Courage in the Shadows by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

  

I have anxiously been awaiting Summer Lake's story in Robin Patchen's Coventry Saga series, and Courage in the Shadows did not disappoint. Lake had been very secretive in her previous appearances, but all of my questions about her were answered in this book, and what a story she has! Of course I don't want to over-share here, because you will want to discover those answers for yourself. Although the book is part of the Coventry Saga series, the cast of regulars make only cameo appearances, which works for Lake's adventures from Boston to Maine. The suspense and romance in this book are classic Patchen style, always keeping readers actively engaged and up late at night. This book will work as a stand-alone read, but I recommend reading the entire saga in sequence. It is too good to be missed.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series, currently scheduled to be released in May of 2023. 

Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White - A Book Review

  

If a book was to be judged by the intensity of emotion it aroused in its reader, this book would, and should, receive the highest of accolades. Sometimes I had to pause in my reading just to reduce the level of angst the story created. It was difficult to not give in to the temptation to turn to the last couple of chapters to assure myself that everything worked out at the end and the characters got their well-deserved happily-ever-after. I would never steal from you the opportunity to feel all the feels that come with reading this book, so will say nothing further other than to give this book my highest recommendation. I am extremely grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden - A Book Review

  

I absolutely love how all of the Elizabeth Camden books that I have read revolve around the solution to social issues in our country's history. Hearts of Steel focuses on underhanded business practices that hurt small businesses and their employees, and the danger of monopolies. It is set in New York City in the early 1900s. The antagonist is a true character, Charles W. Morse who cornered the ice industry using tactics that closed businesses, and even caused the deaths of some children in orphanages and other sick people from heatstroke both in real life and in this story. Later in his real life, his actions in cornering the copper market would lead to panic on Wall Street and a run on the banks, which eventually led to the creation of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. Reading how Camden's fictional characters battled Morse was truly fascinating. Also like her other books, Camden has included a bit of romance that adds to the tale, yet does not overshadow the heart of the story.

I highly recommend Hearts of Steel, but would suggest that even though it works as a stand-alone read, it will be more thoroughly enjoyed by reading The Blackstone Legacy series in order. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Hearts of Steel from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Dark of Night by Colleen Coble - A Book Review

   

Dark of Night is Coble's second Annie Pederson novel, and I enjoyed it even more than the first. I felt more invested in the characters as Annie continues to work out things with her former fiance as well as deal with the lady who claims to be her little sister who was kidnapped at an early age, all while working on a missing persons case. The suspense is well-developed in each of the storylines. It is always wonderful to visit Rock Harbor and reconnect with the characters who reside there.

I highly recommend this book and author to romantic suspense fans. I have been reading herbooks for years. I do suggest reading the Annie Pederson novels in order, and not as a stand-alone read. I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of Dark of Night from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Critical Threat by Lynette Eason - A Book Review

  

I had told myself that I was going to stop reading books about serial killers, but who can turn down books by Lynette Eason? Well, not me. This one is not as gruesome as some are. The suspense of trying to determine who the killer is, or isn’t, and trying to predict who the next victim might be kept me highly engaged as I grabbed opportunities to continue reading whenever possible. A key theme of this book, developed through the lives of the two main FBI agents, deals with taking responsibility for one’s own behavior and decisions, while not allowing others to make one feel responsible for theirs.

If you are looking for a fast, suspenseful read, I would recommend this book and the two previous books in this series. I am looking forward to the fourth book. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Critical Threat from Revell via LibraryThing without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.  

What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma - A Book Review

  

Of the Liz Tolsma novels I have read, What I Would Tell You is my favorite. I was unfamiliar with what took place in Greece leading up to and during World War II, so I found the story of Mathilda Nissim fascinating although tragic. Pairing it with the story of Tessa Payton in 2019, and sharing pages from both ladies' journals was an excellent way to engage readers even more deeply in Mathilda's story. I was grateful for the manner in which Tolsma cleared up Tessa's confusion, helping the character to realize that the God of the Jews and the God of the Christians is One.

I highly recommend What I Would Tell You, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz - A Book Review

  

I am sure the intensive research required by a novel of this quality was pure pleasure for author Laura Frantz as she visited France and Scotland, including Wedderburn Castle, the home of her Hume ancestors. The Rose and the Thistle includes a great deal of Hume history combined with Frantz's flair for creating a wonderful historical romance. The story is set in the time leading up to and including the Jacobite uprising of 1715, a time when families were sometimes split by their loyalties. Lady Blythe Hedley's Jacobite father works to protect her from the repercussions of his political leanings, imposing on an old family connection with the Hume family, much to the consternation of the new laird, the Earl of Wedderburn. Readers will be intrigued by the power, responsibility, and function of the hierarchy of nobility's role in this story. They will be captivated by the grandeur of the castles and landscapes, and they will be charmed by many of the residents of Wedderburn Castle.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Rose and the Thistle from Revell via LibraryThing without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.