Targeted by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Natalie Walters

I love reading novellas so when three are combined into one book by authors that I love, I jump at the chance to get a copy. Targeted by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn and Natalie Walters is a book in which all three novellas will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The first novella, On the Run, by Lynette Eason, is the story of FBI agent Daria Nevsky. Daria is an IT Specialist who can hack into any computer, and Dr. Ryker Donahue who is an ER doctor. Daria is attacked within the first few pages and she ends up driving her attacker's car from Quantico, VA down to Asheville, NC, and ends up in Dr. Donahue's ER. When Daria goes in search of answers, Ryker decides he can't let her go alone. This was an awesome addition to this book.

The second novella, Deadly Objective by Lynn H. Blackburn was the story of Emily Dixon, a physical therapist, and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper. Emily is tasked to give physical therapy to the Vice President's son, Mason and it is Liam's job to keep Mason in line. When someone tries to kidnap Mason, Emily and Liam find themselves working together to keep him safe. I loved that the story began with a relationship already beginning between Emily and Liam and I loved their playful teasing. Another excellent addition to the book.

The third and final novella, Caught in the Crosshairs by Natalie Walters was the story of CIA officer Claudia Gallegos and Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman. When Claudia walks in on the murder of a Saudi Prince she finds herself being implicated in his murder. Ari is assigned to help her but Claudia doesn't trust anyone, especially Ari as he is known as being a "player" and she can't help but notice how handsome he is. But as time progresses and Ari saves her more than once Claudia begins to realize he is more than just a 'pretty boy'. 

All three novellas are fast-paced and give the reader a roller coaster ride to the finish. I loved all six of the main characters. All three authors are great at creating believable characters and that is something that is very important to me. So, if you love fast-past romantic suspense I would highly recommend picking up a copy of Targeted.

I give each novella 5 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell Books, for my copy of Targeted. 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,

Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail.

Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the dead letter office, and she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, perhaps a taste of romance. When she comes across a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love, it becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

But when Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter, and yet...she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it.

My Thoughts

I love new authors and when Yours Truly, Thomas was offered as a book to read and review I jumped at he chance. This is Ms. Fordham's second book in her Azure Springs series, the first being The Hope of Azure Springs. I found from the very first words that Ms. Fordham would be a new favorite author for me.

The story begins in 1883 in the dead letter office in Washington DC. The lead character, Penny Ercanbeck will endear herself to the reader within the first few moments of meeting her. As for the male lead, Thomas Conner, he also endeared himself to me. It was apparent he had a wounded heart that was in need of forgiveness and love. I loved both characters equally and would love to see a sequel with more of their story.

If you enjoy historical romance with a little bit of suspense mixed in, Yours Truly, Thomas is a book I feel you will truly enjoy.

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

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy of Yours Truly, Thomas. 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,

Code of Valor by Lynette Eason

Lynette Eason's current book, Code of Valor, is the third book of her "Blue Justice Series" following Oath of Honor and Called to Protect. This series revolves around the St. John family and once you meet them I guarantee you will love them.

Back Cover:

SHE'S LIVING PROOF THAT WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW

 COULD KILL YOU.

What Detective Brady St. John really needs is a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, just as the sun is setting on his second day at a friend's cabin on Lake Henley, he hears a scream and races to rescue a woman from her would-be killer. When the killer escapes only to return to finish the job, Brady vows to utilize all of his many resources to keep her safe--and catch those who would see her dead.

     Financial crimes investigator Emily Chastain doesn't trust many people. And even though she's trying to cooperate with the detective who saved her life, there are some things she doesn't know--and some things you just don't share with a stranger. Little does she suspect that what she doesn't know just might get them both killed.

My Thoughts:

Ms. Eason is a master at creating multifaceted believable characters and fast-paced page-turning suspenseful novels. It saddens me when an author speeds up the ending of the story (maybe due to meeting a deadline) but that is never an issue with Ms. Eason as she always gives the reader the whole story and never shortchanges the reader by ending the story too quickly.  

If you love fast-paced suspenseful novels you'll love Code of Valor. The characters draw you in from the beginning and do not let you go until the very end of the story. I would highly recommend this book.

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

I would like to thank Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my copy of Code of Valor.  I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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,

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,

Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason

A MURDERED PARTNER. A MISSING BROTHER. WILL ISABELLE'S SILENCE PROTECT THOSE SHE LOVES...OR DELAY JUSTICE?

Police office Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. She knows they'll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.

     Izzy is determined to discover exactly what happened, and her investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll--including someone from her own family. With her dead partner's brother Ryan, a handsome homicide detective, shadowing her every move, Izzy's head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she's had a secret crush on for years won't leave her side.

MY THOUGHTS:

Oath of Honor is the first book in Lynette Eason's "Blue Justice" series and I can tell you it is an awesome beginning to the new series. The second book in the series, Called to Protect, will be released this summer and I can hardly wait.

The characters that are introduced in this book are well rounded and definitely makes the reader care for them. The heroine, Isabelle (Izzy) St. John comes from a family of law enforcement and Ryan Marshall, the hero, is a homicide detective who has just lost his second brother within an eighteen month period. Izzy had been attracted to Ryan since high school and the feelings were pretty much the same for Ryan as well. Ryan never acted on his feelings because Izzy's twin brother basically told him to leave her alone. Izzy and Ryan now find themselves working together to solve her partner's death. Her partner just happens to be Ryan's baby brother.

One thing that I find in every Lynette Eason book that I read, is a 'sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat' plot. A plot that grabs the reader from the first page and doesn't let them go until the very last page. I guarantee you that Oath of Honor will not disappoint the devoted suspense reader.

I would highly recommend reading Oath of Honor if you like a good clean suspense-filled book.

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

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, for my copy of Oath of Honor. I received a complimentary copy to read with no expectation for a positive review. All opinions  expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson

I love Christmas and all that goes with it. One thing I just can't pass up is a Christmas book with Melody Carlson's name on the cover. Ms. Carlson's book this year is The Christmas Blessing and a blessing it was.

The Christmas Blessing is set on the homefront during World War II. It is the story of a young mother, Amelia Richards, and how she journies from San Diego, California to Rockford, Montana in order to introduce her son to his paternal grandparents. I loved the character of Amelia and how the reader was given a chance to know her selfless heart. I wish we could have seen more into the lives of the other characters but since it is a novella there just wasn't enough time to do so. I truly wish Ms. Carlson would lengthen this novella into a full-length novel so we could get to know the characters better.

I can say I cried and smiled throughout the story because the author pulled me in at the start and held me to the end.

I would highly recommend The Christmas Blessing to anyone who enjoys a quick holiday read. I'm sure you'll love it.

On a 5-Star scale = 4 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my copy of The Christmas Blessing. 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,

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,

The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

If you love to read fun books set during Christmas, you must pick up a copy of Melody Carlson's book The Christmas Joy Ride. This is a fairly short hardcover book, a mere 168 pages, but the lesson learned within it's pages packs a wallop!

Imagine an 85 year old woman wanting to drive a motor home across country from Chicago to Phoenix. That is exactly what Joy Jorgenson plans on doing. You see, she has sold her home in Chicago and is supposed to be flying to Phoenix to live in an assisted living apartment near her two sons. But Joy has other plans. She gets her RV out of storage and plans to drive to Phoenix, making several important stops along the way. 

Joy's young friend, Miranda Fortner, is about to lose her home in February to foreclosure. She doesn't like the idea of Joy driving by herself so she decides to join Joy in traveling the old Route 66. What she doesn't know is that while she is blessing Joy by being a travel companion, she will be blessed by Joy and all those she comes in contact with.

I truly loved this book. While I did shed a few tears along their journey I also found myself laughing out loud at other times. Imagine seeing an RV driving down the road totally decked out in Christmas decorations. What a sight that would be!

Ms. Carlson has written some sweet Christmas stories over the years but I believe this may just be her best yet. I loved her characters and it was almost as though there were several stories packed into one. 

I would highly recommend picking up a copy of this very sweet and heart touching book. Maybe pick up a couple as Christmas gifts.

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

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy of The Christmas Joy Ride. 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,

Desperate Measures by Sandra Orchard

The third and final book in Sandra Orchard's "Port Aster Secrets" series, is Desperate Measures. The first book in the series is Deadly Devotions (read my review here) and the second book in the series is Blind Trust (read my review here). This is definitely a series that you need to read in sequence. 

The entire series is based around a 'miracle plant' that people are turning up dead over. From book one through book three the reader is pulled into a web of deception and secrets. Ms. Orchard has a talent of taking the reader on a journey of twists and turns allowing them to encounter surprises along the way.

Once again we meet Researcher Kate Adams who is trying to find her father, who she hasn't seen in twenty years, and find out more about the 'miracle plant' amendoso. But there are people who want the plant for themselves and they will do anything to get it. Even kill.

The romance aspect of this book is between Kate Adams and Detective Tom Parker. Throughout the first two books it's been touch and go and now that we find ourselves with the final offering in the series the question is, will Ms. Orchard allow their relationship to move forward or will they part as good friends?

As sad as it is that this is the last book in the series, Ms. Orchard tied the story lines up quite nicely. I would highly recommend this book (and this series) to anyone who enjoys a good clean suspense novel.

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

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy of Desperate Measures. I received my copy for free in order to read it 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,