Lights Out by Natalie Walters

When I learned Natalie Walters had a new book out I jumped at the chance to review it. Her newest book, Lights Out, is the first book in "The SNAP Agency" series and I can only say this book has started the series off with a bang!

The heroine is CIA Analyst Brynn Taylor, who has developed a new program to combat terrorism. The hero is Jach Hudson who works for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency. The story begins with Brynn inviting members of foreign intelligence agencies to come to America to try to get them to cooperate between countries. Unfortunately, one of them is missing and he is an Egyptian spy. Jack is called in to take the lead in hunting down the missing spy. When he learns Brynn is involved, Jack is none too happy. It seems he had been betrayed by her in the past.

Ms. Walters has created great characters with real depth in their personalities. She brings a story that is believable in today's culture.

This story is filled with twists and turns taking the reader on a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat journey from beginning to end.

I would highly recommend Lights Out to anyone who enjoys a romantic suspense novel.

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Lights Out. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

 

Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley

I haven't read a Patricia Bradley novel that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. That goes for her newest novel, Crosshairs. This is the third novel in her "Natchez Trace Park Rangers" series but it can be read as a standalone.

This story is about Investigative Services Branch Ranger Ainsley Beaumont and former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele. These two have a past and now find themselves having to work together to solve Ainsley's case before the murderer takes her out. Linc will have to find the courage to get beyond his past issues in order to protect her.  

Ainsley arrives in her hometown, Natchez, Mississippi to investigate the murder of a young pregnant girl. Unfortunately, it has now triggered her as the killer's next target. Linc has some issues from his past that could hinder him from protecting Ainsley. Will he be able to pick up a gun again in order to protect her? Will they both be able to put the past behind them in order to succeed in bringing closure to the case?

Patricia Bradley brings a masterly crafted novel to life once again with believable characters and a story that takes the reader on a fast-paced roller coaster ride finding a little romance along the way. A must-read for all romantic suspense fans!

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Crosshairs. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Deadly Target by Elizabeth Goddard

 

"For a few hours every Saturday morning, Wrin Larson could forget that evil existed." This is the opening sentence of Deadly Target, the second book in Elizabeth Goddard's "Rocky Mountain Courage" series. The first book in the series is Present Danger. While it is a series, both books can be read as a standalone. 

Erin Larson is a criminal psychologist who, in the opening chapter, almost loses her life in a boating accident. Or was it really an attempt on her life? She has a podcast regarding cold cases and it could be she stirred up a little concern about a previous cold case.

Nathan Campbell is fishing with his dad when he learns his dad is investigating a cold case and the only person he will trust is Nathan. Before Nathan's dad can tell him anymore he is shot. Nathan reaches out to Erin, his ex-girlfriend for help in solving the cold case...once they can find out which cold case his dad was working on.

I loved both Erin and Nathan. They both were strong believable characters with love for family and friends. I also loved the faith thread throughout the book.

Like all of Ms. Goddard's books, she takes you on a fast-paced journey of suspense, intrigue, and romance captivating the reader from page one and holding them to the very last page. 

I loved this book and I can hardly wait for the next installment of this series. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves sweet romantic suspense.

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

I would like to thank the author and Revell Books, for my copy of Deadly Target. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Trace of Doubt by DiAnn Mills

As a huge fan of DiAnn Mills, I was so excited to hold her newest novel, Trace of Doubt, in my hands as I knew it would be an exceptional read.

From the opening page, I was drawn in and captivated by the suspense, faith, and love throughout the book until the final sentence. It was definitely a book that once you start reading it you will find it very hard to put down.

The heroine of the story is Shelby Pearce, a recently released ex-con who served 15 years for a crime she confessed to committing but she actually didn't commit. She has been offered a place to stay and a job in Valleysburg, a town in Texas. The hero is Denton McClure, an FBI Special Agent who is working undercover. His job is to try to locate the $500,000.00 that went missing after Shelby supposedly murdered her brother-in-law. He believes Shelby knows where the money is.

I always love the characters that Ms. Mills creates as they always become so real to me. She didn't disappoint me with Shelby and Denton. They are both strong characters with a purpose. I also really like the character of Edie, Shelby's landlord as she stood her ground against her brother, a local deputy who didn't want Shelby in town. Edie believed in Shelby and gave her the benefit of the doubt.

In a nutshell, Shelby Pearce has just been released from prison after serving 15 years for killing her brother-in-law. While she didn't kill him she stands firm on her confession obviously covering for the person she believes did the crime. At the time of the murder $500,000.00 dollars went missing leaving Shelby the number one suspect. This crime she adamantly claims she did not do.

Shelby's family disowned her so when she is released she is offered a cabin to live in and a job at a local bakery so she will be compliant with her probation officer. Denton, working undercover, is living in the cabin next to Shelby's so he can keep surveillance on Shelby.

This story has a fast pace taking the reader on an edge-of-your-seat roller-coaster ride into a world of nail-biting suspense and sweet romance. I also loved the Christian thread throughout the book.

I loved this book and would highly suggest it to anyone who loves a clean fast-paced suspense novel.

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

I would like to thank the author, DiAnn Mills, for my copy of Trace of Doubt. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon

Whether it is a romance novel or a romantic suspense novel, if Irene Hannon's name is on the cover it is a must-read for me. Her newest novel, Labyrinth of Lies is the second book in her Triple Threat series. The first novel in the series was Point of Danger. While these books are part of a series, they can be read as a stand-alone. 

Irene Hannon writes suspense novels that are not only intensely suspenseful but also capture the reader's attention from the first word to the very last. In Labyrinth of Lies I was drawn in and enjoyed a magnificent journey through all the twists and turns that presented themselves. Masterful!

The story is about St. Louis County Detective, Cate Reilly, and her former love interest, DEA Special Agent, Zeke Sloan. Cate has been assigned an undercover job as a student (she can easily pass as a 17-year-old) at an upscale boarding school, while Zeke is assigned a position as a Spanish teacher. While both are there for different reasons, Cate's case involves a missing student and her boyfriend while Zeke is trying to find out if the school is a major drop site for drugs. They soon find out their cases may be linked.

While I love both Cate and Zeke, my heart really went out to Cate's school roommate, Kayla. She lacked self-confidence and seemed quite introverted. However, the more Cate talked with Kayla and showed she truly cared about her the more Kayla grew and began to trust Cate. 

This story covers themes of learning to forgive, learning to trust, opening oneself up to others, and that there is always hope.

This story had me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. The ending for me caught me totally by surprise. I love it when an author can keep you guessing until the very end and when you get there you realize all your thoughts were wrong.

I would highly recommend Labyrinth of Lies to anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense novel.

On a 5 Star Scale - 5 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my copy of Labyrinth of Lies. I received my copy for free with no expectation for a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Cowgirl's Sacrifice by Tina Radcliffe

I fell in love with "The Hearts of Oklahoma" series from the very first book, Finding the Road Home. But while the four books that make up the series are all wonderful reads by themselves, reading them as a series makes this final book, The Cowgirl's Sacrifice, the icing on the cake. 

The four books are about the Rainbolt family which is made up of three brothers and a sister.

This book is Kate Rainbolt's story.

Kate was a rodeo cowgirl but due to injuries, she decides to go back to the Rainbolt Ranch to recuperate and accept the job as ranch foreman that her brothers had offered to her months earlier. However, when she arrives home she comes face to face with Jess McNally, her ex-boyfriend, who just so happens to have been hired as the foreman which leaves only one open job and she will have to work for Jess. From their first meeting, the electric sparks between them fly. 

When Kate was very young her father deserted their family. She made it her goal as a rodeo cowgirl to check every crowd at every rodeo to see if he was there. Unfortunately, she never saw him in the crowds. This was one of the reasons she stayed with the rodeo.

This book deals with issues of feeling abandoned, being emotionally scarred, forgiveness and feeling not worthy of love. All the Rainbolt's, as well as, Jess had to face some of these issues along the way. I loved the way the Rainbolt brothers were all so involved with Kate's healing. Both mentally and physically. 

There are scenes that made me cry, some made me smile and a couple gave me a great laugh. One of my favorite scenes is when Jess and his niece Olive decide to teach Kate to cook...in a crockpot so she wouldn't burn anything. But the one that brought tears to my eyes was on page 153 when Kate tells Jess's mom about a special gift she is going to give her. I couldn't stop crying as it touched my heart deeply.

I would highly recommend The Cowgirl's Sacrifice to anyone who loves Love Inspired Romance novels and just good sweet romance.

Definitely a 5-Star read!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of The Cowgirl's Sacrifice. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Cindy

 

The Chase by Lisa Harris

I have read a lot of novels by Lisa Harris, but The Chase, in my opinion, is probably her best so far. Now this is the second book in her "U.S. Marshals" series, the first book being The Escape (unfortunately I haven't had a chance to pick up a copy yet). While they can be read as standalones I believe it would be best to read them in order as this is a series that contains a continuation thread.

I love great characters and Ms. Harris did not disappoint me with her two lead characters, U.S. Marshal Madison James and U.S. Marshal Jonas Quinn. Both characters bring the pages of this book to life and pull the reader into their world. 

The plot to me was fast paced and kept me guessing and pulling for the success of the characters. The main story concerned a series of bank robberies and Madison and Jonas were given the identity of someone that could have been involved. This took them on a chase from Seattle to the San Juan Islands keeping the reader sitting on the edge of the seat waiting for the climax to the hunt. 

The second storyline involves the death of Madison's husband (which occurred in the first book). In this book, it is revealed that Madison has a mental block on who actually killed her husband. There are some hints at the end of this book but unfortunately the reader will not learn the resolve until book three, The Catch. I can hardly wait for this third installment to be released.

If you are a fan of Lisa Harris and like fast paced action suspense novels that are clean and have a faith thread you must pick up a copy of The Chase. I promise you will not be disappointed.

On a 5-star scale = 5 HUGE Stars! I loved this book!

I would like to thank the author and Net Galley for my copy of The Chase. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Cindy

 

Mysteries of the Messiah by Rabbi Jason Sobel

When given the opportunity to read Mysteries of the Messiah I jumped at the chance as it was described as a book that would unveil divine connections between the Old and New Testaments.

Wow! I have always know that numbers in the Scriptures have a lot of meaning but it wasn't until the first chapter of this book that I really saw how numbers mean a lot more. Rabbi Sobel explains how the Hebrew alphabet is not only represented by letters but also by numbers. In so doing many mysteries are revealed.

I have always loved to explore different languages and I have always learned that sometimes things are lost in the translations. Imagine reading any version of the Bible in English and then reading and understanding it in Hebrew, I am almost positive we would find some things are missed in the translation. However, I truly believe God speaks through His Scriptures in all languages.

If you want to discover some of the mysteries of the Messiah, I would highly recommend that you pick up a copy of this book.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Are you settling for half the story? Highlighting connections that have been hidden from non-Jewish eyes, Rabbi Jason Sobel will connect the dots between the Old and New Testament, helping you see the Bible with clarity as God intended.

Most people—even people of faith—do not understand how the Bible fits together. Too many Christians accept half an inheritance, content to embrace merely the New Testament, while Jewish people may often experience the same by embracing only the Old Testament. But God has an intricate plan and purpose for both the Old and the New.

In Mysteries of the Messiah, Rabbi Jason Sobel reveals the many connections in Scripture hidden in plain sight. Known for his emphatic declaration “but there’s more!” he guides us in seeing the passion and purpose of the Messiah. Mysteries of the Messiah:

• Uncovers connections between the Old and New Testaments
• Connects the dots for readers with details about Jesus, the Torah, and biblical characters
• Written with the unique perspective of a rabbi with an evangelical theological degree

No matter how many times you have read the Bible, Mysteries of the Messiah will bring fresh perspective and insight. God’s Word, written by many people over thousands of years, is not a random selection of people and stories. Rabbi Jason Sobel connects the dots and helps us see with clarity what God intended.

I would like to thank Audra Jennings and W Publishing Group, a division of Thomas Nelson Publishers, for my copy of Mysteries of the Messiah. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Cindy

The Chase by Lisa Harris is a MUST read!

Below is the promo video for The Chase by Lisa Harris

Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard

 I am a big fan of Elizabeth Goddard's work and could hardly wait for her newest book, Present Danger, to come out. It is the first book in her new "Rocky Mountain Courage" series. It is an extremely fast paced story that will pull you in and keep you breathless until the very last page.

Ms. Goddard has created a cast of well developed characters that seem to spring to life right off the page. They pull you into their story and take you on a fast paced journey throughout all 363 pages. The main characters are US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors and former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner who is now working as a detective for the Grayback County Sheriff's Department. Probably the biggest character is the setting. The story takes place in the beautiful state of Montana and Ms. Goddard describes it where you can totally imagine the scene.

The story starts out with a plane crash and a murder. This brings the two main characters together to work the case which could pose some issues since they have a past romantic history together. During the course of their investigation more murders occur and they have attempts made on theirs lives. 

The story is filled with suspense and is action packed, but it is also filled with forgiveness for several characters. There is a mystery woven into the story around Native American artifacts which in the end reveals a 'mystery' character from one of the lead characters past. 

One thing I liked was that Ms. Goddard brought a couple of characters (Liam McKade and Rae Burke) back for a brief moment from her previous book, Don't Keep Silent which is part of her "Uncommon Justice" series.  Jack had a small part in that book as well.  

If you like fast paced action suspense novels that are clean and have a faith thread you must pick up a copy of Present Danger. I promise you will not be disappointed.

On a 5-star scale = 5 HUGE Stars! I loved this book!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy of Present Danger. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Cindy

Philippians A Biblical Study by Joyce Meyer

I was really excited to learn that Joyce Meyer had written a Bible Study on the book of Philippians as it is one of my favorite books of the Bible.

Ms. Meyer begins the book with a "how to" study of her book followed by a few pages about the Philippians. She then has fourteen chapters covering all of Philippians followed by her closing comments.

In her Chapter 13, she has a section on Philippians 4:6-7 which happens to be two of my favorite verses. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". She goes on to explain that there are four practical and powerful principles within these two verses. We are told not to worry, to pray, to be thankful and to have and enjoy peace. She goes on to explain how she uses these verses to block worry in her own life.

She covers all the chapters and verses the same way as I have mentioned above. I would highly recommend this Bible study to anyone who wants to dig down deeper into God's Word.

I would like to thank FaithWords, a division of Hachette Books, for my copy of Philippians. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

 

The Confident Woman Journal by Joyce Meyer

 I love a good journal and Joyce Meyer's new journal, The Confident Woman Journal is proving to be a great one for me. 

This journal was created to be a companion to go along with Ms. Meyer's book, The Confident Woman Journal, however, you do not need the book in order to utilize this beautiful journal.

Within the pages of this journal are quotes that according to the copyright page, came from Ms. Meyer's book, Your Battles Belong to the Lord.

As you can see by the picture to the left, the cover is white and it is from what I would consider simulated leather. It truly is a beautiful journal.

I would like to thank FaithWords, a division of Hachette Books, for my copy of this journal. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Unknown Threat by Lynn H. Blackburn

 It's exciting to hear a new voice, at least one that is new to me. I have been intrigued by the works of Lynn H. Blackburn for some time and was excited when I was given the chance to read her first book, Unknown Threat, of her new series, "Defend and Protect". This book deals with the Secret Service and FBI working together to solve linked cases involving hits on the Secret Service.

The female lead is FBI Special Agent Faith Malone who tends to be so job focused, personal relationships are out of the question for her even when she is not working a case. The male lead is US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell and he has a bitter dislike for the FBI due to something that happened in his past. The question is, can these two learn to work together to solve the case and maybe break the barriers between them? The journey through the pages was worth it as the romantic tension between these two is almost palpable.

In this first book of the series, Ms. Blackburn lays groundwork for the next books in the series by introducing the reader to the other Secret Service Agents which I'm sure will have their own stories. Many times in a series, the reader may meet characters that will appear later but they get a "meet and greet" with the characters. In Unknown Threat I found that Ms. Blackburn let us get to know the accompanying characters well enough that as a reader I grew to care about them and some of their issues. Well done.

The one thing I wasn't really excited about was the actual reason for the crimes. I thought there should have been more of a reason than what it actually was. But I don't want to be a spoiler as I am sure there are others who will accept the reason as a good one.

If you like a good suspense filled book with characters that draw you in, please pick up a copy of this book.

On a 5-Star scale - 4 Stars.

I would like to thank the author, Revell, for my copy of Unknown Threat. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

His Holiday Prayer by Tina Radcliffe

I love reading a good love story and Tina Radcliffe's newest book His Holiday Prayer was even better than expected. This book is the third offering in her "Hearts of Oklahoma" series and in my opinion, it is her best. The series follows the lives of the Rainboldt siblings in the town of Rebel, Oklahoma.

His Holiday Prayer is Tucker Rainbolt's story. He is a widower raising twin daughters and owns Rebel Vet and Rescue along with his partner Jenna Harper. He has decided he needs a change of scenery for himself and his daughters so he accepts a job in Texas.

Jenna tends to lien to being the shy quiet type and has always let Tucker be the voice of their business but once she learns Tucker is leaving she decides she needs to start taking over the business now before he leaves. As she starts stepping out, she blossoms, and people start taking notice. Even Tucker.

I loved seeing Tucker's and Jenna's feeling move from friendship into something beautiful.

Since it is a series, the reader is reacquainted with Tucker's brothers Mitch and Reece along with their families. Also, the fourth book in this series will be the brothers' sister Kate's story. I can hardly wait. Now, even though it is a series, this book can be read as a standalone book. I highly recommend reading Tucker and Jenna's story...especially if you love animals and Christmas.

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

I would like to thank the author, Tina Radcliffe, for my copy of His Holiday Prayer. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Airborne by DiAnn Mills

 

Wow! I am an avid fan of DiAnn Mills and when I had the opportunity to read and review her newest novel, Airborne, I found I was reading a novel that could have been taken out of today's headlines. As we all know, the world is battling COVID-19 and in Airborne the characters are battling a mysterious virus outbreak known only as H9N15. The outbreak occurs onboard a plane en route to Germany. 

The main character in this book is Heather Lawrence, an FBI agent, who just happens to be on the plane where the outbreak occurs. Hours into the flight people began to get sick and unfortunately some die. The plane is ordered to change course to JFK airport in New York.

Heather's estranged husband, Dr. Chad Lawrence, happens to be waiting to start a new position in the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases which is a part of the influenza division at the CDC in Atlanta. Unfortunately, rumors begin that maybe he had the virus released on his wife's flight because she wouldn't sign the divorce papers. I must admit I was kept guessing all through the book and was surprised with who actually did the dirty deed.

I could tell you more about the storyline but I don't like releasing spoilers. So I will just say that the storyline keeps the reader turning pages at a rapid pace with a lot of surprises.

Ms. Mills has a phenomenal way of creating very believable characters that pull the reader into their world from the very start. That is something I always look for in a book because if the character doesn't pull me right at the start, I usually won't continue reading the book.

I loved the thread of faith in this book. One person renewed their faith while another found faith. 

I would highly recommend this book to mature teens and adults who enjoy a good suspense novel.

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

I would like to thank the author, DiAnn Mills, for my copy of Airborne. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

In Search of Wisdom by Joyce Meyer

When I can find a book that can help me with my Bible study I get excited. Especially when the author is Joyce Meyer. You see Ms. Meyer writes just like she speaks...in a down to earth way. It's like we are sitting down over a cup of coffee and she opens up her Bible and shares everything she knows with me. Her newest book takes on the Book of Proverbs and it is so enlightening.

My favorite Proverb verses are 3:5 & 6, [5] Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. I couldn't wait to read what Ms. Meyer had to say about these verses. Of course, she shared the obvious that we need to trust the Lord with all our heart and to not rely on our own understanding, but acknowledge Him and He would guide us. What she did say is when we lean on what we know we often start trying to reason things in our own minds and then we get frustrated and confused. Ms. Meyer said she has a rule concerning reasoning and that is she allows herself to ponder it and ask God to reveal hidden things but when she doesn't get an answer from God she knows it is time to cast her cares on God.

In Chapter 22:17 through the end of Chapter 24, Ms. Meyer lists the 30 sayings of the wise by paraphrasing them. She encourages her reader to read them more deeply on their own.

The entire book covers each chapter of Proverbs and is a great tool to use for Bible study. I can hardly wait to use it as a companion to my study of Proverbs.

I would highly recommend picking up a copy of In Search of Wisdom, especially if you want to achieve a better understanding of the truths that are in Proverbs.

I would like to thank FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, for my copy of In Search of Wisdom. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,