Blind Dates Can Be Murder by Mindy Starns Clark - A Book Review

  

I had been reading this sequel to The Trouble With Tulip for quite some time. It was the book that rode around in the van with me so that I would always have something to read if I were caught unexpectedly waiting somewhere. The story follows Jo Tulip, blogger and columnist of household tips, and her since-childhood best friend Danny Watkins. After a colossally bad blind date which ended with Jo's date dropping dead, she finds herself repeatedly in danger without knowing why. With some help from the Chief of Police and his department, Jo and Danny seek to discover what is going on and why.

Blind Dates Can Be Murder is a cozy, Christian mystery, that was quite enjoyable. The third book of this series is sitting on my shelf. I guess it will become my new ride-along companion. 

Relative Justice by Robert Whitlow - A Book Review

   

Relative Justice moved at a much slower pace than most other Robert Whitlow legal fiction books that I have read, but it suited the story. While the first eighty-five percent of the story is slow and easy, the last fifteen percent will have you on pins and needles. Whitlow spent time developing his characters and their relationship with God, and most readers will be delighted with the result. There were a few details that did not seem quite realistic, but that did not detract from the story overly much. The theme of listening to and for the voice of God in both big and small things is well developed through attorney David Cobb's character as he interacts with others and as he handles a pharmaceutical patent infringement case along with his sister-in-law, attorney Katelyn Martin-Cobb.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Relative Justice from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Catch by Lisa Harris - A Book Review

   

Lisa Harris finished off her US Marshals series with a bang. I am rating The Catch five stars for the intensity with which it kept me glued to the edge of my seat. This book has numerous plot twists within its three interwoven investigative storylines. Lisa Harris is a gifted suspense writer who creates characters with a depth of character and faith. Her plots are original and realistic. While The Catch would work well as a stand-alone read, it will be enjoyed even more by those who read the series in order. I am recommending this series to my husband, as I believe he will enjoy the level of action included.

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

A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K. Couch - A Book Review

   

I had almost passed this book by, but am so glad to have read a review that made me reconsider. Angela K. Couch is a new-to-me author, whom I am happy to have discovered. Once again Barbour Publishing is bringing together wonderful contributors to a series, this one being Heroines of WW II. Couch's heroine is a young woman, Rosalie Barrieau, who once seeks to stay under the radar and care for her mother and brother as best she can, but eventually becomes a part of the French Resistance. A couple of possibilities for a love interest add complexities to the plot. The theme of laying one's life down for his friends and the bravery and faith required for that is well-incorporated into the storyline.

I highly recommend A Rose for the Resistance and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright - A Book Review

   

Fans of Jaime Jo Wright know to expect a certain eerie, haunting quality in her tales. The Souls of Lost Lake is beyond even what we would normally expect from Wright. She is the only author I know who can include ax murders and still maintain the integrity of the Christian fiction genre. I must say here that even those who enjoy an incredibly spooky campfire tale who don't identify as Christina will love this story.

This split time story tells us of Ava Coons, accused of being a type of Lizzie Borden, and Arwen Blythe, a twenty-six year old secretary at a large Christian camp who has felt lost most of her life. Discovering how their stories intertwine will keep readers up late into the night. Maybe, just maybe, readers will be inspired to reach out to those they encounter who feel lost, for whatever reason.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Souls of Lost Lake from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.  

 

A Hundred Crickets Singing by Cathy Gohlke - A Book Review

   

I am a big fan of split time fiction. Typically I enjoy both storylines, but have a distinct favorite. This was not the case with A Hundred Crickets Singing. I was equally enthralled with both the Civil War era and the World War II era stories. Both stories inspire a desire to see justice done, and great angst when justice is denied. The themes of seeing all humans as being created in God's image thus having great worth and loving our neighbor as ourselves are well-developed without coming across as preachy.

This novel is extremely well-written, having believable dialogue, creating vivid mental and emotional images, and appealing to a wide variety of reader personalities. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Hundred Crickets Singing from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.