Review of JUST FOR THE SUMMER by Melody Carlson

On April 15, 2024April 15, 2024 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9781493444755. Publisher:Baker Publishing Group. Publication date:03/19/2024. Pages:288

Ginny Masters manages a popular boutique hotel in Seattle and manages it with aplomb. But the daily challenges and irritations of a fast-paced job and a demanding boss are starting to get to her. Jacqueline Potter manages her grandfather’s fishing lodge in Idaho because it was the only job she could find after graduating with her hospitality degree. She’s grateful for the work but longs for a more sophisticated and cosmopolitan life she’s just not going to find in this backwoods town.

The solution to both their problems seems obvious. Just for the summer, they’ll swap jobs and lifestyles. But they never anticipated swapping love interests . . .

In this fabulous new twist on an age-old fable, award-winning and bestselling author Melody Carlson introduces you to two career-focused women who are about to discover that there’s more to finding happiness than just switching up the scenery.

My Thoughts

Ginny and Jacqueline have similar occupations, both managers of very different places. Ginny manages a boutique hotel in Seattle and is under the thumb of a demanding boss who treats her more like her personal servant than a valued employee. Jacqueline, feeling displaced by her mother’s new choice of a husband, flees that situation to manage her grandfather’s fishing lodge in a beautiful rustic setting. Jacqueline wants to do bigger and better things with her life, so she is not happy with fish, smelly fishermen and log cabins. Since neither young woman is happy, the perfect solution is for them to swap jobs for the summer. This is an amusing story with some deep undertones about finding happiness within yourself instead of expecting circumstances to always go your way. Once the young women switch jobs, Ginny continues to be a stellar employee, looking for ways to improve the lodge and to make everyone as happy with the setting as she is. Jacqueline, on the other hand, has taken her demanding and self-centered personality along with her and manages to alienate the other employees at the hotel while enraging her new boss. The two young women have several conflicts, some drama and a lot of fun finding out what their strengths and weaknesses are and discovering how to be their best selves, no matter where that may take them. I enjoyed the characters, especially the fishing guide Ben at the fishing lodge and the grandfather Jack. Both are common sense, no nonsense men who have learned to cope, adapt and adjust with changes. All of the characters are fully developed and fun to get to know. Even spoiled and entitled Jacqueline ended up having some redeeming qualities, making her one of the most dynamic characters in the book. The plot was well-paced, perfect for a rom-com with some drama mixed in. With life lessons about moving forward, taking chances and learning from mistakes, this is a book not to be missed by fans of entertaining and engaging reads.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

About the Author

**Melody Carlson** is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a *Romantic Times* Career Achievement Award, her novel *All Summer Long* has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel *The Happy Camper* premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at http://www.MelodyCarlson.com.

Purchase Links

Review of LETHAL DANGER by Jerusha Agen

On April 13, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9781956683325. Publisher:Sdg Words, LLC. Publication date:04/25/2024. Series:Guardians Unleashed ,#4. Pages:430

This K-9 team is trained to eliminate threats. This threat could eliminate them.

Being a loner is getting old. Jazz Lamont still can’t fit in at the Phoenix K-9 Agency, and she’s losing her best friend. At least providing security with her K-9 partner at the Tri-City Fair will mean revisiting the only place where she once belonged. But a series of accidents threatens her beloved fair and puts lives at risk.

Thriller author Hawthorne Emerson suspects foul play after the first “accident.” Moonlighting as fair security to investigate the death of his sister’s boyfriend, he’s eager to find the truth. He doesn’t expect the task to lead him to the cult he escaped.

Finding the culprit behind the sabotage is personal for Jazz and Hawthorne. But someone else has a personal stake, too. Someone who wants Jazz dead. When everything she thought was true is dismantled, can Jazz risk trusting others-including God-to survive?

My Thoughts

I raced through the story of Jazz Lamont with my heart in my throat and my fingers drumming anxiously as I read all of the threats that were coming Jazz’s way and her calm way of “taking care of business as usual.” Jazz, as a member of Phoenix K-9 Protection and Detective Agency, is accustomed to danger, but she is not ready for the danger to explode in her personal life. The assignment seems like a normal one, to guard and protect the Tri-City Fair that has had a few weird events there lately. Since Jazz’s aunt is the manager of the fair and Jazz spent her childhood summers there, she is attached to the good memories she has and more than willing to participate in protecting it. The threats continue to ramp up, the danger gets closer and more deadly, and Jazz is eager to work alongside author and temporary security guard Hawthorne Emerson. (Swoon!) I really enjoyed the nail-biting suspense because I never knew when or how another attack would occur, either at the fair or to Jazz personally or even to Hawthorne. The story is a gripping tale of escalating tension which features crisp writing and a sparkling, low-key romance. This is a rich story that is infused with spiritual truth, adding to the realism of the characters and the danger they constantly face as well as their close relationships with each other. There are several mysteries to be solved in the storyline, with intricate plot threads masterfully woven together to make one very riveting and action-packed tale. The multiple layers flow together and keep the intrigue and intensity of the plot moving quickly and brilliantly. I really enjoyed the edginess that persisted throughout the story as well as the characters with their complicated personalities and individual strengths. Of course, I loved the canines because they are so intuitive and well-trained that I was confident that they could protect their owners from whatever threat suddenly manifested itself. This head-spinning book had me captivated from beginning to end and I loved every minute I spent getting to know Jazz’s backstory and why she made the choices she did. This cleverly written page turner has me already wanting the next book in the “Guardians Unleashed” series. Addictive and book coma inducing, this book is one of the best romantic thrillers I have ever read and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants engaging entertainment that will keep you intrigued and guessing.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian Fiction with Intense Suspense, Rated G

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

**Jerusha Agen** imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.
With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives.
Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.
Get a free suspense story from Jerusha and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting novels at www.JerushaAgen.com.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JerushaAgenAuthor/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jerushaagen/
BOOK BUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jerusha-agen-fd78bc82-831e-41c0-81d6-d02a6ddade0e
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7281400.Jerusha_Agen
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP: https://jerushaagen.com/newsletter-and-blog-subscription/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SDGwords

Purchase Links:

http://lethaldanger.com/

http://jerushastore.com/

Other Books in the Guardians Unleashed Series

Review of SANDCASTLE INN by Irene Hannon

On April 4, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780800741921

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:04/02/2024

Pages:352

Vienna Price never intended to return for more than a passing visit to Oregon and all the bad memories she’d left behind. But when your career tanks, home is where you go to nurse your wounds and chart a new course. Only temporarily, of course—because as much as she loves her quirky mom, anything more than a short stay would drive them both crazy.

A trip to Oregon isn’t in Matt Quinn’s plans, either, until a perfectly timed appeal for help arrives from his sister. What better place to decompress after a shattering loss than a quiet, seaside town named Hope Harbor? But R&R isn’t on the agenda when he arrives to find his sister’s new enterprise on life support.

Vienna, however, may have just the skills needed to resuscitate the foundering B&B—if Matt can convince her to hang around long enough to mend an inn…and his heart.

My Thoughts

Irene Hannon’s latest book in her Hope Harbor series is a well-crafted and charming story of people who need each other, but they just don’t know it yet. The characters are believable and delightful to get to know, especially Paige and Andrew, a couple down on their luck after a business failure. They are secondary characters but they were my favorites because of Paige’s optimism and her belief that Andrew can still succeed if he is willing to try. Of course, I was immediately drawn into the story of Matt and Vienna, the protagonists. Matt has suffered a devastating loss in his life and is not looking for love while Vienna has just lost her career and is looking for a place to land. All of these exceptional characters end up in Hope Harbor, the little town where dreams become reality and anything can happen. This is a sweet portrayal of family, drama, and developing love, all presented with a depth of emotion and realism that made it a warmhearted and satisfying addition to the series. The characters were easy to cheer for and the scenic setting of a little town with all of its charm and a few quirky characters made the story dance into my heart as it unfolded. There are a few conflicts in this carefully plotted story, but the characters all worked well together towards the happy ending that I so enjoy. I cannot review a Hope Harbor book without mentioning Charlie and his taco stand. Charlie is back again, offering wisdom and even a timely book for Matt to read. The characters, the plot and the setting all combine to make a delightfully satisfying romance with a foundation of faith, hope and family at its core. This book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but I would not miss a single visit to the little town of Hope Harbor and all of the emotional depth that the author so realistically and expertly portrays.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

**Irene Hannon** is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than sixty-five contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. She is also a three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romance fiction—from Romance Writers of America and is a member of that organization’s elite Hall of Fame.
Her many other awards include National Readers’ Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers’ Best, Carol, HOLT Medallion, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
Irene, who holds a BA in psychology and an MA in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full-time.
When not writing, she loves to sing, travel, hike, garden, cook, spend time with family, and go on impromptu dates with her own romantic hero.
She and her husband make their home in Missouri.

Purchase Links:

Review of ALWAYS THINK OF ME by Lori Keesey

On April 3, 2024April 3, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9781637557259. Publisher:Mascot Books. Publication date:04/02/2024. Pages:344

Sometimes love gives you a second chance. Sometimes it doesn’t. And sometimes it returns in a way you could never imagine.

Tyrus Cal, TC to his friends, had no plans to leave his party boy life, but when he met Ginny at an outdoor music festival, he fell. Hard. He brought out his best stories to charm her, and she returned the sentiment with long-buried secrets about her traumatic past.

When their budding relationship ends abruptly, TC moves on, assuming he won’t get a second chance with the captivating Ginny. But then he does. Just not in the way he expected.

Now he’s on an otherworldly mission to see her again. But that means overcoming his doubts, his fears, and stopping Ginny from doing the unthinkable.

Always Think of Me is an uncommon love story about friendship and do-overs and features a perspective on life that can set us free.

My Thoughts

This is a refreshingly original second chance at romance book with a few surprise twists. TC and Ginny’s meeting at a music festival was humorous at times and also poignant as they both get to know each other well from spending most of the day together. TC is attracted to Ginny, Ginny has to take care of another relationship before she can even think about TC and time passes before they see each other again. I really thoroughly enjoyed the story and the relatable and lovable characters. I especially enjoyed getting to know TC with his joking around and also his vulnerability and compassion for others. He is not your typical swoonworthy hero, but he is worthy of admiration for his heart qualities. Ginny, who had let her past control her present and determine her future, seemed to be a weak character, but she got it together when she needed to. The plot was fast-paced and the entire book was unputdownable and totally engaging. I really wanted to know what would happen to TC and Ginny and the twist kept me glued to the pages as I rushed to finish what is arguably one of the best second chance romance books ever. With a firm foundation in faith, even if the faith originates from a shaky background, this book is uplifting, encouraging and gut-wrenching, all at the same time. The author managed to captivate me with her originality and kept me reading with her sparkle of wit and realism. Don’t miss out on the afterword by the author because it was eye opening and revelatory about the purpose and origins of the book. This is one book that I am more than delighted to have read and would love to give as gifts to friends because everyone needs to read this lovely story of young love and caring for others.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

**Lori Keesey** considers herself among the lucky. Recently retired, Lori enjoyed a 40-plus-year career as a writer and now has time to pursue her childhood dream of writing fictional characters who make a difference.
She’s written for daily newspapers and trade publications and her freelance work has appeared in regional and trade magazines, specifically those specializing in space exploration. Yes, Lori was a space junkie, and worked for NASA in public outreach for nearly 20 years.
She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a B.S. in journalism. There she met Kevin Berry, whom she married in 1980. She is the mother of three boys and one dog.
A devout porch sitter, nothing makes her happier than looking at her view of the Chilhowee Mountains and Smoky Mountain National Park.
Born in Washington, D.C., Lori now calls Walland, Tennessee, home.

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Review of ALWAYS THINK OF ME by Lori Keesey

On April 3, 2024 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9781637557259. Publisher:Mascot Books. Publication date:04/02/2024. Pages:344

Sometimes love gives you a second chance. Sometimes it doesn’t. And sometimes it returns in a way you could never imagine.

When their budding relationship ends abruptly, TC moves on, assuming he won’t get a second chance with the captivating Ginny. But then he does. Just not in the way he expected.

Now he’s on an otherworldly mission to see her again. But that means overcoming his doubts, his fears, and stopping Ginny from doing the unthinkable.

Always Think of Me is an uncommon love story about friendship and do-overs and features a perspective on life that can set us free.

My Thoughts

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Purchase Links:

Review: NEVER FALL AGAIN by Lynn H. Blackburn

On March 25, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800745363. Publisher:Baker Publishing Group. Publication date:03/12/2024. Series:Gossamer Falls , #1. Pages:352

Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, and with her pottery prized by The Haven’s guests, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently. She wants to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home to grow up in and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to handle the construction.

Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and always knew he would someday join his family’s business. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. Landry is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. Landry has a daughter and a past. Cal has been down that road before and barely survived when the woman he loved left, taking her two sons with her. He can’t bear to lose like that again.

Before construction on the house can begin, Landry’s pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire. It soon becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger—but because of whom?

My Thoughts

This book transported me immediately to the beautiful setting of Gossamer Falls, captivated me and would not let me go. The story of Landry, a single mother who is threatened from an unknown source, and Cal, a hero who just wants to stay away from women, is one of the best I have read in romantic suspense. The suspense builds methodically as I was introduced to the characters and got to know more about the danger Landry and her young child Eliza faced. As the danger became more real, my heart was in my throat and this book was absolutely unputdownable. The characters were dynamic, relatable and lovable, if somewhat mysterious. One of my favorite characters is Mo, a man with a lot of secrets and a talent with technology that gets him into secret places with little effort. I also enjoyed meeting Landry, the young woman burned by love who is guarding her and Eliza’s hearts from being hurt again so she is not looking for a new relationship when she moves to Gossamer Falls. The developing friendship between Cal and Landry is realistic and engaging, with my cheering for them to step out and take a chance on love again. The process was fascinating to read and completely entertaining. I loved the suspense that was built into the story, with some really big surprises as Landry’s life and livelihood are attacked. This book is a fast-paced and well-written introduction to what I am sure will be an enthralling series. The author always does a wonderful and thorough job of research and I especially enjoyed the information about Cal’s contracting business and Landry’s pottery. All of the facts from their backgrounds contributed to my fascination with the edgy and brilliantly written tale with its clever twists and complex intrigue that kept the plot moving to a satisfying conclusion.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I also purchased my own copy because I enjoy this author’s books tremendously and collect them. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian Fiction with intense suspense, Rated PG

About the Author

**Lynn H. Blackburn** loves writing romantic suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters and loves putting them into all kinds of terrifying situations while she’s sitting at home safe and sound in her pajamas!
*Unknown Threat*, the first book in her Defend and Protect series, was a 2021 Christy Award finalist, and her previous titles have won the Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Faith, Hope, and Love Reader’s Choice Award.
She is a frequent conference speaker and has taught writers all over the country. Lynn lives in South Carolina with her true love and their three children. You can follow her real life happily ever after by signing up for her newsletter at LynnHBlackburn.com and @LynnHBlackburn on Bookbub, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Purchase Links for this Amazing Book:

Just Read Publicity Tour: FLICKER OF TRUST by Eleanor Bertin

On March 23, 2024March 22, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review8 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Flicker of Trust by Eleanor Bertin, hosted by Just Read Publicity Tours.

About the Book

Title: Flicker of Trust
Series: Burning Bright #2
Author: Eleanor Bertin
Publisher: Leaf & Blade Publishing Release Date: February 21, 2024 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

When a woman disappears, Ryan’s past is fair game.
Party animal Ryan Hainstock has made an about-face. He’s now an elder-caring, money-saving, church-going man with bright plans to set himself up farming. Somehow, whether he rates with her or not, those plans always include sweet and smart Lynnie Min and her young daughter. Problem is, Ryan’s past keeps coming back to condemn him.
Lynnie Min, too young for the title of widow, travels the lonely road of single motherhood in a rural community. Her dreams were crushed by tragedy when terrorists claimed the lives of her husband and one of her daughters. While gratitude should fill her heart for the presence of three-year-old Anya, a longing for
something more stirs within her. She can’t help noticing the changes in Ryan, a man she once knew as a college jock. While their affection deepens, greater forces conspire to destroy their growing love. A murder charge, a kidnapping, a child abandoned…Can Ryan and Lynnie overcome danger and distrust to find each other again?

My Thoughts

There are numerous reasons to like this book! First of all, the characters are lovable and relatable. Some of them are a little shady, but all of them are realistic and dynamically portrayed. The plot moves along at a fast pace with multiple layers that include romance and a mysterious disappearance of one of the women from the small town. Some of the characters, like Ryan’s father, had to grow on me as I got used to his sarcasm and how difficult he was to get along with. I enjoyed the family meals, how the family cared for each other and how Linnie offered to help Ryan by tutoring him. This is just an all-around good book with lessons to teach and drama to entertain. Underlaid with a solid biblical foundation, the novel teaches about forgiveness, forbearance, persistence and being hopeful about an unknown future. The story was woven seamlessly together, even with several sub-plots and it all came together nicely in the end. There are a few surprises that added to the mystery, too, so those were a welcome addition. This is a book that I can highly recommend to those looking for good Christian fiction that portrays people with flaws but who are trying to overcome and be better. Bonus: some lyrics from Hank Williams songs that I could sing along to at the beginning of the chapters. It was great fun tying the song lyrics into what happened in the chapters as I read them. This book is a cleverly written page-turner that has me anticipating the next book from this author.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Just Read Publicity Tours for the purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guuidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

About the Author

Inspired by the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the place where life’s perplexities meet faith’s certainties. Before raising and home-educating a family of seven children for thirty years, Eleanor received a college diploma in Communications and worked in agriculture journalism. She is the author of five novels, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She and her husband of 42 years live in central Alberta, Canada and are the grandparents of ten amazing grandchildren.
Connect with Eleanor by visiting eleanorbertinauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 19, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 26, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

We Have Earned Justice

On March 19, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review, Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/2

The word “justice” is much talked about these days. There is the feeling that justice has been perverted, that there is no real justice. Our understanding of justice is clouded by the actions of those who do not support what true justice is. God is just; He would be totally just in destroying the earth right now, just as in the days of Noah. Instead, He reached out and provided grace and mercy for us in the form of His own Son. It’s difficult for us to fathom what justice would look like if it were meted fairly to all, but that is what God’s justice is all about. But if you explore the Old Testament and the many times that God destroyed an entire group of people because of their sin, or when the Israelites and then those in Judah were taken captive, we see a clear picture that God will not be mocked. We have earned His justice, but He offers us His grace in place of it. It is our choice to accept it or not. I am blessed to have received God’s grace and mercy, His free gift of salvation, over five decades ago. But my story does not end there. Every day is a new day to say “yes” to God and “no” to my own desires. God’s mercy is indeed new every day and we can all be grateful that He loves us enough to show us His mercy instead of His justice. One day His judgment against all of mankind will come, but if you have accepted His gift of salvation, His justice is not to be feared, but rather to be welcomed because it means that we who know the Lord as Savior will be able to live with Him forever. Yes, we have earned justice, but thanks be to God that He has shown us His love and mercy and called us His own. God’s great love for mankind reaches out in love while He holds back His mighty hand of justice until the time is right for His judgment. Why is He waiting? Because He is God and justice and judgment are His choice in His time. I believe, and I think that others believe the same, that God is waiting until as many as possible come to the knowledge of His grace. He does not want to destroy His beloved creation, but one day He will. We will stand before God without excuse because He provided the only way to Him, the way to escape His justice, and so many have turned away and chosen to live in sin instead. May we ever be mindful of the fact that we have earned God’s justice, but He extends His mercy and grace.

Review of GOOD HALF GONE by Tarryn Fisher

On March 18, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

GOOD HALF GONE
Author: Tarryn Fisher
ISBN: 9781525804885 Publication Date: March 19, 2024 Publisher: Graydon House
18.99 US | 23.99 CAN

Book Summary:

Iris Walsh saw her twin sister Piper get kidnapped—so why does no one believe her?
Iris narrowly escaped her pretty, popular twin sister’s fate as a teen—kidnapped and trafficked and long gone before the cops agreed to investigate. Months later, Piper’s newborn son Callum was dropped on their estranged mother’s doorstep in the dead of night, with a note in Piper’s handwriting signed simply, Twin.
As an adult, Iris wants one thing—proof. Because she knows exactly who took Piper all those years ago, and she has a pretty good idea of who Callum’s father is. She just has to get close enough to prove it. And if the police won’t help, she’ll just have to do it her own way–by interning at the isolated Shoal Island Hospital for the criminally insane, where her target is kept under lock and key. Iris soon realizes that something sinister is bubbling beneath the surface of the Shoal, and that the patients aren’t the only ones being observed…

My Thoughts

This is a psychological thriller that is engaging and so twisted that I thought my mind was never going to be straight again! Iris’s sister Piper is kidnapped from a movie theater. Iris sees Piper taken but no one will believe her since Piper is not a young child. The police think that Piper just ran away, but Iris saw two men hustle her into a vehicle. This is the story of Iris trying to find her sister and seeking revenge against those who took her. There are so many layers to the plot that just when I thought the surprises were all done, there was another one that was even more convoluted and added more depth to the story. I thought that the story started a little slow, like a bicycle on a gravel path. Then, it speeded up like a car on an interstate out west where there are no speed limits. Ultimately, the pace was like a rocket ship that took off and was not going to be stopped until the destination was reached. The finale was absolutely mind-blowing and left me gasping and saying, “What just happened?” There were some totally unexpected twists at the end that I don’t think any reader will see coming. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, but I wasn’t totally sure whether Iris was a reliable narrator or not. She was so obsessed with her sister’s disappearance that I wasn’t sure she was telling the story accurately or putting her spin on. It. Regardless, the characters were relatable and evoked sympathy from me, especially for Iris’s long suffering grandmother who encouraged her to find the perpetrators and find closure. This novel had me completely stymied at times, rooting for Iris to find the truth and wondering what in the world was going to happen next. Perfect psych thriller! The four stars are because of the slower start, but I did enjoy the book and sped through the last half.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Rated a hard PG for graphic violence descriptions, language and intensity. Contemporary Fiction, Suspense, Thriller

**Tarryn Fisher** is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of nine novels. Born a sun hater, she currently makes her home in Seattle, Washington, with her children, husband, and psychotic husky. She loves connecting with her readers on Instagram. **Social Links:**
Author Website
Facebook
Instagram
Goodreads

Purchase Links

Infinitely Costly, Absolutely Free

On March 18, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review, Scripture2 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/3797/day/8

I vividly recall telling our young children that they could not have the latest game system because the cost was too great. I also remember our very precocious son saying, “But you just have to go to the bank and get money for it, right?” Thus ensued the discussion about money having to be put into the bank first and the fact that priorities of life required things like groceries and paying bills instead of a new game system. Trying to teach them the value of a dollar, my husband and I told them that they could save half for it and we would pay half once they had saved enough. They had no idea how many hours they would have to do menial labor in order to earn enough for the game system they had set their hearts on. Well over a year later, they had the money, but their interest in that particular system had waned since a newer, better model had been released. After much discussion, they got the newer one and were well pleased with themselves over all of their hard work paying off, finally.

We sometimes blithely say during this season of Jesus’s death and resurrection that He shed His blood for us. We tell others that the gift of salvation is free to all who believe. But do we stop to think of the cost to Jesus and to His Father? Our freedom from sin cost them the relationship that they had enjoyed from eternity on since for a few minutes when Jesus hung on the cross, His Father could not look on Him. Jesus felt forsaken, but He was willing to give up heaven for each of us to one day be with Him there. I cannot imagine the grief of the Father and of the Son when the moment came for Him to bear our sins. I know that was the plan all along, but it didn’t negate the reality or the pain. Thus, the cost was unimaginable for our beloved Savior, but the price He paid made salvation free for us. We did not have to toil to earn it, do endless good deeds to get God’s attention and hope it worked, or make a sacrifice or a bargain with God so that salvation would be part of our lives. We just had to accept the FREE gift that cost Jesus everything! In my finite mind, it is difficult to understand the ramifications of Jesus becoming sin for each of us. However, I know that because of His willingness to sacrifice Himself, I am able to stand clean before the Father, having confessed my sins and repented of them. Money in the bank? No…a deposit in our soul that is without measure!

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