Review of CRITICAL THREAT by Lynette Eason

On January 6, 2023January 5, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review3 Comments

About the Book:

Author: Lynette Eason
Series: Extreme Measures, Book 3
Genre: Revell
Publisher: Revell
Publication Year: January 3 2023
ASIN: B0B6Q42PHH
ISBN: 0800737342

Working with the son of a serial killer? That’s a first.

FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers, using her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to get dangerous people off the street and safely behind bars. But prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a killer is incarcerated doesn’t mean they’re not a threat. His own father, Peter, is a serial killer—in prison but certainly not out of Sam’s life, as much as he wishes he was.

When bodies start showing up with Peter’s MO, Sam and Grace are both called in to consult. They’ve met before, and though Grace thought they’d made a real connection, Sam ghosted her. They’ll have to get past the awkwardness and mistrust to solve this case—especially because it’s about to get personal.

My thoughts about CRITICAL THREAT:

The story of Grace Billingsley and Sam Monroe is one that is a fascinating character study as well as a fast-paced suspense thriller. The clever way the author builds the story, with layers and unexpected twists, is absolutely brilliant and addictive. I enjoyed getting to know the characters who were the FBI agents and was intrigued by the personality of the villains. Sam’s father, an inmate in prison and a serial killer, was a complicated character who added to the terror that unraveled in the plot. The plot was tight, with misdirection in just the right places and a satisfying mixture of romance building just as the suspense ramped up. I also enjoyed the signature humor of the author, like the dinner date that seemed to always get interrupted. This is a compelling book to read with edge-of-your-seat action and uniquely complicated relationships that are explained well and thoroughly. The suspense gets intense at times, but that must made the story more enjoyable for me. With well-developed ideas and clues throughout the novel, this book kept me guessing and absorbed. I did not like all of the characters but all of them were fleshed out and made me see them for who they were created to be. I enjoyed the resilience of Grace and her reliance on her faith and her colleagues. And I enjoyed seeing Sam develop into a man who deserved her trust. Unpredictable and heart-pounding suspense make this book the perfect addition to the series! It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series and getting to know all of the characters who are friends and who support each other in their quest for justice.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley and from the author as part of her launch team. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A clean read but I would rate it PG-13 because of content concerning a serial killer.

Purchase Links:

https://amzn.to/3Ycpg8x (Amazon)

http://bit.ly/3VNgtrT (Powells)

http://bit.ly/3Fkjl8L (Google Play)

http://bit.ly/3FG1bjh (Baker Book House)

http://bit.ly/3HwbCXV (Barnes and Noble)

http://bit.ly/3iVKvLJ (Christian Book)

http://bit.ly/3Yh0rIq (Bookshop)

**Lynette Eason** is the best selling, award winning author of almost forty books including the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, the Hidden Identity Series and the Elite Guardians series. She writes for Revell and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. She has won several awards including the 2013, 2016 and 2017 Carol Award in the Romantic Suspense category. She’s also the recipient of the Christian Retailing’s Best 2017 Award. She placed in the top ten (out of thousands of entries) in the James Patterson 2016 co-writer contest. Her Stolen Past was recently made into a Lifetime Movie Network movie and will air February 2nd, 2018. Lynette teaches at writing conferences all over the country. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of RWA as well as the Kiss of Death (KOD) chapter. Lynette can be found online at http://www.lynetteeason.com and http://www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter

Many thanks to Lynette Eason for allowing me to be on her launch team and to the Revell Reads Blogger Program for providing an e-copy of the book for me to read and review. Once again, Lynette has outdone herself with plot, characters and suspense and Revell has published a sure bestseller!

No Condemnation

On November 25, 2022November 25, 2022 By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

I don’t know about you all, but I personally have a tendency to kick myself repeatedly and hard about my shortcomings, especially the things I can no longer accomplish because of my physical problems. For example, since I will be staying in Maryland doing childcare again, I have been very anxious about what I cannot do for the toddler in my care. It’s hard for me to keep up with his activity level, so I have just been doing the best that I can and praying that God guards him from danger.

When I take time to ponder what’s in my heart (anger at the woman who let my son down again for the second year in a row) and to repent and ask forgiveness for my unrighteous feelings, I know that God doesn’t condemn me. He knows what is is my heart and how I long to go home to my normal routine. God doesn’t condemn me because of me and my actions or thoughts; He doesn’t condemn me because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It is truly finished, so that I can feel confident in my ongoing relationship with the Father.

Have a blessed day, knowing in your heart and mind that God does not condemn you but forgives and welcomes you as a beloved child. Not perfect, just forgiven!

Why I Like to Read

On September 6, 2017September 14, 2017 By vickleaIn Uncategorized36 Comments

I think that I have always enjoyed reading, or at least I cannot remember a time when I did not like it. I was born with asthma so I was limited in the number of activities I was allowed to do, and reading was a safe one for me, so I immersed myself in books from a very young age. I read all of the Bobbsey Twin books, then went on to read Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. I shared my mother’s love of Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. For a while, when I was a young wife, I read a lot of romance, including Danielle Steel and others. I now read a lot of Christian fiction, mysteries, thrillers, and some non-fiction occasionally. I read a lot of books from the library and post reviews on Goodreads. I also read for Netgalley and love to be chosen to read some of the latest books before they are available to the general public. So, I will share some reviews here as well as some of the happenings of my daily life that keep me reading as an escape. I relax with a good book and forget that I had a stroke and could die any day, or maybe not. I count my blessings daily that I have lived this long and that I have lived to see the birth of eight grandchildren and have enjoyed so many books. I am just taking one day at a time and one book at a time and loving the life that God has given me.

Prayer Requests

On June 5, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

So, we all have a lot going on in our lives, so today’s blog is about sharing our prayer requests and thus sharing our burden. If you don’t want to say exactly what it is, just say you need prayer for an unspoken request. God knows what we need before we say it, so He will listen to those “secret” requests, too. In the spirit of climbing out of my introverted cave, I will start.

This is our cat Daisy. She has to go to the vet today because she vomited blood yesterday. So, I would appreciate prayer that 1)we can get her into her carrier which she hates and 2)the vet can determine what the issue is and 3)that Daisy will be okay. She is ten years old and has been my constant companion when I am home, which has been a lot due to retirement. She cuddles in my lap when I read, sleeps next to me on the bed and follows me from room to room. We have had her since she was four months old and I am anxious about her being ill or in pain. So, I appreciate the prayers. God cares about our pets because He knows that we love them.

Now, it’s your turn. How can I pray for you today?

Thankful Thursday

On June 4, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

I don’t want to bore you with my positivity but if I don’t make the effort to stay focused on good things, my very rebellious mind drifts to all of the bad stuff. So, here goes!

What I am particularly thankful for today:

~I slept last night for over six hours without waking up from coughing. 🙌

~I walked for fifteen minutes this morning (in five minute intervals) and did not lose my breath. 🙌

~I managed to dust a few pieces of furniture, so praise God I was able to bend to do it. 🙌

~God provided the money to pay our bills and to get our groceries this month. We buy extra since our granddaughter is here and we have enough to do that. 🙌

~I was able to get birthday gifts for our youngest grandson and our son, too! God provides the necessities and even some wants, too. 🙌

~I got a new book to read by Cindy K. Sproles (The Eyes of River) and it is a wonderful story. 👏

~I don’t have a steroid headache today after two days. Hallelujah! 👏

I wrote seven things because God says seven is the number of rest. On the seventh day, He rested. So, I am closing this Thankful Thursday post and turning it over to you to add your seven cents to it. Have a blessed day…be thankful for all things at all times!

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart-Created to Worship

Understanding

On June 2, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

I am map clueless, which is kind of funny considering one of my degrees includes numerous classes in geography. But my husband knows not to hand me a paper map and expect me to read it for him. I am not a good navigator, even when using GPS. I have been known to tell my husband to turn too early because I didn’t understand the directions on the GPS.

How does that apply to my life spiritually? I want to know where God is taking me and when, but He doesn’t give me a map. Instead, He just says repeatedly, ”Trust Me.” I don’t have to know where he is leading me or when I will arrive as long as I trust the One who is in the driver’s seat.

We naturally want to know ALL the things as we travel along life’s highway. What is around that curve? Where is our next stop? When will we arrive? God wants us to just trust Him for the safe arrival at our destination. When we question everything and seem to want to understand it all, we get lost in the muddy mire of unnecessary-for-us-to-know details instead of keeping our eyes on the Good Shepherd who is leading us to the green pastures we want to eventually get to.

My life lately has been one of not understanding, but it is in this place that I have come to confront the fact that I don’t need to understand to just keep moving forward with God. Sometimes He lets me know a part of His plan, but mostly I am just taking one step at a time and waiting for direction for the next one.

The only understanding we need about our circumstances comes from God and He lets us know what we need to know when we need to know it.

One of my favorite quotes from Corrie ten Boom. Do you really trust the Engineer of your life?

Trust in God-Brandon Lane (Charlie Kirk Memorial)

Connect Hopelessness to Hope

On June 1, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture3 Comments

Songs in the Dark (Daily Refresh, 6-01-26)

Even in life’s hardest and most depressing seasons, God is with us and is listening to us.

One purpose of a song of lament, or lament psalm, is to be honest with God. It’s about expressing vulnerability by telling God exactly how we feel. We should never be afraid of God or how we speak to Him, because He is able to handle our deepest emotions and complaints. And lament psalms are our model in Scripture on how we can be honest with Him.

Psalm 42 is a lament psalm. It is a song about the hopelessness of the writer’s current condition. It speaks to deep sorrow and grief that is experienced in life. The writer of Psalm 42 does not know why he is depressed. He’s not sure why certain things are happening to him. And so he goes to God in prayer and song, expressing the deepest parts of his soul.

Another purpose of lament is to connect the hopelessness of life with the hope that God gives. Laments act as a bridge between our present situation and the promises we’re waiting on.

The writer of this Psalm speaks to his own soul and encourages himself to continue to hope in God. He knows that no season lasts forever, and there will come a time when joy returns to him.

We will all go through seasons of sadness and grief. And we will have Psalms as a guide. The first step is to come before God and honestly express yourself to Him. Tell Him exactly how you feel.

Next, remember the promises that He has given you in His Word. Recount how much He loves you and cares for you.

And lastly, encourage yourself to put your hope in God. Move towards songs of praise in spite of your current circumstances.

My Thoughts

Today’s devotional was perfect for me, and I pray that it will speak to your heart, too. You see, I have been awake since 2:30 a.m. I wish I could say I was earnestly praying or praising or anything besides what I was doing. I spent four hours coughing, using my inhaler, pacing and trying to get my breath as I spoke to God about how awful it felt to have difficulty breathing. I finally got up at 6, fed our cat, used my morning meds which included my inhaler again as well as other asthma meds, and called my pulmonologist at seven, when the office opens. I now have a Telemed appointment this afternoon since my meds are not kicking in as they should.

Am I discouraged? A little, but mostly, this devotional spoke to me because I am hopeful that God’s answer is on the way. After all, torn rotator cuff, spinal issues and now asthma flare, too. Instead of complaining to God, I am choosing to praise Him and know that He is helping me through this time of my life. In the middle of the night, when the coughing was so bad that it rattled my already unstable bones, I knew that God was hearing me even when I could not take a breath to speak a prayer.

God is not just the God of the mountaintop experiences, although we would all like to stay there and just look down into the valley. He is there with us in the valleys, too. I think that He is especially close in the valley times because it is quiet and there are no interruptions to distract us from our time with God there. We may choose to let things distract us, but I think that is a wrong choice. We need the quiet so we can hear His voice gently whispering His peace and loving words to our troubled body and spirit.

God may seem distant, but He isn’t. Even as I struggled to catch my breath, I knew that He is the One who gave me the breath of life and He will be the One with me when I take my last breath. If He wants me to continue to live, He will provide the strength, healing and hope that I need to face each new day.

I hope that you find peace in the Lord today and that He gives you a reason to praise Him. My being alive is enough reason for me. What’s leading you to praise the King of Glory today?

The Armor of God

On May 31, 2026 By vickleaIn Scripture6 Comments

There is so much evil all around us that I thought I would remind everyone that God gives us protection if we choose to use it.

And a song, too, since it is worship Sunday:

Faith Gear-Armor of God by Christian Nation 1000

Have a blessed and wonderful Sunday as you prepare yourselves to go into the world and worship our King!

Kindness Report #12

On May 30, 2026 By vickleaIn Re-blogLeave a comment

theblogera.com/davis-roethler-doesnt-just-wash-windows-he-saves-the-businesses-behind-them/

I loved this story about a regular guy who washes windows and then promotes the restaurant. It’s amazing the small things we can do to help others stay in business. Please go to the original blog, like and follow. And comment below if you have observed an act of kindness that should be recognized.

Review and Interview: Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed

On May 29, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

I have a special for you today, so I will start with my surprise video interview with author Terri Reed. She offered, I accepted, sent her the questions and this is the result. You will see when you watch the video that Terri is personable, relatable and entertaining. She is a very talented author, so watch the interview, read my review and get your copy of Danger in the Rockies.

Terri’s Message

Now, on to fun facts about the book and how you can get your copy!

About the Book

ISBN-139781335957757

PublisherHarlequin

Publication Date05/26/2026

SeriesColorado K-9 Unit

Pages:208

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble)

K-9 officer Maren Anderson is shocked when she catches a glimpse of her presumed-dead twin sister—moments before a shooter opens fire. DEA agent Colt Dawson rescues her and helps secure the crime scene, but before Maren can find her sister, Opal vanishes again. Maren has questions and so does Colt—especially since Opal may be the key to exposing a drug kingpin’s identity. But now the cartel leader’s henchmen think Maren is her sister and she has a target on her back. Forced to work together to unravel the deadly mystery, Maren and Colt must track down her twin before the criminals closing in claim their lives…

My Thoughts

This is a skillfully plotted love inspired suspense novel with characters that are relatable and believable. The story of K-9 officer Maren Anderson’s quest to find her missing sister Opal, even while she is engaged in her main assignment of breaking up a baby trafficking ring, is emotionally gut-wrenching at times. The equally important task of DEA agent Colt Dawson to identify and capture the drug kingpin known only as Shadow dovetails perfectly with Maren’s assignment and in some unexpected ways. Maren looks identical to Opal since they are twins and that makes for escalating danger for her since Shadow thinks she is Opal and can possibly identify him. This book led me on an entertaining and enjoyable chase to follow the clues as I tried to figure out who Shadow was and whether Opal was still alive or not. There are plenty of fake trails that misled me and the deliberate misdirection was part of what made the plot so engaging. There is good chemistry between Maren and Colt, but I most enjoyed their interactions with their well-trained and heroic canines, Haven and Rusk. I was impressed with the obedience and the natural intuition of both dogs who were intent on the task of protecting their owners and finding the villains. The realistic details throughout the book had me absorbed in the story and lent themselves to the suspense and the propulsive pace of this fascinating tale of characters facing constant danger together as they ferret out the lies and separate the deception from the truth. This book is compelling with a dramatic climax in an addictive and immersive story.
I voluntarily 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.

Clean, Love Inspired Suspense, Rated PG for Intense Suspense

About the Author

Terri Reed is a New York Times and USA Today Featuredbestselling author specializing in action-packed Christian romantic suspense. She has published over 60 novels with major houses like Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, Simon & Schuster, and Tule Publishing. Her work consistently appears on the Publishers Weekly, Amazon, and Nielsen BookScan bestseller lists.

What type of books does Terri Reed write?

Terri Reed writes faith-rooted stories that blend high-stakes adventure, danger, and emotional depth with heartwarming character connections. Her novels are characterized as inspirational romantic suspense, often featuring professional protectors like K-9 units, US Marshals, and military personnel. Like authors Lynette Eason and Colleen Coble, her stories emphasize characters who rely on their Christian faith to overcome life-threatening adversity.

What are Terri Reed’s most famous books?

Terri Reed’s notable works include the Alaska K-9 Unitseries, the US Marshals series, and the standalone novel A Family Under the Christmas Tree. In 2019, A Family Under the Christmas Tree was adapted into the Hallmark Channelmovie titled Picture a Perfect Christmas. Other popular series include the Military K-9 Unit and Love Inspired Suspense collections.

What awards has Terri Reed won?

Terri Reed is an award-winning author whose accolades include NEW YORK TIMES as well as being a multi-time finalist for the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, and the National Readers’ Choice Award. She is a recognized member of the Romance Writers of America Honor Roll. Her novels have achieved #1 Bestseller status on Amazon in multiple categories, including Religion Fiction and Romance.

Where does Terri Reed live and how can readers connect?

Terri Reed resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and enjoys agility training with her Australian Shepherd. She maintains an active community of readers through her official website and Linktree, offering inspiration and “moments of escape” through her storytelling. Check out her website for a printable list of her books and more information: terrireed.com

Purchase Links

So many books!

On May 28, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo3 Comments

Well, I can’t be very active physically because my body just isn’t being cooperative, but I have been reading a lot. In fact, on Tuesday, I was on launch/review teams for nine different books. I usually try not to schedule so many on one day, but I kept saying “yes” and didn’t get a good look at my calendar until I had already agreed. That being said, I read some really entertaining books and want to put the Love Inspired Suspense Books that I read on your radar.

My short synopsis: Bethany is in a car accident and loses her memory so she has no idea why someone wants her dead. Her rescuer is an undercover Fish and Game agent and risks blowing his cover to keep her safe. Lots of secrets and surprises!

My short review: I never miss the chance to read a Carrie Stuart Parks book and was delighted to find an LIS releasing from her this month. She always has a few thrills up her sleeve and does fantastic research that makes the book relatable and realistic. My rating was five stars and you can grab your copy here: Harlequin and other retailers

My short synopsis: Takes place in the wilderness and the plot revolves around weapons-smugglers who have kidnapped a little boy. The woman on the cover represents Constable Taylor Grant and her fearless canine Shadow who helps find Levi and keep him and his father safe.

My short review: This book is fast-paced with non-stop action and a surprise revelation of the villain. I kept trying to guess who was the head of the smuggling ring but kept getting it wrong. I loved following the clues! My rating was five stars and you can purchase your copy here: Harlequin and others For those who enjoy audiobooks: Audible

My short synopsis: K-9 officer Maren Anderson is desperate to find her missing sister Opal. DEA agent Colt Dawson is on the trail of a drug kingpin when the two of them find that their quests overlap. Plenty of hair-raising scenes and two lovable and trained canines!

My short review: This book started with a punch and packed a wallop all the way to the end. The drug kingpin is well hidden and the revelation of his identity was a fun surprise. I enjoyed the subtle romance in this book because the focus was on the mystery of Opal and the cartel leader. Super fast read and entertaining from beginning to end. Five stars and a must-read recommendation from me. You can get your copy here: Harlequin and others And for audiobook lovers: Audible

I hope you will choose one or more of these wonderful stories to read and enjoy! They are all clean reads, so no worries about steam or bad language.

Being Anxious

On May 27, 2026 By vickleaIn ScriptureLeave a comment

narrowpathministries.wordpress.com/2026/05/27/be-anxious-for-nothing/