I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker - A Book Review

    

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker make an outstanding writing team. While I had to google the name Satoshi Nakamota and know very little about bitcoin or bots, I thoroughly enjoyed this multi-faceted romantic suspense story. The authors provided enough information to help people like me understand the technology without slowing down the story, allowing us to focus on the intrigue. Katrina Foster's husband was killed in an automobile accident,or so she thought. A year later it looked as if it might not have been an accident. As Katrina investigates, she and her best friend are also dealing with the loss of their jobs and possible criminal charges as their boss flees the country after embezzling company money. Multiple family issues compound Katrina's stress which is surprisingly helped by the presence of a high school friend that she failed to even recognize at first, a friend who was dealing with family problems of his own. This story has a lot of hygge and made me want to experience some for myself, especially as we look forward to cooler weather and a slower-paced schedule.

I Think I Was Murdered is the complete package. I highly recommend it, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

   

I am glad to have finally made the time to read Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey. I have not read the first book they co-wrote, The Swiss Courier, but believe it leads up to this one. That said, Chasing Mona Lisa worked well as a stand-alone read. It is a story of the French Resistance, the liberation of Paris, the subsequent vying for political control of France, and the artwork purloined from the Louvre. It includes a touch of romance, plenty of action, and a wealth of intrigue. While there are mentions of God, the Christian element is not in-your-face, and the book could easily be categorized as clean fiction.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in a giveaway contest. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

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.

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. 

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 23^rd 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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright - A Book Review

  

I have been a Jaime Jo Wright fan since The House on Foster Hill was released in 2017. I have read each of her books released since then, each eerie in its own way. Specters in the Glass House has a mood reminiscent of The House on Foster Hill and The Curse of Misty Wayfair, two of my favorites.

This latest book has dual-timelines. Marian Arnold came to live in the Müllerian Manor near Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1921 after her father's death and bankruptcy, the home in which her mother had died. Remy Crenshaw came to live in the manor in present time having taken a job as research assistant for a famous biographer who wants to write Marian's story. Specters and disembodied voices also populate the manor, a manor where long-ago murders are yet unsolved, and new murders seem likely to occur.

I don't want to spoil the story by revealing the deeper themes, but I assure you that this is no simple ghost story, but rather a tale with weighty matters to ponder. As with each of her books, the reader comes away with a fresh insight or an affirmation of a facet of God's character.

Specters in the Glass House will hold readers captive from the first page to the last. They will find themselves, as I did, repeatedly adjusting their predictions of who the culprit or culprits might be. I am very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this wonderful book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Hope Like Wildflowers by Pepper Basham - A Book Review

  

My prayers go out to author Pepper Basham and her fellow North Carolinians as they are working to recover from the devastation brought on by Hurricane Helene. The book itself is set in this state in the early 1900s. It is the story of the redemption of a teenage mother-to-be who doesn't truly understand what love is intended to be. I was most touched by the ways in which her older and more mature Christian friend ministered to her in such a winsome way as to profoundly impact the young woman's life. While all this may sound a bit preachy, the book does not have that feel at all, especially adding in the family drama and romance that are central to the story. While the events that move this story along create the emotions of anger, angst, and concern, those emotions are overwhelmingly overridden by joy and hope. If those are things you need in your life, or if you just enjoy an encouraging historical read, I highly recommend Hope Like Wildflowers.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Hope Like Wildflowers from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

A Hope Unburied by Kimberley Woodhouse - A Book Review

    

A Hope Unburied is the third and final book in Kimberley Woodhouse's Treasures of the Earth series. This book, like the other books in this series, has a compelling mystery that stirs ones sense of justice, a sweet romance, and a deep theme centered around the historical debate between Creationism and paleontology. The books can be enjoyed in any order.

A Hope Unburied tells the story of Eliza Mills, a paleontologist with the Hall of Dinosaurs at the Carnegie Institute. Eliza, as a woman in a man's profession, had striven to be respected in her field. Now, opportunities are opening up for her, but danger may not be far behind.

I truly enjoyed this book and its series mates. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Hope Unburied from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep - A Book Review

  

Our story begins on a damp night in July of 1888 among the gravestones at St. Sepulchre's in Oxford, England, perfectly setting the mood for this story, a story that involves someone known as the Shadow Broker who buys Egyptian antiquities in the shadows of the evening, someone no one would suspect of such stealth and secrecy, nor of being able to conduct business with disreputable dealers who came about their wares in less than scrupulous ways. In the brighter spots of Oxford, where men and women typically adhere to the rules of society, the author introduces us to two people who are not exactly typical, Ami Dalton who is a bit of an eccentric and Edmund Price who, while being Oxford's most eligible bachelor, avoids the feminine set who vie for his attention. While readers may think they know how historical romance books work, let me assure you finding out how these two get from point A to point B is a fun read with many unexpected turns of event, some hilarious, some angst-filled, and some quite dangerous.

Michelle Griep always provides many hours of reading pleasure with her tales that skillfully combine intrigue, humor, and light out of darkness. Of Gold and Shadows is a delightful example of this. Fans and those new to Griep's writing will be thrilled with this first book in her Time Lost Treasures series. I am grateful to have a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson - A Book Review

  

Madison McDowell returns home from teaching in Mongolia to her late grandparents' Christmas tree farm only to discover that her now-widowed high school boyfriend is living next door and her younger sister has staked her claim on him. If this sounds like a soap opera to you, you wouldn't be far off the mark. While the story is a clean read, it has its share of jealousy, family conflict, manipulation, and drama. Being a novella does not provide ample opportunity for realistic conflict resolution, but as is true for many stories set at Christmastime, it does have a happily ever after evening. You will just have to read the book to see who gets to live happily ever after and who, if anyone, gets left out in the cold.

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

Virginia by Shannon McNear - A Book Review

 

Daughters of the Lost Colony is a wonderful series. In this fourth and final book I have enjoyed journeying with Shannon McNear in her speculative story of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World, who disappeared along with the entire population of the Roanoke Colony. The story was so powerful and vivid that I had to remind myself that, while well-researched, it is a speculative story as nothing is known in history of Virginia following her grandfather's leaving the colony when she was only nine days old to return to England for additional support for Roanoke. McNear portrays her as a young woman of faith who displays great courage and integrity, if also on the untamed side. I highly recommend this book, and suggest reading the first and second book of this series prior to reading this one. The third book feels like a bonus book to the series as it isn't as strongly linked to the Roanoke Colony or the characters we came to know in the first two books. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

When the Mountain Crumbled by Angela K. Couch

     

This fourth book in Barbour Publishing's A Day to Remember series is just as wonderful as its predecessors. Each book tells an account of fictional characters set within the very real events of a North American disaster. The books are well-researched and closely based on actual occurrences. When the Mountain Crumbled is set beginning in April of 1903 in the Crowsnest Valley in Alberta, Canada. It was around 4:10 a.m. on the 29^th of the month when millions of tons of limestone broke off from the side of Turtle Mountain and crashed into the town of Frank, killing more than seventy people. Couch based her characters' experiences on those of real-life people residing in Frank at that time. Samantha, her main character, is a schoolteacher who assumes the care of three sisters after the death of their parents and brothers, eventually sharing the responsibility with the girls' Uncle Nathan, a mounted police officer. The schoolmarm and the Mountie rarely agree on what is best for the girls which leads to a growing sense of tension.

Couch treats the victims of this natural disaster with respect and sensitivity as she develops a story that reveals the impact one's past may have on the lens through which they view the present, and also explores the presence of God in the midst of disaster. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of When the Mountain Crumbled from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation, and feel comfortable recommending it to other fans of historical fiction. All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Heart Beyond by Grace Greene - A Book Review

  

There is a scene in this book where Sam takes Leigh for a ride in the country, asking her to trust him. Initially, a confirmed city girl, Leigh dislikes being out of her comfort zone and wishes to get it over with and to return home. After contemplating all of the reasons she has to trust Sam, she decides to approach this trip with more of an open mind and enjoys herself enough to later return on her own. This scene is a great analogy for my experience with A Heart Beyond. Initially I, who am not a pet person, was not experiencing the same enjoyment that I usually do from a Grace Greene novel, telling my husband that there was just too much focus on the cat. Then it was as though Grace was asking me to trust her. I considered the delight I had taken in the fourteen of her books that I had read over the last six years, and knew that I could indeed trust her to give me a delightful reading experience this time. So, with a more open mind, I continued reading and was not disappointed. The story took some turns that involved both intrigue and romance, and some valuable life lessons about worry and moving forward after hurt and betrayal. It wasn't long before I had a hard time putting the book down. It was a delightful read.

Grace Greene is truly a trusted author, and I highly recommend A Heart Beyond and all of her other novels. It was certainly wonderful to revisit Cub Creek, home of the Wildflower House in this book. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Naturalist's Daughter by Tea Cooper - A Book Review

   

While the main characters in this book are all fictional, I enjoyed being immersed in a tale that placed me in a historical Australian scientific controversy, one that revolved around the acceptance of facts regarding the ornithorhynchus platypus. The story also addresses to a smaller degree England's sending prisoners to colonize Australia. Both stories in this dual-timeline novel work to solve the mystery surrounding former prisoner Rose Winter's heritage. It was very interesting to see how the culture of the day impacted the reasons for secrecy around Rose's family history.

I always keep an eye out for Tea Cooper's books being released in the United State. They are always very enjoyable reads with interesting themes and lots to learn about Australian history. I highly recommend The Naturalist's Daughter and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Harper Muse via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Target Acquired by Lynette Eason - A Book Review

  

Target Acquired is a good, contemporary who-done-it read. While it is a dual timeline story, the focus is definitely on the members of the SWAT team in the contemporary setting. The importance of the 1940s story is not readily apparent until the contemporary storyline has been developed. As I read, there were times I almost felt startled when the attention returned to 1947, having momentarily forgotten it was even connected. While Target Acquired could be classified as romantic suspense, the romance part is more of a what-if rather than a sizzling story component. While it is also considered Christian fiction, it mostly depicts Christians living a wholesome lifestyle, with the majority of references to God or Jesus being included in intercessory prayers for help and statements of gratitude for God’s intervention. There are no overarching Christian themes that I could identify. That said, it is an engaging, entertaining story that held my interest. I feel comfortable recommending this book and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

  

Between the Sound and Sea becomes a dual timeline story mostly through the memories of octogenarian Finnegan Walter O'Hare, AKA Walt. In the early 1940s sixteen-year-old Walt left his best friend, Cay, behind as he left to join the merchant marines. It was the last time he saw her because she was reported to have disappeared the same night his ship was blown out of the water. Her father was found dead not long after, and so rumors about the father and daughter began. In 2007, Walt is still looking for ways to make things right.

Both story lines are interesting and well-thought-out. Each has its share of love, tragedy, and loss. The overall theme of restoration is well-done. The characters are ones that readers will come to care about. I highly recommend all of Amanda Cox's books. They are rich in excellent writing and deep themes. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Between the Sound and Sea from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Sheltering You by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

  

I have given more of Robin Patchen's books a five star review than those of any other author. I would like to be able to give Sheltering You more than five. Not only is the suspense masterfully written, I got so much out of seeing the Christian life lived out and thought through by someone who risked her life by choosing to truly embrace Christ and God's Word. Sometimes we don't treasure things that are so easily come by and cost us little, and we take far too much for granted. This book also gave me an enhanced perspective of the essence of freedom. It changed the way I pray daily for the persecuted church and the type of awakening I pray for churches in America.

Sheltering You would be a perfect selection for a book club with its deep themes and contemporary social issues. I do however, recommend reading this series, The Wright Heroes of Maine, in order to get the greatest understanding and most enjoyment from each book. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano - A Book Review

  

I am a longtime Jen Turano fan. I recommend her books quite frequently, especially to those who are looking for a fun, lighthearted read or a book to get them over a reading slump. I will be a bit more cautious about recommending this one. Meeting Her Match goes beyond fun and lighthearted into corny and silly. The interesting mystery of identifying would-be-kidnappers quickly fell to the wayside until the last quarter of the book. I would especially caution residents of Appalachia and those who hold the region in special affection. I do look forward to Turano's next book. She has too many wonderful books under her belt for me not to anticipate another wonderful one.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Meeting Her Match from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse - A Book Review

  

My husband read this book weeks ago, and I admire his ability to stay mum about how good it was and not sharing details as he read, waiting for me to have time on my reading calendar for a purchased book between books from NetGalley. I would have had a difficult time not sharing about this wonderful, high tech, cyber crime mystery. While cyber attacks on infrastructure would be devastating anywhere, such things would be particularly deadly during Alaskan winters. Darcie Phillips, newly hired Emergency Operations Center director, was tasked with having systems in place to protect lives in her assigned region should any type of emergency occur. Before the new center was even fully operational, things rapidly became real, real serious that is. With the support of her small team Darcie must defy all odds to fulfill her obligation.

I highly recommend this intense, fast-paced, surprise-laden, suspense novel, and I look forward to reading the next installment in Woodhouse's Alaskan Cyber Hunter series, 8 Down.

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh - A Book Review

  

Providence brings Kelsey and Georgina together in a totally unexpected way. The near-death experience of one and the imminent death of the other helps them forge an unusual relationship as they both contemplate all of the things they have missed in life by saying no. Walsh helps her readers understand the importance of saying yes when it means living life to its fullest. She also urges them to examine and adjust their priorities.

This story wasn't my typical read. I enjoyed it, but wouldn't say I was passionate about it. I did appreciate the themes of the story. The writing was crisp and flowed smoothly. I feel comfortable recommending it to readers who enjoy contemporary women's fiction. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Summer of Yes from Thomas Nelson without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.