Review of IN THE SHADOW OF THE RIVER by Ann H. Gabhart

On May 17, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

About the Book:

Series: Stand Alone Novels
Publisher: Revell
Publication Year: May 2023
ASIN: B0BLW6BY5P
ISBN: 0800741722

If all the world’s a stage, Jacci will play her part.

She only hopes her story does not turn out to be a tragedy.

Jacci Reed loves her life on the Ohio River in 1896 as part of the Kingston showboat family, but shadows of her past and the death of her mother linger in her memory. With the help of the showboat owner’s son, can she find answers before those shadows overtake her and threaten her life?

My Thoughts:

Historical in that the story is set on a showboat in the late 1800’s, but mostly mystery, this book captivated me with its fast-paced action and authentic details. I was captured from the first moment that little Jacci was introduced, only five years old and already facing being an orphan. She knows that there is a mystery surrounding her life even as she enthusiastically embraces her life as a performer on the showboat, but that is not at the forefront of her mind all the time. The romance between Gabe and Jacci is predictable and sweet, but it is not the center of the story either. The central focus of the story is secretive background that others are hiding from Jacci, her roots and her heritage that eventually she is determined to uncover. Ann H. Gabhart methodically tells the story in an addictive way, teasingly revealing details slowly and giving the plot multiple layers and great depth. The characters are realistic and relatable, with real tears falling from my eyes over little Jacci’s losses and her dilemma. As the story progresses, the characters change and grow, so they are dynamic and so believable. The plot is clever, with history and faith woven into the main story that is as complex as it is riveting. I learned a great deal about life on a showboat from this book and enjoyed my journey down the river with Jacci and Gabe. This is a satisfying, brilliantly written historical fiction with a compelling mystery in the center of it.
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. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Very emotional and intense at times, so I would rate it PG. It is clean Christian Fiction.

About the Author:

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. An award winning author, she’s published many books for both adults and young adults. Her books cover several genres from historical to small town family stories to cozy mysteries (mysteries published with author name A.H. Gabhart). Her ideas are sparked by events in Kentucky history and by experiences in her own family. Her first Shaker novel, The Outsider, was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year. Love Comes Home won the Selah Book of the Year award, and These Healing Hills was the Faith, Hope & Love Readers’ Choice Women’s Fiction Book of the Year.
Ann lives on a Kentucky farm not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann enjoys hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. See more about her books at http://www.annhgabhart.com or join the conversation on her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/anngabhart. (Information from the author’s page on Amazon, photo from her website at
https://www.annhgabhart.com

Newly released book. Purchase Links:

Review of THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS by Suzanne Woods Fisher

On May 13, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

About the Book:

The Secret to Happiness

Series: Cape Cod Creamery, Book 2
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Publication Year: 2023
ASIN: B0BLW62NCR
ISBN: 9780800739485

Escape to Cape Cod–where you just might find the secret to happiness

Callie Dixon had the world by its tail . . . until it all slipped away. Fired from her dream job after making a colossalmistake, she’s escaped to her aunt’s home on Cape Cod for time to bounce back. Except it isn’t a home, it’s an ice cream shop. And time isn’t going to help, because Callie’s bounce has up and left. There’s a reason she made that mistake at work and she’s struggling to come to terms with it.

Things go from bad to worse when Callie’s cousin Dawn drags her to a community class about the secret to happiness. Happiness is the last thing Callie wants to think about right now, but instructor Bruno Bianco–a curiously gloomy fellow–is relentless. He has a way of turning Callie’s thoughts upside down. Her feelings, too.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in the series but can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone. This is the story of Callie Dixon, a master chef who finds herself unexpectedly unemployed. So she flees to hide out in Cape Cod with her Aunt Marnie and cousin Dawn. Dawn and Marnie are running an ice cream shop and barely making ends meet because it’s winter and all of the tourists have disappeared. After days of watching Callie malinger in bed, Dawn decides that she needs an intervention to her depression and insists that she go to a class called “The Secret to Happiness.” The instructor is a forbidding, non-smiling and stern man names Bruno Bianco, a man who is wise beyond his years and very intuitive about what is actually happening in Callie’s life. He begins to advise her in subtle ways that make her think and when she starts reading his book about finding happiness, she ultimately discovers what her problem is and what she needs to do about it. This book was brilliantly written, with a sub-plot (Dawn’s wedding plans) and a book within a book (as Callie reads Bruno’s instruction manual and shares with the readers). I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Callie and the way she was talented and determined but not very self-confident. The way the author weaves the story around the dynamic changes in Callie and her attitude is amazing and so engaging! The characters were all well-developed and totally realistic and relatable. The messages are loss, redemption and ultimately hope for the future. This is a book not to be missed because it is entertaining as well as thought-provoking, causing me to think about what I would do if I had one goal in life and that one goal was suddenly taken away. How would I respond to that change, and would I still be able to find happiness? This is a book that held me tightly in its grasp and did not let me go until I discovered what Callie found, her own secret to happiness.
Disclaimer
Discloure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I also purchased my own copy to enjoy again and again! I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Meet the Author:

Purchase Links:

Review of BLIND TRUST by Natalie Walters

On April 14, 2023 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book:

Publisher: Revell
Language: English
Publication Date: 04/11/2023
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 0800739809
ISBN-13: 9780800739805
SKU: 9780800739805

Synopsis:

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can’t stop herself from going all in to find out why he’s coming after her. Unfortunately, she’s going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolas Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous–to both the mission and his heart.

Natalie Walters closes out her SNAP Agency series with a bang with this nail-biting story of a deadly government conspiracy, an unlikely couple, and an ending that will leave you breathless.

My Review:

A compelling addition to the SNAP Agency series and a perfect conclusion to it, this book tells the story of Lyla and Garcia. Lyla is generally impulsive and at times recklessly disregards her own safety in order to follow up on leads. Garcia, her partner and self-appointed protector, is not happy when Lyla is targeted and endangered by unknown persons. The two of them have to work together to find out where the threat is coming from before Lyla is eliminated for good. The suspense was breath-stopping at times as Lyla ran towards danger and Garcia was hard pressed to keep her safe. I really enjoyed learning more about the characters in the series as more of their backstories was revealed, making the characters totally realistic and believable. This is a powerful and engrossing story of weapons sold for profit, with action ramping up from chapter to chapter until the brilliantly written and explosive conclusion. With multiple layers that disclose secrets about Lyla’s past and a developing relationship between the protagonists, there was nothing not to like about this richly told terrifying story that crackled with tension. I really enjoyed meeting all of the characters from previous SNAP Agency books, especially Kekoa, a favorite with his witty banter and comic relief. The pace was fast, the action was non-stop and the characters were dynamic and original. This book was a perfect conclusion to a series that I was sad to see end, but it ended in a satisfying and well-crafted way. Kudos to the author for a remarkable job of writing a series that captivated me from beginning to end and a conclusion that held me spellbound!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley as part of her launch team. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Christian fiction suitable for all audiences who can read on this level

About the author:

(In her own words, from her Amazon page): My world revolves around GIJOE and our three adult (or almost adult) children who keep my life anything but predictable. Our boots hit the ground wherever the Army sends us but home is when we’re all together no matter the zipcode. My passion is writing stories where adventure meets love and share my belief that life rooted in purpose is a story worth telling.

Find Natalie online:

https://www.nataliewalterswriter.com/

Facebook

Instagram

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BLIND TRUST is a new release and can be purchased wherever Christian books are sold. Purchase Links:

Review of WINDSWEPT WAY by Irene Hannon

On April 5, 2023 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book:

Windswept Way (Book 9 —Hope Harbor)
Revell, ©2023, ISBN 978-0800741914

Buying a haunted house was never in Ashley Scott’s plans, but when an intriguing opportunity drops into her lap after a major life setback, she finds herself trekking cross-country to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast to launch a new life. Wounded warrior Jonathan Gray isn’t sure what to make of the attractive woman on his reclusive older neighbor’s isolated property, but her presence is none of his business—until she enlists his help with an ambitious project. When Jonathan finds his interest in the new arrival becoming more personal than professional, however, his defenses go up. There’s no room in his life—or his heart—for romance. Yet as these two hurting souls join forces to restore life, laughter, and love to a historic estate, might they also find healing, hope, and happiness themselves?

My thoughts:

Ashley, Rose and Jonathan are three people going though life in survival mode, all of them injured by their pasts and each of them struggling in different ways to forge a new and hopeful future for themselves. When they meet in Hope Harbor, their lives are irrevocably changed and leave a lesson behind for each reader. The characters were lovable as well as relatable. I especially liked the elderly Rose, a recluse who needs encouragement to come out of her shell. The plot is original and thought-provoking, dealing with love and loss as well as with acceptance of one’s injuries and the ability to move past them. The story captured my heart and mind as I was enraptured by the developing romance between two injured souls who hardly dared to hope for a future. All of my favorite characters from previous books in the series made an appearance, and I was especially glad to see Charlie and his taco truck dispensing his wisdom in a timely manner as always. And the seagulls were there, too, playing on the beach near the historic estate that Ashley and Rose are renovating as an event venue. I loved everything about this book, from beginning to end, but nothing more than the tale of being storm tossed but not destroyed. With a well-crafted story and a good pace, this is a book to savor the fruits of its lessons and to share with others, whether it be in a book group or with friends.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A clean read with lots of good feelings and plenty of emotion!

About the Author:

**Irene Hannon** is a bestselling, award-winning author who took the publishing world by storm at the tender age of 10 with a sparkling piece of fiction that received national attention.
Okay…maybe that’s a slight exaggeration. But she *was* one of the honorees in a complete-the-story contest conducted by a national children’s magazine. And she likes to think of that as her “official” fiction-writing debut!
Since then, she has written more than 60 romantic suspense and contemporary romance novels. She is a seven-time finalist for and three-time winner of the RITA award—the “Oscar” of romance fiction—and a member of the Romance Writers of America elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Her many other awards include Daphne du Maurier, Carol, HOLT Medallion, National Readers’ Choice, Retailers Choice, Booksellers’ Best, and Reviewers’ Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Irene, who holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in journalism, juggled two careers for many years until she gave up her executive corporate communications position with a Fortune 500 company to write full time. She is happy to say she has no regrets!
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening and singing. A trained vocalist, she has sung the leading role in numerous musicals, including “South Pacific,” “Brigadoon,” “Oklahoma” “The King and I” and “Anything Goes.” She is also a soloist at her church.
When not otherwise occupied, Irene and her husband enjoy traveling, Saturday mornings at their favorite coffee shop and spending time with family. They make their home in Missouri. Information is from the author’s website at http://www.irenehannon.com

Available Now! Purchase Links:

Review of SECOND TIME AROUND by Melody Carlson

On March 8, 2023 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

What a lovely story with all of the good feelings that come with happily ever afters! Mallory Farrell decides to upend her comfortable life when she inherits her grandmother’s tourist shop in a small town in Oregon. She decides to renovate the shop and the apartment above it, open the shop to feature her home design and move to the quaint little town. Once there, she meets mega-rich and super handsome Grayson Matthews, a widower who is not convinced that her business will succeed but he is willing to watch her try. The relationship between these two is puzzling at first as neither of them seemed to have the time to build a relationship together. I loved the interactions between the main characters and the plot that was woven so well around the themes of building and designs. The inspirational themes of redemption and hope were well interwoven into the plot and seemed a natural part of the storyline. With a quick pace, lots of humor, plenty of drama and characters that popped off the page, this is a book that is light-hearted with a deep underlying message that resonated with me. I especially loved the design tips from Mallory and her repartee with Grayson’s assistant Corinna. We could all learn from Mallory’s patience and resilience and her positive attitude in spite of one obstacle after another!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

**Melody Carlson** has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/ (Bio from author’s page at Amazon)

New release on March 7, 2023! Purchase Links:

https://amzn.to/41LGsn9 (Amazon)

http://bit.ly/3YlpGZ3 (Christian Book)

http://bit.ly/3mrQzgH (Powells)

http://bit.ly/3ZIgoaB (Target)

http://bit.ly/41QSI5K (Baker Book House)

http://bit.ly/3yhTMlQ (Barnes and Noble)

http://bit.ly/3ZN6c0J (Walmart)

https://amzn.to/3KZciXq (Audible)

***Many thanks to Revell for including me in their Blogger Program and giving me early access to great books!***

Review of UNDER FIRE by Lynn H. Blackburn

On March 7, 2023 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

The story of Zane Fletcher and Tessa Reed is one that had to be told. Their attraction to each other in previous books in the series was apparent but they had decided just to remain friends. Their decision is brought into question in this final book in the series in which Tessa is the lead agent in charge of protecting the President when he plans a trip to Raleigh. The President’s plans bring Zane back to Raleigh in order to liaison with Tessa. The chemistry between these two alternated between humorous and deadly serious as Tessa’s life is endangered because of events from her past. The characters are realistic, presenting a fascinating character study that pulled me into the story quickly. The plot is well-crafted with multiple layers involving the keeping the President safe, the President’s old friendships and reason for his visit and Tessa’s past that she thought was buried but has come to haunt her. The twists are clever and satisfyingly complex, creating a plot that is tightly woven and constantly crackling with tension between Zane and Tessa. With a fast pace and witty dialogue, this book kept me engaged with its intricate plot threads that were brilliantly woven together into one action-packed book. This is an addictive suspense that includes a developing romance that sparkles with laugh-out-loud banter between the two protagonists. Filled with warmth, humor and the creative complications that add to the pleasure of reading, this book is one not to be missed by fans of action-packed romantic suspense. Although it is part of the Defend and Protect series, this book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of her launch team. I also received an e-copy of the book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required by either entity to publish a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

An intense-filled suspense rated G for all audiences

**Lynn H. Blackburn** believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. Her Dive Team Investigations series includes Beneath the Surface and In Too Deep (a Fall 2018 Okra Pick and 2019 Selah finalist). The conclusion to the series, One Final Breath, releases in September 2019. She is also the author of Hidden Legacy and Covert Justice which won the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery and Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel. (From author’s website at www.lynnhblackburn.com

New release on March 7, 2023! Purchase Links:

https://amzn.to/3w4tOkz (AMZ)

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/465108 (Baker)

http://bit.ly/3WkFsTe (Barnes and Noble)

http://bit.ly/3IPJD6f (Books-a-Million)

Christianbook.com (Christian Book)

I have the privilege of being part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was also chosen to be part of the advanced review team for the author. Reading and reviewing this fantastic conclusion to an awesome series has been a double pleasure!

Review of COLD LIGHT OF DAY by Elizabeth Goddard

On February 4, 2023February 16, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review10 Comments

About the Book:

Publisher: Revell
Language: English
Publication Date: 02/07/2023
Pages: 336
ISBN-10: 0800742044
ISBN-13: 9780800742041
SKU: 9780800742041

Synopsis:

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are–to disappear–when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he’s not sure even Autumn could save him.

As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.

About the Author:

**Elizabeth Goddard** is the *USA Today* bestselling and award-winning author of more than 50 novels, including *Cold Light of Day* and the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Carol Award and Reader’s Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at http://www.elizabethgoddard.com. Photo and Bio from author’s page at Baker-Elizabeth Goddard

My Review:

This is a race for survival for Sheriff Autumn Long. Not only does she have to survive those who want to take her job away, but she also has to find the killer who is stalking and killing multiple people in her little Alaskan town. She enlists the assistance of newcomer Grier Brenner who has his own secrets that he is hiding and who may have brought danger with him. The plot is propulsive and unique, with authentic details about the setting and intricate plot threads woven seamlessly into an action-packed story. There is a lot of spiritual truth built into the story with Grier and Autumn both exploring what they believe and how to keep believing in the hard times. The secondary characters were a dynamic addition to the story and I enjoyed getting to know the people in the town, especially the mayor who just couldn’t bring herself to fire Autumn without putting up her own struggle against it. This is an edgy page-turner that taught me a lot about Alaska during the intriguing and fast-moving plot. Crackling with tension between Autumn and her deputy Craig as well as with Grier, this book presented multiple layers that captured me from the prologue and just kept reeling me in. With characters that are relatable and realistic and a plot that is cleaver and totally satisfying, there was nothing I did not enjoy about this book and I am already looking forward to the next book in the Missing in Alaska series.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary hard copy from the author as part of her launch team as well as an e-copy from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Rated G for all audiences who enjoy good clean Christian romantic suspense

Excerpt provided by Revell Books:

Cold Light of Day Excerpt

Releases on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, so you still have time to preorder and get freebies from Revell. Follow this link for all of the details: http://www.missinginalaskaseries.com

Purchase Links:

http://bit.ly/3YszkdM (Baker Book House)

http://bit.ly/3V8x606 (Christian Book)

https://amzn.to/3YxFCZJ (Amazon)

http://bit.ly/3YtMpDy (Book Shop)

http://bit.ly/3jco7h6 (Google Play Store)

http://bit.ly/3jeMpqI (Powells)

http://bit.ly/3V8ydwO (BN)

http://bit.ly/3j3AlZn (Target)

https://apple.co/3BLbGzl (Apple Books)

https://adbl.co/3WrctgI (Audible)

With much appreciation to Revell Books for the e-copy of the book to read and review and to the author for sending me a hard copy as part of her launch team!

I’m glad that you are still with me because I want to share a copy of this book with one blessed person from the U.S. I purchased an extra copy just for this giveaway. All you have to do to be entered to win is to tell me why you want to read this book in the comments. That’s it! I will randomly choose a winner next week.

Thank you to all who commented for the contest of a copy of this amazing book. The winner is ALISHA COLLINS. I have contacted her by DM and sent her book. Congratulations to Alisha!

Review of EVERYTHING IS JUST BEGINNING by Erin Bartels

On January 22, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review3 Comments

About the Book:

Product Details
Publisher: Revell
Language: English
Publication Date: 01/17/2023
Pages: 352
ISBN-10: 080074165X
ISBN-13: 9780800741655
SKU: 9780800741655

Synopsis:

On the night of December 31, 1989–as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is inching toward democracy, and anything seems possible–a down-on-his luck musician crashes a party and crosses paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

My Review and Rating:

This book is amazing! The prose is like lyrical poetry and the song lyrics come alive and make the story so touchingly realistic. The entire plot just flowed from the page into my heart. The story of Michael Sullivan, a lyricist who has been kicked out of his band, and Natalie Wheeler, a blind musician who is extraordinarily gifted, is one that should be read and appreciated by all who need a story to make them think and feel good about life. It is the story of daring to reach out for a better future and of forgiving those who have held you back in your past so that you can achieve your dreams. I loved getting to know each of the characters, even the seemingly unredeemable Uncle Mike who drinks and gambles to forget his tragic past. I found myself wanting Michael to forgive his father Steve completely and find a new relationship with him. I was totally invested in the stories of the characters because they became like real people to me. The plot was moderately paced, not too fast which I think would ruin it and not too slow which would make it drag. It was perfectly paced for the story that was being told, the story of young love, exploration into new beginnings and support from those who had forged a path in the past. I think my very favorite character was Deb Wheeler, a talented musician who gave up her promising career for personal reasons. She elicited sympathy from me but also a great deal of respect because of her compassion and wisdom that she showed to all whose lives she touched. This is one of the most beautifully written tales I have ever read and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It’s refreshingly original and totally engaging.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Five plus stars for this clean Christian read.

About the Author:

**ERIN BARTELS** is the award-winning author of *We Hope for Better Things*, *The Words between Us*, *All That We Carried*, *The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water*, and *Everything Is Just Beginning*. She lives in the capital city of a state that is 40% water, nestled somewhere between angry protesters on the Capitol lawn and couch-burning frat boys at Michigan State University. And yet, she claims it is really quite peaceful.
Find her on Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor and on Instagram @erinbartelswrites. Information and photo are from the author’s website at http://erinbartels.com

Available NOW! Purchase Links:

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/465077

Review of CRITICAL THREAT by Lynette Eason

On January 6, 2023January 5, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review3 Comments

About the Book:

Author: Lynette Eason
Series: Extreme Measures, Book 3
Genre: Revell
Publisher: Revell
Publication Year: January 3 2023
ASIN: B0B6Q42PHH
ISBN: 0800737342

Working with the son of a serial killer? That’s a first.

FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers, using her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to get dangerous people off the street and safely behind bars. But prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a killer is incarcerated doesn’t mean they’re not a threat. His own father, Peter, is a serial killer—in prison but certainly not out of Sam’s life, as much as he wishes he was.

When bodies start showing up with Peter’s MO, Sam and Grace are both called in to consult. They’ve met before, and though Grace thought they’d made a real connection, Sam ghosted her. They’ll have to get past the awkwardness and mistrust to solve this case—especially because it’s about to get personal.

My thoughts about CRITICAL THREAT:

The story of Grace Billingsley and Sam Monroe is one that is a fascinating character study as well as a fast-paced suspense thriller. The clever way the author builds the story, with layers and unexpected twists, is absolutely brilliant and addictive. I enjoyed getting to know the characters who were the FBI agents and was intrigued by the personality of the villains. Sam’s father, an inmate in prison and a serial killer, was a complicated character who added to the terror that unraveled in the plot. The plot was tight, with misdirection in just the right places and a satisfying mixture of romance building just as the suspense ramped up. I also enjoyed the signature humor of the author, like the dinner date that seemed to always get interrupted. This is a compelling book to read with edge-of-your-seat action and uniquely complicated relationships that are explained well and thoroughly. The suspense gets intense at times, but that must made the story more enjoyable for me. With well-developed ideas and clues throughout the novel, this book kept me guessing and absorbed. I did not like all of the characters but all of them were fleshed out and made me see them for who they were created to be. I enjoyed the resilience of Grace and her reliance on her faith and her colleagues. And I enjoyed seeing Sam develop into a man who deserved her trust. Unpredictable and heart-pounding suspense make this book the perfect addition to the series! It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series and getting to know all of the characters who are friends and who support each other in their quest for justice.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley and from the author as part of her launch team. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A clean read but I would rate it PG-13 because of content concerning a serial killer.

Purchase Links:

https://amzn.to/3Ycpg8x (Amazon)

http://bit.ly/3VNgtrT (Powells)

http://bit.ly/3Fkjl8L (Google Play)

http://bit.ly/3FG1bjh (Baker Book House)

http://bit.ly/3HwbCXV (Barnes and Noble)

http://bit.ly/3iVKvLJ (Christian Book)

http://bit.ly/3Yh0rIq (Bookshop)

**Lynette Eason** is the best selling, award winning author of almost forty books including the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, the Hidden Identity Series and the Elite Guardians series. She writes for Revell and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. She has won several awards including the 2013, 2016 and 2017 Carol Award in the Romantic Suspense category. She’s also the recipient of the Christian Retailing’s Best 2017 Award. She placed in the top ten (out of thousands of entries) in the James Patterson 2016 co-writer contest. Her Stolen Past was recently made into a Lifetime Movie Network movie and will air February 2nd, 2018. Lynette teaches at writing conferences all over the country. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of RWA as well as the Kiss of Death (KOD) chapter. Lynette can be found online at http://www.lynetteeason.com and http://www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter

Many thanks to Lynette Eason for allowing me to be on her launch team and to the Revell Reads Blogger Program for providing an e-copy of the book for me to read and review. Once again, Lynette has outdone herself with plot, characters and suspense and Revell has published a sure bestseller!

Review of HER HEART’S DESIRE by Shelley Shepard Gray

On January 3, 2023 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

**Product Details**
Publisher: Revell
Language: English
Publication Date: 01/03/2023
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0800741676
ISBN-13: 9780800741679
SKU: 9780800741679

Synopsis: A wallflower in her Amish community, Mary Margaret hopes a trip will offer her a chance to come out of her shell. When a chance meeting brings new friends and a gentle young man into her life, she imagines a whole new life in Florida. But will it all disappear once vacation ends?

My thoughts about the book:

This is a quick and sweet romance with the Amish characters visiting a beach in Pinecraft, Florida. I was surprised by the setting and the boldness of the main character to leave her protected Amish community and travel by bus to Florida, but the surprise added to the story as Mary Margaret was joined by other like-minded Amish young women seeking respite from their lives and the troubles that they faced there. Mary finds her true desires in Florida and even has to face forgiving a former enemy who unexpectedly shows up there. I loved the themes of relationships, honesty and forgiveness. I especially enjoyed seeing how all of the conflict worked itself out in just the right way for the lovable characters. I was invested in the story and wanted everyone to get a happy ending, but the ending was not without some real twists along the way. My favorite characters were Jayson who is a responsible young man who feels the weight of taking care of his diabetic sister Joy and Michael, a young orphan who works hard to escape from his cruel aunt and uncle who make him feel worthless. My sympathy lay with these two young men who were courageous and determined as well as dedicated to doing the right thing regardless of the cost to themselves. This is a quick read that can easily be read in a few hours and thoroughly enjoyed!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogger Program via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”