Review of THE CATCH by Lisa Harris

Crackling with tension, this suspense-filled book had me captivated from beginning to end. The final book in the U.S. Marshals series, this one tied everything together and was a satisfying conclusion to an intriguing set of books. In this latest book, deputy U.S. Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked to find a missing babysitter and her charge before notorious and ruthless criminals find her and kill her. Ava is definitely on the run and doesn’t know who she can trust. Her cleverness and ability to stay just out of reach of the criminals and the U.S. Marshals contributed to the fast pace and the non-stop action of the story. There were various sub-plots, most notably the fact that Madison is still searching for the person who killed her husband Luke and wants to close the book on that chapter of her life so that she can move forward. The romance is hovering over the surface, just enough to tease and to let the readers know that love is ready to come on the scene. With a complex plot and a compelling mystery within a mystery, this book was intense and absorbing. The characters were well-rounded and have demonstrated growth and change throughout the series. Nevertheless, this book can be read as a standalone with no difficulty since everything is explained well and all of the loose ends are tied up nicely in a very satisfying conclusion. In the genre of Christian Romantic Suspense, this book includes all that I want to read, with a little romance and a lot of suspense and a totally clean read. The suspense kept me reading. Let’s face it! Who doesn’t want a baby to be found safe and sound? The pleasures that reading this book gave me are innumerable; it was my “Calgon, take me away” book and I enjoyed every minute I spent within its pages. I was captured by the characters and felt as though they became my friends to whom I gave unsolicited advice, trying to help them not to get killed, of course. Fans of romantic suspense will not want to miss out on this conclusion to a fantastically mesmerizing series!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour. I also received a hard copy of the book from the author as part of her review team. Finally, I pre-ordered my own copy because I love this author’s books and collect them. With all that being said, 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.”

Totally clean Christian romantic suspense
Photo from the author’s website at http://www.lisaharriswrites.com

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I enjoy being a part of the REVELL READS BLOGGER PROGRAM because I have discovered many new-to-me authors and books that I can recommend to my blog readers and friends online.

Review of SEA GLASS COTTAGE by Irene Hannon

The eighth book in the Hope Harbor series was one that I awaited expectantly, knowing that it would be a good story with Biblically based lessons within its pages. I certainly was not disappointed! The story of Christi Reece, a young woman who lost the golden spoon she was born with, and Jack Colby had once been in love. But Christi made the choice to stay within her golden circle and Jack left her and all of the rejection behind. When the story opens, Jack is a police officer and an author who lives in Hope Harbor and Christi has suddenly appeared in town to ask him for a big favor. Of course, he is not inclined to do anything for her, but in a series of God-incidences, the two are thrown together and get acquainted with the new person each has become. This is a second chance at love story, teaching the lessons of forgiveness and hope as well as taking responsibility for bad choices. The town of Hope Harbor embraces Christi with all of her brokenness because she is also talented and enthusiastic about helping out the town. I really enjoyed the storyline, with the romances between two different couples, both dependent on forgiveness and moving on. There were parts of the story that were predictable, but enjoyable regardless because the characters were such real people, complete with flaws, sins and neediness. I enjoyed this trip to Hope Harbor and look forward to more. Each time I visit, I look forward to seeing the seagulls who seem to be predictors of who should be together and to hearing the wisdom from Charley, the taco truck guy who is also a talented artist. Charley has more wisdom than any one human should have, so it is obvious that he has a close walk with God as he dispenses advice and sets up chance encounters to benefit his taco customers. He is a lovable man, like the town’s grandfather who knows all and sees all. The entire book was uplifting and showed what can happen when we let go of our control over our circumstances and let God into our hearts. Good messages in a great book!
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, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Gorgeous cover for a book with a beautiful heart, inside and out!
Totally clean Christian fiction. Rated G.
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. (Bio from the author’s website at http://www.irenehannon.com)

This sweet romance is available now for your reading pleasure. Here are some purchase links for you:

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I’m delighted to participate in the Revell Reads Blogger Program. Their books provide hours of reading pleasure that is guilt free because there is nothing objectionable in them. I fully support publishers of Christian fiction!

Review of MALICIOUS INTENT by Lynn H. Blackburn

This book is a prime example of what romantic suspense should be! It started with a fast introduction to the conflict and the plot rolled along quickly all the way to the end. Dr. Ivy Collins in a vulnerable and sympathetic character who runs a successful business but whose life is in danger from some unknown threat. Enter Gil Dixon, a U.S. Secret Service Agent, and her first love when they were teens. Gil is investigating one case and gets pulled into the threat against Ivy. He is determined to protect Ivy at any cost, even his own life. I have read the first book in the series, but this book can be read as a standalone. I do think that getting to know the characters who were introduced in the first book, however, quickly engaged me in this new story as former characters played a role in this book as well. This book was intriguing and intense, with the danger ramping up just at the pace of the story quickened too. With bombs, guns, kidnapping attempts and computer hijacking, this story has everything that a suspense junkie like me craves and it definitely fulfilled my desire to read a book that had me engrossed from beginning to end. The plot was just complicated and twisted enough that I was not able to figure out the bad guy until Gil did and the characters were so realistic that I found myself giving them advice. For example, “Seriously, Ivy, don’t go in there. Just don’t!” I loved this book and would give it five plus stars just for its entertainment value. Fans of clean romantic suspense should run quickly to get a copy of this one because you will not want to miss it!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via the Revell Reads Blogger Program via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of 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 romantic suspense. Rated PG because of intensity of the action.
Photo and info from author’s website at http://www.lynnhblackburn.com

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I’m delighted to be a member of this team that promotes good, clean Christian fiction for all to enjoy.

Until next time, my dear readers. Keep reading, keep loving, keep believing!

Review of LOOKING FOR LEROY by Melody Carlson

The story of Brynna and Leroy is heart-touching and realistic. The two met at a camp when Brynna was in high school but haven’t been in touch for years, since Brynna married the man she calls Dirk the Jerk. Dirk left her for a younger woman and now Brynna is feeling like life has passed her by. When her friend from school Jan asks her to go on a summer camping adventure with her, Bryanna reluctantly agrees, so the two set off from Oregon together. Brynna shares with Jan about her long ago love named Leroy whose family owned a vineyard, so Jan makes it her mission to find Leroy and see that he and Brynna are reunited. I enjoyed all of the characters and especially liked the descriptions of California wine country. The author made the places come alive, especially Leroy’s vineyard with its lovely sunrises, sunsets and rolling hills with vineyards. My favorite character was Leroy’s daughter Sophie who loved and accepted people as they were, without expecting perfection. She was also quick to forgive and an example to her sisters Gina and Luna. I was impressed with the realistic way the relationship between Leroy and Brynna was rolled out, slowly and with a lot of obstacles in the way, just like in real life. The plot was well-paced, telling the story of a second chance at love for both the protagonists as well as for the Leroy’s family. Told with vivid details and a knowledge of vineyards and camping, this is a story that was a real pleasure to read and to recommend to others.
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.”

Rated G for all audiences. Lovely, Christian romance!
For all information about the author, go to her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com

Happy Release Day to Melody Carlson! You can purchase this delightful book online at any of these sites:

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I sincerely appreciate being part of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour! I have discovered so many new-to-me books and authors this way. This book was uplifting and has great themes of forgiveness, mercy and grace.

Review of UNTIL LEAVES FALL IN PARIS by Sarah Sundin

I absolutely devoured this book, with its vivid descriptions of war-torn Paris under the Nazi regime. The prose was written so well that I felt as though I became a part of the story, walking the streets of Paris and listening with bated breath for the arrival of Nazi soldiers. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Lucie and Paul, both Americans who joined the resistance in France in order to try to make a difference in the war effort. Putting their lives in danger repeatedly, they are dedicated to the cause and slowly learn to trust each other. Their love story is one for the ages, one that is unforgettable and poignantly bittersweet. I loved the story, the characters and the atmosphere that was so realistically portrayed. The author is a master at research and at pulling the reader into the story in such a way that I embraced the story and was sad to see it come to the end. I wanted to continue to follow the delightful and precocious Josie who wrote about Rock Monsters and a heroine named Feenee. Thus, the author sneaked in a story within a story, one from the viewpoint of a child that was insightful. Anyone who enjoyed historical fiction will want to get this book and add it to your collection of memorable stories to cherish and share.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Blogger Program via Netgalley. I also purchased my own copy of the book by pre-order since I love this author’s style and the lessons that I learn from her books. 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.”

The action is intense in Nazi-occupied Paris, but the story is clean and well worth reading for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Rated G.
Photo and information are from the author’s website at http://www.sarahsundin.com

This is a new release and can be purchased at any of the retailers listed below or at your favorite bookseller.

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I’m delighted to say that I was introduced to this amazing author via the Revell Reads Blogger Program and now I read all of her books and wait anxiously for the next one!

Buy this amazing book today and get lost in the story of Paul and Lucie and their love story for the ages!

Review of THE GIRL WHO COULD BREATHE UNDER WATER by Erin Bartels

I have read every book by this author and I think this is my favorite so far. It is a heart-touching story of friendship, forgiveness and redemption. It is also a journey of self-exploration for the protagonist, Kendra Brennan. Kendra has always dreamed of being an author, so when she publishes her first book, she is excited beyond belief. That excitement is brought to a screeching halt when she receives a letter at her apartment signed from “A Very Disappointed Reader.” So Kendra returns to her grandfather’s cabin on Hidden Lake, the place that she is sure the letter originated because she wants to confront the writer who stole her joy. In her stay there, she discovers hard truths about her friends Cami and Tyler and their parents. She also meets the translator for her new book, a German American named Andreas, a man with a good sense of humor and of himself. Finding out more about Cami and Tyler is central to the story and helps Kendra explore her own feelings and how they have shaped her writing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and all of its nuances, as the story meandered down the road of self-discovery and acceptance of the past. The plot was somewhat complicated and woven like a spider’s web, intricate and multi-layered. The characters fairly jumped off the page into my mind, drawing me to read more about their lives and their relationships together. The story is sad at times and uplifting at others, with an underlying theme that God can redeem even the worst circumstances and that He understands why we have become the people that we are today. I highly recommend this book for all who enjoy good Christian fiction with lessons to teach and relationships to discover. Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Revell Reads Blogger Tour 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.”

Rated PG-13 because of mature content
Photo and Bio are from the author’s website at https://erinbartels.com.
ERIN BARTELS is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, and The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water. Her short story “This Elegant Ruin” was a finalist in The Saturday Evening Post 2014 Great American Fiction Contest and her poetry has been published by The Lyric. 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.

Available Now where ever books are sold. Here are purchase links for your convenience:

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I cannot recommend this book highly enough! Buy it today and discover a new world of redemption, forgiveness and facing the future with hope!

I am blessed to be a part of this program that introduced me to Erin Bartels and many other wonderful Christian authors!

Review of CROSSHAIRS by Patricia Bradley

The themes in this Christian romantic suspense are some of my favorites, including trusting God after turning away from Him and letting go of the past in order to forge a better future. Ainsley is an investigative ranger and returns to her hometown of Natchez in order to work on the murder of a pregnant teen. No sooner does she arrive than her elderly aunt is attacked in her own home and the woman’s family diaries are missing. When Ainsley realizes that her life is in danger, she is helped by her former love interest, Lincoln Steele, a man who wants to keep her safe but is not sure of his own abilities. This is a well-written book with plenty of suspense and some simmering romance in the background. The sub-plots are Ainsley’s aunt and her missing diaries and the murdered teen. The main plot is the danger that Ainsley is facing daily from various killers who want her dead and will stop at nothing to make it happen. I enjoyed the various viewpoints presented, especially getting to read what the killer was thinking and doing during several intervals in the book. I liked getting that glimpse into the mind of the villain and trying to guess what his next step would be. I really liked the big surprise twist at the end that I did not see coming at all! The characters are well-developed and realistic and the plot was fast-paced and filled with danger and action. There were also a lot of descriptive details about the setting that made the book memorable. Although this is the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone and thoroughly enjoyed by anyone who likes brilliantly written suspense and propulsive mysteries.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. 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 romantic suspense
For information about the author and her other books, please visit her website at http://www.ptbradley.com

This engrossing book is available now wherever books are sold. Here are some purchase links for you:

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Thrilled to have such great Christian fiction to read!

Set aside some leisure time to read this engrossing romantic suspense from a master of the genre!

Review of LIGHTS OUT by Natalie Walters

This is a compelling book dealing with international intrigue and it has a fast-paced plot. The characters are believable and some are even lovable, in spite of this being a romantic suspense/spy thriller. The synopsis is that Brynn Taylor developed a computer program to combat terrorism and is responsible for inviting spies from foreign countries to come to the U.S. in order to form cooperation between the nations. Unfortunately, things don’t work out as planned because one of the spies, an Egyptian named Remon Riad, suddenly disappears. The SNAP agency, with Jack Hudson in charge of the team, is tasked with finding the missing spy and securing the U.S. from a terrorist plot. The action is non-stop and fast-paced and although it is slightly futuristic, it is not out of the realm of possibility. The themes of second chances and forgiveness make the romantic part of the book come to life and the whole spy scenario definitely added plenty of suspense. I enjoyed the pace, the characters and the whole idea that two people who don’t really trust each other had to work together to safeguard the nation. My favorite character was Kekoa, the giant Hawaiian who is a computer genius with a dry wit and a big heart. I am delighted that this is part of a new series because this book had me enthralled and waiting for the next shoe to drop and for the reactions of the heroes.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book on Netgalley from Revell Books as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Tour. 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 romantic suspense
For the author’s biography and information about her other books, please visit her website at http://www.nataliewalterswriter.com

This book is available now and can be purchased at the following retailers:

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I am thrilled to be a part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program and thankful for the good Christian books they offer voracious readers like me.

Buy this book today and get caught up into the world of spies, international intrigue and romance!

Review of DEADLY TARGET by Elizabeth Goddard

This non-stop, fast-paced romantic suspense thriller had me on the edge of my seat and advising the characters about what they needed to do next to stay safe. Beginning with an attempted assassination with a boat and moving to gunshot wounds and exploding dams, the action in the book never let up. There are twists galore that kept me reading and guessing until the very satisfying conclusion. The characters of Nathan and Erin were so human, with flaws and doubts just like all of us have. I really enjoyed the heroics of Nathan and the determination of Erin. The character that surprised me was Erin’s mom Celia, a lady with a strong will and a lot of secrets from the past. I enjoyed reading about characters from the first book in the series, but this one can definitely be read as a standalone without creating any confusion at all. With spot on tension and intense drama, the book called to the mystery lover in me and touched all of the right buttons to enthrall me. I highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a fast pace and a heart-thumping adventure.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley and a hard copy from the author because I am a member of her review team. I was not required to write apology review. 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 and some violence described, but nothing graphic and no expletives or sex scenes. This is a clean Christian read appropriate for all readers at this reading level.
Author photo from the cover of “The Big Thrill” http://www.thebigthrill.org

Bio from the author’s website https://elizabethgoddard.com

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 Deceptionare 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.

Coming on November 2, 2021, but you can pre-order it now from any of the following retailers:

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Many thanks to author Elizabeth Goddard and to Revell Books for this wonderful book to read and review! I sincerely appreciate having been chosen to participate in the ARC reviews for this talented and inspiring author.

Review of A SEASON ON THE WIND by Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is a beautifully written story set in the Amish town of Stoney Ridge, a peaceful town filled with people who genuinely care about each other and practice the tenets of the Amish faith daily. When Ben Zook, who used to live in Stoney Ridge and who is a famous birdwatcher, returns to the town, he has one goal in mind. He wants to see the White-winged tern, a bird that is rarely seen in the states. Ben has come to meet with Micah Weaver, a teen boy who has a speech impediment but who knows birds better than anyone around. Ben stays in a guest house provided by Penny Weaver, Micah’s sister and an old friend whom Ben does not recognize, much to her dismay. The stage is well set for a complicated tale of family, friendships won and lost, relationships and choices. I was drawn into the story of these complex and realistic characters from the beginning. Each character is presented realistically, complete with flaws and human foibles, but they are also each seen as uniquely suited for the tasks that they are expected to do. As Ben spends more time with the Weavers, waiting for that Tern to appear, he also goes on a trip of self-reflection and discovery. He has escaped from Stoney Ridge once and does not want to return permanently, but he does have roots there that cannot be denied. The most brilliantly written parts of the book occur at the end of each chapter where we are introduced to various birds that Micah and Penny have seen as they walk around their environs. The habitat of each bird as well as their eating and mating habits are described in a meticulously detailed way that inspired me to curiously seek my guide to birds that includes photos so that I could picture the bird as they were described. Thus, this book was entertaining, educational and encouraging as it sought to gently guide the characters to the place that God would want them to be. I really enjoyed the language used in this novel; it was almost like lyrical prose, calling to my heart as the birds spoke to Micah. There was some inevitable conflict between some of the characters and a little mystery involved with Ben’s cousin Natalie, a young woman who seems to want to know more about the Plain people but won’t reveal her reasons for her curiosity. The relationship between Ben and his estranged father is a focus of Ben’s self-discovery and forgiveness is a definite thread throughout the book. Fans of brilliantly written Christian fiction will thoroughly enjoy this book and it’s message of heart, home, and hope.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: As a member of the Revell Reads Blogger Program, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. 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 completely clean Christian read suitable for all who love romance and a good story
For information about the author and her work, please go to her website at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

This lovely story is ready for you to order and enjoy. Purchase Links:

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Once again, I am honored to be a part of this wonderful reading program that gives me the opportunity to share good, wholesome books with my readers.