Friday, December 14, 2018

In Too Deep by Lynn Blackburn


" In my experience, its not about how big our faith is, what matters is how big our God is" - Dr. Sabrina Fleming, In Too Deep by Lynn Blackburn.





 Hi Readers!
I cannot believe that it's been over a month since I wrote to you. I struggled with an eye issue that caused me not to be able to look at a computer, phone or even "gasp" read. But, praise the Lord, I'm doing much better and am thrilled to pieces to show you my latest "Must Read" In Too Deep by Lynn Blackburn!

In Too Deep is book two of the Dive Team Investigations and although it's part of a series, you can definitely read it as a standalone. I would recommend this book if you:
  • like to read Romantic suspense similar to those written by Lynette Eason and Dani Pettrey,
  • have read the first book in the series, Beneath the Surface
  • like to watch tv shows like CSI or NCIS
  • want to check out a new author 
  • just want to read an amazing book! 

Here's the story,
Dr. Sabrina Fleming is a computer expert who's been assisting the Carrington County Sheriff's office for about two years. In that time, she's had the pleasure of getting to know Investigator Adam Campbell  and his team and has sensed that she was becoming friends with Adam, but nothing more then the average friendship. When she gets a call on a Sunday afternoon that someone drove their car off a bridge, she immediately heads over there to see if she can offer any assistance. After arriving on the scene, Sabrina finds out that the case just became very personal to Adam because the victim had written a message that said "They killed me, ask Adam Campbell." When Sabrina asks Adam about the victim, she finds that he had met her earlier this week when the woman had asked to speak with him; however, he had rescheduled the meeting because his schedule was full. Being tasked with searching the victim's computers, she finds that the victim appeared to have been a good upstanding citizen - on the surface. When Sabrina starts to dig deeper into the victim's life, she finds that she may have stumbled on something horrible... something evil, that has been happening right under everyone's noses.

Investigator Adam Campbell has been slowly falling in love with Dr. Sabrina Fleming ever since he met her two years prior; however, she does not appear to have the same feelings so he's never asked her out. Now however,  he has bigger things to worry about then his love life or lack thereof. The first thing he cannot seem to figure out is why the victim was so adamant to talk to him and not any of the other investigators. While assisting Sabrina with researching the victim's past, they find a connection between the victim, Adam's family and a possible human trafficking ring that has been going on for years: however, the more they uncover, the more danger they seem to find - especially after Sabrina is attacked multiple times. After the attacks, the message seems clear, they need to stop investigating or they would be forced to stop - by any means necessary. 

What did I think?
As I mentioned before, this is the second book in the Dive Team Investigations series; however, it could also be read as a stand alone. I really enjoyed reading the first book in the series and have been looking forward to reading the sequel and I want to tell you that I was not disappointed. I thoroughly  enjoyed diving deeper into Adam and Sabrina's stories (because they are introduced in the first book; however they are side characters so we don't know get to know much about them.. until now) and I loved watching their relationship transition from being just friends to____ (whoops! can't put any spoilers) There are a lot twists and turns within the story and the intriguing plot keeps going until the very last word on the last page. When I finished the book, I felt like I'd been served a plate of non- stop action with a side of mystery. Overall I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars (can you give more then 5 stars to a book? If so, I would rate this book at least an 8 )


Readers, don't forget to check out Lynn's other books, especially the first book in the Dive Team Investigations series, Beneath the Surface. Here is the link if you want more information!
http://lynnhblackburn.com/books/



I would like to thank author Lynn Blackburn and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing group for giving me a free copy in exchange for a free copy. I was not required to write a favorable review just and honest one.  

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher

"Henry, this fortune... this sudden wealth... I fear it will change our lives... and I do not want my life to change."




Hi Readers,
I just wanted to take a quick second and show you my last "Must Read" for October, which is The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher . The Light Before Day is a Historical Fiction set in Nantucket Island in the year 1840 and I would recommend this book if you:

  • Have read any books by Suzanne Woods Fisher, especially the first two books in the Nantucket Legacy series (this is book three in the series) 
  • Like to read books by similar authors Beverly Lewis and Beth Wiseman.
  • Just want to check out an awesome story or a new author! 
Here's the story, 
Henry Macy and his sister Hitty are shocked when they find out that their grandmother left them her entire fortune after she died. It was really surprising to them because they did not have a good relationship with their grandmother. Finding out that there are conditions to keeping the inheritance, Henry and Hitty are hesitant at first to accept the inheritance; however, they accept their grandmother’s terms, because if they fail or refuse the inheritance, the entire fortune would go to Tristram Macy (a relative who had stolen from Henry and Hitty's father)   Determined to do everything possible to keep the inheritance, Henry and Hitty move into their Grandmothers house and do their best to fulfill the conditions given. Since they both do not desire to be rich, they decide to use the money they were given to make Nantucket Island better by starting a newspaper, investing in life saving inventions and  having cobblestones installed on Main St; however, not everyone is happy with the changes.

Hitty has been trying to secure Isaac’s attentions for years and she is starting to think that it is hopeless. She has always felt like she wasn't as pretty as the others on the island because she was curvy instead of slender, so when Benjamin Folger, a law clerk who is assisting them with their inheritance starts paying special attention to her, she is thrilled; however, she feels like something is off, or that something is missing. Hitty is unsure about pursuing a relationship[p with Ben because every time she sees Isaac, she feels like her insides have turned to mush and she knows that she still loves Isaac; however, she does love the attention that Ben is paying her. How will she know if Ben really loves her for her and not for her fortune? 

As Henry and Hitty try to use their grandmother's fortune to the best of their ability, they discover that sometimes God gives us exactly what we need, when we need it. Will they be able to meet all the conditions of the inheritatance or will they forfeit the inheritance to the man who stole everything from their family?


So what did I think? 
As I mentioned before, this is book three in the Nantucket Legacy series; however, it could also be read as a standalone (I personally would recommend reading the first two books because it helps and enhances the story to know a bit about the history of the characters) I love how the characters use words like "thee" and "thy", which adds so much depth and personality to them. I really liked the subtle twists and turns in the story and the attention to historical detail  is amazing.  One of the best parts in this series is reading snippets of Great Mary's journal and seeing the characters learn from the mistakes made in the past. Overall I think that this might be one of the best series that Mrs. Fisher has ever written and I give this book 5 out of 5 stars *****


Readers, if you want to check out this book or any of Mrs.Fisher's other books, Here's the link: 

Happy Reading :) 


I would like to thank Revell , A division of Baker Publishing Group for allowing me to review this book in exchange for a free copy, I was not required to write a favorable review, just an honest one.

Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon



The most dangerous enemy is the one who has nothing to lose






Hi again readers!
I have my second October "Must Read" for you to check out and we are switching gears from an easy and fun contemporary romance to a nail-biting, edge of your seat romantic suspense novel. The second "Must Read" for October is Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon!  I would recommend this book if you:

  • Like to read any books by Irene Hannon (especially her romantic suspense) or have read the first book in the "Code of Honor" series.
  • Like to read books by similar authors, Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason and Lisa Harris.
  • Just want to read a new book or check out a new author! 
Well, here is the story. 
Kristin Dane just wanted to do her part to make the world a better place. After serving time in the Peace Corps, Kristin has finally made her dream of making an impact in the world a reality when she is able to open WorldCraft, a retail store that only sells goods made in small countries around the world. She has been open now for two years and is amazed at how well the items are selling and she loves being able to help the people that live in such poverty stricken places. One of the items that she sells are candles that are made at a Monastery in Syria and they have been one of her best sellers; however, in a blink of an eye, everything can change. One day after being off for the weekend to attend her best friends wedding, Kristin comes into the shop to discover that someone murdered her clerk. The strangest thing is that, the store does not appeared to have been robbed, it just looked like someone had been looking for something. Was this pre-meditated murder or just someone in the wrong-place-at-the-wrong-time? Partnering with local law-enforcement, Kristin finds herself working with Detective Luke Carter, a very handsome, yet professional detective that she has had the privilege to meet once before...

Detective Luke Carter is thrilled that he gets to work with Kristin Dane who has been on his mind ever since he met her at a co-workers wedding. Don't get him wrong though, of course, he wished it was under different circumstances; however, he is determined to remain professional while working on the investigation. The murder of her clerk does not make sense since there is no evidence of a robbery; however as Luke starts to pull away some layers, he finds something that could be scarier then anything they could have imagined -that somehow, Kristin's little shop may have ties to terrorism. The question is, if so, how and is Kristin working with them or is she just a unwilling participant being used by an evil mastermind? Partnering with the FBI, Luke and Kristin uncover a horrific plan that includes funding terrorists who are bent on attacking the USA.

Will they be able to discover who is behind this evil plot in time to save several lives, including Kristin's?

What did I think?
First I want to let you know that this book is the second book in the Code of Honor series, but it can also be read as a standalone. I want to say that although I have always loved reading Irene Hannon's books, This series is shaping out to be my ultimate favorite that she has written. I love the characters, especially reading about the close relationship that the "Treehouse gang" shared and how they would bug and tease each other, but the second one of them needed help or just needed someone to talk to, they would drop everything (if possible) and come over. I have to say though that my favorite part of the story was when both Kristin and Luke patched up their almost-estranged relationship with their parents and that even though, the world was spinning around them, God still helped them both to find a bit of peace in a storm of turmoil. Overall, although there is blood mentioned when discussing the murder of Kristin's clerk, there is nothing graphic or gory about this book and I give it 5 out of 5 stars*****.


Hey Readers, make sure that you check this book out and some of her other books by clicking on the link below!
https://www.irenehannon.com/books.html




                                                                         Happy Reading :)




I would like to thank Revell , A division of Baker Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to review this book in exchange for a free copy, I was not required to write a favorable review, just a honest one.

A Sparkle Of Silver by Liz Johnson




Uncovering the past can lead to an unexpected future...






Hi Readers!
It has been a quick and busy October and I cannot stand when I wait until the very last minute to finish something. Is there anyone else out there that does the same thing? Well, better late (or rather last minute) then never :)  I have three AMAZING new books to add to your October " Must Read" list and the first one is... A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson!  A Sparkle of Silver is a contemporary romance set in beautiful historic St. Simon's Island GA. I would recommend this book if you:

  • Like or have read any books by Liz Johnson
  • Like to read books by similar authors Irene Hannon and Becky Wade
  • Like to watch Hallmark movies (the book is a lot better then a Hallmark Movie, but if you like them, then you will love the book)
  • Just want to read a new book or check out a new author!
Well, here is the story. 
Millie Sullivan feels like she owes her grandmother the world, especially after her parents left her, and her grandparents stepped in and basically adopted her; however, ever since her grandmother got sick and had to go to a nursing home, funds have been incredibly tight. Millie feels like she will never make enough money to support herself and get her grandmother into a nursing home where she will be more comfortable. Then as if she did not have enough stress on her plate, the nursing home informs Millie that she has only ninety days to find a new home for her grandmother before they kick her out. Millie is devastated and is desperate to find a solution. Then her grandmother mentions that her mother was a guest at the historic Chateau Dawkins in the 1920's and that she hid a journal that contained a secret, a secret that could change their lives and possibly get Millie the money to move her grandmother. Getting a job as a re-enactment actress, she starts looking around for the journal; however it may prove difficult with security always watching her every move... 

Security guard Ben Thornton is surprised to find one of the actresses snooping around the library at the Chateau and immediately moves to turn her in - until she mentions that she knows of a hidden treasure and the clues are in her great grandmother's journal. The mention of a treasure that Millie is willing to share, prompts Ben to cover for her, especially since Ben is desperate for funds so he can repay those that his mother stole from. Agreeing to be "partners", Millie and Ben discreetly search the journal for clues; however the clock is ticking and the more information they find in the journal, the more it seems hopeless that they will ever find the treasure. Will they be able to find the answers that they both desperately seek in time?

What did I think? 
First I just want to say that I typically do not read "contemporary romance" but I love the way Liz Johnson writes. I have read all of her previous books and was excited when this one came out. Anyway, A Sparkle of Silver is book one in the Georgia Coast Romance series and it is fabulous. I love how the characters are so realistic and each have there own issues, yet are selfless enough to want to put their lives on hold to help others. I also liked how the romance was threaded throughout the story instead of "Boom! they both fall in love". There was also some great biblical truths woven within the story that give the plot another layer to uncover. Overall, I loved this book and cannot wait to read the next one in the series. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars *****

Hey Readers, if you want to check out more info on this book or any of Liz's other books, here is the link!
https://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/books/


Happy Reading :) 



I would like to thank Revell , A division of Baker Publishing Group for allowing me to review this book in exchange for a free copy, I was not required to write a favorable review, just a honest one.

Sunday, September 30, 2018

A Secret To Die For by Lisa Harris


"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)









Hi Readers! I am so excited to show you my latest "Must Read" for September - A Secret To Die For by Lisa Harris. A Secret to Die For is a nail-biting suspense story that is a "can't sleep because I want to read just one chapter kind of  book" and I would recommend it if you:

  • have read any other books by Lisa Harris,
  • like to read books by similar authors Dani Pettrey, Irene Hannon and Lynette Eason,
  • like to watch TV shows like CSI Miami or NCIS,
  • want to check out a new author,
  • just want to read an amazing new book!

So here's the story,
Psychologist Grace Callahan had no idea how much trouble her client, Stephen Shaw was in. She knew he was worried about some work that he was doing for the FBI and that he felt like someone was following him, but she thought that he was just being paranoid - well, at least  she did until someone broke into her house demanding the key that Stephen had given her. Grace was puzzled that someone would think Stephen gave her anything; however, she could not ask him about it because she was approached shortly after the break in by two homicide detectives who informed her that Stephen had been murdered that very night. Determined to find justice for Stephen, Grace volunteers to help the detectives find the key even though she has no idea what it is and how to help.  After listening to a voicemail that Stephen left her moments before he died, she realized that Stephen had a back up plan all along and that he trusted her enough to leave her the key that could stop a horrific attack on the nations power grid. Working with an old friend (detective Nate Quinn) and his partner Paige, Grace tries to piece together her conversations with Stephen to see if she can find any clues as to what he was working on and who he was working for; however, the more they look into Stephen's past, the more confusing things look. Was Stephen a good guy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time or was he knowingly assisting in a terrorist plot?

Detective Nate Quinn was shocked when he saw his old friend Grace Callahan was connected to the murder he was investigating. After learning that the victim left Grace the key needed to put a terrorist plan into motion, they soon discover that they are running out of time, because if the wrong people get their hands on Stephens key, they could be looking at a massive terrorist attack on the power grid. Will they be able to follow the clues and stop the impeding attack in time or will Stephen's sacrifice end up being in vain. Guess you will have to read the book to find out.

What did I think? 
This book was fantastic! I really loved the nail-biting suspense, the well written plot and of course the characters, especially Grace. I know that both the story and the characters are fiction and this specific story never happened; however it still broke my heart when I read about how Grace lost her daughter and then her husband in such a short period of time, but it was so encouraging to read about God pulling her out of her despair and helping her to use her experiences to help others. This is one of those stories that capture your attention from the first page and doesn't let go until the very last word and I would recommend this book to everyone. Overall I think that this book is definitely a "Must Read" and give it 5 out of 5 stars. *****


Hey Readers don't forget, if you want more information on this book or any of Lisa's other books, here's the link http://www.lisaharriswrites.com/books/






Happy Reading :) 



I would like to thank Revell , A division of Baker Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to review this book in exchange for a free copy, I was not required to write a favorable review, just a honest one.


Sunday, August 19, 2018

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano


 “I can only take so much pruning, why is God doing this to me? He’s pruning the very life out of me.” “No, he’s bringing you to life; it takes a harsh summer to yield abundance in the vineyards. Perhaps this is your summer.”   Tressa and Donegan, A Rumored Fortune.


Hi Readers!

As promised in my last post, I have my second 'Must Read' for this month and it is one of my new favorites! A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano is a Historical Romance novel sent in a beautiful vineyard in Somerset, England in the year 1866. I would recommend this book if you:

  •         Have read Mrs. Joanna's first book Lady Jayne Disappears.
  •         Like to read historical fiction.
  •         Want to check out an amazing new author.
  •         Just want to read a new book!

Here is the story,
Tressa Harlowe and her mother have been summoned back to their home at Trevelyan Castle. When they arrive, they are given the devastating news that Tressa's father was killed in a boating accident; however, his body has not been found yet. Tressa is heart broken by the news because she had always dreamed of having a close relationship with her father and now she would never get that chance. Unfortunately, she doesn't have much time to grieve, because it appears that her father had several debts that needed to be paid and he had not paid any of the workers their wages. Of course, when things could not seem to get any worse, Tressa discovers that her father hid his entire fortune and no one knew where to find it. Because of that Tressa and her mother didn't have enough money to keep their beloved vineyard running or to pay their employees. The only solution was to find the treasure before anyone else did. Tressa immediately starts looking for clues as to where her father would have hidden his treasure, but it's so hard to look for something when you have no idea what it looks like. Tressa figures that she can find the treasure faster by using her father's notebooks; however since all the notes were written in Welsh, she partners with Donegan Vance, the new manager of the vineyard who happens to be the only one that she knew that could read and write in Welsh.  Even though they both cannot stand each other, they decide to work together as allies, so they could have a better chance of finding the treasure before their house guests. Donegan also has another reason for keeping Tressa close but you will have to read the book to find out what it is...


What did I think?
Well, I’ve never read anything by this author before, but I decided to be adventurous and check it out anyway and I am so glad that I did!  I liked everything about the book and I have to say that, although I have not read many books that are written in the first person, I loved the way this book was written. Since it was written in the first person, it gives so much depth to the story, because it feels like Tressa is telling you the story personally.  You can sense the heartache about her father’s death, the betrayal when it seems like everyone cares more about the hidden treasure than the fact that her father just died and finally the love that she discovers at the end of the story. I was thrilled to see that both Tressa and Donegan had a relationship with God that showed not only in their words, but in their actions as well. Overall, I think that this book is a definite "Must Read" and give it 5 out of 5 stars! *****


Readers, if you want more information about this book or her other book Lady Jayne Disappears (which I just bought), here is the link!



Here is the book trailer if you want to check it out! 


Happy Reading :)  


I would like to thank Revell , A division of Baker Publishing Group for allowing me to review this book in exchange for a free copy, I was not required to write a favorable review, just a honest one.