Review of THE NEW NEIGHBOR by Karen Cleveland

On August 3, 2022 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

I have read all the books in the series and enjoyed each one thoroughly. This latest Beth Bradford book required that I pay close attention to all of the details or I would get lost in them. There are a lot of characters and a lot of spy action constantly happening, with unexpected plot twists, some of them not believable but there nonetheless. In this story, Beth has lost all that is important to her…her marriage is on the rocks, her youngest son has left for college and her beloved family home has been sold. All she has to cling to is her job as a CIA analyst and her quest to find an Iranian intelligence operative known as “the Neighbor.” However, even her job is jerked out from under her as she is sent to a new place and a new assignment, with all of her hard work about the Neighbor being given to others or shredded as useless. Determined to find out who the Neighbor is and without the sanction of the CIA, Beth investigates on her own and thinks she has found this super-spy, living in her old house. This is where the plot divulged from possibly reality and I was not sure if Beth was totally sane or not. She pursues the case against Madeline, the new resident, relentlessly and unashamedly insists that her former bosses listen to her case against Madeline. The book is intriguing all the way to the end, but I could not buy into the conclusion. It was not at all what I expected and it was also a bit of a letdown after all of the fast-paced page turning that I did to get there. Beth, the main character, was completely well-developed and likable, although not totally relatable since I don’t really know any CIA agents (at least, not that I know of). The secondary characters were less developed, like well-kept secrets and kind of shady. I decided that was a purposeful act of the author since in doing so, it was hard to guess who the spy actually was. So, good characterization there! I found the book enjoyable and riveting entertainment but not my favorite in the series. I still give it a five-star rating because it kept me glued to the pages to find out what was going to happen to Beth and if she was losing her skill as an analyst just as her boss seemed to think. Fans of domestic suspense, spy thrillers and mystery will enjoy this book and look forward to more from this author who entertains and makes you question the roles of those around you.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House 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.”

**Photo and Bio from the author’s website at** http://www.karen-cleveland.com

This book is a new release and is available now. It is part of a series but can be definitely read as a standalone. Purchase Links:

Review of THE BEST IS YET TO COME by Debbie Macomber

On July 7, 2022July 7, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review3 Comments

Who doesn’t like a good romance with a good lesson to learn? This book is a perfect romance between two lost souls who need to find each other. Hope is newly settled into the small town of Oceanside, teaching and counseling at the local high school and trying to make friends by volunteering at the local animal shelter. There she meets Cade Lincoln, an ex-marine who is a wounded veteran. She also meets Shadow there, a poor abused dog who trusts no one except Hope. It’s love at first sight for Hope and Shadow and Cade isn’t far behind. How they get to their “happily ever after” is an amazing trip with some unexpected turns and complications, including students taking drugs, vandalism and family drama. I really enjoyed the sub-plot about teen Spencer and his attempt at being accepted by a girl he really likes but who is so popular his chances are slim. The lessons taught include never giving up, being hopeful for the future and choosing to do the right thing in spite of obstacles and others leading the wrong way. I especially liked the inclusion of honoring veterans who sacrifice so much for our nation. This is a wholesome book that is encouraging and uplifting as well as a really good story.
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, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2022, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publications include *The Best Is Yet to Come* (July) and *The Christmas Spirit* (October). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, two adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
2022 Debbie Macomber Bio

This book will be released on July 12, 2022. It is available for preorders now. Purchase Links:

Review of YOU CAN RUN by Karen Cleveland

On August 31, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

*Intense and absorbing. The content may disturb younger readers since it deals with some violence and young children in danger. So, I would rate it PG-13, but it is a clean read.*

Karen Cleveland has become one of my favorite spy thriller authors and this book is the best yet. With her family in danger, Jill chooses to flee to a new state and start over again. But she quickly finds out that although you can run, there is no place to hide, especially from spies who want to find you. The action began on page one and continued all the way to an astonishing conclusion that left me stunned. Alex, the reporter in whom Jill confides, is intelligent, independent, compassionate and determined. In short, Alex and Jill are both very strong female protagonists. The plot is centered around rogue agents in the CIA, with plenty of subterfuge and secrecy going on as well as some really tense moments. I enjoyed the unraveling of the story and following the clues as Jill and Alex revealed them. I also really enjoyed the character of Jeremy and his attachment to his dog Max. Mostly, I was just thoroughly engaged in this story and hoping for a good outcome with the odds against Jill for saving her family. What a wild, engrossing ride through the spy world! Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House 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.”

*Bio and photo from the author’s website at* http://www.karen-cleveland.com

Happy Release Day to Karen Cleveland! This amazing book is available today. Here are a few links where you can buy it:

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If you enjoy spy thrillers, then you really need to get this book! I have enjoyed all of the books by Karen Cleveland and strongly believe that this is her best one yet.

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Tag: Random House