Review of Abducted in the Woods by Kerry Johnson

On November 26, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review2 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957436

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:11/25/2025

Pages:208

Just when Sarah Brindley believes she and her son, Liam, are safe from the men who murdered her husband, they are attacked—and Liam is taken. Her only hope is to team up with her brother—in—law, forest ranger Tucker Brindley, to uncover who is targeting her family. When they discover her late husband’s ties to an underground medical black—market ring, it’s clear the trail of danger runs deeper than they realized. With assaults on them ramping up, they must race against the clock to recover young Liam…before they become the next victims.

My Thoughts

This book was amazing, keeping me captivated by the story and the relatable characters. The story begins with Sarah Brindley taking her small son Liam to her aunt’s cottage, having just witnessed the murder of her husband. She has barely taken a sigh of relief when her life is in danger and she has to depend on the help of her husband’s brother, Tucker. Tucker is a realistic character, a flawed human with a hearing problem. But he doesn’t let his disability stop him from being a dedicated forest ranger. When he discovers the trouble that Sarah has inadvertently encountered because of his brother Tanner, Tucker is doggedly determined to help Sarah find out who is behind the threats. First, he has to find out who kidnapped her son and where they have taken him and why they would take a small child. The action is fast-paced as Sarah and Tucker work together to solve the mystery of Tanner’s death and to find Liam. There are unexpected twists and turns with some surprising revelations along the way to a satisfying and brilliantly written conclusion. I found this book informative as I learned about experimental drugs as well as compelling since a small child was kidnapped early in the story and Sarah is an innocent victim, caught up in a web that her deceased husband created. This book is a must read for those who enjoy excellent suspense with a firm faith foundation.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Kerry Johnson has been conversing with fictional characters and devouring books since her childhood in the Connecticut woods. A long-time member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), she’s a seven-time Genesis Contest finalist and two-time winner. Kerry lives on the sunny, stormy west coast of Florida with her family, a lazy boxer, and a temperamental sun conure. She loves Jesus, long walks, all creatures great and small, crowded bookshelves, and iced chai tea. More information is available on her website:

https://www.kerryjohnsonbooks.com

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Review of TRAIL OF MOUNTAIN SECRETS by Darlene L. Tuner

On November 25, 2025November 24, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957429

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:11/25/2025

Series:National Park Protectors , #2

Pages:208

Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K—9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human—remains—detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man who has targeted her. Soon Violet learns a shocking secret: She has a presumed dead twin sister who may still be alive, and now they’re both in danger. Can Violet and Maverick expose a conspiracy before this Christmas becomes their last? (From Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

An archeologist, the discovery of skulls, a K-9 human remains detector and a man determined to protect all make this book unputdownable. Violet Hoyt is intelligent and intuitive and when she is on a job, like the one to find the remains of the murdered Hancock family, she is intrepid and sometimes foolhardy. Wolf, the dog who intervenes and tries his best to keep her safe is a character like none other. He is highly trained to detect remains but he also seems to be able to sniff out danger before it gets too close. And his owner Maverick is as determined to keep Violet safe as she seems to be determined to pursue danger. All of these elements made this fast-paced book a riveting and unforgettable story of courage and an indomitable spirt. There are family secrets uncovered as well as a villain who is unbelievably evil and dogged about the goal of keeping Violet and Maverick from discovering the truth. This is a book with memorable characters and a well-crafted and absorbing plot that is not to be missed by fans of compelling fiction.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

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Review SHATTERED AMISH IDENTITY by Mary Alford

On October 29, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review4 Comments

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335957351

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:10/28/2025

Pages:208

When Amish school teacher Hannah York is attacked, she defends herself with skills she never knew she had. CIA agent Titus Miller arrives, claiming that she’s actually fellow agent Lara Redmond—and that she’s in danger from a powerful enemy. Despite suffering from amnesia, Hannah is certain she’s only ever lived a quiet Amish life. But why does Titus seem so familiar, and could it be true that he loved her once? When Hannah’s family is abducted, she and Titus must work together to find them. Can Hannah trust him to help unlock the truth of her past…and keep her safe? (Synopsis courtesy of Barnes and Noble)

My Thoughts

This book is a fast-paced cat and mouse game between the good guys and the bad guys. The big twist is that I didn’t know who the bad guys really were until the big reveal near the end. What a suspense-filled and heart-pounding story! Hannah York is a teacher at a local Amish school when she is attacked. Then, things start happening quickly as a man named Titus, a secret agent, claims to know her by a different name and warns her that she is in grave danger. Together, they race to try to find safety, only to constantly run into more danger. This book was hard to put down because every chapter held more threats from some unknown source. With lies and secrets as well as the CIA involved along with spies, this story held me totally captivated by the non-stop action and the chemistry between the characters. I had no idea who was trustworthy, but I really liked Hannah and her faithful dog Nala and wanted them to escape the evil that was surrounding them. No matter where they ran, the evil men followed. My imagination went wild as I tried to figure out, along with Hannah and Titus, how they were being tracked. The author did a masterful job of laying false trails with red herrings that kept me guessing all the way to the end. This is an edgy page turner that, in my opinion, is one of the best I have read by Mary Alford. The plot twists were terrifying brilliant and the tension was relentless, with a cleverly crafted and believable story. The theme of overcoming the past and forging on towards a hopeful future had me sighing at the end and wanting more of this remarkable story, with romance and action perfectly balanced and leading to a satisfying outcome.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a teen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook, X, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

_MaryAlfordAuthor — **Free Preview:** https://a.co/cbJDCu8

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Review: PROTECTING THE TEXAS WITNESS by Virginia Vaughan

On August 29, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review3 Comments

About the Book

Deputy Drake Shaw rescues single mom Isabelle Morris from an assailant’s attack, only to be mistaken for her late husband. After exposing the corruption at her health-care company, Isabelle fears danger has followed her and her daughter all the way to their remote cabin. Now Drake must keep them safe long enough for Isabelle to testify against her former boss. But when her child is taken, the stakes are raised. Can they survive to unravel the truth about the present…and the past?

ISBN-13:9781335957252 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:08/26/2025 Series:Lone Star Defenders , #3 Pages:208

My Thoughts

Isabelle Morris had no idea that doing the right thing for all of the right reasons would put her and her teen daughter in the crosshairs of a ruthless foe. She had made the choice to be a whistleblower against her former boss, exposing his corruption and causing many friends to lose their jobs. Once the decision was made, Isabelle couldn’t go back and undo it, so she decided to take Kelsey to her late husband’s cabin, just to get away from the people who hated them and had started threatening Kelsey. Once there, Isabelle finds that the danger has followed her and Deputy Drake Shaw is determined to keep her safe. The main plot dovetails well with the secondary plot, the fact that Drake reminds Isabelle of her deceased husband Raylan, so it is easier for her to trust him to safeguard her and Kelsey. The plot was just complicated enough to keep me engaged throughout the story and was expertly crafted to keep drawing me into the lives of the realistically portrayed characters. With nail-biting suspense and unexpected danger continually cropping up, this fast-paced book kept me hooked and entertained all the way to the satisfying conclusion. This was a story with great heart and depth along with an underlying foundation of faith that were remarkably well crafted together. The story balanced the suspense and romance well and ended up being a cleverly written page turner with some skillful misdirection that kept me guessing. This was a captivating and multi-layered book with good chemistry between the characters and a delightful conclusion.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary advanced copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Virginia Vaughan is a former investigator for the State of Mississippi who left a promising career to pursue her dream of being a writer. Blessed to come from a large, Southern family, her fondest memories include hearing stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself, delving into the genre of romantic suspense, armed with her passion for writing and the knowledge gained from her criminal justice background.

Follow this link to purchase your copy:

Harlequin and links to other retailers

Vickie Approved and Vickie Recommended

Review: DANGER IN THE WILDERNESS by Darlene L. Turner

On August 27, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

Park warden Dekker Hoyt’s father-son camping trip turns into a nightmare when a serial killer abducts his father. With just seventy-two hours to find him, Dekker turns to criminal investigative analyst Blaire Tremblay to identify the Park Campfire Killer. As they follow his taunting clues and face increasingly violent threats, Dekker and Blaire know that one wrong step could be fatal. With the ruthless criminal following their every move, can they stop a killer in hiding…waiting to complete his deadly plan?

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781335957238 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:08/26/2025 Series:National Park Protectors , #1 Pages:208

My Thoughts

With crisp writing and a gripping story, this book was a fast and addictive read. The main characters, Park Warden Dekker Hoyt and criminal analyst Blaire Tremblay, are faced with insurmountable obstacles and constant danger as they try to find and capture a serial kidnapper and killer who has been attacking campers. Stymied by the evidence that doesn’t seem to flow together, Dekker and Blaire have to use all of their available resources, including the K-9 hero Hercules and Dekker’s sister Jayla. After all, one of the most recent victims is Dekker’s father and there is limited time to find him before the killer murders him and leaves him dead on one of the many trails in the wilderness. The plot is complex and completely engrossing and it weaves suspense seamlessly with a developing romance between Dekker and Blaire. The details of the dangers they encounter in their quest to find the killer are authentic and filled with action-packed realism. I was immersed in the drama of the story and the desperation of the characters to find the truth before it was too late. There was always a ticking clock sounding in the back of my mind as I was reading. The clues that the author left were fun to follow and the red herrings and fake trails were effective as I was fooled until the big reveal. I enjoyed the entire book and look forward to more adventures in the National Park Protectors series.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I also purchased my own copy. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Love Inspired Suspense, Intense Suspense, PG

About the Author

Darlene L. Turner is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her high-octane stories and riveting twists. Sparked by Nancy Drew, she’s turned her love of solving mysteries into her writing, believing readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Dubbed “the plaid queen” for her love of everything plaid, Darlene resides with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s “suspense beyond borders”.

To purchase your copy, go to this link:

Harlequin and links to other retailers

Vickie Approved and Vickie Recommended

Review: DETECTING CONCEALED EVIDENCE by Dana Mentink

On August 26, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

A panicked call sends detective Chase Wolfe and his search-and-rescue bloodhound, Tank, racing right into the path of his neighbor—who’s just barely escaped an abduction. But Pilar Alonso has no idea who’s after her or why. Now she must rely on Chase to keep her safe while they work together to track down the unknown assailants targeting her. Only, their investigation reveals layers of a much more sinister agenda, and danger is rapidly closing in. Drawn into a web of deceit, can they untangle the mystery…before they’re permanently silenced?

Product Details

ISBN-13:9781335957221 Publisher:Harlequin Publication date:08/26/2025 Series:Security Hounds Investigations , #5 Pages:208

My Thoughts

This book was impossible to put down and an entertaining and easy read. Pilar Alonso is an accomplished, talented cellist with a lot of talent, but she has been forced to go home to take care of her father with dementia and try to earn a living with whatever jobs she can find. One of her jobs is as a delivery driver and I certainly never expected her to be shot at, kidnapped and then stalked for some mysterious reason. The surprises in this book keep coming as Chase Wolfe, her neighbor, comes to the rescue of reluctant and stand-offish Pilar. Most of the characters are bearing the burden of secrets that they want to keep deeply buried, but discovering those secrets might help keep Pilar alive. I loved the riveting suspense in the novel and the characters were all lovable and relatable, even the spunky and forgetful Mr. Alonso. My favorite character was Tank, the canine superhero who is laid back and seems somewhat disengaged until there is danger and then he enthusiastically protects Chase and Pilar. The storyline was creative and absorbing, and the characters made me want to meet them in person. Great story written in an original way and with plenty of surprises along the trail to the happily ever after.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review. I also purchased my own copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Rated PG for intense suspense, Love Inspired Suspense

About the Author

Dana Mentink lives in California where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Her family includes two daughters (affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo.) Papa Bear is retired from the fire department and he met Dana doing a dinner theater production of The Velveteen Rabbit. Ironically, their parts were husband and wife.

Dana writes in two genres, cozy mystery and romantic suspense. She’s a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author as well as a two time ACFW Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion recipient. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She is honored to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell, and Poisoned Pen Press. Website: danamentink.com

To Purchase a Copy

Harlequin and links to other retailers

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Vickie Approved, Vickie Recommended

Review: Attempted Mountain Abduction by Jessica R. Patch

On May 29, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335980632

Publisher:Harlequin

Publication date:05/27/2025

Series:Elite Protectors , #1

Pages:208

Hired to protect a murdered tech mogul’s daughter, undercover bodyguard Bridge Spencer never expects his ex-fiancée to blow his cover…while she’s trying to kidnap the child. But before he and former CIA spy Wendy Dawson can figure out whose side they’re on, they’re attacked. Setting aside his heartbreak, Bridge has no choice but to team up with the woman who abruptly dumped him in a letter three years ago. Guarding the child from assailants who are after her father’s top secret technology is priority one. But in the frigid Smoky Mountains, dangers are everywhere. The question is…which one is deadliest?

My Thoughts

The setting in the snowy Smoky Mountains is perfect for this story of Bridge, Wendy and Molly. Bridge is at a horse ranch, carrying out his assignment to protect a deceased tech genius’s young daughter when he unexpectedly encounters his former love, Wendy. Wendy has taken Molly and Bridge follows her to rescue Molly from what he thinks is a kidnapper. Neither of them understand the machinations that are going on behind the scenes, as a higher power than they can imagine wants to kill them and take Molly. The suspense is ramped up quickly as they flee from one danger to another, with what seems like headhunters coming for them from every direction, and uncooperative and dangerous weather conditions. There are some surprises and skillful misdirection by the author which kept me engaged and turning pages quickly. With faith as a part of the story, second chance love and a young, precocious child as the target, this book was fascinating and gripped me with the constant danger that threatened the trio at every turn. I really enjoyed all of the realistically portrayed characters, but my favorite was Molly, a child who stole my heart with her acceptance of their help and her total and complete trust in their ability to protect her. I didn’t see how things could possibly work out for Bridge and Wendy since both were stubborn and insistent that they would go their own way once they had safeguarded Molly. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of Bridge’s team of protectors in the story as it gave the story dept and added even more action to an already packed plot. I was immersed in the drama of the story and kept guessing who could be trying to hurt such an innocent and intelligent child. I never guessed correctly, but guessing was part of the fun of reading this book. The author has created a fast-moving and cleverly written story of love, betrayal and innocence, all within the pages of this remarkably well-crafted story.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily 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.

About the Author

Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author of more than 27 novels and is known for her dry wit, signatures twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down sinister killers in her romantic suspense novels and dark, twisty thrillers.

She resides in the Memphis area with her husband and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog since becoming empty nesters. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

You’re invited to join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch .com and receive a FREE short thriller, Nobody Has to Know.

Purchase Links

With appreciation to author Jessica R. Patch for the Advanced Reader Copy to read and review! Don’t miss out on this quick, clean read! Follow a link and get your copy today!

Review: TARGETED MONTANA WITNESS by Sharon Dunn

On May 28, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335980656

Publisher:Harlequin.

Publication date:05/27/2025

Pages:208

After being attacked in her workplace, Jillian Welch fears the worst—the mobsters behind her fiancé’s murder have found her. Uncertain of her safety in witness protection, she turns to Sheriff Luke Mayfair for help. But clues point to an obsessed fan of Jillian’s anonymous nightly podcast as her assailant. Now with potential threats all around, Jillian and Luke must seek refuge at Luke’s family farm. But when the continued ambushes escalate to attempted murder, they must expose the culprits before they get to Jillian first.

My Thoughts

Jillian Welch is in witness protection and has to call on the local sheriff, Luke Mayfair, when she starts receiving threats and overt attacks. She thinks her cover is blown, but she is not ready to give up her quiet life to start fresh in a new place with a new identity. When the danger ramps us and seems to come from all directions, she may not have a choice because even the self-sacrificing Luke may not be able to keep her safe from the multiple threats. This book makes a complicated plot into a satisfying and edgy page-turner that was hard to put down. With some head-spinning twists and escalating tension, this book kept me reading and guessing who was coming after Jillian and how would Luke be able to safeguard her in the face of the onslaught of attacks and danger. The marshal in charge of her case is a secondary character but extremely important to the story as he gave wise advice and really wanted to take care of Jillian but he depended on Luke’s help until he could get there. Luke is a swoon-worthy hero who puts himself and other family members in the line of fire in order to fulfill his mission to keep Jillian out of the hands of those who want to kill her. The plot is brilliant and fast-paced and the characters are relatable and realistic, with good chemistry between them as they face unknown and relentless danger. The setting was perfect for the story, with a small town with charm and characters who lent themselves to helping each other if there was a need. I enjoyed everything about this book and was emotionally invested in a good outcome.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily 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.

Clean romantic suspense, Love Inspired Suspense

About the Author

Sharon Dunn started writing when she was pregnant with her oldest child. He is now 33 years old. She has written cozy and humorous mysteries along with over thirty romantic suspense novels. Her books have won awards and frequently appear on the USA and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. She is a widow who lives next to a park with her cat Sparky. She has three adult children. When she isn’t writing, she loves going for walks, doing puzzles, reading and meeting up with friends. You can sign up for her newsletter and find out more about her at her website: Sharon Dunn

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Review of MISSING IN TEXAS by Virginia Vaughan

On May 27, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9781335980649 Publisher:Harlequin. Publication date:05/27/2025. Series:Lone Star Defenders , #2 Pages:208

Can she crack a decade-old cold case before the murderer silences her?

The moment FBI agent Christy Williams arrives in Mercy, Texas, determined to solve her friend’s disappearance twelve years ago, she becomes a killer’s number one target. Ignoring the threats on her life, she partners with Deputy Mike Tyner, the cousin of one of the chief suspects…and the last person to see her friend alive. As they work to investigate this cold case together, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden. With time running out, can Mike keep Christy alive long enough to find justice for her friend?

My Thoughts

This is an intriguing book about an FBI agent who is pursuing a cold case in which her best friend and college roommate went home to Mercy, Texas, and disappeared. Poof! Vanished! Agent Christy Williams goes to Mercy to try to find out what happened to Dawn over a decade ago and ends up working with Detective Mike Tyner. There are some interesting dynamics in this scenario since Christy was friends with Dawn and Mike happens to be a cousin of a chief suspect, a man that Christy doesn’t trust at all. The plot is fast-paced with plenty of complications and red herrings. There are also a lot of really good clues that led me to guess who the villain was but my correct guess did not detract at all from the drama of the story and all of the events leading up to the conclusion. I enjoyed getting to know the relatable characters, but my real enjoyment came from the way the characters interacted and worked together to solve the mystery of what happened to Dawn. With a family’s peace of mind at stake, Christy is determined to find out the truth, even when it means that her life is in danger. This is a book cries out to be read quickly as it is hard to put down!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily 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.