Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano

    

The depth of meaning in this very well written novel may require a second reading. There is more there than one may be able to capture on the first read. The theme of finding one's true identity is explored and readers are given much to contemplate and to see reflected in their own lives. Each chapter in Finding Lady Enderly begins with a pearl of wisdom, and more are to be found within the text. The author's inclusion of quotes from classic literature, so aptly applied to the characters' circumstances, is a delight. Politano's writing is so compelling that at one point I actually jumped, so startled was I by the unexpected appearance of someone who had been lurking in the shadows.

I am more than thrilled to have discovered this new-to-me author, and I cannot wait to read more books by Joanna Davidson Politano. I am grateful to have received a copy of Finding Lady Enerly from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris - A Book Review

    

Josh Solomon had been devastated by his wife's murder and his inability to protect her. He finally felt as if he were nearing a point where he would be able to move past his grief and guilt; then in walked Olivia's coworker, Caitlyn Lindsay, with her theory that Olivia's murder was connected to her work at MedTECH Labs. They will need help in solving this mystery, but don't know who can be trusted as evidence mounts that someone in the police department is involved. Readers should be prepared for the unexpected as they follow Josh and Caitlyn's pursuit of the truth.

Lisa Harris's mysteries are always well thought out, contain well-placed red herrings, involve characters and emotions that engage readers, and have smoothly written dialogue. I recommend this book and author to mystery fans and am grateful to have received a copy from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

A Perfect Silhouette by Judith Miller - A Book Review

   

While quite predictable, A Perfect Silhouette is a sweet romance with a dash of intrigue. Most of the characters are likable, at least by the end of the story. Multiple problems are presented, but are fairly easily solved. Nevertheless, the story is a pleasant read and you won't regret the time spent with it.

I am grateful to have received a copy of A Perfect Silhouette from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey - A Book Review

   

Gabby Rowley is an investigative reporter who is more than willing to lay down her life for a story. So far her luck has held, but for how long? Memories of the betrayal that threatened her life in Southern Sudan haunt her, and a new threat from drug lord Xavier Fuentes is a real and present danger. Giving in to pressure from her brother, a member of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Gabby accompanies him back to North Carolina to be under the watchful eye of his team, including Finn Walker, the man she walked away from in order to pursue her career.

The Killing Tide is classic Dani Pettrey with her signature style. Those who enjoy action and suspense will find plenty of both in this book. The characters model the integration of faith and prayer into daily life as Christians. I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

A Song of Joy by Lauraine Snelling - A Book Review

    

A Song of Joy is the fourth book in Lauraine Snelling's Under Northern Skies series about a Norwegian family that immigrated to Minnesota. This book continues the story of Nilda Carlson in the year of 1911. The best part of this wonderful story is its reminder of the pure enjoyment one can received from the simplest of blessings: time with friends and family, fresh produce, a bird's song, and a cool breeze on a clear summer's night. Since reading this book I have purposefully been making myself attend to these types of blessings rather than allowing them to slip by unnoticed. The pervasive theme of the joys of giving and serving are also treasures in A Song of Joy. I thank Lauraine Snelling for reminding us of these joys, and to whom we owe our thanks. She allows God to use her gifting as a storyteller to both entertain and minister.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Fire Storm by Nancy Mehl - A Book Review

    

FBI Agent Kaely Quinn prefers the title of Behavioral Analyst over Profiler. She is an expert at reading people and has a very unique method for piecing together data to identify UNSUBs. Kaely's partner, Noah Hunter, accepts her unorthodox methods, but not her propensity for putting her work before anything, including her own safety.

In Fire Storm, the second book in Mehl's Kaely Quinn Profiler series, Kaely picks up a newspaper as she draws close to her destination of Darkwater, Nebraska immediately recognizing the possible presence of a serial arsonist in the small town where her mother lives. Although she has come to relieve her brother in care-giving for their mother, Kaely ends up embroiled in not one but two cases as Noah joins her to offer his assistance. Fragile family relationships are stretched as is her relationship with Noah as Kaely once again throws her whole being into finding the bad guys.

Fans of suspense and psychological thrillers will be pleased with Mehl's latest offering. I am grateful to have received a copy of Fire Storm from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Vow of Justice by Lynette Eason - A Book Review

    

It is always wonderful to open a new St. John family mystery. This one focuses on FBI Agent Linc St. John and his partner Special Agent Allison Radcliffe. At the opening of the story Allison is undercover as a cook in the home of Mafia Kingpin Vladislav Nevsky, but things quickly go south. Nevsky's daughter, Daria, becomes a pawn in the rising conflict between Nevsky and the FBI, and Allison's past comes back to haunt her as their efforts to locate the kingpin and find a charge that will stick, putting Nevsky away for life, continue to bring about only frustration and new questions.

Lynette Eason is a master of carefully doling out clues at just the right pace. Avid mystery readers will think they have it all figured out, but even if they have it partially correct, Eason always has an unexpected surprise in store. If you are a mystery and suspense fan, this book and this author are for you.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Vow of Justice from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Jesus Politics: The Four Gospels in Politics by Tony Franklin - A Book Review

     

This book fulfills the author's purpose of explaining the political values of Jesus and first century Jews, and demonstrating how today's Christians emulate these same values in the politics of our society. Franklin identifies four groups of Jews in the gospels, outlining the connection between their spiritual and political points of view. He then uses Scripture to show how Jesus interacted with each of those four types, challenging them to a higher standard. In the final chapter of Jesus Politics he draws parallels between the four groups of Jews and four types of Christians in our own time, while challenging us to respond to Jesus's calling to that higher standard.

There was another great take-away for me personally. We all know that God's Word is alive, but I doubt that we ponder how that actually impacts our study. We've all experienced getting a new meaning from a passage as we read it when in the midst of different life circumstances, but as I read this book I was keenly aware of how I was reading well-known Bible stories and viewing them in radically new ways without changing any core values that were previously revealed. The new insights were enlightening and inspiring. God's Word truly felt alive and energizing as I engaged with the familiar from a very unfamiliar view point.

Hearing the author's voice as I read (a writing skill I always worked to instill in the young writers I taught) also served to remind me of the importance of being actively engaged in a Christian community, and, while worshiping and serving together, truly listening to one another and learning from one another. If you are in or wish to join a small group within your Christian community, Jesus Politics would be a great book to initiate discussion as we proceed into the next political cycle.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from the author. He had not requested that I write or share a review, but I find it a privilege to do so.

The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken - A Book Review

        

The Yellow Lantern is set in the Northeast in the early 1800s. Against her will, Josephine Clayton was drug into a network of body snatchers by her father and his farmhand. She was made to believe that her participation was the only way to protect her father, the only parent she had left. As part of her role, Josephine became Josie Clay and was hired on at the Gloughton Mill, a place where accidents often happened and could lead to death. No one could have predicted her growing attachment to the mill's manager, Braham Taylor, and his foster aunt, Mrytle Bates. Josie was torn between her loyalty to her father, her loyalty to God, and her growing affection for Braham and Aunt Myrtle. While she herself an herbalist was involved in the healing arts, using stolen bodies for medical research was repugnant to her. A way out of her predicament was elusive.

It took me awhile to get into this story, but once I did, I was hooked. I recommend the book with its unique story line and well-written dialogue to fans of suspense and historical fiction. I am grateful to Barbour Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Yellow Lantern via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.