Deadly Encounter by DiAnn Mills - with a Giveaway!

DiAnn Mills has done it again! Her newest novel, Deadly Encounter, is the first book in her new "FBI Task Force" series. I'm sure the next book, which releases in Spring of 2017 will be just as powerful as this one.

Blurb from the Back:

IS IT MERE COINCIDENCE, 
OR PART OF A CAREFULLY ORCHESTRATED PLAN?

Airport ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston's airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man's motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.
     
Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidents that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted. As a health emergency endangers Sgtacy's community and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly ecounter.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book. from the first couple of pages I knew I wasn't going to be able to put this book down until I had turned the last page. This novel is fast paced with a plot line that is intricately woven and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

Stacy Broussard is a veterinarian who also volunteers as an airport ranger. Which means on Saturday mornings she saddles up a horse and rides the perimeter of the airport making sure all is well and no one is up to something they shouldn't be. As the book starts, she is heading to the stables to meet other volunteers to go for their ride. All volunteers must never ride alone. When Stacy arrives there is no one else there. She sends each one a text asking where they are and finds none of them are coming. So, even though it is against the rules, she heads out alone. That is when she comes upon a dean man, holding the leash of a dog, the man's motorcycle and an armed drone. Now the question is what does this all mean? I found myself trying to figure out what everything had to do with each other. It was like trying to figure out a puzzle. You'll be amazed at how the author weaves all these things together and delivers a wonderful believable story. 

I loved the characters in this book. Stacy Broussard, is a strong character with a passion for animals and one very intelligent young man by the name of Whitt. Alex LeBlanc is a Special Agent with the FBI, and he is definitely job oriented. I began to wonder if he would ever lighten up, but when he did, it was magic. Whitt is a twelve year old genius, who lives across the street from Stacy and helps her out in her Veterinary Clinic. I loved the way Ms. Mills wrote his character. She brought such life to him. You could hear his intelligence in his spoken words but you could see his youth in his actions. Wonderfully done Ms. Mills.

Ms. Mills has created a masterfully woven story of suspense, with romance sprinkled in. Her two main characters grew up in Cajun country and ever so often they speak some Cajun words that flavor the story all the more.

I would highly recommend Deadly Encounter to anyone who enjoys a good clean suspense filled novel. 

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author and Tyndale House Publishers for my copies of Deadly Encounter. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review. I also received an extra copy that I am offering as a giveaway to one of my readers.

*********************  GIVEAWAY INFORMATION  *********************''

To be entered to win a copy of this book, you simply have to leave a comment telling me you would like to be entered to win. I would love it if you would follow me on Google Connect or by email but it is not a requirement. So please leave a message and good luck! Contest ends on 09/17/16.

Smiles & Blessings,

When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks

I usually do not like reading books written in the first person, but after reading Carrie Stuart Parks first book in her "Gwen Marcey", The Bones Will Speak (read my review here), I had to read her newest book in the series,  When Death Draws Near. I can honestly say I really enjoyed her first person voice in writing her books.

Blurb from back of book:

GWEN MARCEY TAKES DEATH IN STRIDE UNTIL SHE'S FACED WITH HER OWN MORTALITY.

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky--a small town facing big-city crime. 

Gwen suspects a connection between the rapist and the "accidental" deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her digitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her. Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity--a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren't the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth--and convince anyone to believe her--before she becomes a victim herself?

In a thrilling race against time, When Death Draws Near plunges us into cold-case murders, shady politics and a den of venomous suspects.

My Thoughts:

As mentioned above I usually don't like books written in first person, but Carrie Stuart Parks is a gifted author who handles writing first person point of view very well. In fact, her words pull you into the main characters head and she allows the reader to become one with the heroine. 

When Death Draws Near is a story that has a serial rapist on the loose along with church members who have meetings where their congregants handle snakes. I must say the thought of handling snakes made my skin crawl, but the author handled (no pun intended) the topic well.

I met Gwen Marcey in the first book of the series and grew to enjoy her job as a forensic artist. It was quite intriguing to say the least. In this, the second book in the series, the author allows us to learn more about Gwen personally. She is fighting a lot of personal battles and hopefully by book three they will be tied up tighter than at the end of this book.

The hero doesn't have a large part in this book but I was happy to know that after being someone I didn't think I would like I grew to appreciate his character and look forward to where his and Gwen's relationship might go in the next book. You notice I didn't mention his name. That was intentional. You'll need to discover him all by yourself.

I would recommend this book to any adult who loves a good suspense novel. I don't believe it is a book for younger people because of the subject content.

On a 5-Star scale - 4 Stars!

I would like to thank LitFuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson for my copy of When Death Draws Near. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Without Warning by Lynette Eason

 Because I love Lynette Eason's books, I could hardly wait for the second in her "Elite Guardians" series to come out. I loved the first book in the series, Always Watching (read my review here) so I knew I would love the second in the series, Without Warning.

Blurb from the Back:

INTENSITY. SKILL. TENACITY.
THE BODYGUARDS OF ELITE GUARDIANS AGENCY HAVE IT ALL.

Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again.

My Thoughts:

This book left me breathless. With the non-stop twists and turns I was kept guessing until almost the very end. I love books like this that keep the reader engaged and don't give away the ending until it is time. Well done, Ms. Eason!

Katie Singleton, has a secret from her past that causes her to think twice before engaging in certain situations but in Without Warning she finds herself having to confront her past head on to save those she loves. Her character was extremely well-developed and realistic. I enjoyed her tenacity.

Daniel Matthews, found himself dropped into a situation that no one would choose to be placed in. Someone is attacking him and he doesn't like it, nor does he want a woman protecting him. But, his niece decides otherwise. I liked Daniel. He had a lot on his plate and the love he has for his niece was palpable. I loved his intensity.

I can guarantee if you enjoy a good suspense novel, Without Warning will be a good fit for you. You will find yourself not wanting to put the book down until you turn that very last page. I highly recommend it.

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 HUGE stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my copy of Without Warning. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears

To say that I loved Melissa Jagears newest book, A Heart Most Certain, is an understatement. I treasured this book. Ms. Jagears is a gifted author and in my opinion, this is her best book yet. It is the first book in her "Teaville Moral Society" and the start of what I am sure will be an excellent series.

Blurb from the back

Lydia King knows what its like to be in need, so she joins the Teaville Moral Society hoping to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be util she ends up in the poorhouse herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that his mother is the moral society's president. Lydia's first task as a moral society member--to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town--seems easy...until the man flat-out refuses.

Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresees the harrowing complications that will arise from working together, and when town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs--and hearts--truly align.

My Thoughts:

As mentioned above, I loved this book. It is a story about redemption and trust. It's a story that is filled with prostitution, dirty politicians, a church filled with hypocrites and people turning blind eyes to sin for their own benefit. Now all those things in themselves doesn't necessarily make for a good Christian book, however, Ms. Jagears has taken the sins of Teaville and allowed her two lead characters to pull back the ugliness of sin and let God's light shine in leading many of the sinful characters out of their sin.

The character of Lydia King was well crafted and earned my admiration from the first page. While she has people pushing her towards their way of thinking, Lydia fights back trying to do what she believes is right. Every time she encounters Nicholas Lowe, sparks fly. Early on she finds him exasperating and he finds her feisty. In time will those sparks lead to something else? Only time and you picking up a copy of this wonderful book will tell. I will say that this story showed how two people from different worlds can come together in unity working towards the same purpose and be successful with God's help.

It saddened me to read some other reviews in which they claim the book is too "preachy". It is a story about sinful people that need to find redemption. How will the people of this world find redemption if Christians do not share the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe Ms. Jagears wasn't preachy, she simply told a story showing that sinners can have hope to move beyond their situations. 

I would highly recommend A Heart Most Certain to any adults who enjoy a good Christian novel. Do to subject matter I wouldn't advise it for younger people.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 Huge Stars!!!!! The best historical I have read this year!

I would like to thank the author, Melissa Jagears, and Bethany House for my copy of A Heart Most Certain. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Her Unexpected Family by Ruth Logan Herne - with Giveaway!

I am a huge fan of Ruth Logan Herne's work. When I saw her newest Love Inspired book, Her Unexpected Family, I grabbed it up quickly and could hardly wait to read it. Imagine my surprise when I received an autographed copy in the mail from this very generous author. I was excited and told her since I had purchased a copy I would offer that to one of my readers. So if you would love to have a copy of this wonderful book to read for yourself, please read to the end of this post so you will know how to enter the giveaway.

Blurb from back of book:

A Family to Love. 

Emily Gallagher and Grant McCarthy are planning a wedding together--just not their own. Emily's well-structured life is turned upside down when her company is hired to help Grant put together his deployed sister's nuptials. Because as Emily spends more time with Grant and his adorable twins, she can't help but daydream about being at the altar herself. But Emily's ex-beauty-queen status brings Grant memories of his children's appearance-obsessed mother--a woman who walked out on their family. For a future with Emily, can Grant escape the confines of his painful past? If he can, the next wedding they plan could be their own.

My Thoughts:

Welcome to the town of Grace Haven. As the author writes, "A town full of heart, happiness and home". I picture a very small town environment in which everyone knows pretty much everyone living in town. The author has created an ideal place in which this reader would love to live. 

As mentioned in the blurb above, the main characters are Emily and Grant. Both of these characters have issues with trust and forgiveness but they learn to overcome and the outcome is quite beautiful. I would love to tell you about how they overcome their issues but that would ruin your experience in reading this wonderful bool. Ruth Logan Herne has a gift in creating living breathing characters that seem to reach out from the written page to grab the reader and pull them into their world. I love it when an author can do that and Ruth Logan Herne does it well.

Her Unexpected Family was released this month and it flew off the shelves at my WalMart so I have a feeling it may have flown off the shelves at other stores as well because Ruth Logan Herne offers beautiful stories about everyday life in small town America within her Love Inspired books. If you can't find it in the stores, you can always order it through Amazon (follow this link). Or you can enter my giveaway and win a copy of your own.

I would highly recommend Her Unexpected Family for anyone who loves a good clean book. I guarantee it worth your time to read this wonderful book.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of Her Unexpected Family. I received my copy for free to read it and give my honest review.

*********************  GIVEAWAY INFORMATION  *********************''

To be entered to win a copy of this book, you simply have to leave a comment telling me you would like to be entered to win. I would love it if you would follow me on Google Connect or by email//but it is not a requirement. So please leave a message and good luck! Contest ends on 08/31/16.

Smiles & Blessings,

Fetching Sweetness by Dana Mentink

What can I say about a book with a dog on the cover, but "I have to read that book". I took a chance on Dana Mentink's book, Fetching Sweetness and it was definitely well worth my time. I loved this book.

Blurb from the Back Cover

Standing Between Stephanie and Her Dream is One Hundred Pounds of Loveable Trouble.

It should have been so simple for Stephanie Pink: Meet up with Agnes Wharton in a small town in California, retrieve the reclusive author's valuable new manuscript, and be promoted to a full-fledged literary agent.

But Agnes's canine companion, Sweetness, decides to make a break for it before Stephanie can claim her prize. Until Agnes has Sweetness safely back at home in Eagle Cliff, Washington, Stephanie will never set eyes on the manuscript she needs to make her dreams come true.

When Stephanie tracks the runaway mutt to a campground, she meets Rhett Hastings--a man also on the run from a different life and a costly mistake. Rhett agrees to help Stephanie search for the missing dog...thus launching a surprising string of adventures and misadventures.

Once Sweetness gets added to the mix, it's a recipe for love and loss, merriment and mayhem, fun and faith in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest.

My Thoughts

I have to say that Fetching Sweetness was one of the most lighthearted books I have read in a long time. It had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. After each session of reading I closed the book with a big smile on my face because it made me feel so good.

The characters of Stephanie and Rhett were as different as night and day, yet a big lovable oaf of a dog was the bridge that brought them together. Had it not been for Sweetness, the characters would never have met and the story would have been over before it had begun.

Both characters are flawed in their own way. Stephanie was chasing a dream that wasn't hers and Rhett was trying to build a dream that wasn't his. Together they learn from each other and are finally able to move beyond the dreams to create their own dreams.

I loved this book. I loved Stephanie and Rhett. I loved Sweetness and Panny. I will tell you there are moments between Rhett and Panny that made me cry because of the sensitivity shown. Panny, well, I'm not going to tell you about her. You'll just have to read the book to find out who she is and why she and Rhett made me cry. I guarantee you there are moments between them that will steal you heart.

I would highly recommend picking up a copy of Fetching Sweetness. It is a book for anyone who enjoys a good clean read.

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank LitFuse Publicity for my copy of Fetching Sweetness. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,