The Heart's Choice by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse - A Book Review

   

The Heart's Choice, book one of Peterson and Woodhouse's newest series, The Jewels of Kalispell, is a delightful read. The sweetness and naivete of Rebecca Whitman, the humor associated with Marvella Ashberry, and the wholesome drive of Mark Andrews combine to make a story of love, faith, and perseverance that will entrance readers. As a bonus the story has intrigue that will have readers invested in the apprehension of a murderer who has infiltrated Kalispell.

The Heart's Choice is an inspiration for those who seek to share the gospel, and would be a great gift for friends and family who are exploring becoming a Christian. Questions asked by Rebecca are answered with clear, honest responses. These same questions are asked by many today.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Heart's Choice from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Libyan Diversion by Joel C. Rosenberg - A Book Review

  

Non-stop action! Just when you think all is lost, there is hope. Once you think there is hope, the bottom falls out. Joel C. Rosenberg puts his characters and his readers through the wringer, but readers can't help but love it! Terrorists are once again posing a significant threat on American soil. Marcus Ryker and his team are the country's best hope of thwarting that threat, but sometimes the same government that he is working so hard to protect is the one that is tying his hands.

I give this book five stars and am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley - A Book Review

   

I am a big fan of Patricia Bradley's romantic suspense stories. I am glad to have read Counter Attack, although I wouldn't say it ranks among my favorite of her books. While there is a good suspense to romance ratio, the main characters are likable, and there is a lot of action, it was a bit too simple to identify the bad guy. Maybe the author wanted us to know and just wanted us to follow the investigators to see how they put the pieces together. Counter Attack was worth the time I spent engaged with the story. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart - A Book Review

  

Ann H. Gabhart has written a perfect mixture of historical fiction, mystery, and just a touch of romance. As always her characters are unique and memorable. There are those readers will love and root for, and those they will hope are foiled in their efforts. Jacci Reed's life has been filled with secrets since her birth; secrets that she had tried to put behind her as a young child always seemed to hover around the edges of her awareness. Now at the age of twenty those secrets have placed her in danger, with no way of knowing from which way the danger would arise.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading In the Shadow of the River. Ann H. Gabhart is one of those authors whose work I try never to pass up. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Swindler's Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee - A Book Review

  

Set in 1912 Georgia, The Swindler's Daughter takes place over two months time in the life of Lillian Doyle. The story begins as Lillian learns that not only was her mother never wed, but the father she had been told died many years ago had, in fact, only recently passed away leaving everything to her. There may be those in the small town of Dawsonville who are less than happy to learn of Floyd Jackson's daughter and his new will. Lillian must learn to navigate situations with people much different from those around whom she was raised, people whose motives and choices she questions as they question hers.

Stephenia H. McGee focuses this story on the difficulties many experience in understanding God's will for their lives. She addresses the complications created by fear, uncertainty, the desire for control, and the presence of misfortune. She also addresses the blessings that come not only at the end of the journey, but also those that are discovered along the way. I was blessed by this story and am pleased to recommend it to others. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Swindler's Daughter from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Keys to Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson - A Book Review

  

Candice Sue Patterson skillfully intertwines the present day storyline with the one set in the mid- to late-1800s. Andrea Andrews' job as a journalist for Smithsonian Magazine thrives on historical research, especially if a mystery is involved, and even more so if it might lead to a promotion. Currently she must supplement her income waitressing at an upscale restaurant in New York City. That is where she meets Beau Davidson-Quincy. Although, she does not initially recognize the gubernatorial candidate. Beau welcomes the opportunity to help Andrea solve a mystery involving counterfeit money in order to get to know her better.

Edward and Franklin Davidson might have been almost identical twins, but there were no similarities in their personalities nor in their moral compass. Franklin was a Civil War hero, Edward a swindler and a counterfeiter. It has been a long time since I have read a book in which the author spent so much of the story developing the character of the antagonist. In this case it was time well-spent. While Edward seemed to have gotten away with perpetrating great evil, will his exploits come back to haunt his descendants?

This truly engrossing mystery brings about a gambit of emotions. The author reveals information at just the right time, and keeps the reader totally in the palm of her hand. I highly recommend The Keys to Gramercy Park and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.