Shadowing You by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

  

The first adjective that comes to mind when describing Shadowing You is unexpected. The main characters, especially the Wright cousin, was not one I had anticipated. The love interest was also a pleasant surprise. I have really enjoyed the foreign settings in the Wright Heroes of Maine; this one was of personal interest to me as it is my granddaughter's country of origin.

The suspense as the main characters are on the run from someone with lots of contacts and influence in the government is very well written. The author's knowledge of both city life and village life made the characters' escapades even more realistic. The core of this story though centers on relationships and commitment, not only between married couples, but also between parents and adult children. Relationships that are worth preserving, even when it would be easier to walk away. Of course, this theme must include a focus on forgiveness and the willingness to try again.

Robin Patchen is a master of keeping readers spellbound while also conveying deep truths. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Shadowing You from JDO Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

On the Edge of Trust by Patricia Bradley - A Book Review

 

Intense, heart-pounding action from start to finish! Crime reporter turned podcaster Tori Mitchell and FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair are thrown together as they seek to discover who has it out for Tori, and who committed a murder and allowed someone else to take the fall years ago. Bradley intertwines a themes of addiction recovery, the impact addiction has on friends and family, and the difficulty of restoring relationships and trust within a story of romance and suspense. This inclusion of deep, sensitive themes significantly enhances a novel that has all the elements of a great romantic suspense story. I am happy to be able to recommend On the Edge of Trust and this fantastic author of whom I have been a big fan for years. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Dark Design by Nancy Mehl - A Book Review

  

Author, and former St. Louis police officer, Erin Delaney moved to the small town of Sanctuary located in the Smoky Mountains seeking a more peaceful existence. She had her border collie, Chester, with her and they had been befriended by the local police chief, Adrien Nightengale and his golden retriever, Jake. After Erin was called to Fredericksburg, Virginia to assist in an investigation into a serial killer, strange things began to happen back in Sanctuary. Was there a connection? Was Erin being targeted, or were the events circumstantial? Readers will enjoy following Erin's investigation along with her friends Kaely and Noah in Virginia and Adrian's miles away.

Nancy Mehl has once again given readers a spine tingling serial killer thriller that surprisingly leads to deep spiritual insights: insights into life after death, into the freedom of living without a spirit of fear, and into the light God brings into our lives when we accept His gift of grace. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Dark Design from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Duplicity by Lisa Phillips - A Book Review

  

I received a complimentary copy of Duplicity from author Lisa Phillips, introducing me to her Benson First Responders series. While it is book eight, I was able to understand and enjoy the story without any confusion. Computer genius Simon Olson works for Vanguard, an elite investigative agency, trying to make up for things he had done under duress as a teenager. School Resource Officer Catalina Alvarez had found a place to continue to serve after being shot and watching her partner die when having responded to a robbery in progress call. Simon and Cat's paths cross as he goes undercover outside of his duties at Vanguard pursuing a lead in his own personal investigation. As a pattern of missing girls emerges, the two begin to work together, and maybe something a little more.

Duplicity is a quick, Christian, romantic suspense read, only 239 pages. The plot jumps around a bit, but comes together well in the end. The author creates a great sense of urgency throughout the story. The characters persistently seek justice at great personal cost. Tension rides high. Enough of the main protagonists' back stories are provided to build a desire in the reader for them to find closure on their old lives and to start something new. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Murder in the Appalachians by Susan Furlong - A Book Review

 

If you are looking for a quick romantic suspense with lots of action and multiple plot lines, this is the book for you. Even though it isn't a long book, Furlong does a wonderful job of connecting readers with her characters, building compassion for them, and placing readers in her story's setting. It is amazing how well she is able to build on the deep themes of grief, suffering, and rebuilding one's faith in such a limited number of pages. The story is well written with regard to the mechanics of writing as well as with regard to the art of writing. Our two protagonists are each grieving the absence of a sibling, and wrestling with the unanswered questions regarding the reasons behind that absence. Together they search for answers, never abandoning their search in spite of life threatening consequences. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Murder in the Appalachians from Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

 

Defending the Child by Sharon Dunn - A Book Review

  

Sharon Dunn has gifted readers with non-stop action in Defending the Child. Marielle Coleman, a child psychologist, encounters her former fiance and DEA agent, Graham Flynn, as she strives to protect her foster son from the man who murdered his mother. Chaos ensues. The themes of God's timing and the ways He uses suffering and loss are woven into this story, leaving readers to ponder their own response to these themes within their own lives. On a personal note, I was also reading Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul David Tripp as I read this book. It was amazing how the themes of these two books, one fiction and one non-fiction, interplayed with one another, enriching the impact of the fictional tale.

I recommend Defending the Child for fans of romantic suspense in need of a quick read. By giving the male and female protagonists a past relationship, the author is able to speed up the relationship building process without sacrificing the authenticity or integrity of the characters. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley without obligation. 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker - A Book Review

   

What a wonderful collaborative effort! I have not previously read any of Rick Acker's work, but have enjoyed many of Colleen Coble's over the years. I enjoyed being back in the Pelican Harbor area and Coble's inclusion of some cameo appearances of characters from her Pelican Harbor series. This is the second book that I have read lately that includes portions told from the viewpoint of an unidentified character. It is a tool for building the mystery of who done it as readers try to pair the person's monologue to the traits of known characters, a tool that has its place in the mystery genre, but one I hope does not become over-used. The premise of the mystery, one of embezzlement and smuggling, could easily be pulled from today's headlines. The themes around the struggle to create balance between family and work, and the weight of grief on relationships add depth to the story. The pace of the story is perfect, the authors' ability to evoke emotion stellar, and the character development well-done.

I recommend What We Hide, and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

The Hudson Collection by Jocelyn Green - A Book Review

  

Elsa Reisner is an ornithologist with the American Museum of Natural History in New York City in the mid-1920s. She was surprised when her job took her to an old estate on the Hudson River to examine a large collection of stuffed birds that had been willed to the museum. While her job was to determine the condition of the birds, Elsa became involved in so much more, including the lives of the gardener and her daughter. Luke Dupont worked for the family architectural salvage company. He was working at the estate dissembling rooms to later be sold to interested clients. His plans had not included becoming involved with a young ornithologist and her plans to help an aging gardener and her special needs daughter, plans that include solving the mystery of a missing medieval aviary worth a great deal of money.

Jocelyn Green's latest series, On Central Park, is wonderful with great intrigue and suspense. The actual historical events add so much to the drama of the stories. This second book is equally as good as the first. The tension between the main characters and their friends, and the less compassionate and far more greedy characters in the story causes a great deal of angst for Green's readers, the good kind, the kind that compels one to keep reading long after they should be in bed asleep.

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

Hidden in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard - A Book Review

   

This conclusion to Goddard's Missing in Alaska series is an adventurous story. It even includes a storyline involving a lost manuscript written by the Alaska adventure writer Jack London, along with storylines about a missing granddaughter, a murdered uncle, blackmail, sabotage, and black ops operators, along with a touch of romance. This book has it all! Readers will be compelled to keep reading until all the facts are sorted out, and there are so many facts that they muddy the waters more than clear them up. The book is written in typical Goddard fashion, and her fans won't be disappointed.

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

Secondary Target by Angela Carlisle - A Book Review

  

I am so happy that Secondary Target is the first book of a new series, and I have other books to look forward to. Angela Carlisle has done an incredible job of plotting this romantic suspense with a second chance romance trope. The suspense definitely takes precedence over the romance, so if you are not a fan of romance, don't let that deter you from reading this book. I'm not often surprised by an ending to the degree I was by this book's ending. That in itself is good enough for me to recommend it so highly, but the characters and believable dialogue are additional reasons. This will be a great summer night or beach read if you are picking it up soon after release, but will be an equally good chilly night read snuggled up under a blanket with a hot beverage if you are coming across it later.

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

Finding You by Robin Patchen - A Book Review

 

Finding You is the third book in Robin Patchen's The Wright Heroes of Maine series. This is a wonderful series, The second book, Rescuing You, and this one are two of my most favorite Patchen books. As one of my favorite authors, that is saying a lot. In this story Professor Bryan White travels to Germany to get a look at some Middle Eastern antiquities before they were put on display in a museum in Munich. Little did he know what the ramifications of this visit would be professionally and personally as he is not the only one seeking to examine this group of artifacts, and not everyone's motives are academic. Sophia Chapman is in Maine visiting her friend, Leila, Bryan's future sister-in-law. She just so happens to design exhibits at the very museum housing the Middle Eastern antiquities Bryan longs to examine. Sophia's childhood had left her confused about many things, but most importantly about what gives her life worth. The theme of personal worth is a major component of this story. The theme is developed through a story of adventure and courage, as is that of the proper place of works in the life of a Christian. I highly recommend Finding You and the other books in The Wright Heroes of Main series. Readers will find themselves holding their breath, experiencing moments of angst, feeling sentimental, and cheering on those finding themselves in unexpected circumstances. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Book Funnel without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

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Trapped in Yosemite by Dana Mentink - A Book Review

  

With dozens of books to her name, surprisingly Dana Mentink is a new-to-me author. I will be on the look out for her titles in the future. Trapped in Yosemite is a wonderful suspense novel. I don't usually like books in which the romance develops too quickly, in this book that wasn't an issue as Von Sharpe and Stella Rivers has once been engaged. That ended eighteen months before an earthquake and a murderer threw them back together. Finding their way in extreme circumstances and adjusting to the changes that had occurred in their lives over their time apart both helped and hindered in defining their new relationship, or if there was ever to be a relationship. Being trapped at the Mountain Dog Wilderness Guides Camp with dwindling resources, fractious campers, and a murderer lurking about with his sights on Stella, caused a roller coaster of emotions in both Von and Stella, and that wasn't even the half of it! Mentink has written a believable suspense story that highlights God's grace and His willingness to give repentant people second chances, something we need to be willing to do as well.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Trapped in Yosemite from Harlequin via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.