Review of FATAL WITNESS by Patricia Bradley

On By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

Author: Patricia Bradley
Series: The Pearl River Series, Book 2
Genres: Romance, Suspense
Tag: #christiansuspense. Publisher: Revell
ASIN: B0C9RNHMY9
ISBN: 9780800741631 Pages: 385

As a child, artist and potter Dani Bennett witnessed the brutal murder of her parents. With no memory of the incident or her true identity, she was forced to take on a new name and a new life, hidden away in Montana for the past 25 years.

Mae Richmond has spent the same stretch of time searching for her granddaughter, who went missing the night her daughter and son-in-law were murdered. Convinced the woman she saw in a pottery magazine feature is the woman she’s been searching for, she enlists the help of K-9 officer Mark Lassiter of Pearl Springs, Tennessee, who tracks Dani down.

Skeptical but curious, Dani sets out on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past and reclaim her true identity. But someone close to her is determined to keep the truth of what happened all those years ago hidden.

My Thoughts

This book is amazing as it follows the story of Dani Bennett whose parents were murdered when she was just a young child. Ripped away from her familiar surroundings by her Uncle Keith, she has been working as an artist in the badlands of Montana when she begins to get curious about her partial memories that keep surfacing. Returning to the little town of Pearl Springs, TN, Dani finds her grandmother and a protector named Mark Lassiter. She didn’t even know she needed protection until multiple attempts are made on her life. This book has riveting suspense and characters who are relatable with complicated personalities. This well-crafted story is totally addictive, with its non-stop action and its sensitive exploration of trauma as well as the way Dani’s lost memory is teasingly revealed slowly. I loved the descriptions of the settings, especially in Tennessee where the author made it easy for me to picture the winding roads and the isolation of some of the homes. With intricate plot threads that the author draws seamlessly together into one well written story, this book is one filled with depth and is brilliant in the way the multiple layers come together in the end. My favorite characters were the Puli dog that Dani owns who is well trained to protect her and Mark’s dog Gem who is nothing short of remarkable in his abilities and intuitiveness. This is a cleverly written page turner with a fast pace, tight plot and good chemistry between the characters. Fans of romantic suspense will love this book as it is one I could not put down!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell 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.”

Clean Christian Fiction with some intense suspense; Rated PG

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today best-selling author, Patricia Bradley is the recipient numerous awards, including an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in suspense, a Selah winner, was a Carol and a Daphne du Maurier finalist. Her romantic suspense novels include the Logan Point series, the Memphis Cold Case Novels, and the Natchez Trace Park Rangers. She is now hard at work on the second book in her new Pearl River series set in the Cumberland Plateau area above Chattanooga. The first book in the series, Counter Attack will release in mid-2023.

She has conducted writing workshops for American Christian Fiction Writers, the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen and Scrivener retreats (where she was the keynote), the Memphis American Christian Fiction Writer group, and the Bartlett Christian Writers group.
She and her two cats call Northeast Mississippi home–the South is also where she sets most of her books, and when she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.
For more information about Ms. Bradley and her books, check out her website at https://ptbradley.com/meet-patricia/

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon

Baker BookHouse

Kobo

Barnes and Noble

Christian Book

AudioBooks

COUNTER ATTACK, PEARL RIVER BOOK 1

(The first book in the series is also available. Both may be read as standalones.)

Author: Patricia Bradley
Series: The Pearl River Series, Book 1
Genres: Mystery, Romance
Tag: Recommended Books
ASIN: 0800741625
ISBN: 9780800741624

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Patricia Bradley begins a new series set in the Cumberland Plateau around Chattanooga. A serial killer is stalking women in Pearl Springs, Tennessee, leaving chess clues at the scene of the murders.
With continued appreciation to Revell for this blogger program that gives me access to review such wonderful fiction!

An Invitation to Die

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

No one that I know has a big desire to die. We are all so busy living life and doing things that we sometimes lose our focus and our biggest desire should be to die. Not physically, not taking your last breath and planning the funeral or last wishes. No, I am talking about dying to our own desires and letting God’s desires and purpose for us to take precedent. If we believe He is a good Father, then we should also believe that His plans are best for us. Thus, if we want God’s best, then we have to die to our own desires and plans and get in step with God’s. No matter how good we think our plans are, God’s will always be better. One line in this devotional really stood out to me: Jesus could not have been resurrected without being crucified first. We cannot have a new life without turning the old one over to God, completely and without any reservations. Our invitation is to die, but the result is a new life that is better than we could ever imagine.

Dying to Live

Dying to ourselves can feel like a bad thing. Most people want to exalt, applaud, and promote themselves.

But in God’s kingdom, dying to ourselves is essential.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.”
Galatians 2:20 NIV

A lump of clay cannot become a work of art unless it is shaped into something else. A container of paint cannot be used for a masterpiece unless it is first poured out. A carbon deposit must change in order to become a diamond. A caterpillar must give up its old way of life in order to become a magnificent butterfly.

The invitation to die is actually an invitation to live.

When we give our lives to God, we’re choosing to surrender our plans, our desires, and our gifts. And that can be hard. But we also know there is something better—and Someone better—on the other side.

God can realign our plans, reshape our desires, and repurpose our gifts for His glory.

The apostle Paul, the author of Galatians, knew firsthand the life-changing power of Christ. Christ’s power radically transformed Paul from someone who persecuted believers, into a passionate follower of Jesus.

Because of that experience, Paul knew that the only way to live was by surrendering every area of His life to Christ. And that’s why he invites us to do the same.

Jesus couldn’t have been resurrected without first being crucified—and the same is true for us.

So what do you need to give to Jesus today? What behavior, habit, or thought do you need to “crucify”? Come as you are to Jesus, and give Him permission to transform and renew your life.

Good Spiritual Leadership

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App4 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13696/day/4

Let’s be honest here. Being a leader is hard because all eyes are always on you, just waiting for you to make a mistake. The Bible gives the way good spiritual leadership works well and that is to designate others to help out. Mentoring them and guiding them and praying about who should hold positions of responsibility is the task of a good leader. I have seen churches fall because the pastor would not let anyone help out, keeping his finger in every pie and not really trusting the people to be led by God. That is an exhausting and ineffective way to lead! Jesus appointed the twelve disciples to go out among the people, but He didn’t follow them everywhere. He waited for them to return and report to Him, or perhaps for the people around them to let Him know what was going on. I remember the story of the healing that the disciples could not accomplish. Jesus stepped in when they fell short, not before they had even tried.

We can learn a lot about spiritual leadership by watching Moses and his interaction with Joshua and then Joshua and his interaction with the seventy elders. At some point, if we are called to lead any kind of ministry, we will have to relinquish control to God and to others. We have to be willing to step back if we are to be good leaders. As I am aging, it has been difficult to watch younger believers step into positions that I used to hold years ago. But it is the way of life; we do, we teach, we mentor and we step back, trusting that God’s working His plan in the lives of others just as He has done and is still doing in ours. I am grateful for the years that God has allowed me to serve Him, in teaching school and at church. But I am also learning to be grateful that there is a new generation ready to take the baton that God is offering them.

Review of THE SUMMER BOOK CLUB by Susan Mallery

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ABOUT THE BOOK

This summer, three friends find the courage to step into the next chapter of their lives…

The rules of summer book club are simple:

  • No sad books
  • No pressure
  • Yessssss, wine!

Besties Laurel and Paris are excited to welcome Cassie to the group. This year, the book club is all about fill-your-heart reads, an escape from the chaos of the everyday—running a business, raising a family, juggling a hundred to-dos. Even the dog is demanding (but the bestest boy).

Since Laurel’s divorce, she feels like the Worst Mom Ever. Her skepticism of men may have scarred her vulnerable daughters. Cassie has an unfortunate habit of falling for ridiculous man-boys who dump her once she fixes them. Paris knows good men exist. She’s still reeling after chasing off the only one brave enough—and foolish enough—to marry her.

Inspired by the heroines who risk everything for fulfillment, Laurel, Paris and Cassie begin to take chances—big chances—in life, in love. Facing an unwritten chapter can be terrifying. But it can be exhilarating, too, if only they can find the courage to change.

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781335448668

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:02/13/2024

Pages:416

My Thoughts

Ahhh! That is the sigh of total happiness and contentment I feel after finishing a new Susan Mallery book. This novel is friendships, relationships with men and life lessons all rolled into a very satisfying bundle. The story of three women with different challenges in their lives dovetails together beautifully under the hand of an author who knows her craft well and writes with humor and heart. The weaving together of their lives was a wonderful tapestry, and quite a work to behold when it was all finished at the end. The stories of Cassie, a homesick young woman from Maine, Laurel, a divorced single mom, and Paris, a woman who doesn’t trust her own emotional stability, are all focused in the idyllic setting of a small town in California named Los Lobos. Cassie has to learn how to live on her own without feeling as though she is disappointing her family or not needed. Laurel has to understand that she is lovable and not everyone runs away, and Paris has to learn the lesson that one can change in life and be better for it. I loved the story and the fast pace as the POV seamlessly switched between the three main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each one, complete with realistic flaws and real-life problems. Laurel’s children were portrayed in such a way that my heart went out to them and their dilemma with loving an absentee father. I enjoyed getting to know the secondary characters, too, and think that each one added to the depth of the story. This is one of my favorite books by the very talented Susan Mallery because of its exploration of difficult topics like facing your fears and accepting changes. I am sorry to finish the story of these three brave woman who face obstacles and have to work hard to overcome them and be their best selves. Wonderful story! Great romance! Fantastic life lessons, too! This book is the real deal, a book that gave me all of the right feels and kept me reading until I finished it. Then I sighed because I didn’t want it to end!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. 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 PG

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.
Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the ragdoll cat and adorable poodle who think of her as mom.

Purchase Links:

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Google Play Store

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Happy Valentine’s Day

On By vickleaIn Scripture4 Comments

Today is a day when some are reminded of how lonely they are. I want to take the time to remind each of my readers that God’s love is for everyone, all the time.

Show someone love today. If you are like me and cannot get out due to health reasons, call, text, send a card. Do something to show the great love that God has put into your heart, a love that overflows and reaches out to others without expecting anything in return.

That being said, here is my Valentine for you all.

As I said, I cannot go out anywhere. Once again, I am ill. I went to my doctor yesterday and was diagnosed with influenza B (two months, two occurrences) and pneumonia as a bonus. But, it’s all good. I have meds, my loving husband beside me and lots of low-sodium soup to eat. God is good, all the time, even when we aren’t feeling so great!

Wishing each of you a heart filled with God’s love and His Spirit to embrace you today.

Being a Good Mentor

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www.bible.com/reading-plans/13696/day/2

I don’t think that I have ever considered Moses a mentor to Joshua because I did not see before the truths pointed out in this devotional. In order to be a good mentor, you have to lead the way and then step back and give credit to the one to whom credit is due. Moses and Joshua both knew all of the glory belongs to God, and that is the greatest truth that Moses taught Joshua.

Grasshopper Fears

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13696/day/1

It is easy to look around us and see all that is wrong. Then we have a natural human tendency to withdraw from what is evil instead of facing it head on and calling it what it is. Instead of having “grasshopper hearts” that see the evil and hide from it, we should have hearts filled with faith, knowing that if God has given us a word to speak, He will give us the courage to speak it to the right people. I have been discouraged lately about the path the world is taking, but instead of taking a stand, I have chosen just to watch and see what happens next. I think that God is calling me to some kind of action. Whether it is writing my legislators, attending meetings, or speaking out online, I plan to be bold for God. No more of allowing the rampant evil and immorality of this current world to reign! I will speak boldly for the Lord, telling others the way life should be lived. Actions have consequences and the world is reaping the consequences of an entire generation that does not know or want to know God. We cannot change the world by burying our heads in the sand and saying, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus.” Do we really want Him to come quickly when it means so many will be lost in eternity without Him? Let’s do all we can to influence as many as we can to turn their hearts and eyes toward Jesus before it is too late. Grasshopper hearts won’t hack it in a world filled with giants of greed, deceit, and gross immorality that even wants to capture the hearts of our children. No more alphabet soup! One man, one woman for life is God’s plan. Loving others as God loved is God’s plan. Telling the truth even if it offends someone is God’s plan. Stalwart and moving forward is God’s plan. I hope that you will join me. My efforts may be small, but together we can make a difference and can roll back the tide of evil, replacing it with the Word of God and His standards.

Called to Simplicity

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www.bible.com/reading-plans/11667/day/22

The longer I live, the more stuff I accumulate. Not on purpose…it just seems to stick around, find a small niche to occupy and stays there until I recognize that I have not used it in a while, so I should pass it along to someone who will get use out of it. I like the idea presented here that Jesus calls us to balance and simplicity. We are body, soul and spirit, a combination of the three that make us work together and flourish in God’s kingdom. It is easy to be caught up into materialism. Remember the old song from Madonna, “I’m A Material Girl.” Yes, she was and still is, more’s the pity. The one with the most toys still dies and faces judgment from God, so what is the point of accumulating more than others just so you can say that you have more? There’s a lot to say for being content with what you need and not always grasping for what you think you want because others have it. It’s all about keeping our eyes on God, recognizing His provision and being content.

Growing in Christ

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www.bible.com/reading-plans/11667/day/21

It is hard for me to remember well, but I do recall when I first became a Christian, the enthusiasm and utter joy. I want that spark of new life all the time, but it has to be nourished in order to grow. If you don’t feed a fire, it goes out. I feed my fire of faith with God’s Word, with fellowship with other believers, with good Biblical teaching and with a strong and honest relationship with my husband. When I am not “feeling it” my husband encourages me not to lean on the feelings but to instead depend on the truth of the Gospel and the reality of God’s presence in my life. Looking up to God and looking outward to the needs of others helps me to focus on what is important and not just on myself and my own shortcomings. I have found that I grow when I am not expecting to but when I am just waiting on God to act. It is not in the fulfillment of His actions that I grow most; I grow most by just waiting expectantly, knowing that God is working for me and in me and helping me to be more like the person He created me to be.

I recall one of my grandsons had excruciating “growing pains.” Every night when he would retire, I would hear him cry out in pain and his mom would go to him and pray with him, applying heat or ice to his aching legs as the doctors had said to do. I didn’t know that growing pains were real until I saw them in action. Now I realize that sometimes I go through growing pains in my walk with the Lord; no heat or ice works, but prayer does and reading the Word and expressing my needs to other like-minded Christians. We are all walking this earth together until God calls us home. We are all growing together to be more like Christ. Our journey is made easier by helping each other along with encouragement, knowing that the person we may reach out today will probably be the person who reaches out to us tomorrow.