Review: The Daughter’s Goodbye by Danielle Grandinetti

On November 12, 2026November 12, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review, Scripture1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1956098679
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hearth Spot Press
Publishing Date: November 13, 2026
Print Length ‏: ‎ 164 pages
Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H7SDQGFC?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_sirpi

Synopsis

Cedarfontein, South Africa, 1935—Ilse van der Berg’s mother is dying, and her last request is for Ilse to travel to her mother’s hometown of Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Though she and her widowed mother are unwelcome amongst the locals after her Afrikaans father sided with the British during the Maritz rebellion, Ilse can’t imagine leaving the people she knows for a country of strangers.

Lieutenant Quincey Pryor of His Majesty’s Royal Navy arrives in Cedarfontein on orders from his father, who works for the Admiralty and British Intelligence. He must personally collect and ferry back to London a package from a retired captain who lives in this small town near Knysna. What Quin doesn’t expect to find upon his arrival is a beautiful young woman kneeling over the captain’s dead body.

Unexpectedly tied together by an undercurrent of espionage, Ilse and Quin must untangle the thread of secrets before the dark clouds of Nationalsozialismus overtake them and Ilse has to flee the only home she’s ever known.

My Thoughts

The Daughter’s Goodbye is a poignant and emotional look at the effect of war on a young daughter who is caught in the middle of intolerance and hatred. Ilse wants to stay in South Africa with her extremely ill mother, but the hand she is dealt requires that she leave as quickly as she can to escape capture from a hate group. The historical details are enlightening and amazingly accurate, even when mixed with the fictional story of Lt. Pryor and Ilse. My heart hurt for Ilse and the sacrifice she has to make and the loss she endures. This is a wonderful story with realistic characters, well-researched facts and a relentlessly fast pace that kept me captivated from beginning to end. Loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be engaged in historical fiction that is a compelling read.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Christian Fiction, Rated PG

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romantic mystery.

Her historical fiction has received numerous industry accolades, including the 2026 Holt Medallion, a Distinguished Faith in Writing Award, and three National Excellence in Storytelling Awards, alongside finalist honors in the Selah, Daphne du Maurier, and FHLCW Reader’s Choice contests.

Danielle is a second-generation Italian-American and holds a master’s degree in communication and culture. Fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature, she crafts historical romance novels exploring immigrant heritage, found family, and cozy Midwest traditions.

She currently lives along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline with her husband and two boys. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com

Purchase Links

https://daniellegrandinetti.com/our-house/

Amazon

Review: Ground Zero by Taylor S. Newport

On November 7, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139798182766906

Publisher: Taylor S Newport

Publication Date: 11/05/2026

Series: Dauntless Defenders

Pages: 536

Synopsis (from the author’s website, TaylorSNewport.com)

Following the death of her grandfather, Alexandra “Alex” Romanova steps into the weight of Veritek, the global cybersecurity empire her family built. Taking a brief breather in the States to grieve, she believes distance will help—until a violent attack on their lake house proves otherwise. The message is unmistakable: the Russian mafia has come for her and for the company she now controls. But when Alex uncovers a Bratva trafficking ring targeting young girls, protecting her inheritance becomes secondary. She refuses to stand by while innocent lives are sold.

Life hasn’t slowed down for Tyler Reid—only grown more dangerous. The Bratva isn’t just after Veritek; they’re watching Alex, waiting for the moment she slips. His new mission is to keep Alex out of the mafia’s hands. But stopping the trafficking network means stepping into the path of one of the most ruthless criminal organizations in the world.

When the Bratva makes their move, everything changes. Saving the trafficked girls could cost Alex everything she inherited—and Tyler may be the only one who can stop it. Every choice carries immense consequences, and the secret Alex holds could change everything between them. Survival will demand all they have—and force them to confront how far they are willing to go to protect each other.

My Thoughts

I am almost speechless when it comes to reviewing this book. It is so intense, so emotional and so relevant that I cannot say how much I enjoyed it without also pointing out that I cried during much of the novel and have to be careful to tiptoe around possible spoilers. This book finds Alexandra (Andra) and Tyler dedicated to rescuing victims of human trafficking from the Russian Mafia, the Bratva. In their quest to free the young girls and women, Tyler and Andra get captured and the book revolves around their attempts to survive and, if possible, to escape. There are some wildly imaginative adventures in these pages that had me holding my breath as the battles are fast-moving and realistically portrayed. The brothers of the Bratva are pure evil, so the underlying theme is good versus evil, but there is so much more happening in this novel. There is romance, family dynamics, a lot of revealed secrets and great character development, even with the secondary characters. The good guys are all likable and relatable while the villains are pure evil and easy to hate. Andra has to face her past with Arkadi who had imprisoned her when she was a young teen and she had to call on all of her faith and training as a warrior to try to overcome the mind games and physical challenges he presented to her. Tyler faces demons from the past as well as new regrets for the present and his character changes a lot as the story in this book progresses. All of the main characters are dynamic and magnetically appealing. The plot is fast-paced with the chapters flowing into each other as the different characters become the main focus. I liked the timeline and location that the author provided for each chapter because it helped me track how much “real time” had passed in the story. With torture, cage fighting, revenge and the quest for justice all happening at the same time, this was a head-spinning and complex story that was terrifyingly brilliant as well as thought provoking. There is relentless tension throughout the novel that escalates at times during some of the fight scenes. The details are dramatic and brutal with strong imagery while at the same time maintaining a sensitivity towards the horror of the captivity and the darkness of the members of the Bratva. The foundation of faith underlies the story as Andra relies on her belief in God’s love and encourages Tyler to believe. This novel is a well-crafted and multi-layered strong addition to the Dauntless Defenders Series and I highly recommend reading the series in order, although I do think this book could be read and enjoyed as a standalone. This edgy and cleverly written page turner goes to the top of my list of books that are must-reads for 2026. The sadness in the book is profound but the message of hope resounds with the heroes who respond to the call to bring justice to those who cannot fight for themselves.
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.

Christian Fiction with extremely intense scenes, including cage fighting and triggers including human trafficking. Rated PG-16

About the Author

Taylor S Newport is a 2024 ACFW Genesis Contest Finalist and the author of high-octane Christian fiction. Known for blending heart-pounding action with deeply complex, unforgettable characters, she crafts fast-paced adventures that keep readers hooked from the first page to the last. Off the page, Taylor’s happy place is anywhere with mountain views, surrounded by her family and a good dog.

Purchase Links

Review: Cold Case Arson Investigation by Kerry Johnson

On October 31, 2026October 30, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

ISBN-139781335919274

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication Date: 10/27/2026

Series: Forest Ranger Rescuers

Pages: 208

Synopsis

Trapped in a burning barn, fire ranger Clay Reiger barely escapes with his ex-girlfriend, fire marshal Autumn Jennings, as the inferno rages out of control. Soon a chilling pattern emerges—fires eerily similar to those set by a serial arsonist who disappeared years ago. As the past resurfaces, the danger becomes impossible to ignore. With their lives under attack and a long-buried secret threatening to reignite old wounds, Clay and Autumn must confront their shared history. Can they unravel a deadly mystery and stop a vengeful criminal before more lives are lost?

This cleverly written page turner includes intense suspense, a blooming second chance at romance. Fire ranger Clay Reiger is tasked to partner with fire marshal Autumn Jennings, a young woman with whom he has a history he wants to forget. Clay and Autumn are investigating a series of fires that seem to be exactly like the fires set by a serial arsonist two decades previously. The two of them have to follow the clues to determine if the serial arsonist has returned or if the new fires are being set by a copycat. They also need to protect innocent victims and themselves from the perpetrator who is determined to thwart them from learning the truth. The plot has intricate and intriguing threads of mystery and an edginess to the suspense as one never knows when or where the arsonist will strike next. The plot is remarkably fast-moving and well researched with captivating and insightful details about the investigation and the crime of arson. Masterfully written with dynamic characters who have worked hard to overcome a challenging past, this book is dramatic, exciting and includes some intense scenes of rescue from imminent death. I enjoyed the well-crafted story and the multi-layered characters as well as the realistically portrayed effect that arson has on the victims. This is a book not to be missed for fans of quick-paced and intriguing stories with romance skillfully blended into the main plot.
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.

Kerry spent a magical childhood in New England roaming the woods, climbing mossy boulders, and reading everything she could get her hands on. She moved to Florida as a teen, reluctantly exchanging dirt for sand and snow for sunshine. Kerry lives on the sunny, stormy west coast of Florida with her patient engineering husband, two college-aged sons, and her teen niece. Their busy home also includes a lazy boxer, one very temperamental sun conure, and a spotted leopard gecko, plus any stray cats who need food and TLC. (She still dreams of owning a horse one day.)

She’s a longtime member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and FHLCW (Faith Hope Love Christian Writers). Her stories have won two ACFW Genesis Awards (2017 & 2020), RWA-Georgia’s Maggie Contest (Unpublished, 2019), and a First-Place Selah Award for Romantic Suspense (2025).

These are a few of her favorite things…Jesus, her family, summer thunderstorms, sampling new kinds of tea, laughing and praying with friends, and all creatures great and small. If she’s not outside taking a long walk, she’s inside watching a Marvel movie, reading and writing, or rearranging her bookshelves so her husband doesn’t notice how many there are. She writes for Harlequin/Love Inspired Suspense, and you can find a list of her books on her Amazon page. She loves hearing from readers and can be reached at candidkerry@gmail.com.

Follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Review: Montana Christmas Target by Terri Reed

On October 30, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

ISBN-139781335919267

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication: Date10/27/2026

Pages: 208

Synopsis

Sculptor Fiona Halverson is shocked to stumble upon her ex-fiancé’s murder—just before a masked attacker attempts to abduct her. She’s rescued by FBI Special Agent Bryce Springs, who is investigating a counterfeit ring that points directly to Fiona’s art gallery. Forced to flee from a dangerous crime boss during a brutal blizzard, Fiona and Bryce must uncover how her gallery became part of a criminal operation—and prove her innocence. Facing armed adversaries and the treacherous storm, they’ll risk everything to expose the truth. But with every step, the fight for justice becomes a battle for their very survival.

My Thoughts

This book is a completely engrossing read from the first paragraph to the exciting and happy conclusion. The female main character is a sculptor whose life is in danger because of her artistic ability. A crime syndicate wants to use her abilities to break multiple laws, so Fiona ends up having to run from the villains even as she worries about the family she left behind. FBI Special Agent Bryce Springs is a perfect hero, reluctant to believe Fiona’s wild tale at first but then deciding she must be telling the truth when the kingpin of the syndicate proves to be after her skills. Set in a remote place on a ranch and then moving into the wilderness hideaway of the criminals, the setting was a powerful part of the story. The plot was fast-paced, with a twisted mystery and a storyline that did a good job of weaving the suspense with a budding romance. The story was gripping and Fiona’s wit and determination were very entertaining as well as creative. This is a delightful addition to the Love Inspired Suspense series with characters that are believable and relatable and an action-packed plot.
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.

Terri Reed is a New York Times and USA Today Featured bestselling 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.

Review: Deadly Charade by Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood

On October 27, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Review4 Comments

ISBN-139780800747640

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication Date: 10/27/2026

Series: FBI New Recruits

Pages: 320

Synopsis

Special Agent Kira Miller’s new career at the FBI has started—in translations. It’s not the opportunity she was hoping for to show off her skills, until she detects a lead in some paperwork. Now assigned an undercover role, she’s in her element as she gathers intel on an art smuggling ring. She’s daunted not by the mission but by her cover—posing as a married woman to the fake husband she met less than twenty-four hours earlier.

Special Agent Bryce Lambert’s assignment to go undercover as a newlywed couple with Kira has the two of them moving next door to the prime suspects, and a relationship is the last thing he wants, fake or real. With secret auctions and hidden treasures, there’s plenty to keep them busy—if only they can play the part their lives and careers depend upon while keeping their own hearts in check.

My Thoughts

Deadly Charade is a book that is hard to put down because the interactions between the characters and the intriguing plot captivated me from the beginning. Kira is a new FBI agent, eager to get out into the field, but she wasn’t prepared for her assignment with Agent Bryce. Together, the two of them are supposed to find an art smuggling ring and rescue some priceless treasures from pre-WWII Russia. In their undercover disguises as a married couple, Kira and Bryce complement the different talents they two have and they also feel that attraction that opposites feel when in forced proximity. The danger is real but the threats are from an unknown source, so Kira and Bryce have to always be aware of their surroundings, including all of the people around them. The characters are realistically portrayed with a few flaws, especially when they are thrown into high-tension situations. The pace is propulsive, so the book kept me reading long past my bedtime as “one more chapter” became many more. I really wanted to know what would happen next, where the treasure was (if there really was one), and how Kira and Bryce would be able to work out a relationship since they are both FBI agents. The tight plot crackles with tension and head-spinning twists that kept me guessing. This is an expertly plotted page turner with a dramatic climax and some brutally terrifying scenes. I loved the excitement of the danger but was thrilled by the budding romance. Five plus stars for a book that held me enthralled and cleverly kept me turning pages!
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, Rated PG-13 for intense suspense

About the Authors

Lynette Eason has won a plethora of awards including the Carol Award, the Selah, the Golden Scroll and been nominated for others like the prestigious Christy Award. Her novel, Her Stolen Past was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network. Lynette teaches and speaks at writing conferences all over the country. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) and Faith, Hope, and Love. She lives in upstate SC with her husband, Jack. They have two grown children and a terribly spoiled American Eskimo pup. Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.

Kelly Underwood’s favorite things are reading, writing, and drinking coffee. She was born in New Hampshire, but don’t ask her about snow, because she’s been a Florida girl since she was twelve. Her debut novel with Sunrise Publishing gave Kelly the incredible opportunity to work with Lynette Eason as her mentor and lead author. Defending Honor, part of the Elite Guardians series, was published in October 2022 and earned third place in the Selah Awards and was a finalist in the Carol Awards. Since then, Kelly has continued to captivate readers with multiple romantic suspense novels.

Beyond writing, Kelly shares her love of reading through her blog, Best in Suspense. She also served as the 2024 and 2025 president for the Central Florida chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not plotting twists and turns for her next novel, you’ll find her out and about with her therapy dog—a feisty golden retriever named Maizie—bringing joy to everyone from children to senior citizens. She also loves traveling and has recently fallen in love with Ireland and Scotland—maybe you’ll see these settings as the backdrop to one of her future novels.

Kelly is a sucker for a good suspense novel, the kind you must read cover-to-cover until the mystery is solved and the bad guys are in handcuffs. If you’re looking for her, she’s probably on her back patio with Maizie, a Kindle in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Website: Kelly Underwood Author

Purchase Links

Baker Publishing Group

Review: The Heartfelt Formula by Leslie K. DeVooght

On October 22, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review5 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1967524075

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lanier Price Publishing‏

Pages : ‎ 337 pages

Synopsis (from Amazon)

After another breakup, Atlanta attorney Hope Elliot decides to stop waiting for her happily-ever-after and write it herself. Inspired by her beloved Christmas romance movies, Hope crafts The Heartfelt Formula: a foolproof plan including snowball fights, cookie baking, and a perfectly timed first kiss.

Trading the big city for coastal Georgia, Hope sets out to find her small-town soulmate. But the actors in her carefully plotted scenes keep shuffling—especially when Brennan Taylor, her ambitious co-counsel continues to fill in for Cole Walker, the carefree furniture maker, who Hope cast as her hero.

Between courtroom drama, a mismatched leading man, and a mistletoe mishap, Hope must decide if she’ll trust her formula or accept a plot twist that might leave her all alone, or perhaps, with happiest ending of all.

A faith-filled romantic comedy for anyone who believes love, like Christmas, can still surprise you.

My Thoughts

There is so much to love about The Heartfelt Formula, a sweet romance with a strong foundation of faith and characters that popped off the page right into my heart. I really wanted Hope to succeed in finding her HEA by following the same formula that the movies do. I loved the wit and humor in the book, especially the scenarios that Hope set up just to convince her carefully chosen Mr. Right that they needed to be together. This is a book about overcoming the past, facing a hope-filled future and finding out who you really are and what you should be doing with your life. I loved the way Hope built her relationship with her stepfather and even accepted her mom with all of her adorable quirks. In fact, I loved everything about this book that was packed full of plot, dynamic character development and just plain fun. The author did a spectacular job of writing a compelling and believable story that was easy to read and refreshingly delightful. The romance was fun, flirty and satisfying as well as totally charming. This is a book to read when you need a lift in spirit since I don’t think that anyone who reads this book will leave it with anything but a wide smile and gratitude for the ahhh feeling that comes from this warm-hearted tale of love and laughter.
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.

About the Author

PW Best-Selling Author Leslie Kirby DeVooght writes women’s fiction inspired by romcoms, coastal Georgia, and fried okra! While Leslie and her family live in Jacksonville, Florida, they often visit her hometown of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where she loves to go for long walks on the beach. A graduate of Florida Southern College and Mercer Law School, Leslie is always revising her life from prosecutor to judge to PTA president to author of happily-ever-afters.

Facebook at Leslie Kirby DeVooght

Twitter @LeslieDeVooght

Instagram @Leslie.DeVooght.Author

Purchase Links

Review: After We Fall by Deborah Clack

On October 8, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780800746957

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication Date:10/06/2026

Series: Shelter and Sky

Pages:368

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

Self-sufficient Penelope Reid has her life completely mapped outa necessity after surviving foster care. Now she’s on a mission to prove that she’s capable of managing a halfway house at Twelve Bluebells Ranch. The last thing she needs is hindrance from the charming Luke Granger, who asked her to dance three years ago, then disappeared before the music began.

Luke lives a nomadic lifestyle as a security specialist and has never found a reason to put down roots. So when the ranch neighboring Twelve Bluebells is vandalized, securing the area is just another gig for him before he hits the roaduntil he’s reunited with the bossy brunette and her generous heart.

As Luke and Penelope work alongside each other to care for the ranch’s halfway house residents, Penelope makes a mistake she might not recover from. Her careful walls begin to crack, and Luke’s restless heart finds reasons to stay. But when tragedy strikes, they must decide if it’s worth the risk to lower their guards for a love that could give them the home they’ve always longed for.

For content warnings, go to this book’s page on the author’s website. Note that there may be spoilers in these warnings. Deborah Clack After We Fall

My Thoughts

After We Fall is one of the best contemporary romance books that I have ever read, dealing with some difficult topics in a sensitive way that demonstrated the author’s attention to detail and her compassion for those who have suffered from abuse and trauma. Penelope is a feisty and courageous young woman who wants to become the program director for the Twelve Bluebells Ranch, a home for girls who have aged out of foster care but who still need a place to live and supervision. When her boss Harlan and his new wife Meredith leave for their honeymoon, Penelope thinks that she has the perfect opportunity to show what a great candidate she would be for the job. Unfortunately, she has to deal with Luke Granger, the security consultant that Harlan hired since there was some mischief right before the wedding. Luke and Penelope clash heads in the most adorable and humorous ways, making this book funny as well as a serious look at some hard topics. Luke is relaxed but always does what he promises. Penelope is ultra-organized to the point that when she gets injured and cannot fulfill her responsibilities she almost has a meltdown. The story is perfectly paced, with lots of drama happening with the residents of the Bluebells as well as between Luke and Penelope. The characters are relatable and it was easy for me to have empathy for Penelope after she got a TBI since I had a stroke and still suffer from similar symptoms. Luke is the “bad boy” who is really a good guy hero and was my favorite character. I was charmed by his constant use of toothpicks, much to the chagrin of Penelope and by his desire to pitch in and help out at the ranch by not only providing protection but also drum lessons. There are some tense scenes with one of the residents who makes poor choices against the advice of everyone and ends up paying severe consequences for those choices. This novel touched me in all of the right places, warming my heart as it also made me think about choices and how they not only affect me but others as well. With themes of learning to trust and finding love when you aren’t looking for it, this masterfully crafted and totally clean novel is a slam dunk winner for me and deserves much more than the five stars that I can give it.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Deborah Clack is a native Texan, non-recovering chocolate addict, and contemporary romance author.

Her titles include Odyssey of the Mind World Champion, Orthodontist Patient of the Month, and Most Improved Player at the Rolando Blackmon Basketball Camp.

A high school AP history teacher for 10 years, Deborah earned a Masters Degree in Education and was awarded Teacher of the Year for Arts in Education. Now she creates stories of her own filled with struggle, laughter, and a hard-fought romance. She asks her heroines, as well as her readers, to dig deep, play hard, and laugh often.

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, DFW Ready Writers, and the Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers. Her work won both the ACFW Genesis Contest and the ACFW First Impressions Contest in Romance. She received First Place in the Contemporary Romance and Flash Fiction categories in the Foundations Contest at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

As a short story writer, she has sold flash fiction romance to Woman’s World Magazine.

Deborah can lip-sync the heck out of Barbara Streisand’s “Jingle Bells” and is a fan of the original romantic suspense movie, Star Wars. She lives in The Lone Star State with her family where they cheer for the Dallas Cowboys.

Purchase Links

Review of Watched by Jerusha Agen

On September 24, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-139781956683608

Publisher; Sdg Words, LLC

Publication Date: 09/24/2026

Series: Windy City Westons

Pages: 454

Synopsis (from the author’s website)

Robert Weston became a psychiatrist to heal people’s minds. He can’t lose his. But if the strange occurrences of forgetfulness and confusion continue, he may not be able to hide the truth much longer. When his psychological issues put his life in danger, he must face the reality that the genetic nightmare he fears inheriting has seized him.

Attorney Monty Montgomery knows she doesn’t like Robert Weston. His expert testimony once ruined her client’s case. She didn’t realize the psychiatrist isn’t only wrong but also completely unreliable. How can she defend him against a malpractice suit for the insurance company that hired her when he’s clearly incompetent?

Robert and Monty have bigger problems than they know. Someone has a mission. A mission that won’t be stopped until somebody ends up dead.

Is everyone a pawn in the lethal game, or is Robert’s failing mind playing tricks on him? Even with the help of the Weston siblings, Robert and Monty may need a mind smarter than theirs—the mind of God—to escape this twisted game alive.

My Thoughts

This book offers a cleverly written page-turner that is intricately plotted in a way that drew me into the story right away. Robert’s story is a compelling one of threats, lost self-confidence and finding love in a most unlikely place. Robert is a talented psychiatrist who has incredible intelligence and insight into the minds of others and why they act as they do. What he does not have in this novel is the ability to discern what is happening to him when he begins forgetting things. Rather than search for a cause, he immediately assumes that he is beginning to show the same signs of dementia as his grandfather and is overwhelmed at times with self-pity. He is currently being sued for malpractice when one of his patients attempted suicide and is in a prolonged coma. His attorney, Monty Montgomery, is talented, self-confident and takes no prisoners in her quest for justice. It helps that her opponent is her former fiancé named Edmund whom she found less than trustworthy and totally unreliable. Robert and Monty work well together when he is not forgetting to show up and embarrassing her. The family dynamics in this novel are noteworthy, both for Robert and Monty. I really liked getting to know Monty’s sisters and her very protective brother Corey. Her life is threatened because of taking Robert’s case and Robert is feeling increasingly unsure of his own abilities since he keeps doing things that are out the ordinary for him. The twists are numerous as are the red herrings, and the main characters are lovable and easy to cheer for. I was totally unprepared for the great reveal of who the culprits were. I enjoyed the guessing game but I was wrong each time, much to my great pleasure as I kept guessing and reading. Neither was I prepared for the heart-pounding, edge-of-my-seat climax that had me holding my breath and wondering how it would all turn out. This book is unputdownable, with a strong faith foundation and an equally strong message of hope and encouragement to begin a relationship with the Lord. This is a fantastic and compelling story with masterfully written characterizations and edgy suspense.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I also purchased my own copy of the book for my collection. 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

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.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

WEBSITE: http://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

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Review: Fatal Pattern by Kate Angelo

On September 22, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780800746643

Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Publication Date: 09/15/2026

Series: The King Legacy

Pages: 368

Synopsis (from the Author’s Website)

A hyper-intelligent stalker attacks behavioral analyst and forensic psychologist Dr. Tori Crew at knifepoint, shattering the fierce independence she’s built since her parents’ unsolved murder. Forced into an off-the-books criminal investigation, Tori must push her expertise—and her fiercely guarded heart—to the breaking point as a killer’s pattern emerges. Homicide Detective Blade St. James has been Tori’s friend and protector since childhood. Haunted by his own past of parental abandonment, Blade is determined to build a stable life and find the peace that always seems just out of reach. But when Tori’s life is threatened, his protective instincts shift into overdrive. As they are plunged deep into a conspiracy with roots in her past, the boundary of their friendship blurs as danger closes in and their hearts reveal a truth they can no longer deny. Can they unmask the sophisticated serial killer before they become the final, fatal piece in the pattern?

My Thoughts

Dr. Tori Crew has a stalker determined to kill her and Detective Blade St. James is determined to protect her at any cost. The city also has a serial killer wreaking havoc and leaving weird clues with fractals and patterns that require the expertise of many on their team at the MMA Academy. The one person that they cannot depend on for help during this novel is Stryker, their mentor and teacher who is lying in a coma in the hospital. So, without Stryker, the team has to follow the clues that lead them on a chase that gets more dangerous as they get closer to the truth. This is a complex and multi-layered romantic suspense with definite elements of thriller interspersed within the compelling story. With family relationships, secrets from the past and a vicious serial killer involved, this book held me captive and kept me turning the pages. I wanted everything to be okay for all of my favorite and very lovable characters, but throughout most of the book, I did not see how that was even possible. There was constant danger and threats, non-stop action and red herrings mixed in with a multitude of possible suspects. I enjoyed following the clues and guessing but it was the big reveal at the end that showed me I was going in the wrong direction, just as I think the author cleverly planned it. This is the second book in the King Legacy series and will be more enjoyable if you read the first book before this one, but it can be read and understood as a standalone. Five stars for action, five stars for drama, five stars for the characters, and ten stars for the ending that you will have to read to believe! Loved this book and highly recommend it for those who enjoy books with a faith foundation that is unputdownable.
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.

Christian Fiction, Rated PG for intense suspense

About the Author

Kate Angelo is the Publishers Weekly bestselling author of Hunting the Witness, Selah Award winner of Deadly Holiday Hijack, and Amazon Top 100 bestseller of Driving Force. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and works alongside her husband championing stronger marriages and families. Her journey from foster care to bestselling author fuels her fast-paced romantic suspense, where flawed characters discover hope and healing through life’s fiercest trials and relationships. When she’s not putting fictional people through the wringer, she’s out creating real-life happily-ever-afters at conferences and events nationwide. Connect with Kate at kateangelo.com.

Purchase Links

Review: High Exposure by Kelly Borjas

On September 19, 2026 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-139780825452635

Publisher:Kregel Publications

Publication Date: 09/15/2026

Pages: 304

Synopsis (from author’s website)

The riveting start to an adventure-driven romantic suspense series from a debut author

Determined travel blogger Julia Stevens is on her final assignment in snowy Silverberg, Colorado. She’s running from her past-and God-but the charm of small-town life brings little comfort when she’s face-to-face with the winter sport that killed her sister: skiing. Upon her arrival in town, she discovers a dead body and is compelled to research the situation, give justice to the man’s story, and kick off her new career in journalism.

Cade Haskins is back home after a failed mission and his subsequent retirement from the DEA. His father’s declining health has pushed Cade to prioritize family, and he helps at the historic Silverberg Hotel on his dad’s behalf. When Julia shows up at the hotel, Cade becomes her local contact. He quickly realizes she has a knack for sniffing around where she shouldn’t, and he attaches himself to her side.

With the local death connected to a meth ring, Julia’s investigation has unknowingly put a target on her back. As the danger increases and she begins to learn more about Cade and his family, she finds herself trusting the God she was running from. And Cade? He doesn’t want to get dragged back into DEA work, but it seems like he may not have a choice if he wants to protect Julia . . . and his growing attraction to her.

My Thoughts

The intense suspense in this debut novel had me captivated from the beginning. Julia’s story of running from her grief is relatable and relevant and was heart-wrenchingly realistic. In the small town of Silverburg, Colorado, Julia Stevens plans to conquer her fears, face her past and move on with life. What she did not count on was finding a dead body and encountering non-stop threats and danger as a result. Julia attracts the attention of former DEA Agent Cade Haskins who is running the local hotel and also tasks himself with keeping her safe. The plot is a fast-paced race to the bottom of a black diamond ski slope as the two protagonists try to find the source of the threats while also safeguarding their own secrets from the past. The romance is a slow burn and predictable, but such a satisfying and swoonworthy part of the story. The characters were realistic and my favorite was the spunky and fearless Julia who faced fear even when it was foolhardy and perilous for her. the ending was a slam dunk and I really enjoyed the intro to the next book in the series. I will definitely look for Ami’s story as I enjoyed Julia and Cade’s story so much. This book was hard to put down and thought-provoking as Julia and Cade both dealt with feeling responsible for things in their past that they could not change. The genre is Christian romantic suspense and this book hit all the targets for the genre as it enticed me to read with the suspense, entertained me with the romance and filled my need for a book with a faith foundation as the characters struggled with their faith but knew intrinsically that God was in control. I would give more than five stars if I could because this book is a must read for fans of Lynette Eason, Elizabeth Goddard and Nancy Mehl.
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.

About the Author

Kelly grew up in Southwest Colorado, exploring the outdoors as well as her hometown library. She transplanted to Southern California to attend Biola University, where she earned a degree in communication studies. While working in sales, she met her husband and earned a Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Azusa Pacific University. In her spare time, she and her husband enjoy boating, camping, and cheering for their kids in their various activities. By day, she’s the queen of her own castle with three active boys. By night (or very early morning), she writes happily ever after stories filled with romance and suspense from the Central Coast of California. Website for more information: https://kellyborjas.com/