Review of THE GIRL UPSTAIRS by Jessica R. Patch

On By vickleaIn Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335001368

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:04/28/2026

Pages:384

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life.

Gwen McDaniel’s life is broken. But she knows the perfect place to fix it. Cold Harbor, Maine is where she used to vacation with her parents as a child, an idyllic small town with views of Acadia National Park. Here, she and Steven can start over, renovating their cliff-side fixer-upper while patching up their marriage. Soon, everything will be better.

Except from the moment they arrive, Gwen sees and hears things, and it’s more than just the drafts and shadows that are part of any old house. Steven downplays her fears, warning her not to fixate on problems as she has in the past. But Gwen spent years as a homicide detective, and her instincts don’t lie. Something happened here. Proof comes when she rips up the attic’s old carpet to discover a chilling message carved into the wood.

As Gwen delves into the history of the house and Cold Harbor community, she begins to piece the fragments together. And gradually, a terrifying picture emerges: A missing girl. A house of horrors. And a dark, decades-old nightmare that is more haunting than Gwen ever imagined.

My Thoughts

This book defines intense suspense and heart-pounding action as Gwen and Steven move into an apparently haunted house in Maine. The weather is cold, the people are hiding secrets and Gwen, recently fired from her job as a police officer in Baltimore, is on the trail of a mystery that is begging to be solved. But with her past, she may not be the right one to solve it, and her husband Steven wants her to just stay home, make a few friends and socialize. The house itself is personified as a character in this mesmerizing story of a house that has witnessed untold horrors. Gwen hears voices, the crying of a baby in the middle of the night and even sees things that quickly disappear. Everyone else questions her sanity except the new friend from the coffee shop, Cady, and together the two of them set out to find the truth, no matter the consequence of doing so. There are a ton of twists and surprises in this book and just when I thought I had something figured out, the author threw in another twist that made me rethink everything. I didn’t think anyone could really be trusted in this novel, but all of the characters were very believable and some I could even relate to. I felt sorry for Gwen who was mourning the loss of her baby, but I also felt sorry for Steven who was a doctor trying to get established in a new place and also dealing with his wife’s nightmares about their new home. There was not a single surprise that I was able to figure out, but I totally enjoyed trying to follow the numerous clues and distinguish them from fake trails. There are suspects galore, crimes from the past and in the present, and all tied up neatly together by an author who is a mistress of suspense thrillers. This book is not to be missed by anyone who enjoyed an Alfred Hitchcock kind of twisted tale as well as a good story with a faith foundation and a theme of second chances. I loved this novel and cannot recommend it highly enough!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book and I also purchased my own copy. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian fiction with intense suspense, Rated PG

About the Author

Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica’s stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.

She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.

You’re invited to join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch.com and receive a FREE short thriller, Nobody Has to Know.

Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

Purchase Links

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How to Pray

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

I like to pray the scriptures and today I am using the acronym ACTS to show you all an example.

ACTS=

Adoration

Confession

Thanksgiving

Supplication

Adoration

Adoration is worshipping our Creator for who He is, not what He has done for us.

Confession

I had a roommate in college who kept a written list of all that she needed to confess when she went to confession that weekend. We don’t have to go to a priest to confess because God has opened the way directly to Him through Jesus. No list is needed…just speak from your heart what the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, the things that you know do not please God. Psalm 51 is a prayer of confession by David that I have often used to start my confession time with God.

Thanksgiving

This is the time when I turn up the praise music that has been background during my prayer time and sing along, praising God and thanking Him for all He has done, first for me, then for my family, then friends and finally for those in the world.

Supplication

Supplication is when we ask God for what we need, the things that are overwhelming our hearts and minds. It’s good for me to start supplication with this verse, to remind me that all of God’s answers are because of His grace for us and the salvation that He has provided for us prepares a way for us to approach His throne.

I know it doesn’t fit into the acronym, but I always end my prayers with a praise and thanksgiving again. It’s what I call a “sandwich” prayer. I start with adoration and thanksgiving and end with the same.

I hope that this post has blessed you and helped you to see how approachable and loving our God is. Prayer is not just something one should do on Sunday, in the pew at church, but everyday during your quiet time with God.

Thursday Thoughts

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

I am listening to praise music as I sit and ponder this verse. If you think about it, there is no place or no time where God is not. Notice that the verse says the NAME of the Lord is to be praised. I have been watching for different names of the Lord as I read my Bible daily. God is so many things to so many different people. I think I need to focus more on who God is and less on what I expect Him to do for me. So, I am choosing to praise His name, not what He does for me. I am thankful for all He does, but I am overcome with awe by all of His names that mean so much to me.

I think that when I first started worshiping God and attending church, the first name of God that I heard was Adonai. There was a song by Amy Grant that was gaining popularity at that time and our pastor told us about Adonai meaning “Lord, Master.” He is my Lord and Master and I am His servant. Yet He calls me friend and His child.

I have often prayed to Jehovah Jireh, the Lord my provider. I don’t just pray for God to meet my financial needs but also my physical, emotional and spiritual ones. He provides all we need if we just trust Him to do so. I think too often we pray and then walk away and try to do things on our own without God’s provision. We need to consistently show our dependence on God. That’s when He shows just how much He can and will provide for us.

Recently, with health issues piling up on me, I have been faced with the name of Jehovah Rophe, God our Healer. God has told me over and over again that His healing may not look like what I am expecting, but He is still working to bring me to wholeness in Him.

I think the name of God that speaks to me the most is Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is there. Right there where I am, right when I need Him. Always present, always nearby, always ready to listen and to comfort, to bring peace and restoration.

Is there a name of God that has special significance to you? The more I learn about God, the more I know that I don’t know. I want to learn more every day until one day I am in His presence and will know Him even as I am known.

God bless you as you press into the God who is our rock, the promise keeper and our shepherd in every valley and on every mountain top.

Movie Recommendation: A Great Awakening

On By vickleaIn Movie Review1 Comment

I know that you are surprised at this title, but I just have to recommend the movie that my husband and I went to see for our anniversary.

With the Sight and Sound production company behind it, I expected the visuals to be outstanding, but the story itself was an opportunity to celebrate the prayer-filled beginning of our nation. It is the story of a young preacher named George Whitefield who befriended the well-known newspaper printer and inventor, Benjamin Franklin. With a dual storyline, the movie tells the story of the interactions between the two, including Franklin’s insistence that he is a Deist and doesn’t believe in the gospel that Whitefield is preaching.

The story was mesmerizing, although I will confess that I was afraid that it would be a boring documentary. It was so filled with facts that my husband could attest to since he read the very long autobiography of Franklin previously. The songs were stirring and brought tears to both of our eyes. (It was soul-stirring to see my husband cry during a movie.) The actors were perfectly suited for the roles and totally believable.

I am not sure how long this film is still at theaters, but I do know that it will be on Amazon Prime starting May 5th. Rent, buy, whatever you need to do to see this film. Bring friends over to watch with you as you experience the Christian birth of our nation and the sacrifices that made it happen.

Benjamin Franklin (Wikipedia)
George Whitefield (Wikipedia)

I apologize that I cannot include a trailer or photos from the movie but that would violate copyright laws. But here is the official website where you can watch the trailer and get information about tickets if you would like.

https://www.agreatawakening.com

From the End of the Earth

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

Do you ever feel as though you have reached the end of the road and there is no way to turn back? You just have to jump off the cliff and hope that God is there to catch you. That has been my feeling lately, with one health crisis after another and no real solutions. My answer has not been pain medications since I am allergic to all of them. (Hallelujah for that mercy!) No, my answer has been to immerse myself in God’s word and He has been faithful to console, comfort, advise and just listen. I feel as though many are tired of my constantly saying this is wrong, or that is wrong, so I don’t want to weary you with details. I just want to encourage you that when you think you are in a desolate place where no one can help you, God can and will.

May you rest in Him and find your refuge there just as I am doing. My enemy is my own body rebelling against aging. No matter what your enemy is, God is bigger, better, stronger and able to catch you and to guard you until He calls you home.

Review of Witness Protection by Robert Whitlow

On By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781400352081

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:04/07/2026

Pages:464

Synopsis (Barnes and Noble)

All is finally good. Jon Tremaine has created a new life in Brunswick, Georgia, as part of the Federal Witness Protection program after testifying against the former drug cartel he was involved with. Only his wife, Sarah, and a handler with the US Marshal’s office know his true identity, and he is now the manager of a large commercial tree farm with a baby on the way. But when one of Jon’s employees is arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into the United States, he goes against his better judgment and inserts himself in the middle of the case, believing the man is an unsuspecting mole manipulated by sophisticated drug dealers.

Kelli Quinn, a highly skilled litigator with an Atlanta law firm, has moved to Brunswick to work with her best friend from law school, hoping to rebuild her life after a painful divorce. She and her two children find a temporary home with her aunt Carly, a woman whose great faith is making an impression on her new houseguests. For the first time in a very long while, Kelli sees a future where she can find balance between the job she loves and the family she loves even more.

New to the firm and in need of clients, Kelli agrees to represent Jon’s employee. The unfolding investigation reveals layers of criminal activity and possible connections to Jon’s past, putting everyone at risk of exposure—and even death.

My Thoughts

This legal suspense novel held my attention but I did not find it totally absorbing as the author methodically and sometimes slowly laid out two storylines that ended up dovetailing together perfectly. For part of the novel, I was stymied as to how lawyer Kelli and land manager Jon Tremaine would end up interacting, but when Jon’s employee is arrested on charges of drug trafficking, the stories merged and it was an easy and entertaining read. Cesar, the employee, seems to be a stooge for the drug cartel and in trying to make extra money for his growing family, he puts them all in danger. Jon, a former employee of a drug cartel who is now in WITSEC, is hesitant to tell Kelli the whole truth and thus ends up endangering himself and Kelli, too. The suspense is relentless but not at a fast pace. The characters are all well developed and the faith element undergirds the whole story as Kelli’s aunt Carly assumes the responsibility to showing her faith to Kelli and to her children. Carly’s prayers were definitely remarkable and showed insight into her faith and her relationship with God. In fact, Carly was my favorite character since she never wavered and was a rock amidst the stormy sea of circumstances in Kelli’s life. Jon seemed to be a character who would choose to do the right thing, but his choices seemed somewhat reluctant so I would not say he was a strong character. The plot is relevant and compelling but did not have the emotional depth or the careful plot that I am accustomed to with others who write similar novels. This was the first book that I have read by this author, and I will definitely look for others as it was a satisfying legal suspense noel with intriguing dynamics between the characters and a strong message of hope.
I voluntarily 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.

Christian Fiction, Intense Suspense, Drug Cartels and Crime, PG

About the Author (Amazon)

Robert Whitlow grew up in north Georgia. He graduated magna cum laude from Furman University with a BA in history in 1976 and received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1979. A practicing attorney, he is a partner in a Charlotte, NC law firm. He and his wife Kathy have four children and nine grandchildren.

Robert began writing in 1996. His novels are set in the South and include both legal suspense and interesting characterization. It is his desire to write stories that reveal some of the ways God interacts with people in realistic scenarios.

Purchase Links

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Who Is In Control?

On By vickleaIn Scripture, Song2 Comments

Big revelation in church today! (Not really, but actually thought-provoking) I may control my universal remote, but I don’t control the universe…God does!

To go along with this eye-opening, mind-blowing idea, here is something for you to read and ponder, just in case you are not convinced yet.

God Does-Douglas Vandergraph

And if you enjoyed reading this relatively short and conclusive evidence that you can make plans, but God is ultimately in control, you can also watch this video.

You Tube Video: Control of the Universe

Song for the Day from a praise leader whom I listened to regularly over five decades ago.

God Is In Control-Twila Paris

Prayer from the YouVersion Daily Prayer, 4-18-26.

May your day be blessed, your time be redeemed and your relationship with God be one that speaks to your heart and to others.