Review of THE CHASE by Lisa Harris

This is a fast-paced, non-stop thrill ride from beginning to end! The second book in the U.S. Marshals series, this book was a compelling read that I absolutely raced through because I just had to know what was going to happen. U.S. Marshals Jonas Quinn and Madison James are dealing with their own demons from the past, each blaming themselves for the harm done to those close to them. Madison is struggling to lay to rest the ghost of her dead husband Luke while still determined to find out who killed him. Jonas has a good friend in Felicia but can’t help feeling guilty about the wound that left her with a prosthetic. Even while facing their pasts, these two are called in on a new case to find the bank robbers who seem to have everything planned out, including an escape plan. I could not have thought of a better title for this book! The Marshals are chasing the fugitives and an elusive peace in their own lives and the fugitives are chasing the thrill of robbing banks. The setting was absolutely “stunning” (to use Jonas’s word) and described in such intricate detail that I could place myself there, on an island or on a hill overlooking Seattle. The characters are realistic, with human weaknesses portrayed alongside of their strengths that make them seem vulnerable, just as all of us are. The overwhelming grief that Jonas and Madison confront was heart-wrenching and so well depicted. There was no love lost between me and the fugitives because I just wanted them captured before they shot someone else. With a plot that raced down the tracks like a runaway train, this book was hands-down one of the best romantic suspense books that I have ever read. It has everything to captivate and enthrall: heroes, villains, family relationships, danger at every turn and a promise of hope. I loved reading it and I’m already wanting more of the story of these two U.S. Marshals! It can definitely be read as a standalone, but I don’t know why anyone would want to miss out on any part of the tale of Jonas and Madison, edgy fiction with a clock ticking and a race against time.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and from the author via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. 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.”

A completely clean read with some intense action
Author’s photo from her website at http://www.lisaharriswrites.com

Author Bio: (from the author’s website on Amazon-Lisa Harris)

USA Today and CBA bestselling author LISA HARRIS is a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times. She has sold over half a million books. She and her family have spent over sixteen year working as missionaries in Africa where she runs a small non-profit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project promotes Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:8)

When she’s not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari.

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I’m delighted to participate in this blogger program from Revell that features totally clean books that I can recommend for all audiences everywhere!

Review of ALONG A STORIED TRAIL by Ann H. Gabhart

This was a story that I hated to see end because it was so wonderful! This historical fiction is set in rural Kentucky during the Great Depression. The main characters are Tansy Calhoun, her family and a crotchety old woman called Aunt Perdie. Tansy has taken a job delivering books to the inhabitants of the mountains and sets forth daily to fulfill her responsibilities. There is plenty of romance within this book’s pages, but what is most memorable to me is the characterization, the way the people just seemed to jump off the page and into my heart. I also enjoyed reading about how the hard-working folks all pitched in together to support each other when needed, like when Aunt Perdie lost her home. But I especially enjoyed the stories that were woven into the fabric of the main story, folk tales told by Aunt Perdie and Preacher Hiram, both of whom knew how to captivate an audience during a time of hardship and take people away from their dally drudgery. I learned a great deal from this book about how people should be treating their neighbors and look out for each other, even in the worst of times. This was a totally enjoyable book and one that I will enjoy sharing with others who want to take a trip to the hills of Kentucky and into a rustic log cabin where life is appreciated and faith is an important part of life.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. 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.”

A completely clean Christian read from Revell
Five plus stars for this charming look at rural Kentucky during the Great Depression
Photo and bio from the authors website at http://www.annhgabhart.com

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Review of A WISH FOR HOME by Jo Ann Brown

This book was a good Amish story with lovable characters and a plot that had some surprises and unexpected twists in it. Lauren Nolt is a former member of the Amish community in Lancaster County where she is sent by her employer to win the people over to the idea of building a casino in their community. When her car breaks down during an ice story, Lauren is stuck asking for assistance from widower Adam Hershberger, a mechanic who used to bully her in their childhood. Lauren stays with her Aunt Sylvia, a feisty older Amish woman who speaks the truth in love to Lauren and who was my favorite character in the book. Her wisdom led Lauren to many hours of thoughtful reflection. When Lauren meets Adam’s precocious daughter Mary Beth, it was life love at first sight. Mary Beth is a cute little matchmaker who wants her dad to have a new wife and for herself to have a new mother. Although parts of the book were predictable, there were numerous secrets revealed and some surprises, too, so it was was a really captivating read. I was totally invested in the story of Lauren and Adam and rooting for little Mary Beth to get her way with them. This is a great first book in a new series and I look forward to more!
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. 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.”

Totally clean Christian fiction from Harlequin Love Inspired.
Photo and biography from author’s website http://www.joannbrownbooks.com

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I loved this romantic story and hope that you will buy it and read it for yourselves. Many thanks to Harlequin for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!

Review of POWER PLAY by Rachel Dylan

With strong characterization and a fast-paced plot, this conclusion to the Capital Intrigue series is a definite must-read. State Department attorney Vivian Steele gets inadvertently caught up in government schemes when she witnesses the deaths of two ambassadors at a state dinner. The Egyptian ambassador’s death appears to be a plot against his government and somehow Viv is targeted afterwards because of her prior dealings with that government. Because she becomes a target, she is assigned security in the form of Jacob Cruz, a former SEAL who is determined that no one else will die on his watch. The American ambassador who died, Penelope King, has an entire backstory that is intriguing and adds to the story. Her death is being investigated by Delaney, an FBI agent extraordinarily well-suited for her position. Delaney is mentoring Weston and the two of them together make a formidable team. This second plot had a lot of twists and turns as Delaney follows the clues and finds the killer. Delaney’s investigation was a cerebral one for the most part. The first plot, involving Viv, had a lot more action in it, with bad guys targeting Vivian and some “bite your nails” moments as she narrowly escapes death herself. There is violence depicted in the book, but it is not graphically described, so the novel is a clean read. I was sorry to see the series end because I have befriended the well-developed characters. I did especially enjoy the epilogue that was like a curtain call for all of the characters from this book and the previous ones. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the entire series because each book is a fascinating look at investigations and the inner workings of our national government. Fiction, of course!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley. 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.”

A clean Christian fiction with some intense scenes. Rated PG.
Photo and author info from author’s website at http://www.racheldylan.com

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This edge-of-your-seat suspense/thriller will entertain you for hours and give you insight into the power players” of the U.S.A. I hope that you will buy it today!

Review of AFTERMATH by Terri Blackstock


The story of a bomb planted at a political rally and concert had me absolutely riveted from beginning to end. Dustin, the man who was orphaned at a very young age, is suspected of terrorism and arrested. That leads to his calling his old childhood friend, Jamie Powell, to be his defense attorney. The action was non-stop and the story was a totally intense read on so many fronts. There was Dustin charged with supplying the explosives for the bomb, Jamie who is trying desperately to defend her friend, Travis, Dustin’s business partner who is spending all of his time with his wife Chrystal, who is dying of cancer and Taylor, the young woman who walked away from the explosion but who is suffering from the loss of her two best friends there. The emotions were deep in this exploration of domestic terrorism, desperation and loss of freedom. I did not really relate to any of the characters since I have never suffered as they have, but all of them were well-developed and three-dimensional. I cried with Taylor over the loss of her friends. I sobbed at the Chrystal’s bedside, knowing that her death would mean two toddlers would be motherless. I was at the edge of my seat when Dustin was arrested and when Jamie was working hard to exonerate him. The entire book was breathtakingly realistic and scary good! I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a fantastic romantic suspense thriller. The tale of the aftermath following a disaster and all of the people who are affected was compelling and an excellent addition to any library. 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 revew. 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.”

The genre is Christian fiction so there is no bad language or explicit sexual scenes. However, since the content is about a bomb in a public arena, readers should be aware that certain scenes could be disturbing. Rated PG-13.

BIO: Terri Blackstock is a New York Times and USA Today best-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide. She is the winner of two Carol Awards, a Christian Retailers Choice Award, and a Romantic Times Book Reviews Career Achievement Award, among others. She has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in an Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.

In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots while challenging her readers. She hopes to remind them that they’re not alone, and that their trials have a purpose.

Terri has appeared on national television programs such as “The 700 Club” and “Home Life,” and has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.

Bio and photo from author’s official website at http://www.terriblackstock.com

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Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers for the ARC to read and review. You will really want to read this awesome story that teaches a lesson and entertains at the same time!

Review of PRESENT DANGER by Elizabeth Goddard

The first book in a new series is always exciting, but this one was especially so since it has a beautiful setting and characters that are complex and who react in an expected and totally human way. Starting with a plane crash and a pilot who stumbles away and disappears, this book is non-stop action with lots of mystery that just keeps building. Detective Jack Tanner is working in Montana after giving up his job as an FBI Special agent and ends up working with US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors when the two of them unexpectedly find a dead body. Since the two of them have a past that ended with a split, their interactions were very interesting, bringing simmering romance into all of the suspense. The plot was intriguing and intellectually stimulating to me. I had never really heard about archeological artifacts being stolen and trafficked, but that is really what is going on in this complicated and well-written book. There are many characters, but all are necessary as they add to the mystery one at a time and build up what becomes a satisfying resolution. The twists were surprises to me and the pacing was perfect. All of the chapters just flowed one into another so it was hard to stop reading since I really wanted to know what was going to happen and who the villain was. My favorite part of the book was the description of the scenery, because each new place the characters went was described with intricate detail so that I could place myself into that scene. My favorite character was Terra’s brother Owen, a wounded war veteran who is a real “horse whisperer” and a true hero. Of course, I loved the mounting suspense and the interaction between the characters. It seemed that Terra was destined for danger, but I enjoyed watching how she got herself out of those encounters. I particularly enjoyed knowing how the characters were working out the mystery in their minds, sharing with me what they were thinking so that I could work on the mystery myself. All in all, this was a thoroughly entertaining and delightful book and I am already looking forward to book #2 in the series.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program via Netgalley. I also received a complimentary hard copy from the author as part of her review team. 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.”
Note to my readers: I loved this book so much and want to collect the series, so I purchased my own copy from Baker Books.

First in a new series and a totally clean read suitable for all readers of Christian romantic suspense.
Five plus stars for this amazing book!
Photo from author’s page on Amazon

BIO: With over a million books sold, Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over fifty novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES–a 2011 Carol Award winner. Four of her six Mountain Cove books have been contest finalists. Buried, Backfire and Deceptionare finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, and Submerged is a Carol Award finalist. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to fulfill her dreams of writing full-time. (BIO from the author’s website at http://www.elizabethgoddard.com

Available on April 6th! Pre-order now at the following purchase links:

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Great book! Wonderful characters and stimulating plot! Order today and enjoy it on April 6th!

Review of UNKNOWN THREAT by Lynn H. Blackburn

The first book in a new series is always exciting, but this book was far beyond that. It was an explosive, gut-wrenching thrill ride from beginning to end! The Secret Service agents in Raleigh, NC are being targeted and killed one by one by an unknown assailant. Faith is sent in from the FBI office to investigate and protect them, but she has more than an unknown perpetrator to deal with. She has to get past the shell-shocked agents who may or may not feel like being cooperative when their own members are being picked off. I really enjoyed the repartee between Faith and Luke, a secret service agent who has a real hang up against the FBI. I think my favorite thing about the book is that the protagonist is a strong female with unbelievable intuition and skills but also a soft side who needs to be loved just like everyone else. My favorite character was Hope, Faith’s sister, who offers timely and wise advice from her wheelchair. She does not pity herself because of her damaged body; she just moves on with life and is wiser for her choice to accept and continue in her faith in God. Faith is also dealing with a lack of belief in God, so there is that underlying theme. Damaged characters are realistic, since everyone is damaged in some way and we all have to overcome whatever obstacles life has thrown our way. That could be a theme of the book, but I think the real theme is forgiveness and hope and also finding one’s way back to God. The plot was well-developed with a lot of twists and red herrings and it winded its way to a nice conclusion. I look forward to seeing more of these characters in future books. Fans of Christian fiction and romantic suspense will want to read this book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. 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.”

Totally clean Christian fiction with some intense scenes involving the murder of secret service agents. I would rate it PG.
Photo and info from the author’s website at http://www.lynnhblackburn.com

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If you love Christian books, then this one will fit the bill for you! With action, suspense, romance and faith, it’s perfect! Buy it today!

Review of FACING THE DAWN by Cynthia Ruchti

A completely clean Christian read, but it does deal with some difficult topics, so I would rate it PG.
I would definitely give it more stars if I could.

Goodness! This is the first book ever that I had to put away for a few hours after certain chapters and just let it settle in my mind before I could continue reading. The depths of emotion in this novel were real, in the book and in my mind as I read. Mara is almost a single mother, in that her husband is in Uganda on an extended missions trip, providing water for the needy in Uganda. Mara has problems with two of their children: Dylan who is on probation, with Chelsea who isn’t trying very hard to graduate, but not with Jeremy, the pre-teen who just loves his mom and is empathetic to her loneliness and stress. When the unthinkable and unimaginable happens, Mara has to dig deep just to survive. The author writes so well that I put myself right into the middle of the story and was feeling what Mara felt. I was as thankful as Mara when her best friend Ashlee shows up, having moved to town recently and is there for just the right time. It is Ashlee, a widow who has been through grief, who understands Mara’s anger, resentment and feelings of unworthiness. Sol and Logan are neighbors who pitch in to help out and Mara is overwhelmed with the circumstances and the aid that she receives. The book was so realistic that I wanted to just reach into the pages and give Chelsea and Dylan a good shake and an “in your face” lecture. With well-written dialog between the various characters and an extremely well-developed plot, this book was the first book that I have read by this author, but it will definitely not be the last. I enjoyed every minute that I spent getting to know Mara, her family and her friends. By the end of the book, I even considered her my friend, too. With the themes of resilience, forgiveness, acceptance and love for others, this book was one of the best that I have read that included a difficult topic. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to feel hopeful and faithful when not much is going the way you expected.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. 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.”

Info and photo from the author’s web site at https://cynthiaruchti.com

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Review of THE MOONLIGHT SCHOOL by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This was an extremely well-researched and well-written book based on the life of Cora Wilson Stewart, a pioneer for a literacy campaign for adults in Kentucky. The main character in the story, Lucy, Wilson.is from a wealthy family that lives in Louisville, Kentucky. When her father springs a surprise new bride on her, he also tells her that he and Hazel that it would be a great idea for her to become an assistant to her Aunt Cora in Rowan County, a backwoods area that is totally different from anything that Lucy has ever experienced. As a retired teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes in the school room and all of the references to how hard a teacher had to work. The characterization was spot on as was the local jargon, including a special glossary at the beginning of the book. I chuckled aloud when Lucy was expected to mount a horse and ride into the “holler” to meet the local families and find out how people really lived in the most rural areas of the county. I could easily imagine myself in most of the scenarios of the book, so the author did a magnificent job of painting a realistic environment for the action to occur. When Cora has the idea to have moonlight schools to help the adults become literate, Lucy, like me, was not convinced that such a plan would work.The entire book is about relationships in this rural county, how people help each other and how they survive there. It is also about how Lucy’s father had escaped the environment, set up a prosperous lumber business and never looked back. My favorite character was Brother Wyatt, a singing preacher, who captures the minds of the backwoods people with his dedication to helping them in whatever way he can. I loved the entire story and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a book based on fact with a lot of fictional and enjoyable elements included.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Blogger Program. 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.”

Totally clean Christian fiction
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher maintains a wonderful web page at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

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I’m delighted to be able to read and review for this outstanding blogger program! Nothing makes me happier than to be able to recommend a great Christian book to my readers!

I cannot recommend this book highly enough! From the glossary to the Afterword, I was educated, entertained and enticed by the story of THE MOONLIGHT SCHOOL.

Review of WHEN TWILIGHT BREAKS by Sarah Sundin

The cover drew me in, the story kept me there.

The author informs us readers at the end that the character Lisa is named after a Sunday school student who categorized her books are “war-romances.” What an accurate description and kudos to that young lady for being able to come up with that word! This is the story of when Hitler was first taking over Germany and all of the changes in the society, including the beginnings of the purges of Jews from businesses and from German society in general. Evelyn is a newspaper reporter who is like a dog with a bone; she just won’t let go of the story until she finds the truth. Her friend Peter is pursuing his Ph.D. In German while he teaches at a local university in Munich. The meeting of these two main characters was magical and so well-written. The entire story was like a film running in my mind, with such excellent descriptions of scenes and background. I felt as though I could feel the evil of the Gestapo and the traitors against Evelyn and Peter. My heart was in my throat during the most emotional moment that they shared together. This is one of the absolutely best historical fiction books that I have read about the pre-WWII era! I cannot recommend it highly enough. Even if you don’t like historical fiction, try this one. I’m not usually a fan of this genre, but I love Sundin’s books and have devoured all of them since I first discovered her. The research is impeccable, the writing is magnetic and the characterization is dramatic. Loved this book!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Blogger Program. 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.”

A totally clean read, rated PG because of content. Historically accurate, so some of the scenes with the Gestapo and their treatment of the Jewish people was more than a little disturbing. Nevertheless, the story needs to be told and Sarah Sundin did a masterful job!
Photo from the author’s website at http://www.sarahsundin.com Additional information about Sarah’s inspiration, her writing journey and her list of amazing books can be found at this website.

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Get your copy of this wonderful book today! Read, Enjoy, Share!