Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley - A Book Review

  

I always look forward to a new release from Patricia Bradley. Deadly Revenge did not disappoint. This book has us back in Pearl River, Tennessee under the jurisdiction of Chief Deputy Alex Stone. Former Chattanooga detective Jenna Hart is now serving on the Pearl River force, returning to her hometown, leaving a difficult work environment behind. Now it appears someone may be entering her home when she is away, leaving no tangible evidence behind. TBI Agent Max Anderson is in Pearl River investigating threats against a political candidate scheduled to speak in the small town. Jenna and Max have a past; readers will have to read to see if they have a future as they work together to determine who may be a threat to Jenna and who is a threat to the candidate.

Patricia Bradley has a well-paced writing style, not only revealing information at just the right time, but also never rushing an ending, something that is very important to me. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Deadly Revenge from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.





A Truth Revealed by Tracie Peterson - A Book Review

  
Laura Evans had been separated from her father since the death of her mother in 1858. Ten years later they are reunited when her father, Granite Evans, invites her to him in Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory. During those ten years Laura built up her father in her mind to hero status. Only time will tell if Granite lives up to Laura's expectations as he works to fulfill his political aspirations. Will Porter had planned his whole life to follow in his father's and grandfather's footsteps and minister on an Indian reservation. Now he is frustrated and grieved by government delays and personal tragedy. Is God trying to show him a different path?

Tracie Peterson adds a lot of intrigue to Laura and Will's stories. She supplies an ending that I sure didn't see coming. Throughout the storyline Peterson uses the primary and secondary characters' circumstances to demonstrate God's love and care, especially during life's toughest moments, creating an encouraging story. I recommend A Truth Revealed and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Friday, November 1, 2024

Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder - A Book Review

  

Romantic suspense set in the Regency Era is Hannah Linder's specialty, and Never Forgotten is a wonderful example of her expertise in this genre. Not only does the story build sympathy for Simon Faircourt and his children for the loss of his wife and their mother, and for Georgina Whitmore and her many losses, but also for Alexander Oswald even when it isn't clear if he is a good guy or a bad guy, something that is not soon revealed. There are several key questions that arise in this story, and the pursuit of an answer will become the reader's passion as Linder tosses one surprise after another at them.

I highly recommend Never Forgotten and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 




Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Hunted for the Holidays by Deena Alexander - A Book Review

  

This romantic suspense story may be relatively short, but it is compelling from start to finish. I literally carried it from room to room with me as the Kindle text-to-speech feature read to me as I went about my daily routine, otherwise I would have accomplished absolutely nothing until I finished the last page. Shae Evans and her five-year-old daughter had been in the Witness Security Program Gracie's entire life, a life her father knew nothing of until he came banging on their door one December 23rd evening.

Deena Alexander was able to flesh out these characters and craft a smoothly-flowing, action-packed plot in just 201 pages. She also, through the characters' thoughts and actions, demonstrates in a very authentic way how one's faith impacts how one handles the really tough times life throws one's way.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Hunted for the Holidays from Love Inspired via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 




Monday, October 21, 2024

Christmas in Nutfield by Robin Patchen

 

Sleigh Bells & Stalkers and One Christmas Night are the two novellas that make up Christmas in Nutfield. It was wonderful reconnecting with two characters from Patchen's original Nutfield Saga. The last time we saw Daniel Nolan he was just a boy, now he is a college student and the hero of Sleigh Bells & Stalkers, my favorite of the two novellas. The empathy-evoking story, centering around the drama of the dysfunctional Sullivan family, will likely make readers more sensitive to the hardships of those around them, and will hopefully inspire them to be more willing to step up and assist as Daniel does for the Sullivans. In addition to the drama, this story has plenty of action and suspense to keep readers fully engaged.

We also reconnect with Caro Neely. In One Christmas Night she finds herself searching for her niece alongside movie star Blake Carmichael whose son is also missing. The main theme of the story deals with why one must resist the urge to judge others especially when the judgments are made on preconceived notions based on second-hand information. Patchen fleshes out the sensitive theme without distracting from the tension in the story.

Christmas in Nutfield is not your typical Hallmark type Christmas story and will satisfy suspense lovers desire for a Christmas story designed with them in mind. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 




Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn - A Book Review

 

Oh my goodness! I am blessed to have had the experience of losing myself in this story. Gunn's eloquent language paints the most beautiful, vivid pictures of Africa and creates the most intense experience of empathy for the leading ladies of Tea With Elephants. As if my TBR pile wasn't large enough, now I want to go back and reread her Sister Chicks series while waiting for the second book in her new Suitcase Sisters series.

Fern and Lily have been long-distance friends since meeting in Costa Rica as teenagers. Now they are a bit older and a bit wiser traveling together to Africa at a time when they are both at a crossroads in their lives. Robin Gunn does such a beautiful job of demonstrating the beauty of close female relationships and the importance they play in emotional health.

So, grab your favorite comfort food or indulgent treat and that hot beverage that always brings along that deep sigh and sweet smile; draw that hot bath or snuggle under that cozy blanket or quilt and settle in for hours of reading pleasure.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Tea With Elephants from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 





Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Over the Edge by Irene Hannon - A Book Review

    

Personal chef Lindsey Barnes had a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Once again she found herself on the scene of a violent crime. St Louis County Detective Jack Tucker finds himself in a situation that leaves him feeling very conflicted. His key witness strikes a cord with him, but seems to have taken an immediate dislike to him, and to top it off, she reminds him of his biological mother for all the wrong reasons. Irene Hannon builds an intense suspense story with a lot of romantic angst in Over the Edge. The title of this book fits perfectly as Lindsey feels herself being pushed closer to the edge of sanity in this story which leans toward being a psychological thriller. It is a compelling tale that will hold readers firmly in its grasp until the last page.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Over the Edge from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.