Emma had to make. What a wild and wonderful ride!

This is a realistic, well-written story of a woman who faces unimaginable tragedy and comes out on the other side. It filled with with the sadness as I read about Mara’s loss and then raised me up to hope as she plodded on the path to survival. It is a story of overcoming and being resilient and faithful in spite of circumstances. It is also the story of friendship and sacrifice, of family and friends. This was a book that had me gripped from beginning to end and I highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys a really well-developed plot with characters that speak to your heart.

Adjectives to describe this book include: delightfully witty, engaging, entertaining, clever, insightful and fast-paced. To break it down, the book is touted as a “Modern Retelling of Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen. This book captured me from page one, with the dilemma of Cricket (the mom), and her two daughters Daisy and Wallis. Senator Gregory Richardson died of a heart attack with another woman and his family left behind has to survive the scandal. Unfortunately, the man who lost his reputation also lost his money and the family has to sell the family home. I felt bad for what each of them had to face in the judgmental society of D.C. The characters were well-developed and the conversations that took place between them was unexpectedly humorous. With acerbic social commentary on the life and politics of D.C. this book was like reading an extended gossip column, with some PG rated details. My favorite character was Daisy’s best friend Atlas, a newspaper columnist tasked with writing an exposé of the disgraced senator. He was totally charming and seemed to be there to rescue Daisy from herself. He was also the one who was intelligently insightful into what was actually happening with the family. As the debut novel of this author, this book impressed me with its brilliantly crafted and uniquely relevant to our times social commentary on life among the rich and powerful.

A well-researched and well-written book about a young woman who travels to a rural county in Kentucky to assist her Aunt Cora, the superintendent of schools there. Once Lucy arrives, she finds that Cora wants her to transcribe letters for the local people, requiring that she mount and ride a horse through the woods to get to them. Lucy, like me, fell in love with the people and the location. Everything was so well described that it was easy to place myself into the story, making me enjoy it even more. All of the characters were portrayed realistically, down to their colloquial language that included a glossary of terms at the beginning of the book. I was amused by Lucy’s first interactions with the mountain people and her slow acceptance of their lifestyle. The story was riveting, made even more so by the afterword that explained that Cora Wilson Stewart was a real pioneer for literacy in Kentucky. Her love for the people there was shown on every page and their respect for her opinions also shone through. The author did a masterful job of telling this story, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read historical fiction that is so realistic that it’s like a movie playing in your head.

The author informs us readers at the end that the character Lisa is named after a Sunday school student who categorized her books are “war-romances.” What an accurate description and kudos to that young lady for being able to come up with that word! This is the story of when Hitler was first taking over Germany and all of the changes in the society, including the beginnings of the purges of Jews from businesses and from German society in general. Evelyn is a newspaper reporter who is like a dog with a bone; she just won’t let go of the story until she finds the truth. Her friend Peter is pursuing his Ph.D. In German while he teaches at a local university in Munich. The meeting of these two main characters was magical and so well-written. The entire story was like a film running in my mind, with such excellent descriptions of scenes and background. I felt as though I could feel the evil of the Gestapo and the traitors against Evelyn and Peter. My heart was in my throat during the most emotional moment that they shared together. This is one of the absolutely best historical fiction books that I have read about the pre-WWII era! I cannot recommend it highly enough. Even if you don’t like historical fiction, try this one. I’m not usually a fan of this genre, but I love Sundin’s books and have devoured all of them since I first discovered her. The research is impeccable, the writing is magnetic and the characterization is dramatic.

This is a totally absorbing mystery set in the Natchez Trace park. The main characters are well-developed, especially Emma and Sam. Sam is a law enforcement ranger and is tasked with protecting Emma when someone takes a shot at her early one morning at the park. Emma is a new ranger and an historian who was formerly engaged to Sam, so she wants to keep her distance from him. The interaction and developing relationship between the two was an intriguing part of the story. I also enjoyed all of the multi-layers of mystery, including a stalker that is determined to have Emma, the disappearance of her twin brother Ryan and the death of Ryan’s girlfriend Mary Jo.Lots was happening in this novel all the way to the satisfactory conclusion. The author left a lot of clues along with red herrings along the twisted path of revealing the villain. I was absolutely riveted to this book from beginning go end and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a bit of history included. Although this is the second book in the series, it can also be read as a standalone and is a totally clean read.

What a wonderful and magical book! The characters were charming (well, most of them) and the plot was well-written, with just enough foreshadowing to leave me with the desire to continue to read to see if I was right. Mackenzie is a strong female protagonist, a talented winemaker who gets stronger in the face of adversity. Barbara, her domineering mother-in-law, is selfish and short-sighted, two characteristics that lead to her loneliness. Stephanie and Four, Mackenzie’s loving sisters-in-law, are the perfect matches to help Mackenzie through the rough times in her life. The book was perfectly written to make me ponder the themes: relationships, work v. family, single parenting and selfishness. There were characters that I knew from the beginning that I would not like, like Lori, the other sister-in-law, the one who tries to ingratiate herself with Barbara by disdaining Mackenzie. I loved Bruno and could have just swooned when he appeared on the scene. He was a metropolitan man in a country setting, and he stood out as a super hero tends to do. All of the characters were complex and so well-developed that they have lived with me in my den for the past week or so. Fans of good romance will want to snap up this fantastic book! And the author has included bonuses at the end: wine pairings, recipes and discussion questions. This is definitely a great book to read with a book group!

This was one of the best psychological thrillers that I have ever read. It was gruesome and macabre and so full of twists that I read the whole book and kept getting surprised. The villain was from a horror story and the victims were true innocents who did not deserve their treatment at his hands. Connie, the psychologist on loan to the Edinburgh Police Station, is intuitive and so smart that she scared me at times. Detective Baarda was smart but he was not as strong a character as Connie. The strong female protagonist was a perfect foil for the very crafty and evil kidnapper. The story moved along at a very fast pace with new characters introduced intermittently to add to the story. I read numerous books at the same time,and this was the book that kept drawing me to its pages. I just really wanted to know what was going to happen next to little Meggy, Elspeth and Xavier. Each of these victims has difficulties before they are kidnapped, so their backstories were just as interesting as the main tale. All in all, this book was well worth reading and I was sad to see it end. I really want to read more about Connie and her talent to read people and situations and Baarda and his relationships. Fans of suspense thrillers will really enjoy this book!

This was a light-hearted and fun book to read. I chuckled aloud throughout the story of Finlay Donovan who keeps digging her hole deeper and getting into more and more trouble. She is a struggling single mom after husband left her for another woman. She is supposed to be under contract to write a new suspense novel, but instead somehow gets mistaken for a contract killer and hired. What happens after that is unbelievably hilarious! The plot was original and the characters were well-developed. I really liked the character of Finlay, of course, but I also appreciated the droll humor of her sister, the cop who keeps giving her advice without knowing what Finlay is really doing with that advice. The genre is mystery and humor for sure!

The fourth book in the Ellery Hathaway series is just as riveting as the first three and can be read as a standalone. In this book, a child is missing and Ellery and her partner Dorie are engaged to find her. Agent Reed Markham, the agent who rescued Ellery when she was kidnapped, is on the case and is also working on his relationship with Ellery. The whole relationship thing is complicated because Reed has his daughter Tori with him in town and a very irate wife who wants nothing more than for Reed to stay away from Ellery since she seems to attract trouble. The plot about the missing child seemed to almost take second stage to the dynamics happening between the characters, but that was fine with me because the whole book was highly entertaining. Ellery has to use her intuition to find Chloe and follows her instincts in spite of the uphill battle that she has to fight to get people to listen to her. I highly recommend this book to fans of police procedurals, thrillers and suspense with just a tad of romance. I received a copy of this book via Netgalley, but all opinions expressed are my own.

This is an absolutely wonderful feel-good romance set in the little town of Sweetwater Springs. Although this is the culminating book of the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. This book relates the story of Sophie, the boutique owner, and her former boyfriend Chase, who returns to town when he buys the vet clinic. The way the two continue to encounter each other is well-plotted and the entire book is fast-paced. The themes of giving others help when they need it and offering second chances is timely and well incorporated into the story. I loved the entire series, and this book was so well done that I was sad to see the series end. Fans of romance will thoroughly enjoy this story, with the cute dog, the impish little boy and the star-crossed couple. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but all opinions expressed in my review are my own.

This is an absolutely wonderful feel-good romance set in the little town of Sweetwater Springs. Although this is the culminating book of the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. This book relates the story of Sophie, the boutique owner, and her former boyfriend Chase, who returns to town when he buys the vet clinic. The way the two continue to encounter each other is well-plotted and the entire book is fast-paced. The themes of giving others help when they need it and offering second chances is timely and well incorporated into the story. I loved the entire series, and this book was so well done that I was sad to see the series end. Fans of romance will thoroughly enjoy this story, with the cute dog, the impish little boy and the star-crossed couple. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but all opinions expressed in my review are my own.

This is an intense complicated combination of legal thriller plus medical thriller plus romantic suspense. Caroline Bragg is a newly hired lawyer for a medical research lab and is romantically involved with Brandon Lancaster, a former football star who owns a home for foster children. Brandon is heavily invested in the lab and also has a child in his program who is deathly ill with leukemia. If you think that this book is just a regular romantic suspense, you would be wrong. It is thought-provoking, tear-jerking and heart-breaking. The arrogance of the heads of the medical lab had me incensed, but at the same time I was cheering for them to be successful so that the innocent children could live. The twists and turns made this an absolutely compelling read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

This is one of the best books that I have ever read! The story of two estranged sisters who really need to find each other again is heart-tugging. I was engrossed in the tale of Olivia and Melanie from the very beginning. I think that I identified with Olivia, the lawyer and control freak who has to manage everything. But I was very drawn to flighty Melanie, a young woman who wants to believe in a higher power but isn’t really sure what she believes. Olivia, on the other hand, just brushes away the thought of a higher power, pushed by her bitterness about the death of her parents. Melanie asked for the trip, Olivia planned it and the whole trip is a disaster. With heavy rains making the trails slippery and dangerous, the young women are concerned about staying on the trails and not so much about their relationship. I really liked the character of Josh, the guy who always seemed to show up when they were in trouble. The lessons that they learned on the trail were life-changing and made me ponder some of my past life choices. With a theme of redemption and forgiveness and facing life head on, this is a book not to be missed! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell, but all opinions expressed are my own.

This is an exceptionally good story about finding oneself after years of lying. With themes of redemption and love, this story touched my heart in all of the right places. Susanna has a good reason for lying since she is abused, but that does not excuse her perpetuating the lie until it has snowballed on her. I loved the characters, especially her darling little girl and the man who showed her how to live the truth in a world that is just hard to live in. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

An explosive new romantic suspense featuring a retired military doctor who has returned from the field only to have her life threatened on U.S. soil. The plot is fast-paced, although with a lot of unbelievable coincidences at times. Hannah Fontaine is a strong protagonist with a heart of gold who just wants to forget her time in combat and the horrible events that haunt her from the war. Unfortunately, someone will not allow her to forget and that’s where the action begins. With explosions, kidnappings and a lot of heroes who want to save Hannah, this book is definitely worth reading, especially for fans of clean romantic suspense. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Revell. All opinions expressed are my own.

I adored this magical romance set at Christmastime in the little town of Happily, Inc. Wynn is a single mom with the town sheriff Garrick living next door. When he enlists her aid in decorating his house for the upcoming visit by his pregnant daughter, the fun begins. I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s humor, the way she developed the plot so well and the fact that her characters were so realistic that I could imagine them on the stage in my mind, acting out each scene. I really liked the character of Hunter, Wynn’s smart and mature son who is wise beyond his years. I also grew to like Garrick’s daughter Joylynn after she became honest with herself about her relationship with her dad. In fact, all of the characters lent their own charm to the story and I loved every minute that I spent reading!

This was the first book that I have read by Davis Bunn, and I was absolutely engrossed in it from beginning to end. I didn’t know what to expect at first because it seemed to combine sci-fi with mystery and thriller, so I wasn’t convinced that the combination would work. I was pleasantly surprised as this book exceeded all of my expectations. The basic premise is that Ethan uses advanced technology discovered by his sister-in-law Sonya in order to travel back in time and attempt to save his brother Adrian’s life.The Christian aspect was the story of second chances and a prodigal brother who had spent his life living for himself only to find that he had wasted it and done nothing for the brother who had sacrificed for him. I really enjoyed getting to know the three dimensional characters and all of their facets, both in the past and in their current lives.At the end of the story, I just wanted to immediately find another book by this author because he demonstrated such talent in plot and character development. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy high-octane, fast-paced thrillers, with mystery and sci-fi stirred into the mix.

I loved this sweet story about the Amish in Weaver’s Creek. Elizabeth is a young widow who has a broken heart and trust issues. Aaron fought in the Civil War and was gravely wounded there. Traveling to Weaver’s Creek with Jonas after the war, Aaron feels like half a man and although he wants a “normal” life, he does not think that is a possibility for him. There is also a mystery involving a newcomer to the community named Solomon who immediately sets his eyes on Elizabeth and insists that she should marry him quickly. The story is fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of information about the Amish gentle and accepting way of life. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and especially enjoyed the themes of redemption and a new chance at a new life. Although this is book #3 of a series, I have not read the other books and had no difficulty understanding the relationships between the characters and the plot itself. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Amish fiction, a clean read and an altogether enjoyable story. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Excellent beginning to a new series! Jonas Quinn and Madison James are accompanying two prisoners to Colorado when their plane crashes and one of the canny prisoners escapes. He is a real danger to whomever he encounters, so it is imperative that they recapture him quickly. The descriptions of the landscape of the northwest is amazing and the action is non-stop. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series! I received a complimentary copy of the book from Revell, but the opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

“Backlash” is the second book in Rachel Dylan’s Capital Intrigue series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. This is the story of Layla Karam, a dedicated CIA analyst who was chosen to go on a DEA op to Honduras. That is where her problems began because now one of her team members is dead and she is a definite target herself. Her ex-boyfriend Hunter McCoy is tasked with keeping her safe, but that is no small job since the cartel seems to constantly be one step ahead of them. Hunter and Layla have to work together to find out who is the traitor among them before she ends up just like her teammate. This is a fast-paced and intense drama with ingenious twists and an imaginative plot. Ms. Dylan uses the setting very effectively, taking our heroine all over the capital city in her quest to escape the villains. This is an absolutely fascinating story of faith and forgiveness, with these themes woven throughout the story. “Backlash” is superb romantic suspense that will appeal to fans of Lynette Eason, Lisa Harris and Dani Pettrey. I sincerely appreciate Bethany House Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this dynamic book. I was not required to write a positive review; the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This is high octane Christian romantic suspense with action from beginning to end! Hamilton Jones is the leader of a global search and rescue group and he has a big hole in his life because his wife Signe disappeared fifteen years ago. In his quest to rescue Signe from a terrorist group, he and his team get caught in Italy when a volcano erupts and are caught in the crossfire of political machinations. This was one of the best books that I have read, with magnetic characters and a plot that was absolutely absorbing. As a member of the Revell Reads Blogger Program, I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

A wonderful start to a new series! With quirky characters reminiscent of Mrs. Pollifax, this is a story about murder and mayhem in a small town. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and how the characters were so lovable and at times downright humorous. I totally enjoyed trying to solve the crime as I read but the author was so savvy about adding twists that I was fooled all the way to the conclusion. I highly recommend this book to those who love cozy mysteries. This may be my new favorite cozy series! Note that I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

A well-paced Christian romantic suspense with likable characters, POINT OF DANGER is the first in a new series by the incomparable Irene Hannon. Eve Reilly is a talk show host who is being threatened, presumably because of her outspoken conservative views. Detective Brent Lange is the one assigned to find out who is threatening her and to protect her. The emphasis in this book was mostly romance but there was enough suspense to keep me totally engaged in Eve’s story. Eve was so gutsy that I couldn’t help but like her! She absolutely refused to back down even when the danger got closer and more personal. She shares her conservative Christian views with Brent, a skeptical and good-looking detective who was burned by love before and who doesn’t trust easily. There were some real twists in the story and I did not figure out the villain until just before the author’s big reveal. The way the author unraveled the identity of the bad guy slowly was very enticing. The threat to Eve was real and the definite Christian undertone of the story was, too. I highly recommend this book to those looking for a clean romantic suspense tale that is intriguing and absorbing!

I enjoyed that the story was told from the POV of the three female characters, Laura, Mia and Janie. My favorite was Laura who basically lost her position in the ad agency when she went on maternity leave. She was replaced by charismatic usurper Mia, who has secrets of her own and is determined to keep her job in the company. Finally, Janie is a former defense lawyer and has escaped something from her past and set up a new home with her husband Harry. Janie is no longer working but she is a big part of Harry’s company, the ad agency that burns down at the beginning of the story. It was a compelling read because I really wanted to know who died in the fire. I also wanted to know whodunit: was the fire deliberate or an accident? Between the chapters about the three women are the interviews with the police which were riveting and revealing. This was a suspense thriller and a police procedural and I liked that about it. There were a lot of shocking twists and the ending was a surprise to me. The reveal was a little slow but well worth reading to get to it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley, but all opinions expressed are my own.

What an absolutely beautiful debut! Amanda Cox weaves a perfectly complicated tale of intersecting lives and how each person affects others. The story of Ivy Rose trying to find the truth about her roots is told in the present time. In the past, we have Harvey, Miriam, Thom and Pearl, a group whose lives are forever touched by their choices and their kindness. Harvey is homeless. Thom and Miriam are childless. And Pearl is a good soul, the widow of a former pastor who just wants to make a difference in the lives of others. This story was told in a totally captivating, engaging and easy-to-read way. There is mystery, sacrificial love and romance, all within the pages of this wonderful book. I cannot say enough good things about it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell, but the opinions expressed are my own.

This is a contemporary romance that is unlike any other book in this genre that I have ever read. It was light, humorous, mysterious and just plain fun to read! Joy Evers is going on a cross-country road trip from CA to NYC when she meets Dylan Westfield at a small diner in Arizona. Dylan’s car has broken down, and on the spur of the moment, Joy invites him to share her ride with her. They establish rules for their road trip that were spontaneously made but which made a big difference in their 10-day road trip acquaintance. Rule 1: No last names. Rule 2: Whenever one wants to go on a side trip, then they both must agree to go. Rule 3: What happens on the road stays on the road. I really enjoyed the two points of view, that of Dylan and that of Joy. I looked forward to both equally because both added to the story in such an imaginative way! There were also two timelines, during the road trip (called before) and after the road trip. The books is not just a fluffy love story either since it makes you think. Do you need to plan out your life, and what if your plans change? Should everyone have a bucket list? Joy was using her deceased sister Judy’s bucket list when she met Dylan. Fate or accident? The entire plot was woven together so intricately well that the two stories of the main characters meshed perfectly. This is the perfect read for laughing, thinking and listening to some good music along the trip down life’s road.

I loved this book! I really enjoy police procedurals and this one with Detective A.L. McKittredge and his partner Rena Morgan is one of the best that I have ever read. The story is a compelling one since five year old Emma is missing from her daycare. Her grandmother insists that she dropped her off with her teacher. Her teacher denies ever seeing her that day. Her mom is late to pick her up, so she is missing all day without anyone’s ever noticing. The clues are there, but there are also the red herrings that kept me guessing. The ending was unpredictable for me which added to my enjoyment of the book and led to the five-star rating. The bonus in the book was learning more about the private lives of the investigators, with details that flowed into the main story line. This is an outstanding police procedural with a fast-paced, relatable plot and characters that were well-developed. By the end of the story, I felt like I knew A.L. and Rena well and I was rooting for them to find the little asthmatic girl before it was too late. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. With themes of family drama, lies and lack of communication, I highly recommend this book to fans of gripping police procedurals. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.