Review of DOUBLE TAKE by Lynette Eason

On January 9, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800741198

Publication date:01/09/2024

Pages:320

Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he’s rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.

Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it’s not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.

Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.

My Thoughts

The first book in a new series by one of my favorite authors is always exciting for me, and this new book by Lynette Eason exceeded all of my expectations. With a fast pace and heart-stopping action, this book held me captive from beginning to end. The story of Lainie Jackson and her doubts about whether she is hallucinating or not made me really want to know what was going on her life. Although she is certain that Adam died, why does she keep seeing him at various places around the hospital? And if Adam is not stalking her, then who is determined to harm her? Lainie enlists the help of an old friend James Cross, currently a police detective who is ready to do whatever he needs to do to keep Lainie safe. The pace of this book is like a bullet train rocketing out of the station and it never lets up. The plot is compellingly realistic and terrifying at times. I enjoyed getting to know the people in Lake City and how they were so willing to help and support each other. All of the characters were dynamic, original and believable. This is an intriguing and intense book, with a clever edginess that kept me glued to the pages. The multi-layered story that includes PTSD and some other well-researched topics was complex, crackling with tension and so well crafted tht I had no idea how long past my bedtime I was reading every night. The chemistry between the characters gave the book emotional depth and the suspense along with the red herrings made this book unforgettable and unputdownable.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this bok 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 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

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.

Meet the Author

Lynette is going on tour for this book! Where is Lynette! Check out this website and find out more details:

https://lynetteeason.com/booktour/

Book Tour 2024
Jan 11 – Pawley’s Island, SC – Litchfield Books – 11:00-1:00
Jan 23 – Cumming GA – Heavenly Dove Book store – 11:00-12:30
Jan 23 – Claxton, GA – Evans County Public Library – 5:30PM
Jan 24 – Brunswick, GA/Savannah, GA – TBD
Jan 25 – Ocala, FL – Gabriel Christian Bookstore – 12:00-2:00
Jan 27 – Bay-Minette, AL – Bay Minette Public Library – 11:00 – 1:00
Jan – 28 – Baton Rouge, LA – Barnes & Noble (2590 Citiplace Ct, Baton Rouge, LA 70808) – 2:00-4:00
Jan 29 – Dallas, TX – Logos – 4:00-6:00
Jan 31 – Yukon, OK – Mardel Christian Bookstore (Garth Brooks Blvd) – 4:00-6:00
Feb 1 – Tulsa, OK – Mardel Christian Bookstore (3132 E. 51st St. S. Suite A Tulsa, OK 74105) – 6:00-8:00
Feb 2 – Springfield, MO – CPO Redeemed Bookstore – 11:00-1:00 – with Kate Angelo
Feb 3 – Kansas City, MO – Mardel -7102 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66213 – 12:00-2:00
Feb 5 – Farmington, MO – Farmington Public Library – 11:00-1:00 with Deborah Raney
Feb 7 – Nashville, TN – Logos store – 11:00-1:00
Feb 8 – Somerset, KY – Heritage Christian Bookstore – 12:00-3:00
Feb 10 – Knoxville, TN – Cedar Springs Christian Store – 10:00-12:00
Feb 10 – Morristown, TN – Morristown Hamblen library – 2:00-3:30
Feb 12 – Charleston, SC – Christian Product Expo – Embassy Suites – 5055 International Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29418 – Time TBD
Feb 16 – Spartanburg, SC – Barnes & Noble – 1489 W.O. Ezell Blvd. Spartanburg, SC 29301 – 4:00-6:00 – with Lynn Blackburn
Feb 18 – Hillsborough, NC – Orange County Library – 12:00-3:00

Purchase Links:

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542754 (Baker)

amzn.to/48AIKbr (AMZ)

bit.ly/3S6EWtb (Target)

bit.ly/3RDJDZP (Kobo)

bit.ly/3NGa9AI (Powell’s Books)

bit.ly/3NFvgDb (Google Play Store)

bit.ly/48ynXFc (Barnes and Noble)

bit.ly/3NGNyUs (Walmart)

bit.ly/47cRcN0 (Christian Book)

bit.ly/3RwNYOq (Books-a-Million)

With a million thanks to Revell for including me on this book tour and to Lynette Eason for allowing me to be on her launch team! This book is one of the best ever! Get it today!

Review of FRAGILE DESIGNS by Colleen Coble

On December 30, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780785253822

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc.

Publication date:01/02/2024

Pages:352

There’s only one thing more dangerous than family secrets.

Since her police-officer husband Eric’s mysterious murder, Carly Harris has been struggling to support herself and their infant son. Her career as an antique dealer isn’t sustainable, nor is her dream of becoming a novelist. So when her grandmother proposes she and her two sisters restore the family’s large Beaufort home and turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, she immediately gets to work clearing out the house. In the process, she uncovers a family secret that Eric kept hidden. And an heirloom that the wrong person wouldn’t hesitate to kill for.

Homicide detective Lucas Bennett isn’t his neighbor’s biggest fan, not since she broke his brother’s heart years ago. But when Carly turns to Lucas for help, believing she’s found a lost Fabergé egg that would be worth millions and that could put her family’s lives in danger, he can’t help but get involved. Soon, they’re entangled in a mystery with threads that lead all the way to the Russian mafia. Lucas has gotten in deep, and while he trusts his ability to keep Carly and her family safe, he begins to realize he’s vulnerable to an unexpected kind of danger. And he’s helpless to stop the freefall. As they continue working closely together, Carly and Lucas realize they may have found something more precious than gold. Yet it’s only a matter of time before Carly—or, worse, someone she loves—gets hurt.

My Thoughts

This book was amazing in every way! It’s a propulsive thriller along with a twisted mystery and a family drama that is expertly woven into the story of a missing Faberge egg. Carly’s husband was killed in a home invasion and she is left to raise their son Noah alone. Her grandmother has a plan to turn her large mansion into a bed and breakfast, something that will support Carly and Noah long after she is gone. In perusing the contents of the attic, Carly makes a remarkable discovery that will change the entire family’s life, if they can survive it, that is. I really enjoyed the characterization; all of the characters were well-rounded and dynamic. Even the bad guys were so well portrayed that I really hated them and their nefarious and deadly deeds. The plot is complicated with family issues, a missing twin and treasures that need to be discovered and protected. The complicated plot was written brilliantly with a sense of intense and edgy suspense that kept me totally engrossed in the story. I really enjoyed getting to know Carly and how giving and loving she was, in spite of how people took advantage of her. I also liked Lucas, the swoonworthy neighbor who doesn’t want to have any kind of relationship outside of protecting Carly and her family. Add to all of this the Russian mob, a swindling family member and so much more! This is a fast-moving book that is captivating, multi-layered and insightful into personalities of the characters and their motivations. I loved this book so much that I was sad when it ended…I just wanted more of the remarkable Tucker family and their head-spinning history.
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 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Clean Christian Fiction with intense suspense

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Best-selling romantic suspense author **Colleen Coble’s** novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 5 million books in print and her books have been on the USAToday bestseller list, the ECPA, CBA, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon bestseller lists. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.

AVAILABLE 1-02-24. PURCHASE LINKS:

Just Read Publicity Tour: The Marine’s Deadly Reunion by Loretta Eidson

On December 20, 2023December 20, 2023 By vickleaIn blog tour, Book Promo5 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Marine’s Deadly Reunion by Loretta Eidson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Marine’s Deadly Reunion
Series: The Protectors
Author: Loretta Eidson
Publisher: Inspirational The Protectors Collection (Love Inspired)
Release Date: December 26, 2023
Genre: Christian romantic suspense

To keep a child safe

They must outrun a killer…

When Sergeant Daria Gordon saves US Marine Jake Fisher and his baby niece from an attacker, she instantly puts a target on her own back. Someone murdered Jake’s sister and now they want Jake and Daria dead. To survive, Jake and Daria must discover this ruthless killer’s identity. But can they uncover the truth and keep the baby safe…before the killer finds them?

Also Available

My Thoughts

The story is so real that my heart was pounding from the first scene in which the cute little toddler was endangered. Police Sergeant Daria Gordon and US Marine Jake Fisher have to combine forces to keep little Emma safe and to find out who is targeting them. From one threat to another, these two are kept busy trying to keep themselves and the baby safe. The entire story was like riding a toboggan downhill after a fresh snowfall. I didn’t know where I was going to end up, but I surely enjoyed the ride! The characters were an original breath of fresh air, with the heroic marine taking second chair to the leadership of determined and gritty Daria. She establishes early in the story that she is the one in authority so he has to follow her lead. Together, they manage to make an invincible and strong team of protectors for Emma. There is a lot of deceit and a complex yarn of a story to unravel in order to find out why Emma is being targeted, and the author does a masterful job of throwing out the line and reeling me in. I was engrossed in the story, the characters and the setting. Small town and big crimes? Count me in! This book has all of the elements that I love in romantic suspense: drama, mystery, family, faith and romance. The quick pace is a bonus, but I must say that I was sorry to see the story end because I fell in love with the characters and their bold defense of each other.
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 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

About the Author

Award-winning author **Loretta Eidson** lives by the motto ‘never a dull moment,’ especially with her four children, thirteen grandchildren, and four great-grands. Her love of reading began during the required library time in middle school, where she devoured Phyllis Whitney’s mystery novels before she moved on to suspense author Frank Peretti. She left her eighteen-year administrative assistant position at her church to pursue the dream of writing inspirational romantic suspense. She has multiple short stories in anthologies, but her heart is writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and loves putting her hero and heroine in realistic predicaments where they must trust God to pull them through.
Connect with Loretta by visiting lorettaeidson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Questions and Answers with the Author

1) What kind of research did you do for this book? What was the most interesting (or most frightening) thing you learned in the research you did for this book?

While out of town on vacation earlier this year, I talked to a police officer in a small mountain town and asked about protocol within the department. He reassured me titles for officers are mostly the same for small police departments and big cities.

The most interesting part of this research was driving through the mountains, taking pictures of old barns, mountain roads, restaurant designs, etc.

2) What was your favorite part of writing this book/series?

My favorite part of writing this book was writing the dialogue between Jake and Daria. Since both come from places of authority, they butt heads multiple times before they finally come to an agreement.

Jake, being the tough marine and Daria, being the authority in town, must find common ground as they work together to save baby Emma. I loved writing about Jake’s interaction with the baby. He knows nothing about caring for a little one and must shift his ways of thinking as an adult to deciphering what Emma needs.

3) Did anything in the story end up surprising you or changing the trajectory?

The surprising part of this story was my villain. I’ll not disclose inside information, but the villain shows up several times throughout the story. At one point I used a red herring, but the more I wrote, the more the story took a shift, which surprised me, and worked out better than I’d imagined.

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

About 12-13 years ago, I listened to multiple stories of hopelessness, sorrow, and doubts from those in my church. The desire to share Christ with others in a non-threatening way welled up within me. Writing inspirational storiesseemed the perfect direction to take. Of course, romantic suspense was my favorite genre, so that’s what I chose, inspirational romantic suspense.

5) What is your writing process like?

I love to get up in the mornings, have my coffee/breakfast, read my devotion for the day, and dive into writing. It doesn’t always work out the way I plan, but since I’m a morning person, that’s the time of day I prefer. Of course, I’m a little on the OCD side, so I like to have my house in order, laundry done, and dishes washed before I bury myself in writing. In that case, I will do what I can before going to bed at night and the next morning, promptly put things away as I’m preparing for my day.

6) What would be your advice to new authors?

My advice to new authors is to keep pursuing your dreams/calling. Though you spend countless hours preparing a proposal and a rejection comes after months of waiting, allow yourself a moment to process what just happened, then pick up and start again.

As far as for aspiring writers, don’t give up. It takes persistence, dedication, and a willingness to learn the ins and outs of the publishing industry, reading guidelines, researching, etc., to reach for your dreams.

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

Oh goodness! How many am I allowed to name here? I would invite DiAnn Mills, Jessica Patch, Patricia Bradley, Lynette Eason, Dana R Lynn, Virginia Vaughan, Darlene L Turner, Sami Abrams, Dana Mentink! Should I go on? All of these authors are fun to hang out with, laugh with, and talk about writing stuff.

8) What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing or reading a book?

I love to binge watch suspenseful series on Netflix or watch unsolved mysteries. Of course, I do like shopping, eating out, and hanging out with family and friends.

__________________________________________________________________________

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $50 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 18, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 25, 2023. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

__________________________________________________________________________

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review of HER SECRET HOPE by Shelley Shepard Gray

On November 14, 2023 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800741693

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:11/07/2023

Series:A Season in Pinecraft , #3

Pages:304

Synopsis

Almost two years after Lilly Kurtz first traveled to Pinecraft, Florida, with friends, she’s decided to make a fresh start there. She’s ready to be new-and-improved Lilly, a Lilly without a past, a Lilly with no secrets. At first, everything goes well. She gets a job, her coworkers feel like family, and she enjoys reconnecting with her friends. But it turns out the past is reluctant to be left behind.

When Lilly meets hardworking farmer Eddie Byler, she can’t get him off of her mind. But then she discovers that Eddie actually lives just a few miles from her hometown in Ohio. Lilly knows that he’s not going to like it when he finds out what secrets she’s been running from. And she knows she could never follow the man she’s falling in love with back to a place where she’s never felt accepted.

Will Lilly have to give up on love in order to find peace? Or could it be that love is actually the solution to all of her problems?

My Thoughts

Another visit to the Amish in Pinecraft is just what I needed to get me out of a reading funk! Lilly Kurtz goes to Pinecraft, carrying a baggage of secrets that she left behind in Ohio, but determined to start her life again on the beaches of Pinecraft. There she meets Eddie Byler, a hard working farmer from the area that she left behind. Although the two are attracted to each other, both have trouble developing relationships because they don’t want to be open with each other. The way the romance progresses is so realistic and heart-warming, with some false starts and several stops before it moved along. The characters are charming, witty and kind. My favorite characters was Eddie’s grandmother, an elderly lady with a lot of wisdom and one who wants to live the end of her life on her own terms. Independent and sassy, she added a lot of humor to the story. I enjoyed the pace of the plot as it was just right for the rhythm of the courtship that was just getting started, but my favorite part of the book was getting to read about characters that I had gotten to know in previous Pinecraft books and how they were thriving together. This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend that readers enjoy the entire series because each book is uplifting and faith-filled.
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 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

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.

Available Now! Purchase Links:

Review of HOLD YOUR BREATH by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

On November 6, 2023 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

Author: Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Series: Crossroads Suspense, Book 2
Genres: Inspirational, Romantic Suspense
Tag: Recommended Books
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Publication Year: 2023
ASIN: B0CGY1LS81
ISBN: 9781953957382

The end justifies the means–or does it?

Serial dater and travel blogger Jayna Scott lands a dream assignment in Bimini, Bahamas at Mario Delgado’s resort. But after she falls hard and fast for her host, she discovers his terrible secret. Her flight instinct sends her to the mountains of North Carolina on a trip with a Tampa church group, but Mario pursues her, determined to prove his actions were justified.

Private investigator Liam Bracken helps his best friend plan a surprise engagement in Beech Mountain to the woman he once liked. Now, the mysterious Jayna, the new addition to their group, tugs at his heart, but his instincts warn him she’s running from something. When Jayna emerges at the epicenter of his agency’s high-profile drug investigation, Liam prays he can save her—and guard his heart at the same time.

My Thoughts

Although this is the second book in a series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. This novel tells the faith journey and perilous adventures of travel blogger Jayna Scott. Traveling to the Bahamas, she gets unwittingly trapped into illegal activity there and has to depend on new friends from her Bible study group to help her out. The genre is cozy mystery with a firm faith foundation. The characters are relatable and realistic and the plot moves along at a good steady pace that is engaging and entertaining. I especially enjoyed how Jayna interacted with the Bible study group and really wanted to be a part of it even though she did not feel as though she really belonged. I also liked Liam Bracken’s willingness to be a hero for a young woman he barely knows but who touched his heart. The mystery is just complex enough to keep me on the edge of my seat at times as I cheered for the good guys to get there on time and for the bad guys to be thwarted. This is a feel-good and satisfying read, but readers should be warned that there are triggers like sexual and emotional abuse within the storyline. This is a Christian read with no graphic details or expletives, so I found it suitable for anyone able to read on this level. With a breathtaking setting and an engrossing story, this is one not to be missed for those who enjoy powerful stories with engrossing suspense.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part 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 CFR 16, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian fiction with intense suspense. Rated PG

About the Author

**Kristen Hogrefe Parnell** writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective for women and young adults. Her own suspense story involved waiting on God into her thirties to meet her husband, and she desires to keep embracing God’s plan for her life when it’s not what she expects. Kristen also teaches English online and enjoys being a podcast guest.
Her young adult dystopian novels, *The Revisionary* and *The Reactionary,* both won the Selah for speculative fiction, and she has partnered with Mountain Brook Ink for her Christian romantic suspense series, beginning with *Take My Hand* (2022). *Hold Your Breath*, book two, releases November 2023. She also enjoys guest blogging opportunities for both The Write Conversation and the KHCB Network. Kristen lives in Florida with her husband and young son.

Website: https://kristenhogrefeparnell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KHogrefeParnell.author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khogrefeparnellauthor/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kristen-hogrefe-parnell
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4774818.Kristen_Hogrefe_Parnell
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kristenhogrefeparnell/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/khogrefeparnell
Newsletter Sign Up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/g8f8x7

RELEASE DATE IS NOVEMBER 7, 2023. PREORDERS ARE AVAILABLE! PURCHASE LINKS:

Review of SHADOWS AT DUSK by Elizabeth Goddard

On October 23, 2023October 22, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

Series: Missing in Alaska, Book 2
Genre: Romantic Suspense
ASIN: 0800742052
ISBN: 0800742052

Synopsis

Detective Trevor West is determined to find the sister who went missing in Alaska over a year ago. Bush pilot Carries James is determined to track down the person who murdered her closest friend. When the two join forces and skill sets to solve these mysteries, they’ll discover they are connected in ways they never imagined.

My Thoughts

The setting in the wilds of Alaska invited me into the pages of this book and the plot and characters kept me there all the way to the end. The premise is that Trevor West, a detective from Montana, arrives in Alaska with the sole purpose of finding out what happened to his missing sister Jennifer. Jennifer left behind photos but no other clues about her strange disappearance, so Trevor seeks the help of intrepid bush pilot Carrie James. Carrie has just suffered a devastating loss when her mechanic and best friend Isaac is murdered, so she agrees to help Trevor follow the clues in the photos if he will help her find who killed Isaac. The hunt is on, for Jennifer and for Isaac’s murderer, but it is not without peril to the determined duo. Just when I thought things were calming down, something else happened to bring danger closer to both Carrie and Trevor and anyone whom they question. Something strange is going on in the wilderness and the trail these two follow is scattered with bread crumbs and false leads. The plot is fast-paced and heart-in-your-throat thrilling as they get closer to the bad guys who are set on taking them out before their deeds are uncovered. The plot is believable and completely engrossing, with an addictive mystery as well as a developing romance. I enjoyed getting to know Trevor and Carrie, but I especially enjoyed some of the native characters like Elias and Rip, men who are not afraid of danger or taking chances to help others. There is an underlying faith element in the story that is the glue that holds it together as the lives of the main characters are being ripped apart. The plot threads are intricate and masterfully woven together into the stunning landscape of Alaska. With sharp writing and authentically riveting details, the author tells a story that is rich and intriguing. I cannot wait for the next book in the Missing In Alaska series, although each book can definitely be read as a standalone.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as well as from the author as part of her review team. In addition, I purchased two copies, one for myself and one for a gift. 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.”

About the Author

Available Now! Purchase Links:

Review of ON MOONBERRY LAKE by Holly Varni

On October 7, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13: 9780800744977
ISBN-10: 0800744977
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
Publish Date: September 2023
Page Count: 336

My Thoughts

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.

Purchase Links:

Review of INTO THE FIRE by Irene Hannon

On October 6, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

Many thanks to Revell for the ARC to read and review!!!!!!!!!!!

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800745158

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:10/03/2023

Series:Undaunted Courage

Pages:400

My Thoughts

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

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Review of LOST AND FOUND by Suzanne Woods Fisher

On September 27, 2023 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

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.”

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/

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Review of An AMISH CINDERELLA by Shelley Shepard Gray

On September 23, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

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.”