Review of SUNDOWN by Susan May Warren

On November 12, 2022 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

About the Book:

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn’t trust Tae, the woman who is caring for his ailing father at Sky King Ranch. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, he can tell there is a troubled–and smart–woman.

A few of her stories prove true–he’s found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her story of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

But Colt’s not about to let her go it alone. And when they discover that her secrets include the antidote to a plague that threatens the world, it’ll take all three Kingston brothers to save the country they’ve vowed to protect.

Susan May Warren brings her Sky King Ranch series to a climactic close with this high-stakes race against the clock.

Details:

Author: Susan May Warren
Series: Sky King Ranch, Book 3
Genres: Contemporary Romantic Adventure, Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Tag: Epic Romantic Adventure
Publisher: Revell
Publication Year: 2022
ASIN: 0800739841
ISBN: 9780800739843

My review:

Oh, my! This book and this series had me captivated from beginning to end. I must admit that I missed the first book in the series, but I have since purchased it and plan to definitely go back and read Dodge’s story. This third book in the series wraps everything up well as it tells the story of Colt Kingston, a man who has yet to feel worthy or accepted in his life. He is still carrying the guilt of being with his mom when she died and blames himself for her death. Enter on the scene a young woman named Tae, a brilliant scientist working on a vaccine against a bio-weapon that is as deadly as it is useful to enemies. The danger that Tae is in is presented so realistically that I thought I was watching a movie in my mind. The action was fast paced and non-stop, changing settings from ice in Alaska to the sunshine state of Florida, with the bad guys always right there. Colt has tasked himself with keeping Tae safe and that is no small chore since he has to almost sacrifice himself to secure her and her vaccine. I enjoyed the way the story unraveled, with lots of layers and plenty of brilliantly written dialogue. The relationship between the brothers is a central theme since they need to find out each other’s strengths and weaknesses in order to work well together. I enjoyed reading about the themes of forgiveness, acceptance, self-discovery and coming to a feeling of self-worth. This is a story that made me tear up a few times, gasp others and even chuckle sometimes. This book had everything that clean romantic suspense should have and the addition of high intensity action that made it a compelling read. This book can be read as a standalone, but my recommendation is to read the series of the Sky King Ranch and the heroes who call it home.
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.”

This book has some really intense scenes in it. It is a clean read but it is also scary at times, so I would rate it a PG-13.

**Susan May Warren** is the *USA Today* bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.
A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.
She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Links to purchase SUNDOWN:

Review of HONOR’S REFUGE by Hallee Bridgeman

On November 3, 2022November 3, 2022 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

I have honestly never read a book that kept me as engaged as this one did. Melissa Braxton, the heroine of the story, has turned her life around after her abusive father killed her mother. Now, she works with a friend to house those who are fleeing from abuse. Phil Osbourne, an intrepid and skilled member of the Alpha team is trying to discover where he fits in since his leg was amputated during a field operation. Melissa falls in love with Phil, but he keeps rebuffing her feelings because he doesn’t feel that he can take care of her since he is not a whole man. The plot is so fast-paced that it kept me reading and mesmerized by the sub-plots of Melissa looking for her sister who went to a different foster home and Phil’s relationship with his brother Winston, a D.A. in Miami. The closeness and support of family is an important theme in this clean read, as is the sense of finding your own identity and self-worth. I enjoyed how Melissa and Phil supported each other and the way their relationship developed in spite of Phil’s best efforts to distance himself. There were several real gut-wrenching tragedies in the plot that had me crying, but they just made the entire story more realistic and compelling. The drug lords who are the enemies are like Satan himself on steroids, destroying everything in their path and not caring about the lives of women or children. I especially enjoyed the almost cameo-like visit from “Pot Pie,” a member of Phil’s former army team and the humor he lent to a very serious storyline. I could have kept reading this book for hundred of more pages and never gotten bored because I was totally invested in the stories of the credible characters and the challenges that they faced. In fact, I was sad to see the story end but happy that there is another book in the series coming. This book is part of a series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone although I would recommend savoring each book and the characters that are presented. There are possible triggers in the novel, most importantly the abuse and violent drug kingpins. But the topics are treated sensitively and there are no graphic details. This is my favorite of the series because Phil is one of the characters from the series who planted himself firmly in my heart and his being the focus of this book was a bonus for me. This is a must read book for those who enjoy romantic suspense with a military flair and realistic details!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley. I also received a complimentary copy recently from the author and cherish having a hard copy to treasure. Nevertheless, all opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This is a clean Christian read with some intense moments, so a definite PG. Also includes triggers: abuse, violence, murder. No graphic descriptions but these are part of the story.

With nearly a million book sales, *USA TODAY* bestselling and award-winning **author Hallee Bridgeman** writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real-world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy.
An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee and her husband finally settled with their three children in central Kentucky so they could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons. When she’s not penning novels, you will find her in the kitchen, which she considers the ‘heart of the home’. Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food “Parody” cookbook series. In addition to nutritious, Biblically grounded recipes, readers will find that each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture.
Hallee has served as the Director of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, President of the Faith-Hope-Love chapter of the Romance Writers of America, Secretary and Assistant Programming Chair of Novelists, Inc. (NINC), is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and the American Christian Writers (ACW). An accomplished speaker, Hallee has taught and inspired writers around the globe, from Sydney, Australia, to Dallas, Texas, to Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., and all places in between.
Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. She prays her work here on earth is a blessing to you and would love to hear from you. You can reach Hallee at hallee@halleebridgeman.com

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Review of BODY OF EVIDENCE by Irene Hannon

On October 10, 2022 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

The final book in the Triple Threat Series by Irene Hannon was well worth the wait! This is a stunning conclusion to the series that kept me glued to my seat as I devoured the book and all of its twists. Dr. Grace Reilly is a forensic pathologist while Nate Cox is the sheriff of the little town in Missouri where they live. Grace is convinced that the deaths of several elderly patients is not natural and decides to investigate, even convincing Nate to join in her quest for the truth. She is a stalwart defender of justice and knows something is killing off the elderly, if she can just figure out how. The characters are credible and the action is fast paced and riveting. Even the secondary characters play a major role in solving the mystery, especially investment agent Dave Mullins who is a very likable if gullible character. All of the roles of the characters flow together seamlessly and it was impossible for me to guess the culprit until the very end. That made this novel a very satisfying suspense since I was not able to predict the ending too soon. The romance is inevitable but so lovely, with Nate and Grace gradually giving in to their attraction for each other. I enjoyed the repartee between Grace and her sisters, Eve and Cait and the teasing they all do together. In fact, there was nothing that I did not enjoy about this spine-tingling romantic suspense and look forward to the next suspense series from Hannon. She is an absolute master at creating at atmosphere of building suspense and making the story believable and dramatic at the same time. Fans of clean romantic suspense will want to grab this book right away and will enjoy the multiple layers of deception hidden within its pages that lead to so many red herrings. A perfect book for fans of this genre!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell 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.”

With intense action and a dangerous stalker, I would rate this book PG-13. It is clean Christian fiction.

Image and the Bio below are from the author’s website at http://www.irenehannon.com

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.

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Review of ANYTHING BUT PLAIN by Suzanne Woods Fisher

On October 8, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

Lydie Stoltzfus is an Amish girl with a big heart and a problem concentrating and finishing her tasks. She has been fired from one job after another and has a talent for rushing and still arriving late. When her aunt, the town’s physician, needs a temporary receptionist, she hires Lydie and notices that she has ADHD. Dok and Lydie’s grandmother work together to help Lydie accept her shortcomings and to overcome her attention deficit. The story is centered around Lydie, but it is also the story of Nathan and Mick Yoder, two brothers who are competing for control of the family farm. Nathan wants everything to be organically grown while Mick wants to use chemicals to beat the pests and have a higher yield. I learned a lot about good farming methods and especially enjoyed Nathan’s love for his crops and the tender care he took of his plants. The story was one of redemption and self-acceptance, of family, friendship and of using the talents God has given us. There are so many lessons to learn in this book and so much truth within its pages. I had never heard of to “walk the beans” but that phrase has become a new mantra for me to insert into my busy life. The fast pace tale is fascinating and well-researched, including training oneself to overcome ADHD and to grow things in a healthy way. I appreciate all of the tips given throughout the story. The characters wiggled their way into my heart as I felt empathy for Lydie and even for her meddlesome grandmother. All of the characters are just like us, looking for a place to belong and love once we get there. I totally enjoyed the story of Lydie and her father, a bishop who has a lot of wisdom and plenty of experience. I was enamored with Lydie’s “doodles” which were cartoons she drew depicting Amish life. They lent humor and even more realism to the story. This is a book not to be missed by those who enjoy Amish tales and particularly those who want truth in the story and lessons to be applied to life while being engaged in reading.
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.”

*Rated G for all readers who can read on this level*

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

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Review of WORD OF HONOR by Hallee Bridgeman

On October 7, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

This book tugged at my heart immediately because from the first scene Lynda is in danger although she doesn’t really know it. She is an FBI agent in Alaska and she and her partner Jack Haynes are taken hostage by a radical environmental group that has been suspected of destroying pipelines. Throughout the book, Lynda goes from one dangerous situation to another and along the way encounters her former boyfriend from college, Bill. Bill left college suddenly and broke Lynda’s heart. Now he is part of an Alpha team with whom she is working in order to track down forces working internationally to set off bombs and destroy more oil pipelines. Lynda is an analyst while Bill is a warrior as well as an intuitive interrogator. Together, they make an formidable team, but their attraction to each other is undeniable. I enjoyed the chemistry between these two who had difficulty facing the past and looking forward to a new future together. The dialogue between the two was witty, especially Bill’s southern colloquialisms that had me laughing aloud at times. The action was tense as the two of them immersed themselves in the case, dedicated to the task at hand regardless of the threat to their lives. There were a lot of unexpected twists in the book which I thoroughly enjoyed since I did not see them coming. I liked the fast pace and the genuine emotion that was displayed both on and off the job. This is a dynamic page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat, with my pulse racing and sparking the need in me to see the romance between the two protagonists actually work. Brilliantly written with credible characters and intriguing action, this is a book that was both entertaining as well as believable and captivating. Faith plays an active part in Lynda and Bill’s lives and their heartfelt prayers together and separately were profoundly insightful into revealing more about their characters. The research was remarkable and led to a very satisfying and compelling suspense-filled book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell 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.”

Intense action with some really intense scenes, especially at the beginning. Rated PG-13

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This series is one of the most amazing military romantic suspense series that I have ever read and I cannot recommend it highly enough! Check out the entire series, all releasing this fall. HONOR BOUND and WORD OF HONOR are out now and HONOR’S REFUGE releases in November.

There is also a prequel available for free on the author’s website. Just sign up for her newsletter and get the novella LOVE IN ANY LANGUAGE. http://www.halleebridgeman.com/books

Many thanks to Revell Reads Blogger Program for introducing me to this amazingly talented author!

Review of HONOR BOUND by Hallee Bridgeman

On September 12, 2022September 8, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review, Uncategorized1 Comment

This is high-octane romantic suspense centered around an obstetrician, Dr. Cynthia Myers, and the head of a special forces team, Captain Rick Norton. Cynthia is in Africa doing medical missions when a warlord threatens her and the entire village where she is practicing. One of Captain Norton’s missions is to safeguard Cynthia, so he does, killing various enemies in the process. Cynthia, a pacifist by nature, is torn up by the violence and does not understand why Rick has to kill people as part of his job. The action in this book is absolutely non-stop. I was a little put off by the three or so pages of military jargon in a glossary at the beginning of the book, but I did find referring to those acronyms useful more than once. This is a dynamic and riveting page turner, with a fast pace that never let up. Rick is coming to grips with his career, his failure to safeguard all of his men, and his growing feelings for Cynthia while Cynthia is in denial about her feelings for Rick and determined to forge a future without him. The story of their romance is a roller coaster ride of emotions. There is a great deal of depth to the story as the two separately explore their feelings and their faith in God. The plot was well-crafted and multi-layered with insightful looks into the lives of those in the spotlight and the warriors tasked to protect them. The character studies are fascinating and cleverly written to move the story along. With a unique perspective of military life and sacrifice, this book was enjoyable entertainment and a delightful story at the same time. I sincerely look forward to the next book in this series by the author.
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. 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.”

Intense action but a clean Christian read

Hallee Bridgeman is the award winning and USA TODAY bestselling author of several action-packed romantic suspense books and series. An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee settled with her husband in central Kentucky, where they have raised their three children. When she’s not writing, Hallee pursues her passion for cooking, coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. ***Author photo and bio on website on Amazon at*** Amazon/Hallee Bridgeman

This is a new release for September! Purchase Links:

Review of A QUILT FOR CHRISTMAS by Melody Carlson

On September 10, 2022 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

This is such a heartwarming, toasty feel-good book that I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys family stories, even if the family is not the traditional one. Vera Swanson moves to a new town to be near family, but her family moves away for a new job opportunity. When she befriends a young neighbor named Fiona, Vera’s eyes become open to the possibilities of new friends and a substitute family. The pace is perfect for a Christmas novella, moving along at a good clip and resolving all of the conflicts along the way. The characters were realistic and relatable, even curmudgeonly Eleanor who seems to have no heart for the holidays or anything else. There was even romance included between a young couple that was fun to get to know. I enjoyed the entire story and especially enjoyed how the group came together to help each other and a struggling family. The themes are having hope and reaching out to others to meet their needs. Faith is a theme here but it does not overwhelm the story. A lovely, sweet tale that deserves to be read any time of the 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. 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.”

Clean Christian Read, rated G for all audiences

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/ **Author’s photo from her website and bio from her page on Amazon** Amazon/MelodyCarlson

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Review of THE EXTRAORDINARY DEATHS OF MRS. KIP by Sara Brunsvold

On July 11, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review8 Comments

Oh, my! My eyes are still leaking tears as I ponder what to write in a review that would do this incomparable book justice. It is the story of an elderly woman who goes to hospice and the reporter assigned to write her obituary and eventually her story. Mrs. Kip is just the person I aspire to be, pouring out her life selflessly for the sake of others in need, including the young cub reporter Aidyn Kelley. The assignment meant to be a consequence for Ms. Kelley turns out to be the biggest blessing of her life as she discovers what it means to walk a life of faith, no matter the cost. Some of the story is based on facts about the Laotian refugees who settled in Kansas City and the volunteers who offered them hope in a new world. Mrs. Kip’s story of her exploits with the refugees was nothing short of breathtaking and awe-inspiring. In fact, her entire story is one that makes me want to know this fictional character in real life, and if I can’t know her, I want to be just like her. Her battles on earth were not just against the death encroaching on her now, but they were always waiting for her to surrender to the despair and hopelessness that she should have felt in the presence of insurmountable circumstances. I cannot write too much about the plot without giving away spoilers and it is my desire that everyone who reads this review get a copy of the book and savor it as I have. It is a book to read with others, discuss with book groups and to carry in one’s heart as a testimony to what can be accomplished by one person who stands in the gap. If you only read one book besides your Bible this year, let it be this one. This is inspirational fiction at its very best and deserves much more than the five stars that I can give it. It is without any doubt the best contemporary Christian fiction book that I have ever read!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell 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.”

Sara Brunsvold creates stories that speak hope, truth, and life. Influenced by humble women of God who find His fingerprints in the everyday, she does the same in her life and her storytelling. Sara’s recognitions include the 2020 ACFW Genesis Award for Contemporary Fiction. She lives with her family in Kansas City, where she can often be spotted writing at a park or library.

Awards
ACFW Genesis Contest Winner, Contemporary Category, 2020
ACFW Genesis Contest Semi-Finalist, Contemporary Category, 2018
Mattie Dykes Creative Writing Award – Fiction, 2000 **PHOTO and BIO from the author’s website at** http://www.sarabrunsvold.com

This amazing book by a debut author is available now. Purchase Links:

Review of AMONG THE INNOCENT by Mary Alford

On July 6, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review2 Comments

This is Amish fiction combined with contemporary mystery. Leah Miller is a deputy sheriff in the small town in Montana where she grew up and where her family was murdered. She feels responsible for their deaths because the young English man she was secretly seeing at the time is the one who killed them and wounded her. As a deputy, she wants to find the man who disappeared a decade ago. The new chief of police, Dalton Cooper, also wants to find the suspect, but mostly because young Amish girls are currently being murdered in like manner to Leah’s family. Sure that the cases are connected, Dalton joins forces with Leah to track down the killer before he kills again or goes after Leah. The action is fast-paced and riveting with some red herrings thrown into the mix to keep things interesting. The characters are realistic and portray their humanity in several ways, the most endearing being that they end up falling in love with each other. I enjoyed that Leah’s foster mother Marge is involved in the center of the mystery and has a secret herself that is revealed slowly and methodically. There were some parts of the book that were predictable, most notably when young Amish girls had clandestine meetings with strangers. But the predictability did not detract from the entertainment value of the book. I enjoyed the setting out west, a place that I had never associated with the Amish before and I liked the research that went into including tribal law enforcement in the quest of justice. All in all, this is a solidly entertaining and engaging book and I recommend it for those who enjoy clean romantic suspense with more than a little mystery included.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

A *definite PG-13 or higher because of the violence depicted. It is not graphic but it is present. There is also a trigger concerning mental illness.*

Mary Alford is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels. Her books have been finalists in the Selah Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and the HOLT Medallion Contest. As a writer, Mary is an avid reader. She loves to cook and can’t face the day with-out coffee. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two very spoiled cats and one adorable rescue dog. Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook and Twitter or any social platforms listed at http://www.maryalford.net.
**BIO and Photo are from the author’s website on Amazon**

This edgy Christian mystery is available now. Purchase Links:

Review of CRITICAL ALLIANCE by Elizabeth Goddard

On July 4, 2022 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

This is a well-researched book that delves into the dark world of cybercriminals and also informed me of how much harm a cyber attack can actually do. Part of the Rocky Mountain Courage series, this one knocked it out of the park with suspense from the very beginning until the end. I liked the picturesque setting in Montana and all of the ways that the setting was used so well for the non-stop action. I particularly enjoyed the low-key romance developing between Alex and Mackenzie. They were so busy concentrating on finding and stopping the cyber attack that they barely had time to acknowledge each other’s feelings, but they were definitely attracted to each other. That is my kind of love story, simmering on the back burner until one day it catches on fire. The plot was complicated and very well told so that it was understandable in spite of the fact that it dealt with some really complex issues in the cyber world. I really enjoyed meeting the characters from the previous books in the series again as they were called in to help Alex safeguard Mackenzie and capture the criminal. I was not able to guess who the bad guy was, and I do love a book that keeps me guessing until the big reveal. Fans of romantic suspense, with the emphasis on suspense, will enjoy this final book in the trilogy and, like me, will look forward to the next book from this talented author.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and from Revell 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.”

Christian fiction with some intense action

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

Questions and Answers from the author:

1. This book deals with cyber-security as the villain and heroine are hackers. What led you in that direction?

I have a computer science degree and worked in the software industry for almost a decade before retiring to become a writer. Cybercrime is a huge issue since we are all connected to technology so I decided to dive into the topic, especially since I love to bring intrigue into my adventure stories, this one in Montana.

2. What was the most interesting (or most frightening) thing you learned while doing research for this book?

While conferring with a cyber security expert, I learned that almost anything I could imagine a hacker could do—they actually CAN do.

3. What was your favorite part of writing this book/series?

I loved writing about both my characters, Mackenzie and Alex. I especially enjoyed writing about Alex’s character and his background as a Diplomatic Security Services special agent

4. Did anything in the story end up surprising you or changing trajectory?

What a great question. This often happens in stories and that’s okay because if it surprises me, then it surprises my readers. If the trajectory changes, then that’s a great twist as well. On Critical Alliance, I’m not sure the trajectory was changed, but since I mostly write by the “seat-of-my-pants” everything was a surprise.

5. Do you base your characters (even loosely) on anyone you know?

I do not intentionally base a character on someone I know, but I think it’s impossible not to include bits of every person you’ve ever met when creating a brand-new character.

6. Do you have any “bits of trivia” or “behind the scenes tidbits” that you would like to share with my readers?

Yes! I introduce Detective Trevor West in Critical Alliance and he shows up as the main character in book 2 in my Missing in Alaska series—coming next year.

7. What’s coming next and when can we expect it?

Cold Light of Day is book 1 in my brand-spanking-new series, Missing in Alaska, and will release in February 2023. I’m so excited for you to get your hands on this first book.

Thank you for having me! Readers can stay in the knows by signing up for my newsletter at my website: elizabethgoddard.com