Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard

Elizabeth Goddard is a champion in the suspense genre. Her newest release is Always Look Twice, the second book in her "Uncommon Justice" series and I loved it from beginning to end. 

The story takes place in the wilderness of Wyoming, near Jackson Hole. The characters drew me into their story from page one and held me engaged until the very end.

The female lead is Harper Reynolds, a crime scene photographer who has left her job, to get away from all the atrocities she has witnessed. Unfortunately, while photographing a grizzly bear near the Grayback River she not only witnesses a murder but captures it on film. As she flees away from what she has seen, she falls and loses her camera. Without her camera she cannot produce the pictures of the murder and when the sheriff's department searches the area the body can't be found. 

The male lead is a former Green Beret, Heath McKade who is now a reserve deputy and a childhood friend to Harper. As the story unfolds the sheriff has Heath act as a protector to Harper which proves challenging. 

Ms. Goddard has created a fast-paced, suspenseful story that will grab the reader from the beginning and send them on a roller coaster ride until the very end.

I would highly recommend Always Look Twice to anyone who loves a good clean suspenseful novel.

I would like to thank the author and Revell for my copy of Always Look Twice. 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,

Called to Protect by Lynette Eason

FROM THE BACK COVER

SHE'LL HAE TO DRAW ON ALL OF HER RESOURCES TO CRACK THE CASE--AND GUARD HER HEART.

After being dumped by her fiance, Chloe St. John has decided that the only male she likes is her K-9 German shepherd partner, Hank. But being over the whole romance thing has perks--like giving full attention to her job. Attention she's definitely going to need because a case of human trafficking with connections to her missing cousin just landed in her lap.
     Deputy US Marshall Blake MacCallum is in a race against the clock to rescue his kidnapped daughter when Chloe and Hank are asked to be a part of the task force assembled to bring down the traffickers. Chloe finds herself attracted to the silent, suffering man. But can she trust him? And can Blake trust himself around this firecracker of a woman?
     Buckle in. This fast and furious ride will have your heart pumping from the very start.

MY THOUGHTS:

I am a huge fan of Lynette Eason so I just had to read her newest book, Called to Protect, which is the second book in her "Blue Justice" series. While it is second in a series it reads quite well as a stand-alone book.

While the subject matter of Called to Protect is detestable to me, unfortunately, it is something that is all too real in today's world. The subject matter is human trafficking and I must say that Ms. Eason deals well with the subject matter and created some very detestable characters. 

The series centers around the St. John family who are all involved with the law in some way. This book highlights Officer Chloe St. John and her K-9 partner Hank, as well as, Deputy US Marshall Blake McCallum. Both have a loved one that has been abducted as part of a local trafficking ring causing them to eventually work together to bring the traffickers to justice. I will say that this story is extremely fast-paced and will keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Both Chloe and Blake have issues in their past that cause them both to have issues in the area of trusting others. Can they overcome their trust issues to push forward and have a relationship with each other? Will they be able to break the trafficking ring? Those answers you will find between the covers of this extremely well-written book. If you love a good suspense novel with a little romance this is definitely a book you should pick up.

On a 5-Star Scale -  5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Revell, a Division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy of Called to Protect. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley

TWO UNSOLVED MURDERS SEVENTEEN YEARS APART ARE ABOUT TO GET PERSONAL...

It's Elvis Week in Memphis, and homesick detective Rachel Sloan isn't sure her day could get any stranger when aging Elvis impersonator Vic Vegas asks to see her. But when he produces a photo of her murdered soon after the photo was taken--she's forced to reevaluate. Is there some connection between the two unsolved cases? And could the recent break-in at Vic's home be tied to his obsession with finding his friend's killer?

When yet another person in the photo is murdered, Rachel suddenly has her hands full investigating three cases. Lieutenant Boone Callahan offers his help, but their checkered romantic past threatens to get in the way. Can they solve the cases before the murderer makes Rachel victim number four?

My Thoughts:

First I want to say I am a big fan of Patricia Bradley. From the moment I read her debut novel, I was hooked. I could hardly wait for her newest release, Justice Betrayed, the third book in her "Memphis Cold Case" series. The first two books in the series, Justice Delayed and Justice Buried are definitely worth the read but you do not need to read them in sequence as they read just fine as stand-alone stories.

Ms. Bradley has a talent for creating strong believable characters that snap to life right on the written page. Rachel Sloane, her heroine of this story, is a homicide detective in Memphis that came to life and held my attention throughout the book. The male lead, Lieutenant Broone Callahan, who has a romantic past with Rachel, proved to be a great compliment to Rachel's character. Sparks flew every time they shared the page with each other.

If I were to have anything negative to say about this book I would probably have to read it numerous more times to find something as I loved this book just as it is and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading a suspenseful clean mystery.

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

I received a complimentary copy of Justice Betrayed from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Pelican Point by Irene Hannon

Being a fan of Irene Hannon's work led me to want to read the fourth book in her "Hope Harbor" series. I must admit, I read the first book in the series and loved it but I have yet to read book two and three in the series. I plan to rectify that very soon.

This story belongs to Dr. Ben Garrison. An Army doctor who has returned to Hope Harbor to bury his beloved grandfather Skip. Little did he know coming back to Hope Harbor would be the start of a new page in his life. He has just mustered out of the Army and upon arriving in Hope Harbor he finds he inherited the town's lighthouse that pretty much no one in the town wanted except for his grandfather. Ben's hope is to sell the lighthouse, but will he be successful?

The female lead in this story is newspaper owner, Marci Weber. She has lived in Hope Harbor for two years and she knew Ben's grandfather quite well. When she and Ben first meet it was not under the best of circumstances and they clashed, especially since Marci called the police on Ben claiming he was trespassing. They also have different opinions about what to do with the lighthouse which in time brings them closer together.

This book moves at a rather fast pace and I was totally drawn into the humor and the love for Skip, the lighthouse, and the town.

Pelican Point is filled with wonderful characters who will steal your heart as you go on this wonderful journey with them. Also, Charley, who owns the local Fish Taco stand is once again in this book. He was in the first book as well and I would love to have one of his tacos. But of course they only exist within the pages of Hope Harbor novels.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance.

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

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, for my copy of Pelican Point. I received my complimentary copy to read with no expectation of giving a positive or negative review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Missing by Lisa Harris

I can honestly say that if I see a novel with the name Lisa Harris on it, I cannot resist picking up a copy. So when given the opportunity to read and review her newest book, Missing, the second book in "The Nikki Boyd Files" series I jumped at the chance. I totally enjoyed Vendetta, the first book in the series (read my review here.) and Missing was just as good.

BLURB FROM BACK OF BOOK

Nikki Boyd usually isn't called in on homicides; her forte is missing persons. But when a case with two murdered and two missing pops up on a quiet suburban street, she's ready to start the investigation and find missing homeowners Mac and Lucy Hudson. When the first clues lead her to the boat of her friend Tyler Grant--and another dead body--Nikki must untangle what ties Tyler to the Hudsons. The clues pull her into a deadly maze of counterfeit drugs and a killer who will stop at nothing to silence anyone who threatens his business--including Nikki.

MY THOUGHTS

From the very first line to the last, Lisa Harris held me captive in her newest book, Missing. Her heroine, Nikki Boyd, continues her work with the Tennessee Missing Persons Task Force, but this novel pulls in several homicides as well. The hero in the novel is Tyler Grant, the widower of Nikki's best friend, and very early in the book, Tyler becomes a suspect due to the dead body found on his boat.

I truly love the character of Nikki Boyd. Ms. Harris has created a character that seems so very real that it is hard to believe she is only fictional. All of the other characters are well created as well, but Nikki stands out more than all of the others.

The plot was so fast paced and kept me guessing throughout. I would just start thinking I had it figured out only to have the story take a turn and I'd start trying to figure it out all over again. I love stories that make you think. The scary thing about the plot is the counterfeit drug story. It makes you wonder if something like that could really happen in today's world.

I can honestly say, if you are a fan of clean suspenseful fiction, you will love Missing. So please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today.

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

I would like to thank the author, Lisa Harris, and Revell for my copy of Missing. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Always Watching by Lynette Eason

I absolutely love the novels written by Lynette Eason so it was a given that when her newest book, Always Watching, the first book in her "Elite Guardians" series, came out I would have to read it.

This book is a fast paced suspense novel that takes the reader on a ride filled with twists and turns and leaves them breathless by the time they turn the last page.

Olivia Edwards owns a protection agency known as "Elite Guardians". She is hired by the father of radio personality, Wade Savage, because Wade is being stalked. Unaware that a protection detail has been put in place to guard him, Wade soon finds himself knee-deep in a quest to save his life and that of his young daughter Amy. 

The characters in this book are quite complex and I found it an added enjoyment that the reader is able to see who Olivia and Wade really are. Ms. Eason has a knack for creating well developed characters that pull the reader into their story.

Always Watching has been one of the most enjoyable books I have read this year. The second book in the series, Without Warning, is scheduled to release in the Summer 2016. That is not too far away and I can hardly wait!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense. There are a few scenes that depict violence so this might not be a story for children.

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

I would like to thank Revell for my copy of Always Watching. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

I absolutely love books written by Irene Hannon, especially if it is a suspense novel. Her newest novel, Thin Ice, is the second novel in her "Men of Valor" series, following the first novel, Buried Secrets (read my review here).

From the back of the book:

If Ginny Reed is still alive-who is the woman buried in her grave?

After losing her parents and her sister, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Now, life is finally starting to feel normal again-until an envelope addressed in her sister's handwriting arrives in the mail. And the note inside claims she is still alive. 

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case ... but he's coming up with more questions than answers. Is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game - or the target of a sinister plot? As Lance digs deeper, one thing becomes clear; someone in the shadows has a deadly agenda.

I found Thin Ice to be a wonderful addition to Ms. Hannon's "Men of Valor" series. While it is book two, it can definitely read as a stand-alone book. 

I am a big fan of good characterization and that is one thing that has always drawn me to an Irene Hannon novel. While the story lines are always well woven, the characters are what make her stories come to life. Christy Reed and Lance McGregor could easily walk right off the written page but instead, they reach out and grab the reader, leading the reader into their world. Well done, Ms. Hannon.

I would highly recommend Thin Ice to anyone who enjoys a good clean romantic suspense novel. Ms. Hannon takes her readers on a suspense filled roller coaster ride that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the final page has been turned.

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

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing for my copy of Thin Ice. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh

I truly enjoy any book with the name of Dan Walsh on the cover. His newest book Keeping Christmas pulled at all my emotions, as most of his books do.

Keeping Christmas is the story of 'empty-nesters'. Stan and Judith Winters find themselves all alone at Thanksgiving as all three of their children and their families have moved to other states and can't afford to come home for the holidays. To make things worse, they tell their mom that they won't be able to come home for Christmas either. This was the catalyst for this story.

Judith can hardly believe she won't see any of her kids during the holidays. The feelings she starts to have take her into a deep depression and Stan and Betty, the wife of Stan's best friend Barney, try just about everything to help Judith get through this difficult time. Are they successful? You'll have to read the book to find out.

I will say that the love displayed in this book was almost tangible. I felt it. I believed it. I loved it.

Mr. Walsh, has a talent of creating characters that could be your neighbor, your best friend or a family member. While they are fiction, they are real. They could easily walk right off the page into your life. I always feel like I become part of his stories. They are just that good.

I would highly recommend Keeping Christmas to anyone who loves stories set during Christmas and stories that have answers to everyday problems. This is good for all ages.

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, for my copy of Keeping Christmas. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Vendetta by Lisa Harris

Lisa Harris is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. With her heart pounding fiction she takes her readers on a fast paced ride filled with twists and turns that don't let up until the final pages. Her newest release, Vendetta, is the first book in her new series "The Nikki Boyd Files".

Nikki Boyd is a member of the Tennesse Missing Persons Task Force for a reason. Her sister was abducted tens years prior to the start of the story and continues to remain missing. By joining the task force she hoped to be able to continue her search for her sister while helping find other missing persons.

In Vendetta, we meet Tyler Grant, who was married to Nikki's best friend, Katie, until an accident took her life leaving Tyler and Nikki to mourn the loss of their beloved wife and friend. Tyler and Nikki draw close over the course of the story but will they become more than friends? Will Tyler's son Liam gain a new mother? Those are questions I hope to have answered in the next book that releases in the Summer of 2016.

Ms. Harris has filled Vendetta with red herrings leading the reader in one direction only to bring us back in another direction. Her characters are always well crafted and Nikki and Tyler are no different. They are characters that have strong personalities and they complement each other well. The lesser characters are just as well written even the 'bad guy'. Let me tell you, she makes you hate the 'bad guy'. The characters take control of the story early on and pulled this reader into their story making me want to know more.

If you are looking for a book filled with fast paced action and twist and turns I'm sure you will enjoy Vendetta. It is one of the best Romantic Suspense novels I have read this year.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 HUGE stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my copy of Vendetta. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon

Whenever I pick up a book by Irene Hannon I know that I will be in for a treat. Although I usually read her suspense novels. her contemporary novels are just as wonderful to read. Her newest novel, Hope Harbor, is a wonderful contemporary story set in what I believe to be the fictitious town of Hope Harbor, Oregon. 

The main characters of this wonderful novel are Tracy Campbell, a cranberry farmer during the day and an accountant at night, and Michael Hunter, the head of a charitable organization in Chicago. They both have tragedies in their past that they need to overcome but the question is can they?

Then there is Floyd the seagull, Charley the fish taco chef and Anna, the town recluse. Each character in this novel has been well crafted and plays an important part in Tracy and Michael's story.

If I had anything negative to say about this book, its that Tracy and Michael's story took too long to unfold for me, but then when I look back at the story as a whole, I realize that the only way to really allow the story to unfold was at the slow pace.

I would highly recommend Hope Harbor to anyone wanting to read a sweet story about love lost, love gained, second chances and hope.

On a 5-star scale - 4 1/2 stars!!!!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, for my copy of Hope Harbor which I received for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Gone Without a Trace by Patricia Bradley

When I hear the name, Patricia Bradley, I think of fast paced Chrisitan Suspense that grabs you from the first page, hangs on to you and doesn't let you ago until long after you turn the last page. Her newest book, Gone Without a Trace, is book 3 he the "Logan Point" series. The first two books, Shadows of the Past (read my review here) and Promise to Protect (read my review here) were excellent books and I would highly recommend them all. 

In Gone Without a Trace Detective Livy Reynolds has just experienced an incident that makes her second guess herself. She is asked to take some time off and seek counseling in order to get herself pulled together. 

Private Investigator, Alex Jennings, contacts Livy regarding a senator's missing granddaughter. When Livy hears the circumstances surrounding the girl's disappearance it bears striking similarities to the disappearance of her cousin over two years earlier. Livy takes a strong dislike to Alex, but soon realizes if she wants to locate her cousin, she'll need to work with Alex. Will they learn to like each other? 

Waitresses with children have disappeared after receiving notes telling them to quit their jobs and go home to their children. Some are let go with no memory of what happened, some weren't so lucky. Will Livy be able to find her cousin? Is she alive and if so why hasn't she come back home? Will Alex be able to find the senator's granddaughter? Does she even fit the profile? All of these answers can be found inside of this edge-of-your-seat page-turner.

Ms. Bradley has a gift for creating believable characters that pull the reader into the book from the first page. The reader will find themselves rooting for the good guys and really hating the bad guys. When characters are as well crafted as Ms. Bradley's the story flows smoothly and the reader gets lost within the pages.

I don't know if there will be a Book 4 in the series but I sure hope there will be as I loved the Logan Point series and the characters who live there. All three books will definitely have a home on my 'keeper' bookshelves. I would highly recommend Gone Without a Trace along with the rest of the books in the series to anyone who loves a clean read filled with suspense.

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

I would like to thank Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for my copy of Gone Without a Trace. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot

When given the opportunity to read In Firefly Valley, the second book in Amanda Cabot's "Texas Crossroads" series, I jumped at the chance. I read her first book in the series, At Bluebonnet Lake (read my review here), and thoroughly enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the setting of the resort, Rainbow's End.

In this book, the reader is brought back to Rainbow's End when Marisa St. George returns home to Dupree, Texas. After college she took a job in accounting but as soon as the tax season was over, her company decided to let her go. She accepts a position as the business manager of the Rainbow's End resort. Unfortunately, just as it was in At Bluebonnet Lake, the resort is struggling. 

Blake Kendall, aka author Ken Blake, has lost his muse and in an attempt to get his writing back on track he contacts his old friend Greg Vange only to find that Greg is remodeling a resort in Texas. Blake flies to Texas in hopes of getting some ideas for his writing. What he didn't expect was meeting someone like Marisa. He hopes that she will inspire him but then he finds out she doesn't like Ken Blake books.

While Marisa was in her accounting job, she hired a private investigator to try to find her alcoholic father who went missing on the day she graduated from high school. Unfortunately, he took her money and left her still not knowing what happened to her father. His disappearance has had an affect on Marisa's life. Will she be able to get beyond her past so she can live free in her future? Will she find out that Blake is really Ken Blake, the author?  

This is a story about people learning to forgive the past and trust in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed book two. In fact, I think I enjoyed it a little more than I did the first book in the series. However, book three in the series, On Lone Star Trail, sounds just as wonderful. It will be releasing in the Spring of 2016.

On a 5-Star scale - 4 1/2 stars!!!!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy of In Firefly Valley. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason

I do love a good suspense novel and when it has the name Lynette Eason on the cover I know I will be in for a fast paced, edge of your seat reading experience. 

Ms. Eason's newest novel, No Place to Hide, is her third book in her "Hidden Identity" series. The first two books in the series, No One to Trust (read my review here), and Nowhere to Turn (read my review here) were excellent suspenseful reads and I would highly recommend picking up copies of both of them. However, you do not need to read them before reading No Place to Hide.

What would you do if you heard that your childhood best friend was in a lot of trouble with the law? Would you try to locate him to see if you could help him out? Well, that is exactly what Jackie Sellers does when she learns her childhood best friend and 'crush', Ian Lockwood, is wanted in connection to a terrorist plot. The fact that she has a background in law enforcement may have helped her to decide to pursue finding Ian by breaking into his house.

Ms. Eason always creates well developed, believable characters and then puts them into the story and 'stirs the pot', meaning she gets her characters in all sorts of trouble but luckily she gets them out of it as well. She always presents a story packed with non-stop action that takes my breath away. 

I would highly recommend picking up a copy of No Place to Hide if you like a good, fast paced suspenseful novel that will keep you up late at night trying to pick up all the clues and piece the story together. It was masterfully written and pure enjoyment to read.

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

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy of No Place to Hide I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon

I always know when I pick up an Irene Hannon novel that I am going to be pulled into the story and held there until the last page is turned. Buried Secrets, Ms. Hannon's newest novel is the first in her "Men of Valor" series, and is a masterpiece in suspense. 

The story is about Police Chief Lisa Grant and ex-Navy SEAL, Mac McGregor. Mac is now a detective for the county and when some human bones are found at an excavation site, Mac and Lisa meet and begin a journey of discovery. Both a discovery surrounding the bones and a discovery about each other. 

Because of a very small piece of evidence that was buried with the bones, Lisa is able to discover who the bones belonged to and with that she sets out on a journey to find out what happened and who was behind the blunt force trauma to the skull.

Ms. Hannon is a master at providing twists and turns in her suspense novels that keep the reader engaged and guessing. Buried Secrets did exactly that. While the reader is clued in to the identity of who buried the person early on in the story, the twists and turns that the story took kept me guessing as to what really did happen.

If you enjoy a good clean suspense story I would highly recommend picking up a copy of Buried Secrets, I am sure you will love it and might find yourself staying up late into the night to finish it. I am looking forward to the second book in the series, which will be released in the Spring of 2016. Based on the excerpt in the back of Buried Secrets the next book in the series looks to be just as exciting, It is the story of Mac MacGregor's younger brother Lance, a former member of Delta Force who is now working for the FBI. He was introduced in Buried Secrets and I look forward to getting to know him better.

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my copy of Buried Secrets. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

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

Smiles & Blessings,

Hidden Agenda by Lisa Harris

If you have never read a book by Lisa Harris you are missing out. Her most recent release, Hidden Agenda, is the third book in her Southern Crimes series. I haven't had the opportunity to read the first book in the series, Dangerous Passage, but I guarantee you I will be reading it very soon. The second book in the series, Fatal Exchange, was released in the middle of last year and was an excellent read. Read my review here.

The series follows the lives of three siblings in the Hunt family. Hidden Agenda, is the story of Michael Hunt, an undercover cop who is deep undercover with a drug cartel and his family believes him to be dead. When the story begins Michael's cover has been blown and he is rescued by Ivan and Olivia Hamilton, who just happen to be the children of Antonio Valez, the head of the cartel.

One thing I really like about Lisa Harris's books is her character development. Each character is well defined and has the ability to draw the reader into their story quickly. To be honest, when I read book two in the series, the first chapter of Hidden Agenda was included in the back of the book. Michael Hunt pulled me into his story in chapter one and I have been patiently waiting for Hidden Agenda to release.

Without telling too much of the story, Michael Hunt, Olivia Hamilton and her deaf brother Ivan are running. Running from the cartel and the cops. The journey will keep the reader on the edge of their seats throughout the story. But believe me, it is a journey well worth taking.

Lisa Harris has created a story that could be taken right out of today's headlines and has taken the reader right along with her. With strong believable characters and a story full of plot twists and turns the reader is guaranteed an awesome read.

I would highly recommend Hidden Agenda to anyone who enjoys reading a good 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 Hidden Agenda. I receive my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

  

Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman

First off, I have to say this is the first book I have read by Julie Lessman. I have several in my 'to be read' pile and I can guarantee you, they have been moved closer to the top of my pile. I have heard wonderful things about Ms. Lessman's writing and I can now agree with all the wonderful things people have said about her work. She definitely knows how to weave words into a story that grabs the readers heart and plays with their emotions.

Her newest book, Surprised by Love is the third book in "The Heart of San Francisco" series. I do wish I had read the first two books in the series, but that will come in time. This book is the story of Megan McClare and Bram Hughes. When the story begins, Megan has just arrived home from a year spent in Paris. When Bram, who always thought of her as a little sister, sees how she has matured he is 'surprised by love'. I have to admit, this story line reminds me so much of the story line of Sabrina and Linus in the movie Sabrina. I loved the movie and I loved Ms. Lessman's book.

Ms. Lessman truly has a gift for words and creating believable characters. They are so well developed they breathe the life into her story. Her prose is so lyrical it reads almost like poetry. Am I a fan? Yes! I am!

I would highly recommend Surprised by Love to anyone who enjoys reading a good clean historical novel. I guarantee you, you won't be disappointed.

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

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, for my review copy of Surprised by Love. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

At Bluebonnet Lake by Amanda Cabot

I always enjoy reading authors that are new to me. Especially when they are as gifted as Amanda Cabot. Her newest book, At Bluebonnet Lake, was an enjoyable "feel good" story set in Texas.

Kate Sherwood works in advertising and aspires to become a partner in the firm one day. She is a workaholic so when her grandma Sally wants her to take a month long trip with her to Rainbow's End, Texas, Kate reluctantly agrees. Mostly because she knows Sally's health is fragile. She owes Sally so much because when Kate's parents died when she was young her grandparents, Sally and Larry raised her. 

Sally wants to return to Rainbow's End because she spent one wonderful week there with Larry fifty years before. When they arrive at Rainbow's End, it is not the same. It is run down and in desperate need of repair, but Sally still sees the beauty of it.

The hero is billionaire Greg Vange and when Kater first meets him she believes him to be a maintenance man at the resort.

I truly loved this story, it was simple but enjoyable. Besides Kate and Greg's story, the reader is also treated to a love story between Sally and Roy. The stories were woven together and left a smile on my face. 

The characters were well developed and interacted well with each other and I must say when I closed the book they all left a smile on my face.

I would highly recommend At Bluebonnet Lake to anyone who enjoys a good Christian contemporary love story.

On a 5-Star Scale - 4 1/2 Stars!!!!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy of At Bluebonnet Lake. I received my copy for free in order to read and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Deceived by Irene Hannon

Reading suspense novels by Irene Hannon is always such a treat for me. Her newest novel, Deceived, is the third book in her "Private Justice" series and in my humble opinion it is another winner! The first book in the series is Vanished (read my review here) and the second book in the series is Trapped (read my review here).

Deceived is the story of Kate Marshall, a woman who lost her husband and four year old son in a boating accident three years prior to the start of the story. She now lives in St. Louis and while on a shopping trip to the mall she hears a young boy ask his father for a poppysicle. This was a term her son always used for popsicle so it got her attention. She is going one direction on the escalator and when she turns and looks she sees a young boy that looks just like her son with hair the same color as her own going in the opposite direction. She calls her son's name and and little boy turns. Before she can turn around and go after him, he and the man he was with disappear into the crowd. Not sure what to believe, she contacts law enforcement but they don't believe that the little boy she saw was really her son. So she contacts Connor Sullivan, a Private Investigator with Phoenix, Inc. While he is a little skeptical, when he hears her story, he agrees to try to find the boy. This is the foundation for Deceived.

My heart went out to Kate Marshall.While being strong, she was very vulnerable and I was rooting for her throughout the book. As for Conner Sullivan, I loved his character. He is a strong former Secret Service agent who was drawn to Kate from the very beginning. They both are complex characters and I loved how Ms. Hannon revealed their character to the reader.

Irene Hannon's suspense novels are known to have a few twists and turns in the plotline and she doesn't disappoint the reader with this novel. There were times I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for what was to come next. Just when I thought I knew how it was going to end I was surprised.

Riveting plotline, captivating complex characters and a Christian thread are found in Deceived. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys good Christian suspense fiction. I would highly recommend this book.

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

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I received my copy of Deceived for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Stress Cure by Linda Evans Shepherd

Unfortunately, I, like many other people in the world, have a tendency to suffer from stress. So when I had an opportunity to read Linda Evans Shepherd's book, The Stress Cure, Praying Your Way to Personal Peace. I couldn't resist. I must say this book was quite insightful.

Ms. Shepherd makes the point that many people love to offer advice to those who suffer from stress. Anything from eating right and sleeping more. She lets the reader know that what the person suffering from stress needs is a cure and that cure is prayer.

In The Stress Cure, Ms. Shepherd reveals to the reader how to recognize the presence of God in our lives and how we should release our stress to Him. She breaks the book up into twelve chapters that cover being overwhelmed, stuck frustrated, burdened, hopeless, offended, anxious, negative, distracted, and depressed. I loved the way she ends each chapter with the same subtitles, 'Shine the Light of the Word, Yielding Prayer for the (chapter title), Shine the Light, Yield, Forgive, Give It All to God, Pray for Healing, Exchange the Enemy's Work for God's Peace and Praise God - You Are Free!'. Because of the way the chapters are geared towards a certain topic of stress, you can go directly to the area you need the most help and read and re-read that particular chapter. 

There are many stories throughout the pages which helps keep the readers interest. She even references a scene with Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark in the book. She also takes passages and sets them in blocks withing the pages bringing those thoughts to the attention of the reader. I think one of my favorites was found on page 128 and says, "When we look to Jesus, instead of concentrating on our worries and fears, Jesus will give us His peace as our worries and fears fade away".

I would highly suggest this book to anyone who suffers from stress. 

On a 5-Star Scale - 4 Stars. ****

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing for my copy of The Stress Cure. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Nowhere to Turn by Lynette Eason

NOWHERE TO TURN (Hidden Identity book 2)

Author:  

    Lynette Eason

Publisher:  

    Revell

Realease Date:  

    September 2, 2014

Market:  

    Christian

Genre:  

    Romantic Suspense

Length:  

    320 pages

My Rating:

    *****

My Expectations:

Blurb from the back of the book

She thought her days of hiding were over... but the danger has just begun.
The day Danielle Harding takes her eleven-year-old son and flees from her abusive husband is the same day Kurt Harding dies. A relieved Dani belies she and her son are finally safe -- but in reality, things are just heating up. When Kurt was alive, he took something important from a mysterious individual -- who wants the item back and believes Dani now has it. As she and her son run for their lives, they have nowhere to turn, until she hires Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she won't be able to hide for long...

The Reason I Wanted to Read this Book

I have read many of Lynette Eason's books and loved everyone. I also read the first book in the series, No One to Trust (read my review here), so I pretty well knew what to expect.

Romantic Suspsense is my favorite genre to read.

I'm often drawn to cover art and the cover of Nowhere to Turn is intriguing. Notice the man's shadow?

My Expectations:

Having read the first book in the "Hidden Identity: series, I expected a fast paced suspenseful novel filled with several twists and turns that would keep me glued to the edge of my seat.

I expected characters that, although fiction, seem completely real and believable.

Adam Buchanan, the male lead, had a small but very important part in the first book of the series. I was hoping to see his character be redeemed in book two.

CRITIQUE

Did the author fulfull my expectations?

In one word... YES! From the first sentence to the last, Ms. Eason took me on an adventurous, suspenseful journey. Her writing was superb, her lead characters had romantic sparks flying almost from the beginning and the Christian thread worked well within the story.

There are times, when I am reading a book, that the author doesn't capture my interest with their dialogue. In those cases, I find myself thinking of how I could take the story and make it different. When that happens I don't always enjoy the book as much as I would like. I can honestly say Nowhere to Turn flowed from start to finish with well written dialogue that didn't sound forced. When dialogue works, the characters appear real and bring their story to life.

Ms. Eason has a knack for creating well developed, believable characters that do bring her stories to life. Danielle (Dani) Harding's life was falling apart when she first meets Adam Buchanan. Although subtle at first, there were sparks from the beginning. Ms. Eason allowed her characters to grow and learn about each other slowly during their fast paced journey.

Nowhere to Turn, as in all of Lynette Eason's books, is a page-turner that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. The tension of the story is strong and what sets the pace of the story from start to finish. While the characters help move the story along, the story is driven by the story line itself.

As previously mentioned, the romantic story line started slow, but this is due to the circumstances surrounding why Dani & Adam are together. I wouldn't say there was a lot of romantic tension in this book but there is definitely a lot of suspenseful tension.

While at times the story seemed a little predictable to me, Ms. Eason kept me engaged until the end. I would highly recommend reading Nowhere to Turn. It is a book that I believe would appeal to anyone who enjoys suspenseful fiction.

Lynette Eason has created another exceptional suspenseful novel that takes her readers on an extremely eventful trip. I look forward to the next book in this series, No Place to Hide, which is due out in Summer of 2015.

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, for my copy of Nowhere to Turn. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,