Monday, October 22, 2012

Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley

Book Description:
A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders.
While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. Fighting their attraction, Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area. What they uncover isn’t what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana’s faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence?

My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good book!  Texas Ranger Cody Jackson has moved away from Houston for two main reasons.  To get his son away from his stepfather's influence and to solve the attack on his mentor.  While in Durango, he is partnered with Liliana Rodriguez and they investigate a series of murders.  The whole time, tensions are rising, bodies are piling up and the two of them work hard to figure out exactly what is going on.
This book tackled some hard topics head on and I think the author did a good job with all of them.  Faith was woven well into the storyline.  Bullying was dealt with.  Racism handled quite well.  The characters were written well, as was the storyline.  I enjoyed watching Cody and Kyle's relationship heal and Cody and Liliana's relationship develop.
I rate this a 4/5.  Though it was the second in the series is stands alone quite well.

Thank you to PumpUpYourBook for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine. 

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Dangerous Embrace by Dana Mason

Book Description:
Sarah Jennings wants nothing more than a quiet life—alone.
Raised by an eccentric mother, their life on the road only taught her how to run away from hard times. But when she finds herself in an abusive relationship, this lesson serves her well. 
Now, back in her hometown, she's found a place she loves. She’s a first grade teacher, and with few friends and less family around, she has what she wants, a quiet life under the radar where she can be free of her past and live quietly. Finally comfortable in her own skin, she’s settled, and less fearful than she’s ever been in her life.
But it only takes one night and one act of violence for everything to change. Injured and afraid, Sarah wants to run again, but Mark Summors refuses to let her go.
Just when Sarah thinks she can have Mark and the life he promises, her past comes back to haunt her.
Mark Summors was born and raised in Santa Rosa. He married his high school sweetheart and never questioned his life, until he found his wife with another man.
Now divorced, he wants something more. He’s passionate about his job, he wants to protect people, and he devotes his life to it.
This time he’s protecting more than just another client, he’s protecting his future; at least, Sarah Jennings will be his future, once he convinces her she loves him.


My Thoughts:
This was a captivating book.  Sarah's life is a living nightmare at the moment and she has decided to flee from the person stalking her.  Mark is determined to protect Sarah and keep her safe no matter what.  Sarah has issues from her past that make it hard and maybe impossible to trust a man, no matter how good his intentions.  Mark has his own past but both of them have to look beyond their issues if Sarah is going to survive.
The author does a great job with her characters.  They are believable and not perfect...they have their issues to work through that are legitimate.  You feel Sarah's terror and lingering fear as she is feeling them, and you also feel Mark's determination to keep her safe.  The suspense is well written and the romance believable and not over the top.  It is well suited for the circumstances the characters are in.  Overall, great book. 
I rate this a 5/5.  Good suspense and I look forward to another good book from this author.
Thank you to Reading Addiction Blog Tours for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan

Book Description:
Seeing how successful her older sister's "mail order marriage" has been and longing to strike out on her own, Greta Olsen answers an ad for a mail order bride in Central City, Colorado. But when she meets Jess Gifford, owner of a thriving mercantile, she begins to harbor doubts. He didn't place the ad to begin with and his business in a busy mining town leaves him little time or energy for love. To compound her troubles, she was not the only bride to answer the ad! Will either bride strike the match she hopes for?
Filled with amusing and awkward situations that will keep the reader interested and guessing, "Twice Promised "is another sweet romance from Maggie Brendan.


My Thoughts:
This was an entertaining book.  Greta has decided to answer the call to be a mail-order-bride.  She arrives in Colorado only to find that she isn't the only 'bride' to have shown up AND the man she is to marry isn't who placed the add.  Now will Jess, the man in question, want to marry either of them?
I enjoyed the characters the author brought to life in this book.  Greta and Cora were different but complimentary of each other.  I enjoyed how the history unfolded throughout the story.  Jess' character was well written and I liked Zach even if he did start out a bit underhanded.  I must say, Granny was my favorite character though!
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a good romance.

Thank you to Revell for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Linked by Emma Hill

Book Description:

The first novel of The Linked Saga ties romance  and
mystery with unforeseen twists. Author Emma Hill tells the story
of a man living in England, who travels home to Australia to visit
his uncle.  Life, death and a string of indecisions unveil many
hidden secrets that will change his life forever.  An explosive
introduction, involving his sister’s children, who were kidnapped
years earlier, will have you hanging onto every word as you
become a very real part of this novel.
Combining romance and mystery, with undeniably the best
of unforeseen twists, he meets someone unexpectedly and soon
realises that the only way to survive is by learning the truth about
things that before seemed so unreal . Inside every heart and soul is
a story that’s waiting to be told.

My Thoughts:
I really, really enjoyed this book.  Matt has arrived at his uncle's home in Australia for an unannounced holiday.  He has been living and working in England and left out of the family loop, it seems especially when it comes to the kidnapping of niece and nephew and subsequent murder of the nephew.  His family life gets even more complicated, then his personal life and he encounters several twists and turns as he tries to figure out exactly what is going on!
I liked the story line and that just when  you think you have everything figured out there is another twist to throw you.  The mix of characters was intriguing and I really liked Matt.  He missed his family while he was running his business but took his responsibility very seriously.  The twists within the family and the secrets keep you intrigued.
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a good romantic mystery and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Navy Seal Rescuer by Shirlee McCoy

Book Description:
After four years in prison for crimes she didn't commit, Catherine Miller just wants to lie low at her isolated farmhouse. But someone still thinks she's guilty—and should pay the ultimate price. Someone angry enough to spray-paint murderer on her home and attack her in broad daylight. Her neighbor, former navy SEAL Darius Osborne, vows to hunt down her predator. The handsome security contractor has as harrowing a past as Catherine's, and won't let anyone get too close. Yet with a cold-blooded killer on her trail, they'll get closer than either ever imagined.

My Thoughts:
Loved this book.  Catherine has returned home after being wrongfully imprisoned for 4 years.  Now she is home and it seems there are some in town that don't believe in her innocence and plan to make her pay.  She meets Darius, her new neighbor, when he saves her from a potentially deadly attack.  He becomes a bodyguard, protector and friend.  Now Darius has to keep the woman that intrigues him alive and find who is trying to kill her before they manage to succeed.
The characters were perfectly written in this book.  Catherine's grandma was probably my favorite just because of how straightforward she was with everything.  Catherine was cautious and hesitant to trust, but with good reason.  She wasn't the kind to throw a pity party though and managed to keep her faith.  Darius had his own past issues but they didn't stop him from being a bodyguard and strong protector.  The story line was good, suspenseful, heart felt and a touch of romance.
I rate this one a 5/5.  It was good, suspense story.

Thank you to netgalley for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Christmas Stalking by Margaret Daley

Book Description:
Bodyguard Ellie St. James has one objective: protect her client…without letting her know. Pretending to be Rachel "Winnie" Winfield's assistant lets Ellie stay close, but there's an unexpected complication—Colt Winfield. Winnie's grandson wasn't in on the plans, and the suspicious marine biologist isn't easy to fool. When the truth comes out, so do more threats to Winnie's life. Trapped on a Colorado mountain, Ellie and Colt must trust each other to guard Winnie and find the stalker. Before this Christmas becomes their last.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book.  Ellie is Winnie's bodyguard, only the elderly lady doesn't know it.  She's been hired by Winnie's second in command and given specific instructions not to tell her because she couldn't handle the issues involved.  Colt, Winnie's grandson, comes home for a surprise visit and finds more than he imagined when his grandmother's new assistant pulls a weapon on him.  Now to keep Winnie alive, Ellie and Colt have to work together against a very determined person.
I liked Ellie's character.  She was strong, determined, had a history but faith.  Colt had his own issues to deal with but the fact that both of them were focused on keeping Winnie safe was a 'tug at your heart' feeling.  I loved the old lady from the first scene she was in and couldn't wait to find out exactly what happened to her.  Not to mention if anything developed from the chemistry between Colt and Ellie!
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a very good, solid book.

Thank you to netgalley for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason

Book Description:
Spunky and outgoing, nothing much bothers medical examiner Serena Hopkins--except for the thought of falling in love again. But when a serial killer is picking off her former classmates, Serena's life becomes intertwined with her old high school crush, FBI agent Dominic Allen. Is the secret she's keeping putting her next on the killer's hit list? Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it's too late?
Intense, emotional, and fast-paced, "When a Heart Stops" will have readers up late as they race to the finish to find out what happens.


My Thoughts:
Loved it!!!  Serena is a medical examiner that isn't easily bothered, but when people she went to school with start getting murdered, she certainly is!  Dominic is now an FBI agent and is working the case, but when they were younger he was Serena's crush.  Now the case turns out to be a serial killer and Serena may have some crucial information but can she trust Dominic?
We got to know Serena and Dominic really well in the book.  Serena is a great lady.  She is strong, sure of herself and very 'in control'...for the most part.  Dominic has the here to save the day type character and is solid.  The author does a wonderful job of drawing you into the storyline then keeping you guessing throughout.  I loved the faith in the book didn't seem forced or 'stale' but fit perfectly into the story. 
This is a 5/5.  Wonderful suspense with a creepy note in there for edge of your seat!

Thank you to Revell for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

The Doctor's Defender by Terri Reed

Book Description:

DO NO HARM

As a trauma surgeon, Dr. Brenda Storm saves lives every day. But someone wants her dead. It starts with the anonymous delivery of poisoned cupcakes. Now the hospital has hired a bodyguard to protect her 24/7. At first, Brenda doesn’t think too-handsome Kyle Martin is right for the job. Then she discovers his harrowing background—and that Kyle will do anything to keep her safe. With every attempt on her life, she’s more drawn to the strong and silent man who risks his life for hers. But their growing feelings could put them both in harm’s way.


My Thoughts:
This was a good, quick read.  Dr. Storm has upset someone badly.  Apparently upset enough to want her dead!  Poisoned cupcakes that were meant for her, find another target and the hospital brings in a bodyguard.  Kyle is handsome but doesn't look the part of a bodyguard.  The fact that Brenda is attracted to him isn't why she wants to keep him at arms-length...is it?
I liked Kyle.  He was such an interesting personality.  He was a 'goof' but joked to hide his emotions and to keep people from getting too close.  When it came to the job though, there was no one better for it!  Brenda was a good strong leading lady.  I liked her question of faith.  It wasn't simple or straightforward but it was a question that I'm sure a lot of people struggle with. 
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a solid Christian Suspense.

Thank you to netgalley for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

A Love Surrendered by Julie Lessman

Book Description:
Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents' death. But when she falls hard for Steven O'Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?

My Thoughts:
It was great to see the O'Connor family again!  Annie has recently been orphaned and has moved to Boston to live with her aunt.  She decides to join a different kind of crowd than the one she is used to and brings out the protective streak in Steven.  She and Steven are attracted to each other but both have issues to deal with.  When she realizes Steven is the man who was once engaged to her sister, Annie is worried how he will react to her when she reveals her true identity.
I loved seeing the 'old' characters and how their stories are progressing.  Annie was an interesting mix of fearless, damsel and Christian.  Steven is decidedly against women/marriage because of how he messed up his past relationship.  The author does a wonderful job of making you feel everything the characters feel and pulling you along through the story.  
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a wonderful ending to the series!

Thank you to Revell for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Monday, October 8, 2012

The Chase by DiAnn Mills

Book Description:
To the FBI it's a cold case. To Kariss Walker it's a hot idea that could either reshape or ruin her writing career. And it's a burning mission to revisit an event she can never forget. Five years ago, an unidentified little girl was found starved to death in the woods behind a Houston apartment complex. A TV news anchor at the time, Kariss reported on the terrifying case. Today, as a New York Times bestselling author, Kariss intends to turn the unsolved mystery into a suspense novel. Enlisting the help of FBI Special Agent Tigo Harris, Kariss succeeds in getting the case reopened. But the search for the dead girl's missing mother yields a discovery that plunges the partners into a witch's brew of danger. The old crime lives on in more ways than either of them could ever imagine. Will Kariss's pursuit of her dream as a writer carry a deadly price tag? Drawing from a real-life cold case, bestselling novelist DiAnn Mills presents a taut collage of suspense, faith, and romance in The Chase.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book.  Kariss is a former news anchor, now bestselling romance novelist   She has decided to change genera against the judgment of her publicist and wants to do a mystery/suspense.  She wants to solve the murder of Cherish Doe, a little girl who was killed and no one has ever found any solid leads on.  She is to shadow Tigo and learn about the FBI from him and she hopes, talk him into opening Cherish's case again.  
I liked the two main characters.  Kariss was smart, opinionated and very good at what she puts her mind to.  Tigo is almost a 'one-track mind' but he is loving and caring.  He is a loner and sometimes doesn't seem to think things through but he is an amazing FBI agent.  I loved how the two of them first saw each other, that was amusing to say the least.  My heart broke for the little girl's story and how heartless some people are.  
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a good, clean read.

Thank you to Zondervan for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Vital by Jamie Magee--Availiable TODAY!!!

Book Description:

Willow’s journey continues in VITAL, the fourth book in the INSIGHT series. Combating a crumbling family life, a circle of suddenly inconsiderate friends who seem determined to anger her, and a plethora of emotional trials too numerous to withstand, Willow feels overwhelmed. She has pushed herself beyond her own limits and in so doing has closed her mind. Dreams are no longer coming to her.

As she deals with this tumultuous environment, Willow also notices a change in her beloved. Once her source of support and compassion, Landen is suddenly filled with a newfound rage. Fierce and possessive, he forces Willow to wonder whether the bliss of their love has faded away, or if something darker is affecting Landen’s soul. Always watchful of Willow, Drake sees this change and the growing rift between the pair. Both he and Willow remember all too well what happened during Venus’s passing; will Drake take advantage of Landen’s compromised emotions?

Amidst all this turmoil, Willow finds herself obsessed with finding her: the elusive twin. The girl who looks exactly like Willow, and who must be Drake’s soul mate. Willow knows in her heart that to find this girl will remove a tremendous weight from her shoulders, clearing her mind and heart. But a mysterious warning about the chart of her past forces her to consider this course carefully.

And she must consider it soon. Even now, Mars approaches and Willow’s most important battle is at hand. Will she finally break beneath the torment the universe has set upon her, or will she stand beside her friends and loved ones as Mars unleashes its wrath?


My Thoughts:
I was so excited when I got this book!  I've been waiting for what seems forever to see Willow's journey continue on.  Willow is having issues.  She, Landen and Drake all made it through the last trial but now things are different.  She is pushing down emotions and hiding them because the closeness of working with Drake is effecting her.  Everyone around her seems to think she has issues.  Landen is changing right before her eyes and she is extremely worried about him.  All of this and she is facing the next planet!
I saw the changes in all the characters as they come into themselves.  Each trial seems to change them in some way and the last one was no different.  The things that haven't changed are Willow and Landen's love and Drake's love for Willow.  My heart hurt when a family member was hurt and I couldn't wait to see what happened next.  I loved the twists and new characters.  I can't believe how it ended and can't wait for the next installment!
This is a solid 5/5.  If you have read the series up to now, you can't miss this one and if you  haven't read any of Jamie's books, I recommend them (and in order).

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Sandwich with a Side of Romance by Krista Phillips

Book Description:
She moved to Sandwich, Illinois, in search of a new life, but ended up in a giant pickle. Sandwich represents hope for twenty-year-old Maddie Buckner and Kyle, the eleven-year-old brother Maddie wants to spring out of foster care. Then she loses her new job after less than a day. It 's all Reuben-the-Jerk 's fault, and she 's determined to make him right the wrong. He does so, reluctantly, by giving her a job at his restaurant, The Sandwich Emporium. Then crazy things start happening at the restaurant, and Kyle 's foster parents apply to adopt him. To stop it all, Maddie must learn the art of humbling herself and accepting the help God has arranged, risking her heart to Reuben in the process. And she d rather eat a million corned-beef on rye sandwiches than do that.

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book.  Maddie is a new Christian and has moved to Sandwich, IL.  She needs to get her life together in order to get her little brother out of foster care.  She loses her first job as a hair stylist the first day because of Reuben!  He gives her a job at his restaurant (reluctantly) and when she dumps a plate on the mayor, her next job is as Ruben's assistant.  There are several stumbling blocks and after a past she is ashamed of, Maddie just wants to move forward and have her brother, but maybe God has more in mind.
I liked Maddie's whole character.  She is smart, sassy, and her open faith is wonderfully refreshing.  Her prayers were intriguing and entertaining while being heartfelt.  Reuben often earned his nickname of 'the jerk' but he is struggling with his own faith and his attraction to Maddie.  Especially when his girlfriend is in the picture!  I enjoyed how his whole family was accepting and helpful to Maddie.  Overall it was just a really good book.
I rate this a 5/5.  It was a delightful escape and I want to see more from this author.

Thank you to PumpUpYourBooks for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.