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.

This is a suspense thriller with action from beginning to end and credible, likable characters. Samantha Williams is an art teacher when her life goes crazy with a runaway car, shootings, car chases and other things that endanger life and limb. There is a hint of romance that adds to the story but it is not totally evident until near the end. The plot is wild, with research that makes it believable and scary at the same time. Carrie Stuart Parks writes with a fast pace and twists throughout that make this book one not to be missed and haunting in its scope of reality. This is a dynamically written page turner that had me on the edge of my seat and reading fast to get to the satisfying conclusion. This book offers an insightful look at motives for murder and is thought-provoking, with a foundation of faith that the main character relies on. I loved Sam’s “Sneetches” that she seemed to blurt out whenever some common sense and wisdom needed to be inserted. This brilliantly written and complicated novel was so clever, with a tight plot and head-spinning layers that had me guessing who could possibly be so evil as to wreak so much havoc. I guessed incorrectly multiple times, so the big reveal was an eye-opening surprise. Fans of mystery, suspense and thrillers will enjoy the complexities of the novel and get lost in the heads of a strong female protagonist who is as smart as she is talented.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*This is clean Christian fiction with intense content, so I would recommend a rating of PG.*

Carrie Stuart Parks is Christy, Carol, and Inspy award-winning author, an award-winning fine artist, and internationally known forensic artist. Along with her husband, Rick, she travels across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement as well as civilian participants. She has won numerous awards for career excellence. Carrie is a popular platform speaker, presenting a variety of topics from crime to creativity. ***Photo and Bio from the author’s page on Goodreads. Link below.***

Social Links:

https://www.facebook.com › CarrieStuartParksAuthor

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carrie-stuart-parks

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/395777.Carrie_Stuart_Parks

Answers to Questions:

When and how did you know that she wanted to be an author?

My first books were how-to art books and illustrations. I wanted to share how I taught people to draw and paint in watercolor. When our neighbor and friend, Frank Peretti, offered to mentor me and teach me how to write, I fell in love with the process.

What is your writing process like?

I first brainstorm a book, usually having only the location roughly worked out. Then 3 x 5 index cards with different ideas on each one. Then I arrange the cards into something like a story and move this to some kind of mind mapping program (I use several.) I order any books I need to research the topic, download articles, and move to James Scott Bell’s program “Writing the Knockout Novel” to hone the details and get to know the characters. I find photos of the area, the house(s) layout, what the characters look like, elements in a scene, etc. I’m usually still researching during the actual writing (the story will have a note in red that might say, “look up how Washington State handles skulls” or “what does this really look like?” I have the story worked out on paper and in my head, but it’s still open to changes as I write. I don’t usually have to do a lot of re-writing if I do this correctly. Editing, yes. Re-write, no. I write 500-1000 words a day.

What special research did you have to do to write FALLOUT?

I read 5 books on the area and Handford, interviewed a number of people, drove to La Crosse and looked around, drove to Pullman and did the same, and downloaded a number of articles.

What would be your advice to new authors?

Have a teachable mind and learn the craft.

If you could have a luncheon with a group of authors, whom would you invite and why?

LOL. I’ll be doing just that at ACFW! I’d invite my buddies Colleen Coble, Lynette Eason, Roni Kendig, Robin Miller, (and a bunch more!) Then have afternoon lattes with Frank Peretti and his dear wife, Barb. In fact, I’d book a week or two of lunches and pork out with a bunch of other authors I don’t know but would love to meet.

This fascinating book is available for pre-order now and releases on 9-13-2022! Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wd8pWI

Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/3T13py6

Powells: https://bit.ly/3caqMVo

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3SZkXux

Target: https://bit.ly/3PCNiUx

Christian Books: https://bit.ly/3QTzBBI

Baker Book House: https://bit.ly/3psNEm8

Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3Axflkk

Book Depository: https://bit.ly/3c6pnPN

Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner

Tag: Carrie Stuart Parks

Review of FALLOUT by Carrie Stuart Parks

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Answers to Questions:

This fascinating book is available for pre-order now and releases on 9-13-2022! Purchase Links:

This is one of the best books that I have read this year, so I encourage you to buy a copy and enjoy the escape into the world of Samantha Williams!