I am a Christian, a retired teacher, a mother and a grandmother. I love to read and I love the Lord Jesus Christ! Unless otherwise specified ,all visual illustrations are from the YOU VERSION APP of the Bible.
This is an amazing thought-provoking book with multiple layers that had me enthralled from beginning to end. The premise of Cora having to return to her old home at Moonberry Lake and try to discover the secret why she and her mother left suddenly when she was a child is one that promised from the start to be revelatory and it was. I enjoyed the story and the faith that undergirded it, but mostly I really enjoyed getting to know the characters who were all different and who all added to the tale. Cora was the vulnerable one who needs to find her place in the world. Sam is her helpful guide, the one who meets her and explains the requirement that she stay in her grandparents’ old lodge for one year in order to inherit it. Kitty is my hands-down favorite; she keeps the cemetery orderly and offers wise advice if anyone will listen. I even liked the old grumpy neighbor who insists that Cora is living on his land and he will get it back, one way or another! I think the most memorable character is the handywoman named Widgy who not only fixes things but she also tries hard to apply her lifetime worth of knowledge to fixing people, too. She is homespun hilarity in a bundle of energy! The story is an emotional one that made me laugh, cry and even think a lot as I read about Cora’s quest to make a new life for herself that doesn’t include constantly moving to a new place or running from old entanglements. The novel is very well-paced and totally engaging, but the characters make the story and the setting adds the charm. This is a debut novel but I would not be able to tell it from the masterful craftsmanship displayed in the telling of a story of finding hope for the future and depending on virtual strangers to be kind. 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.”
Rated G for all audiences. Christian Fiction and a clean read
About the Author
Check out the author’s website at https://www.hollyvarni.com/ for additional information and to listen to her podcast or read her blog.
This first book in a new series by Irene Hannon is a heart-pumping, edge-of-your seat read from the first page to the satisfying conclusion. Bri Tucker is a former smoke jumper turned fire investigator and when one of her former colleagues is killed in a fire, Bri takes on the responsibility of investigating his death as well as others that he was investigating when he died. Assisted by swoonworthy hero and ATF agent Marc Davis, Bri can’t seem to avoid danger. In fact, she seems perfectly content confronting it, much to the consternation of Marc and her siblings Jack and Cara. All of the characters were realistically portrayed and relatable, but none more so than the vulnerable Bri who was hurt in the past and not looking for more pain in her present. The plot moves along at a fast and fiery pace, with head-spinning twists and riveting revelations along the way. There are red herrings and false trails galore, plenty to keep the mystery buff in me totally happy and reading long into the night. I loved the action and suspense, but I was completely enamored with the characters and their willingness to face danger in order to pursue truth and justice. This book is addictive and held me spellbound, so I’m already anticipating the second book in the series! Irene Hannon is a master storyteller who expertly crafted this tale that I would categorize as high-octane thriller and sparkling romance, too. 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 Read, probably a PG because of intense suspense and conflict
About the Author
Irene Hannon is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention. Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she was one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut! Since then, she has written more than 60 romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels. She is a seven-time finalist for and three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romance fiction—and a member of the Romance Writers of America elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Her many other awards include Daphne du Maurier, Carol, HOLT Medallion, National Readers’ Choice, Retailers Choice, Booksellers’ Best, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist. Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full time. She is happy to say she has no regrets! In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing. A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church. When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri. For more information, go to the author’s website at https://www.irenehannon.com
Genre: Fiction Tag: Lost and Found Publisher: Revell Publication Year: 2023 ASIN: B0BW1373WH ISBN: 9780800739522
Trudy Yoder shares a passion for birding with Micah Weaver–and she has an even greater passion for Micah. Their friendship is finally turning romantic when Micah abruptly grows cold. Worse still, he wants to leave Stoney Ridge.
Micah Weaver thought he was over Trudy’s older sister. A year and a half ago, Shelley had broken his heart when she ran away from Stoney Ridge to pursue a singing career in Nashville. Then, out of the blue, she’s started to leave distressing phone messages for him.
When the bishop asks for volunteers to scout out a possible church relocation in Tennessee, Micah is the first to raise his hand. Despite scant details, he’s confident he can find Shelley. After all, his reputation as a field guide is based on finding birds that don’t want to be found.
What Micah doesn’t know is that what you’re looking for isn’t always what you find.
My Thoughts
Set in the quaint Amish town of Stony Ridge, this book included all of my favorite characters and gave me greater insight into some of my favorites. Most of the characters are facing difficult life choices and have to learn to depend on God and each other to make their decisions. David is the pastor of the local church and has to decide whether to relocate his church or not since the Beachy Amish have moved in and are encroaching on their farmland and tourism. Micah Weaver, an intrepid birder and a good friend of Trudy Yoder, faces his own challenges when he answers a call for help from Shelley Yoder, a young woman who left Stony Ridge and is not apparently in some kind of trouble. Trudy thought her relationship with Micah was progressing well until he starts insisting that he has to leave the town. It makes her question her judgment and her developing feelings for him. I thoroughly enjoyed the insight into each character’s mind and heart as they faced almost impossible difficulties and had to overcome them. The story tells how they reached their decisions and why as well as adding details about the other Amish citizens and the dynamics of the town itself. The pacing is good, just right for the story that is being told. The characters are all dynamic and relatable, especially Trudy who has to learn to live with a broken heart and move on with her life. I especially liked the descriptions of the birds at the end of each chapter featuring Trudy as she relates the birds to Biblical truth and stories. I also appreciated the author’s notes at the end explaining the schisms between the Amish and why there are three different groups referenced in the novel. I learned from this book, Biblical lessons about trust and faith, and practical lessons about getting along with others and life in general. Inspirational and welcome addition to the series that can certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I 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. 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 G, clean Christian fiction
About the Author
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher wrote her first novel in sixth grade, about Pompeii, a dog, and the erupting volcano (terrible ending!) and, from that point on, she was hooked on the writing life. Curiously, she doesn’t remember anyone, ever, telling her she was a talented writer. She just loved to write. (And she worked hard at the craft. She still does.) College happened, work, then marriage, children, a sprinkling of corporate transfers, and Suzanne kept plugging away at freelancing for several magazines. (Four kids = lots of great material.) As her children headed off to college, Suzanne had the time to get serious about writing. She wrote a little World War II love story, Copper Star, which was published by Vinspire, a small royalty press. The novel won some awards, and it also caught the eye of a wonderful agent. And that’s when things started to happen. Joyce Hart of the Hartline Literary Agency knew of an editor at Revell Books who was looking for an author who had a genuine connection to the Plain People. Knowing that Suzanne’s grandfather was raised Plain, Joyce connected her to that editor. The result was Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, a finalist for the ECPA Book of the Year. Thirty-some books later (in a variety of genres—historical fiction, contemporary women’s, and Amish fiction), Suzanne is still writing for that same editor at Revell Books. And she still loves to write. For more information, go to her author page at https://suzannewoodsfisher.com/meet-suzanne/
Title: An Amish Cinderella By: Shelley Shepard Gray Format: Hardcover Number of Pages: 304 Vendor: Kensington Publication Date: September 26, 2023 ISBN: 1496739841 ISBN-13: 9781496739841 Series:Amish of Apple Creek
Now that her friends are all marrying or moving away, Heart Beachy has started feeling lonely. Worse, everyone keeps asking when she’s going to find a man of her own. Don’t they realize Heart has her hands full at home with her widowed dad, too many chores, and a menagerie of needy, small animals? Besides, she doesn’t understand the fuss about marriage. It’s enough to make her consider finally becoming a pet-sitter, or moving to an English community, where she won’t be an oddity . . .
Newcomer Clayton Glick is utterly charmed by Heart—and completely confounded. He can’t figure out why this beautiful woman is as awkward as a teenager whenever he’s around, which is often now that he’s an apprentice to her blacksmith father. So Clayton starts assisting with Heart’s never-ending tasks, even helping her corral her unruly pets. How else can he court an adorably flustered woman who doesn’t know the first thing about courtship? Because courting is exactly what he intends . . .
Heart doesn’t know why her pulse hammers every time she sees Clayton. She only knows yielding to such emotions will mean trouble. . . But maybe with a little faith—and the loss of a shoe—Clayton can convince her to join him on the road to happily ever after.
My Thoughts
Heart Beachy lives with her widowed father Levi and stays busy taking care of the household and numerous adopted pets. Levi is a brusque, no-nonsense blacksmith who takes on an apprentice and is a little leery about having Clayton around. The entire story is magical and engaging, with Heart full of hope, Levi overcoming bitterness and loss and Clayton emerging into a new world of family. I enjoyed how well-developed the characters were and how the plot flowed smoothly between the action in the house and out in the barn where Levi and Clayton worked together. Filled with heartwarming family love, friendship and hope, this is not-to-be-missed by anyone who loves a good Amish story with a pet rat as a likable and intelligent addition to the tale. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I 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. 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 Read, Rated G
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish and Inspirational romances for Simon & Schuster, and Kensington, Harlequin, and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing. With over a million books in print, and translated into more than a dozen languages, her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley has been featured in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Publishers Weeklycalls her Walnut Creek series “A slow-burning, enjoyable romance… Embedded in this quaint story is a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy.” Shelley has hosted several well-attended ‘Girlfriend Getaways’ for Amish reading fans. Her most recent Girlfriend Getaway, hosted with bestselling novelists Amy Clipston and Suzanne Woods Fisher in Sugarcreek, Ohio, was filmed by BuzzFeed and highlighted on NetFlix’s Follow Thisepisode on the popularity of Amish fiction. Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Colorado near her grown children, walks her dachshunds, bakes too much, and writes full time.
Releases on 9-26-23. Available now to preorder! Purchase Links:
Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary, until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business–one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her into the position to lose everything they built together.
When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a man she’s never heard of, she’s not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie’s financial situation rather . . . precarious. She’s sure she has no right to someone else’s farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her the stability she’s always craved.
As these two women navigate their present conundrum, they will discover a complex and entangled past full of secrets–and the potential for a brighter future for both of them.
My Thoughts
What if starting over means losing part of your past, your heritage that you had always counted on? Beckett Walsh is a beekeeper, working contentedly alongside her father, until his sudden death. Now her plans for her future, keeping the apiary on Walsh Farms going and living a solitary life are in flux because a stranger has arrived and presents a claim to the farm, also. Beckett and Callie never met each other before and have to work at discovering their connection to Beckett’s dad George. Together, they face difficult challenges of finding out about the past and about each other as they also have to decide what to do about the apiary that is part of Beckett’s security. The characters in this book were so realistic that they had me crying real tears over their dilemmas. This is a book that is emotionally rich and it totally placed itself right into my heart. It is an extremely powerful story of family secrets, alcoholism, broken relationships and the courage it takes to create a new path in life. This is a poignant story of learning to adapt, with a hidden mystery and a lot of authentic details about beekeeping. The characters tugged all of my heartstrings, especially a little girl who was a secondary character and who brought humor at the best times. The writing was sharp, eye-opening and thought-provoking. The insight provided by the author into depression, anxiety and substance abuse was profoundly moving and brilliantly woven into the central story. There is absolutely nothing that I did not like about this story, and I would rate it ten stars if possible. As it is, I plan to re-read it just for the sheer pleasure of visiting with the characters again. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and author. 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 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated G for all audiences. This is Christian Fiction at its best!
It varies, but I would say that most of the time it is the characters! I usually have a general idea of what the plot might be, but as I develop the characters sometimes the plot changes along the way.
What inspired you to write HE SHOULD HAVE TOLD THE BEES?
There are a lot of nuggets from many different facets of my life that came together for this story, but a big source of inspiration came from my honeybees! While I was editing my second novel, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, on my back patio, one of the bees from my hive landed on my computer screen. I joked with readers that my tiny inspector liked the story, but would enjoy it a lot more if there were bees involved.
It was then that I decided that I wanted the next character I wrote to be a beekeeper. Because honeybees are a female-run society, it lent a lot of lovely parallels to the women in He Should Have Told the Bees.
What is the biggest challenge you face when you start writing a new book?
All the possibilities! With a brand new, fresh story idea, the possibilities are endless on the direction I could take those characters. It is easy for me to overthink it. I commit a lot of time to praying over the story before I officially begin writing it. Though I can become overwhelmed by the possibilities, I am learning to trust God through the process, knowing that He will guide me as I write and help me tell the story He wants told.
If you had to choose another profession other than author, what would it be and why?
Before I started writing I was a counselor. I truly enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, and families to find a better way of coping with the trials they face. I found writing when I became a stay-at-home parent. I might go back to counseling one of these days.
Who is your favorite character in HE SHOULD HAVE TOLD THE BEES and why?
It has to be Fern. Though she isn’t a main character, I love how she interacts with the main characters, especially Beckett. Fern has a way of pulling out the best in others. My main characters have had a tough go of it, and are processing a lot of past pain and hurt. Young Fern has a delightful way of infusing the story with joy, delight, and wonder. Also, she is pretty mischievous, so I had a lot of fun coming up with her antics!
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t writing?
Beekeeping! I also attempt gardening. Both of those hobbies have a way of keeping me humble. I am constantly learning something new as I experiment in both of those worlds. I love being outside, enjoying God’s creation as much as possible.
What inspired you to write about agoraphobia?
Having a counseling background, I enjoy writing books that explore elements of mental health, but the idea to incorporate agoraphobia into this particular novel came through some of my own life experiences.
The bulk of this book was written after the pandemic lockdown. I started to detect some anxiety arising in my own life whenever I spent extended time away from home. The longer I was away, the more intense the anxiety. I began to examine my own heart, to better understand why I felt that way. Over time, without realizing it, I had internalized a message that home was the only safe place to be. I had a new appreciation and compassion for the intense struggle that people who battle agoraphobia experience.
What did you have the most fun with, the characters or the plot?
Characters! Having a background in counseling, I love analyzing my characters’ motivations and where those motivations originate from. I love dreaming up how their past has influenced their present.
Describe HE SHOULD HAVE TOLD THE BEES in four words.
Poignant. Hopeful. Tender. Layered.
Available for Preorder Now! Releases on 8-29-23. Purchase Links:
Many thanks to the author for choosing me to be a part of her review team and to Revell for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Revell Reads Blogger Program.
A hurricane may have destroyed her livelihood on Prince Edward Island, but she’s determined to save her community
Kelsey Ahern has performed at the Victoria Playhouse on Prince Edward Island every summer since she was seven. But when a hurricane destroys the building, it’s not just her memories that are in jeopardy. Her future as a teacher and drama coach are too. She teams up with Levi Ross, the facilities director at the high school, to produce a benefit show to raise money to rebuild the theater. He has a reputation for being able to fix anything, and Kelsey is sure there’s more to the quiet man than meets the eye.
For his part, Levi has admired Kelsey for years, but he can’t seem to find the words to tell her. When a popular weatherman arrives in town to cover the aftermath of the hurricane and takes an interest in Kelsey and her show, Levi realizes that the time has come to speak up—or lose the heart of the woman he longs for.
Join New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson for a season of rebuilding, restoration, and romance with this final book in the Prince Edward Island Shores series.
My Thoughts
Although this is the third and final book in the series, it is the first book that I have read by this author, so I can recommend it as a standalone. The book centers around a hurricane that destroys the local playhouse and the woman who is determined to rebuild it in order to honor her grandmother. Kelsey has a lot to say about the importance of the arts and enlists the help of mostly silent and thoughtful Levi to do a fundraiser to rebuild. There is another man in the picture who is covering the aftermath of the hurricane for his weather channel, but he is a secondary character who does try to charm Kelsey, but she is too focused on her goal of establishing a new playhouse and doesn’t really notice Levi or the weatherman who wants to pursue her. This is a clean contemporary romance with all the good feels of a small town and people who pitch in to help each other. I loved the characters, the intriguing plot and the sweet, blossoming romance. This book was delightfully readable and a warm romance with some laugh out loud moments between the two main characters who are so totally different from each other. There was a little intrigue, a lot of characterization and plenty to love about this book that was heartfelt and showed the author’s love for the Prince Edward Island setting. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. 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, contemporary Christian romance
About the Author
By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager. She makes time to write late at night—that’s when she thinks best anyway. Liz is the author of more than a dozen novels, a New York Times bestselling novella, and a handful of short stories. She’s a Christy Award finalist and a three-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. She makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona, where she enjoys exploring local music, theater, and doting on her nieces and nephews. She writes stories of true love filled with heart, humor, and happily ever afters. For more information, go to http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com
With deep appreciation to Revell Books for including me in their Revell Reads Blogger Program that has introduced me to so many good books and new-to-me authors.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Mountain Abduction Rescue by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Mountain Abduction Rescue Series: Crisis Rescue Team #3 Author: Darlene L. Turner Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense Release Date: August 22, 2023 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
A wildfire threat…
becomes a missing person search.
A serial arsonist is out for revenge in the Canadian Rocky Mountains—and kidnaps park warden Hazel Hoyt’s son and his camping troop. Now Hazel must team up with the man who broke her heart, firefighter Mitchell Booth, to find the missing boys as wildfires blaze around them. But someone has no intention of letting the pair get off the mountain alive…
From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.
This book includes non-stop action that kept me on the edge of my seat, hoping that park warden Hazel Hoyt would find her young son alive and well and that the raging forest fire would be able to be contained. When an unknown suspect kidnaps Hazel’s son and a few other members of his scout troop, Hazel is forced to work with her former boyfriend, firefighter Michael Booth, but she is willing to do whatever it takes to save her eight year old son and his friends. With helicopter rescues, a firebug, a kidnapper and a theme of revenge, this book has everything it needs to keep my attention and make it a stunningly exciting novel. The book is a clean read, with faith interspersed throughout in the appropriate times and places. I enjoyed getting to know Michael and Hazel, both of whom were relatable and dynamic characters. Hazel’s dad Frank was also well-developed but not quite so likable since he was so controlling during most of the book. With red herrings and false trails, this book led me on a merry chase to figure out the villains before they were revealed. Lots to love about an adventure in the Canadian Rockies, a small child being courageous and a family working together to achieve a daring rescue! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I 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. 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.”
About the Author
Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at her website where there’s suspense beyond borders.
Connect with Darlene by visiting darlenelturner.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(4) winners will win a $25 Amazon egift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 14, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 21, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
A stalker who wants to finish what he started. A US Marshal who’s vowed to protect his charge. And one woman who is determined to put the past in the past.
Flight paramedic Raina Price has been running so long it’s hard to stop. To escape a dangerous stalker, she changed her name and disappeared, building a new life with the help of a friend from her time in juvie. It feels good to put her energies into saving people’s lives, but because her stalker was never found, she’s never stopped looking over her shoulder. And one can only run so far before the past finally catches up.
US Marshal Vincent Corelli’s job is to hunt down fugitives and protect those who are assigned to him. When Raina is almost killed right in front of him, he vows to protect her at all costs–whether it’s his job or not. Together they work to solve the mystery of Raina’s past. But someone is out to make sure Raina doesn’t live long enough to do it.
Countdown is the breathless conclusion to USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason’s thrilling Extreme Measures series.
All are available from your favorite bookseller, and I highly recommend each of them!
My Thoughts
This is a heart-pounding romantic suspense with lovable characters who jumped off the page and into my imagination. Raina has been on the run for most of her life but decides to take a stand against her aggressor when he threatens those near and dear to her. The new man in her life, Vince, is suffering from some past trauma himself but he is determined to keep Raina safe. The adventures of these two are harrowing and cleverly written, with some deliberate misdirection that kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the intrigue, the multiple layers and how tightly the plot was written. With lots of action and plenty of characters, this intense and complex book had me captivated to the very satisfying conclusion. This is the perfect book to end this outstanding series! The characters from the previous books have cameo appearances while Raina is featured in this one. All books can be read as a standalone, but I am thrilled to have read and enjoyed each of them. The author explores with heart the effect of trauma on a person and her treatment of the Raina’s terrifying past gives a great deal of depth and authenticity to the story. With a fast pace and continually crackling with tension, this is a must read for fans of compelling romantic suspense. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her launch team and an e-copy from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. 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 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Rated PG due to intense suspense. Christian fiction and a clean read!
About the Author
Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty books. Her books have appeared on the USA TODAY, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and Parable bestseller lists. She has won numerous awares including the Carol, the Selah, the Golden Scroll and more. Her novel, Her Stolen Past was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network. Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.
Questions and Answers with Lynette:
Questions for Lynette Eason:
1. What was the most interesting (or most frightening) thing you learned in the research you did for this book?
Countdown was a cool book to write. I found it really interesting that hospitals monitor employee keystrokes. Like everything typed into the computer is monitored. I should have known this, but it surprised me for some reason. So, when I wanted someone to delete an autopsy report, I had to get creative in how it could be done.
2. What was your favorite part of writing this book/series?
I enjoy reading books in a series, so I’ve always been drawn to writing them. I love the fact that I get to revisit characters on a regular basis and see how they grow and change as the series goes on.
3. Did anything in the story end up surprising you or changing trajectory?
I was kind of surprised by the villain—which happens frequently. I had one person in mind as the bad guy, but as the story went on, the REAL villain came to light and I was like, “Ohhhhh…yeah.”
4. Do you have any bits of “trivia” or “behind the scenes” tidbits you’d like to share with my readers?
I suppose just the writing of the story is always a learning process. With each story, I feel like I’m always starting over and am like, I’m really not sure I can do this again. LOL. And then in the end, it works out. Mostly because I pray a lot and force myself to make it work with the Lord’s help!
5. What’s coming next and when can we expect it?
I have a new series releasing starting in January 2024. The series has been named Lake City Heroes and takes place in the fictional town of Lake City, NC. Double Take is book 1 and Target Acquired is book 2. Books 3 and 4 haven’t been titled yet.
6. When and how did you know that you wanted to be an author?
Well, that kind of snuck up on me. I started writing out of loneliness and once I had a story written, I kind of wondered if I could get it published. I didn’t get the first three books published, but the 4th one was the charm. 😊
7. What is your writing process like?
No matter what I do in a day, my rule is I have to write just 50 words before my head hits the pillow. NO LESS. And more often than not, once I start, I obviously get way more than 50. But it’s the absolute minimum every day. And often people ask if I plot out a story. I used to say, no way. But as I’ve noticed, is I start with an idea, then have a very loose outline (a plotting technique!!) and I go from there. So, I’m more of a plantser – half plotter and half pantster. For those that don’t know that term, it’s someone who writes by the seat of their pants – they let the story guide them. I used to think I was for sure a pantser, but I know now I’m a mix of the two.
8. What would be your advice to new authors?
Study the craft by reading books on writing, attending conferences and definitely by writing, writing, writing. A lot of people say to find a mentor and I agree with that. It can be difficult to find one so keep that in mind and be patient until God puts that person in your life. And don’t worry because He will.
9. If you could have a luncheon with a group of authors, whom would you invite and why?
Colleen Coble, Robin Carroll, DiAnn Mills, Carrie Stuart Parks, Lynn Blackburn. There are more, of course, but I’d run out of room listing them all!
Why: I’ve known them for ages and we’ve walked the writing journey together for a long time. And we can’t get in the same space without brainstorming someone’s next book.
10. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing or reading a book?
Photography and traveling with my husband. I love taking pictures of nature and animals—zoo or free roaming. I also enjoy taking portraits and family photos, too!
Thank you, Lynette Eason, for answering questions that inquiring minds want to know!
This is a new release and is available NOW! Purchase Links:
I am thrilled to be a part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program that gives me the opportunity to read and review so many wonderful Christian books! I also appreciate that I was chosen to be on the launch team for COUNTDOWN, and I so appreciate the launch team geek, Tammy Karasek who helped us with the launch of this fantastic book. Special thanks to Lynette Eason for once again providing a book that I couldn’t put down!
After a brutal attack, it took Nevaeh Williams six years to rebuild her life. Now a security specialist at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, she faces danger nearly every day. But when an old friend is targeted, her fragile stability begins to crumble.
Celebrity bodyguard Branson Aaberg could lose more than his career if he fails to end the mysterious threat against his client. Soon he’s more concerned with rescuing the tough but vulnerable woman who joins his security team.
Nevaeh is there to protect her friend, but what if she needs protection? What if the feeling she’s being watched isn’t the result of her traumatized imagination? If the danger is real, Nevaeh’s only hope for survival may be the God powerful enough to defeat her worst enemy—the one she doesn’t see before it’s too late.
Nevaeh Williams is a security specialist with the P K-9 group and is having difficulty overcoming her past trauma so she suffers from PTSD. When she and her colleague Jazz are tasked to help protect rapper D-Chop, Naveah encounters security specialist Branson, a man whose size reminds her of the man who attacked her six years previously. Naveah has to overcome her past, face the present dangers and get ready for an uncertain future in this brilliantly written page turner. With an intriguing plot, clever repartee between the characters and a head-spinningly fast pace, this book had me totally captivated from beginning to end. This is the first book from this author that I have ever read and I was afraid that I would not be able to follow the story, but that was not the case at all. This intense romantic suspense can be read as a standalone, but I enjoyed it so much that I ordered the other books in the series just so I can read the stories of the other characters. The plot is brilliant, crackling with tension as D-Chop is threatened as well as Naveah. With dynamic characters and an underlying foundation of faith, this novel held me enthralled with my heart pounding at times. I really enjoyed getting to know the members of the P K-9 team, especially the talented and well-trained dogs. Alvarez, Naveah’s canine partner, was intuitive and doing a spectacular job of keeping her safe. This is an edgy suspense with some remarkable twists and fake trails that made the drama believable and fast-moving. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery, suspense, non-stop action and characters that are lovable and relatable. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as a member of her launch team. 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.”
Intense suspense, so rated PG, although the content is totally clean!
I have been blessed lately to be on the launch teams for several new Christian fiction books that are releasing this week and next. I will be doing reviews for them but I wanted to put them on your radar so you can have them on their release dates.
This book is part of the Guardians Unleashed series by Jerusha Agen. She is a new-to-me author and this is the first book of hers that I have read. I am hooked! I went back and ordered the others in the series because I enjoyed this one so much.
COUNTDOWN is the fourth book in the series, but can also be read as a standalone. I have read all of the previous books as Lynette Eason is one of my favorite Christian authors. This one releases August 1, 2023 and is available now for preorders.
Vickie's Book Nook and Meditation Corner 