Review: I THINK I WAS MURDERED by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

On November 14, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:9780840712578 Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc. Publication date:11/12/2024 Pages:352

Just a year ago, Katrina Berg was at the pinnacle of her career. She was a rising star in the AI chatbot start-up everyone was talking about, married with an adoring husband, and had more money than she knew how to spend. Then her world combusted. Her husband, Jason, was killed in a fiery car crash. Her CEO was indicted, and, as the company’s legal counsel, Katrina faces tough questions as the Feds take over and lock her out of her office. The final blow is the passing of her beloved grandmother.

Her most prized possession is the beta prototype for a new, ultra-sophisticated chatbot loaded onto her phone. The contents of Jason’s email, social media backups, pictures, and every bit of data she could find were loaded into the bot, and Katrina has “talked” to him every day for the past six months. She has been amazed at how well it works. Even the syntax and words the bot uses sound like Jason. Sometimes, she imagines he isn’t really dead and is right there beside her. She knows it’s slowing her grief recovery, but she can’t stop pretending.

On a particularly bad day, she taps out: Tell me something I don’t know. The cursor blinks for several moments and seems frozen before the reply flashes quickly onto the screen: I think I was murdered.

Distraught, Katrina returns to her cozy Norwegian-flavored hometown in the Northern California redwoods and enlists the help of Seb Wallace, local restaurateur and longtime acquaintance, to try to parse out the truth of what really happened. They must navigate the complicated paths of grief, family dynamics, and second chances, as well as the complex questions of how much control technology has. And staying alive long enough to do that is far more difficult than either of them dreamed.

My Thoughts

I loved the complexity of this book, with its multiple layers and how the protagonist dealt with her grief by using a Chatbot with AI. Katrina’s loss of her husband Jason, followed by the death of her beloved grandmother, seems to get her to focus on finding out what really happened to Jason. When he “messages” her on the AI chat that he thinks he was murdered, Katrina is intrigued enough that she continues to pursue clues to find out if he was murdered and if so, who did it and why. The mystery is totally intriguing and the relationships between the characters are as complex as the plot. Katrina meets Seb when she goes back to North Haven for her grandmother’s funeral, the same Seb from high school who carried a torch for her but was too shy to act on his attraction. Now he is a famous restauranteur and wants to help Katrina unravel the mystery of Jason’s death. Meanwhile, back in Katrina’s life in CA, she and her company are being investigated by the FBI, her friend and co-worker Liv is pregnant and has no place to go since they are both unemployed now. So Katrina invites Liv to stay with her in North Haven. The plot gets more and more complicated and the clues are abundant. I enjoyed following the clues, getting to know all of the places Katrina visited as she searched out a hidden message from Jason as well as getting acquainted with a multitude of possible suspects and motives. This is romantic suspense with an edge since grief is added in as well as current technology. I found the story fascinating and the characters realistic. This book offers a great read that made me think as I sought to solve the mystery alongside Katrina and Seb. The romance element simmers under the surface, breaking through with a few kisses and a lot of questioning looks. It took second place to the mystery but added to the intrigue as I guessed whether the couples would truly get together and stay that way or not. I highly recommend this novel as it held me captivated for days as I tried to figure out whodunit and how Katrina would be able to deduce the truth from the AI messages that Jason sent her. Fans of romantic suspense books that are original and believable will definitely want to read this book!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Thomas Nelson Publishing 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 PG-Christian Romantic Suspense with Intense Suspense

Purchase Links

Review of DEADLY REVENGE by Patricia Bradley

On November 9, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:9780800741648 Publisher:Baker Publishing Group Publication date:11/05/2024 Series:Pearl River , #3 Pages:400

Deputy Jenna Hart has only been working in her sleepy hometown of Pearl Springs for seven months when city officials begin to be targeted by a killer. Twenty years ago, the construction of a dam caused people to lose their land to eminent domain. That wound has not healed with time, and someone bearing a grudge is clearly set on revenge. With the former mayor of Pearl Springs now running for the US Senate, Jenna will have to call in backup to ensure his protection.

That’s where Agent Maxwell Anderson comes in. He and Jenna used to work together in the Chattanooga Police Department, and there was even a smoldering fire of attraction. Now they team up to track down the killer before a big political rally that promises to bring not only the former mayor into the crosshairs but hundreds of civilians as well.

As the sparks of romance reignite and the threads of the investigation get tangled when another suspect comes into play, Jenna and Max will have to draw on all of their skills to stay alive and prevent the wave of disaster poised to hit the community of Pearl Springs. The question is, can either of them fully trust that the other has their back?

My Thoughts

Romantic suspense doesn’t get any better than this book with its second chance at love trope and danger running rampant in the small town of Pearl Springs. When Jenna Hart left Chattanooga under a cloud of suspicion, she found a new place and a new job as a deputy in Pearl Springs, back home where her roots are. But when local men are murdered, her refuge isn’t safe anymore. TBI agent Max Anderson comes to town to protect a Senate candidate and finds out that the threats against him are real, but all is not as it seems. The deceit is in layers in this book and unravels carefully and enticingly. There is a subplot about Jenna’s being endangered by her past and the two plots are woven together seamlessly. I really enjoyed the dynamics between the main characters and the realistic dialogue with the secondary characters. I especially liked the mystery that was gripping and the tension that escalated as danger got closer to Jenna and Max. The story is expertly crafted and addictive. By the end of the first chapter, I was totally engaged in the story and wanted to keep reading to find out what the secrets were and why so many people were involved in keeping it. The author teasingly reveals the details slowly and in a perfect way to keep me engrossed in the plot and the lives of the characters. Perfectly paced and with realistic and unique characters, this book is one not to miss that captivated me as I pieced together the clues right along with the characters.
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 PG, Christian Fiction with Intense Suspense

About the Author

Patricia Bradley is the author of Counter Attack and Fatal Witness, as well as the Natchez Trace Park Rangers, Memphis Cold Case, and Logan Point series. Bradley is the winner of an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, a Selah Award, and a Daphne du Maurier Award; she was a Carol Award finalist; and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at PTBradley.com

Purchase Links:

With a heart filled with gratitude for Revell and their wonderful fiction that takes me away for hours to an imaginary world where I enjoy meeting new characters and trying to solve the mystery!

Review of UNFORGOTTEN by Shelley Shepard Gray

On November 6, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:9780800746032 Publisher:Baker Publishing Group Publication date:11/05/2024 Pages:304

Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace seven years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace—who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County—reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne’s old fears come rushing back.

Jay Byler had once been Peter’s best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him—even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be.

As Candace’s stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. And when everyone’s worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt.

My Thoughts

This book tells the story of two cousins who are dealing with relationship issues. Bethanne has a fear of being around people, and she is just coming out of her shell after an assault by her former boyfriend. She is still not totally comfortable in public, but she is getting better. Her cousin Candace competed for and won the Miss Crittenden County Contest. But Candace’s issue is that she has a stalker, so a new deputy named Ryan Milanese appoints himself to be her chaperone and body guard to all of her events. The two cousins are making progress with trusting others when the unthinkable happens. This is an Amish romance with a lot of suspense included in the story. The suspense is compelling and the characters are realistically portrayed and very easy to empathize with. I enjoyed the pace of the story, which I considered moderate until the big conflict. Then, the pace raced at a breakneck speed to the conclusion. The author does a good job of pointing out the differences between Bethanne’s lifestyle and Candace’s since Candace was not raised Amish but Bethanne was. I really enjoyed the way the girls leaned on each other and learned how to accept help from others. The story is engaging, the characters are dynamic and I highly recommend this book for those looking for Amish romantic suspense that is definitely Christian fiction without graphic details.
I received an e-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 also purchased my own copy to add to my collection of books by this author.

Rated PG due to content about a stalker and a previous assault

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.

Purchase Links

Many thanks to Revell Fiction for the ARC to read and review.

Just Read Publicity Tours: TERMINAL DANGER by Jerusha Agen

On November 1, 2024November 1, 2024 By vickleaIn blog tour, Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Terminal Danger
Series: Guardians Unleashed #5
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: SDG Words, LLC
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Genre: Christian romantic suspense

This woman and her K-9 are being hunted.

Exactly as she planned.

When a busload of schoolchildren disappears, Phoenix Gray knows the kidnapper is the unidentified serial killer she’s spent her life trying to catch. This time, she’ll find the killer and bring him to justice no matter what it takes. She and her Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency join the search for the hostages, but they aren’t the only ones who want the criminal captured.

Callum Ross, an FBI agent who specializes in catching serial criminals, is about to resign. But not until he finds one last culprit, the killer behind a famous twenty-year-old crime Callum vowed to solve.

Despite the FBI agent’s uncanny understanding of her psyche, Phoenix refuses to be distracted from her goal. When the serial killer turns into the cat instead of the mouse, Phoenix thinks she’s ready. But will she need the God she rejected to achieve the justice she’s given her life to obtain?

My Thoughts

The story of Phoenix Gray is a compelling one, one which will break your heart but also mend it. The themes of revenge, justice, retribution, persistence and survival are prevalent in this novel that has multiple layers and a deep dive into the character of Phoenix. Up until this novel, Phoenix has been an enigma, suddenly appearing when she is needed and then disappearing just as quickly. Her faithful companion Dagian (Dag) is well-trained and just as intuitive as Phoenix. Her natural instincts are a necessary part of what makes Phoenix who she is: a strong and capable leader who never shows her own vulnerabilities. In this novel, Phoenix and Dag’s talents for tracking are put to the test when an evil man kidnaps an entire bus load of third graders and leads them deep into the forest. He is taunting Phoenix to find him because they have a dark history together, but the hunter becomes the hunted in some remarkably told twists. This story captivated my imagination as Phoenix and FBI agent Callum used everything that they knew about tracking and surviving in the wilderness to catch up to the kidnapper and to save the children before he begins to kill them. The danger continues to ramp up, with heart-pounding scenes of bravery; the suspense stays intense throughout the book and made it unputdownable. As I neared the conclusion, I raced through the pages and couldn’t believe what was happening, so I admit that I went back and read the last few chapters again. Unbelievable and totally satisfying conclusion to the PK-9 series! So much happens so quickly in this novel that readers should be warned to buckle up and expect the unexpected. The pace is at a breakneck speed, matching the urgency of the search teams to find the kidnapped innocents. The characters are realistically portrayed and developed so well that I felt the fear that the father Eli felt, the courage of the child Marnie and the determination of Phoenix all the way down to the soles of my shoes. This is a story that touched me deeply, with a heartfelt message of faith and trusting God for the hard things. It is also a memorable story that will stay in my heart and mind. This is undoubtedly one of the best books I have read this year and probably ever, so I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her advance review 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.”

Christian Fiction, Intense Suspense, Rated PG

More Books in this Series

About the Author

**Jerusha Agen** imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.
Connect with Jerusha by visiting jerushaagen.com to find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting stories, follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Terminal Danger, a Terminal Danger mug, $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, Terminal Danger magnet, plus more swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 28, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 4, 2024. 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

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

Just Read Publicity Tours: I’LL BE HOME

On October 31, 2024 By vickleaIn blog tour, Book Promo, Book Review, JustRead Publicity Tour9 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour for I’ll Be Home by Sara Davison, Darlene L. Turner, Helena Smrcek, and Melanie Stevenson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: I’ll Be Home
Authors: Sara Davison, Darlene L. Turner, Helena Smrcek, & Melanie Stevenson
Publisher: Independent (Fab Four Press)
Release Date: October 29, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christmas anthology

With chaos and confusion all around them, can they find their way home this Christmas?

The people in these four stories are all searching for something—an escaped convict, a job promotion from a love interest, connection to a lost parent, answers across time.

Christmas should be a time of wonder and celebration, but the obstacles each faces seem insurmountable. Even, at times, life-threatening.

Perhaps they will find what they are seeking during this season of miracles and hope. Or maybe, with God’s help, they will discover that the longing of their hearts takes them to places—and people—they didn’t even know they’d been searching for.

I’ll Be Home is a collection of four stories of faith, hope, love, (and trains) that will warm your heart, encourage your soul, and draw you home this Christmas.

PURCHASE LINKS Goodreads |Amazon|Book Bub

My Thoughts

These four novellas all have the common theme of people trying to find where they are supposed to be and with whom, and sometimes even who they are supposed to be in life Mistletoe and Mayhem” in the Rockies definitely has a mystery vibe about it, as an escaped convict is possibly among the party goers at a new ranch retreat. “Love Across Time” is a dual timeline love story, with a romance that starts in WWII and then takes us into the present when the current occupants of the house find the love letters between this star-crossed couple. The story of Porsha in “Where My Heart Belongs” is told in an interesting fashion, with the narrator directly addressing the reader and including her audience in her story. A presentation gone wrong sends Porsha into the cold to escape and her encounter with Santa changes her life. Finally, “Just a Gilbert Blythe Kind of Girl” is set on the picturesque Prince Edward Island and includes very dramatic scenes as Lucy sets out to play the part of Anne of Green Gables, pursuing the same interests her deceased mother had. All four stories have a fast-paced plot with a believable conflict built into the story and charming, delightfully humorous characters. The romance is predictable but so enticing that it was entertaining to read the story and guess what would happen next in this veritable maze of mishaps around the holidays. I especially enjoyed the last story as Anne was a favorite character of one of my children and we spent many hours enjoying her books and series on television. The characters are quirky which make them memorable. And each story can be read as a standalone, although I did enjoy the theme of the holidays, romance and a little chaos just to make the tale true-to-life. Good, fast reads that entertained and got me into a holiday mood quickly!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors as part of a review 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.”

About the Authors

**Sara Davison** is the author of The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo, two sparrows for a penny, and In the Shadows series, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Holt Medallion, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.
Connect with Sara by visiting saradavison.org to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

**Darlene L. Turner** is an award-winning and a Publishers Weekly best-selling 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.
Connect with Darlene by visiting darlenelturner.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

**Helena Smrcek** is an award-winning author, screenwriter, public speaker and writing coach. She is known for her thrilling and heartwarming stories. Her career began as a high school freelancer, leading to three decades in publishing. She co-founded Write!Canada and The Word Guild and has graduated from multiple writing programs.
Connect with Helena by visiting helenasmrcek.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

**Melanie Stevenson** is an award-winning author and lives in Ontario, Canada, surrounded by her husband and four children. She attended the University of Waterloo and obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts. Melanie’s first book, One More Tomorrow, was shortlisted in the Word Alive Press publishing contest out of over two hundred entries across North America and was published in 2019. In 2020, she won Best Romantic Fiction for One More Tomorrow and Best New Canadian Author at The Word Awards—Canada’s top Christian literary awards. Her mission is to create stories of excellence that impact hearts and lives. Paper, canvas, and dirt are her favorite blank pages.
Connect with Melanie by visiting melaniestevenson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon card plus a paperback copy of I’ll Be Home!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 29, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 5, 2024. Winners 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.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

_____________________________________________________________________________

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

Review of THE COLOR OF HOME by Kit Tosello

On October 22, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780800772697 Publisher:Baker Publishing Group Publication date:09/24/2024 Pages:352

Audrey Needham, Bay Area interior designer to the rich and pretentious, is down to her last nerve. Her boss is impossible to please, her future is in jeopardy, and her great-aunt Daisy needs support as her husband descends into Alzheimer’s.

When Daisy enlists Audrey’s help preparing for a move to assisted living, Audrey risks her career to return to the idyllic small town of Charity Falls, Oregon, the summer stomping grounds of her childhood. But Charity Falls was also the place that broke her heart when her father was killed in a tragic fire at the Sugar Pine Inn thirteen years ago.

Despite Audrey’s intent to avoid emotional entanglement, the pull of home is hard to resist. Something should be done about the deteriorating inn. A local girl with an incarcerated father needs a friend. And handsome local do-gooder Cade Carter is coloring Audrey all shades of uncertain.

My Thoughts

I am absolutely delighted when I discover a debut novel that sets my skin to tingling and my heart burning with a desire to share this great story with others. Such is the case with this novel with it’s intriguing title and beautiful cover! The story of Audrey and her quest for something better in life besides a demanding boss and clients is well told and engaging. When Audrey leaves her posh job in the Bay Area to travel to a little town called Charity Falls, she doesn’t expect to stay there long. In fact, her plan is a couple of weeks to help her great-Aunt Daisy prepare to live in assisted living with her great-Uncle Dean who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. What Audrey did not expect was to meet a young girl named Paige who desperately needs someone to love her and care that her dad is incarcerated without judging her. What Audrey was surprised to find in this little town was the peace she had long sought since her father died in a fire in that same little town. This book was filled with delightful surprises, family relationships and faith that was the foundation of the story. I enjoyed the plot with its moderately paced plot, perfect for the tranquil setting of Charity Falls. I especially enjoyed getting to know all of the characters who lent charm and realism to the town, making sure that Audrey was quickly caught up into the rhythm of life there. The underlying message of forgetting the past and pressing onward toward a better future was one that was not unexpected but was one that showered hope throughout the pages of the story. This was a story that begs to be read and enjoyed and shared with others because it is a timeless story of resilience, roots and restoration.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. 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

Kit Tosello is an award-winning writer of small-town contemporary fiction with a big heart, as well as inspirational essays and devotionals. With her eye trained on the beauty hiding in plain sight all around us, she arranges words with tenderness, humor, and, ultimately, hope. When not writing, Kit can be found in the loose tea shop she operates with her husband, exploring the great Pacific Northwest, or enjoying the “great indoors”—bookstores & libraries 😉. Most likely with a matcha latte in hand.

Purchase Links

Review of OVER THE EDGE by Irene Hannon

On October 7, 2024 By vickleaIn blog tour, Book Review1 Comment

ABOUT THE BOOK

ISBN-13:9780800741891 Publisher:Baker Publishing Group. Publication date:10/01/2024. Series:Undaunted Courage , #2. Pages:368

Trauma survivor Lindsey Barnes hasn’t fully recovered from the ordeal that almost took her life, and now she’s in the middle of another crisis. Not only is she the sole witness in a high-profile murder case, but someone is also pushing her to question her sanity.

Police detective Jack Tucker doesn’t know what to make of her story, especially when her elusive enemy leaves no evidence behind to lend credence to her claims. Yet the more he gets to know the appealing personal chef, the more he’s convinced someone is targeting not only her sanity, but her life.

And unless they can figure out who is behind the campaign to undermine her credibility, a murderer could slip away—leaving more than one body in his or her wake.

My Thoughts

The suspense starts at the beginning of the book, ramps up its intensity as the story continues and ends with a surprise revelation that includes even more suspense. This is a perfectly well-written romantic suspense, with characters that are relatable and flawed as well as totally believable. Lindsey Barnes is a personal chef who is in the wrong place at the wrong time and ends up being the only eyewitness to a home invasion murder. Detective Jack Tucker is the lead investigator who has difficulty at first believing Lindsey’s account of what happened and presses her to remember more details so that he has more to go on on order to catch a killer. The story continues with part of Lindsey’s backstory and why she doesn’t particularly trust the police and especially Jack. Fascinating details here! There is a secondary story of a handyman who was at the site of the murder and who is Jack’s first suspect. The author does an expert job of weaving the storylines together, including Lindsey’s need for counseling, her past trauma and Jack’s past as well. This book was hard to put down and an engrossing read with a compelling mystery that begged to be solved. I must confess that I love mystery and suspense and read them a lot, but the surprise revelation in this one had me gasping and loving the story even more. With a fast pace, characters who beg for a good resolution and twists that I never saw coming, this moves up to the top of my list of best romantic suspense books this year.
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, Christian Fiction, Romantic Suspense

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Irene Hannon is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than sixty-five contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. She is also a three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romance fiction—from Romance Writers of America and is a member of that organization’s elite Hall of Fame.

Her many other awards include National Readers’ Choice, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers’ Best, Carol, HOLT Medallion, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews magazine, which also honored her with a Career Achievement award for her entire body of work. In addition, she is a two-time Christy award finalist.

Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.

Irene, who holds a BA in psychology and an MA 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.

When not writing, she loves to sing, travel, hike, garden, cook, spend time with family, and go on impromptu dates with her own romantic hero.

She and her husband make their home in Missouri.

PURCHASE LINKS

Review of Waterfall by Linda K. Rodante (from LakesideLivingSite)

On October 2, 2024 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2024/10/02/waterfall-by-linda-k-rodante/

If you enjoy clean Christian reads, please go to the original post and follow. I read the same book and agree with her review. This book is filled with faith!!

JustRead Publicity Tours: K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner

On September 27, 2024 By vickleaIn blog tour, Book Promo, Book Review8 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour for K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: K-9 Ranch Protection
Series: Crisis Rescue Team #6
Author: Darlene L Turner
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

A killer on the loose.

A K-9 keeping watch.

Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. The ambush leaves her in the hospital with three hours of crucial memory missing, which she knows holds the key to finding her father’s murderer. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer?

My Thoughts

Constable Izzy Tremblay finds evidence that her father’s death was murder and in following up on her discovery, she is attacked and loses three hours of her memory. Regardless of her new disability, Izzy remains determined to track down her father’s killer and to stop a drug trafficking ring that is getting more active in her jurisdiction. Unfortunately, the killer knows who she is and repeated threats lead her to take refuge with her former boyfriend Austin Murray, the owner and trainer at a local K-9 ranch. The action is sharp and edgy while the pace is fast-moving. The plot is intriguing and complex enough that it kept me engaged and guessing the entire time. This is a compelling and relevant story that drew me immediately into the action as I was invested in Izzy’s finding the truth as well as the developing attraction between her and Austin. I especially liked getting to know Austin’s well-trained and resourceful dogs. Nèvé, the malamute, was the star of the book with her intuitive sense of impending danger and her loyalty to Austin and Izzy. With the author’s signature style of captivating the reader from beginning to end, this is a must-read, riveting suspense with some delightful romance added.
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 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Love Inspired Suspense, Clean Christian Fiction

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Review of BEFORE WE WERE US by Denise Hunter

On September 10, 2024 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:9780840716682

Publisher:Nelson, Thomas, Inc

Publication date:09/10/2024

Pages:304

She can’t remember. He can’t forget.

When Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital after falling from a ladder, she has more questions than answers. Way more. She knows where she is—the wilds of New Hampshire. But she’s apparently lost the last four months of her life. Is she really contemplating forfeiting her big-city dream job for a position at a rustic resort? And how did her number one nemesis become her adoring boyfriend?

Jonah Landry is crushed to learn Lauren has forgotten their entire summer together. Terrified of losing her for good, he determines to help her remember their deep connection as she finishes her obligation to the resort. But soon it becomes apparent Lauren doesn’t want to remember falling in love with him or rethinking the entire course of her career. She wants to pretend the summer never happened and move on with her life. Without him.

As Lauren falls back into the steady routines of resort work with Jonah, she’s relieved her memories haven’t returned and remains resolute about her big-city future. But as autumn leads into winter, she begins to see glimpses of the Jonah she’s forgotten. Will she be able to resist the steady love of this patient man? Or is her heart destined for its own freefall?

My Thoughts

This is a carefully plotted romance about a young woman who loses her memory and breaks the heart of the man who loves her because she doesn’t remember him at all. Lauren Wentworth is a newly graduated events planner and goes to New Hampshire to work at a small family camp while she waits for her the date when she will report to her dream job. She never counted on the fun and flirty relationship that started with the owners’ son, Jonah Landry. The novel goes back and forth in time between the current time after Lauren got injured and lost her memory and the past when she and Jonah were getting to know each other and courting. The conflict is very realistic in that Lauren cannot remember Jonah but she does recall that she has a dream job waiting for her in Boston after the first of the year. This is a slam dunk great love story, with a well-crafted plot and appealing characters characters. I really enjoyed the dog Graham, too, who acted as a buffer of sorts between the couple who seem to be fated to separate. The story is satisfying, engaging and heartwarming, with family and relationships that matter front and center.
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

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on The 700 Club and been featured in Woman’s Day and Southern Living.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who struggle with real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are currently enjoying an empty nest.

You can learn more about Denise by visiting her FaceBook page.