SHADOWS OF PAIN by Ashley Dawn

Special Agent Kami Reynolds has never really felt like part of a loving family. Her partner Jordan Reiley and his wife Aurora and the whole Reiley clan have changed that. Daniel Jenkins and his partner Jd not only work with Aurora but are like brothers to her. When a past enemy rears his ugly head, Kami becomes his ultimate focus. Daniel Jenkins has strong feelings for Kami but thinks he doesn't stand a chance because of her Christian beliefs and ones he doesn't hold. Daniel was disillusioned by someone he looked up to who claimed to be a believer but committed the ultimate betrayal. When Daniel has a close call with his motorcycle and Kami is almost killed it begs him to reconsider how he feels about spiritual things. Just when they think things are improving the unthinkable happens. As the family converges to help stop the killer they will need every ounce of faith and skill to see them through.

Another great installment to the Shadow Series. I have grown so fond of the Reiley family and love how they operate. It is SO fun to watch. I love all the interaction and verbal play that goes on between them. They love and look out for each other just as a family should! I also like how the author continues to keep all the family members active in the story. To me that's what makes it not only good but also endearing. I like that the story had a satisfying conclusion but also left the door wide open for further stories. Which I am personally looking forward to. There is a such a good mix of action, suspense, and romance that it makes you want to keep turning pages. If you like a good romantic suspense you'll like Shadows of Pain. You could read this as a stand alone but I highly recommend you read them in order. (Shadows from the Past, Shadows of Suspicion then Shadows of Pain) It really helps in understanding the family dynamics. A thank you goes to the author for this complimentary copy for my review.

INTERVIEW WITH EVA MORGAN

Today I'm interviewing Eva Morgan, temptress, from Amanda Stephan's upcoming release, Lonely Hearts. Beauty may only be skin deep but villainy goes to the bone!

Eva, what is the most interesting thing about you?

I would have to say the most interesting things about me are that I'm a model and I've acted in several different TV shows and movies.

What things are important to you?

Keeping slim and having the best looking boyfriend is what it's all about. If you don't have those things, you're sunk!

What are you most afraid of?

Afraid? Me? Please. I don't think I'm afraid of anything. Except, maybe someone else having a hotter date than me. That's probably the worst thing that could happen, but other than that, I'd probably say getting older and losing my looks. Faces like mine aren't cheap, you know!

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

Nothing. I'm pretty much perfect as I am. I could understand your question if I had faults, but frankly, I just don't see any. I know most people, women especially, have a difficult time dealing with me or being my friend, but that's because they're jealous.

What do you do for fun?

I never stay home if I can help it. I love to shop, but only at the expensive stores, (just bought a new Prada bag today), I workout when I'm not shopping, (you do know I'm a model, right?), and it's rare when I don't go out in the evenings.

What is the most daring thing you've ever done?

The most daring? Well, once I ran out of money and I needed a place to stay because my jerk of a boyfriend broke up with me and kicked me out of his apartment. I went back to my ex-husband's place. I knew he wouldn't turn me out, especially if I told him I wanted to get to know our daughter. (Whom I haven't seen in years,) and what do you know? He had a girlfriend! And she was way too mousy for him. (Because even with all his faults and being rather boring, he was a hottie.) Technically, she wasn't his girlfriend, but I could tell she really liked him, so I broke them up. It was one of the best things I've ever done, so I guess you could say I was pretty daring to do that.

Book Launching Party:

Amanda is having a Lonely Hearts Book Launching Party and you're invited...

WHEN: Tuesday, November 2, 2011
WHERE: Amazon.com
TIME: 24 HOURS
RECEIVE: Free e-gifts with purchase on launch day ONLY

DETAILS FOUND AT: www.booksbyamanda.com

While you're there checking out the details don't forget to read the 2 chapter excerpt of this sweet Christian romance!

Lonely Hearts, a story of second chances, choices, and yummy apple pie will be released through TreasureLine Publishing. Exclusive Apple Pie recipe included!

About the author:

Amanda Stephan is just a normal, everyday country girl. She resides near Columbia, TN with her husband and children, three cats, one dog, and multiple roosters that love to roost under their bedroom windows. She loves to laugh and have a good time, and loves to read a good book.

Out of love for her family and love for God, she finds writing to be an opportunity to share God's love for others in a fun and entertaining way. Her first novel, The Price of Trust, was published in May of 2010, and her Slade series was just picked up by TreasureLine Publishing.

If you were to ask her to share one thing about herself that most people don't know, she'd have so many to choose from that she'd probably hesitate for a moment. Not quite a recluse, she's rather camera shy, doesn't like to be in the spotlight, and absolutely LOVES to have her feet tickled. But she would say her most interesting accomplishment is that she laughs like Scooby Doo.

her Facebook author page http://www.facebook.com/creativehomemomma
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/amandastephan
her website http://www.booksbyamanda.com or http://www.thepriceoftrust.com
or her personal blog http://authoramanda.blogspot.com

ACCUSED by Janice Cantore

Carly Edwards loves being an police officer but doesn't like serving in juvenile (where they placed her after she was involved in an officer-involved shooting). When the mayor is murdered and they arrest a troubled youth named Londy Atkins she is called to the scene. Carly interviews Londy hoping to gain a confession and be moved back to patrol where she really wants to be. Londy swears his innocence and as Carly talks with him she's inclined to believe him. Carly's ex-husband Nick is also an officer and feels Londy is telling the truth. Nick lost Carly because of a stupid mistake. He's since given his heart to the Lord and wants very much to prove to Carly that he's a changed man and win her back. But Carly isn't sure she wants to trust him again. As she continues to look into Londy's case she suspects things are not as they appear. But where can she turn and who can she trust?

Accused is an excellent, well-written, seat-gripping and soul-wrenching tale. I have not read anything by this author so didn't know what to expect but the cover really intrigued me. I promise you that once you pick up this book you will have a hard time putting in down. There were places in this story that actually caused me to gasp out-loud because it caught me by surprise. I also reached for the Kleenex as well. That's great writing that can do that. It felt in many ways like watching a movie because I could so clearly see in my mind how things played out. All the characters were very well developed and felt flesh and blood real. Their reactions and responses were true to life. You can tell this author used her vast experience as a police officer to give the story a real authenticity. I really appreciated how the spiritual message of hope was grafted so naturally into the story. It didn't feel forced or thrown-in and wasn't over-powering but it was powerful. You'll want to be sure an read the author interview at the end. If you like Dee Henderson and Anne Patrick then I would definitely recommend you pick up Accused! Be ready for some very fast page-flipping!!! Great job Janice!!! This is book 1 in the Pacific Coast Justice series. I am anxiously looking forward to the next installment!! A thank you goes to Tyndale for this complimentary ARC through Netgalley for my review.
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 1, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1414358474
ISBN-13: 978-1414358475

LONELY HEARTS by Amanda Stephan

Becky Callis is a lonely widow with two kids that she's been raising on her own. The kids know their mom is lonely and try to match her up with some worthy candidates. After moving to a new town she first meets Scott Boone whose easy-going manner and handsome looks make him easy to like. Then when Becky and the kids visit a new church in town they find out Jack is the pastor. Becky has known Jack all her life and they have an easy rapport together. Then there's Pearce Morgan. The handsome, stand-offish rancher who is raising a daughter on his own after his wife divorced him. His shy daughter, Emily, seems to have taken to Becky and her kids. Only one will win her heart but which one will it be?

I LOVED this story. From beginning to end it kept me totally enthralled and wondering how it would all work out. Loaded with zippy dialog and great characters made for a fun and very satisfying tale. I really enjoyed Becky. She was a very relateable character. I liked the way she handled the situations that arose and found myself thinking I wish I was more like her in some ways. You will enjoy getting to know all the bachelors as you wonder, like her kids, who is the best fit for their mom. The kids will win your heart as they do their best to see their mom is happy. I must say I loved Curly. He's a wise old ranch hand you'll get to know as well. This story took me through a gamut of emotions. I felt happy, sad, excited, angry, and frustrated. You know a story is good when it has that effect. The theme running though our story is 'things may not always be as they appear'. It's a great reminder that man looks on the outside but God looks on the heart. If you enjoy an easy-to-read, fun and entertaining story with a great message I highly recommend Lonely Hearts. It really would make a great Hallmark movie. Looking forward to more by Amanda Stephan. A thank you goes to the author for providing this complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.


Be sure to stop by here on Wednesday, October 26, when I will interview one of the characters from the story. Who will it be?? Come by and find out!

You'll also want to stop by Amanda's website and get all the details of the Lonely Hearts Launch Party November 1st. as well as read the two chapter excerpt from the book! So go and check it out!

http://www.booksbyamanda.com/lonely-hearts.html

ROCK AND A HARD PLACE by Bonnie Blythe

Faith Conrad is no stranger to responsibility. She practically raised her sisters, Hope and Charity, after her father left and her mother got sick. In fact she had to quit high school to maintain the jobs needed to pay the bills. She now works for a man whose more like a father than a boss and doing what she loves most, photography. While hiking alone to gain some great photos she falls and gets her foot stuck. Shane Zadopec is her rescuer. A very handsome Bureau of Land Management ranger who's hobby also happens to be photography. Shane is attracted to Faith and Faith to Shane but Shane always seems to bring out her worst. Will the two ever seem to find a common ground?

I have always enjoyed Bonnie Blythe's work and Rock and a Hard Place is no exception. I will admit though that Faith had an attitude that somewhat grated on me in the beginning but if I were in Faith's shoes and went through the things she did I'm not so sure I would be any different. We all have our issues. Despite that, you can't help but like her. Shane was a great hero. You could see what Faith saw in him and why she felt inadequate. I do wish a little more of Shane's past would have been brought out. I really liked what Shane said to Faith at one point in the story, "I eventually came to understand I didn't have to depend of my feelings. Even if I didn't feel God's nearness, I always know He is near, because He says so in the Bible. And His word is solid, like a rock." I loved that statement and noted it in my Kindle. The story was well paced and just about the time you needed something to happen, it did. You'll enjoy the tense moments as well as the tender moments while taking in the Oregon mountain scenery along the way. This is book one in the Cascade Brides Series and the ending left me wanting the next installment. I recommend you pick up Rock and a Hard Place. Great job Bonnie!

LONESTAR ANGEL by Colleen Coble

Eden and Clay Larson's lives were devastated when their baby Bianna was stolen. When trying to deliver the ransom money there was an accident that killed the kidnapper and Brianna. Clay and Eden blamed themselves and each other which resulted in Eden leaving and filing for divorce. Now five years later Eden is trying to move on with her life. She's found faith in God and has been dating a very sweet fella named Kent who she thinks she's going to marry. That is until Clay shows up in the restaurant where she and Kent are having dinner and announces they are still married and that Brianna is still alive. Five girls are currently at Bluebird Ranch and to find out which of the girls is theirs they must hire on as counselors specifically a married couple. As they work together to find out which girl is theirs they slowly rediscover their love for each other. But they also stir up a beehive of trouble. Will things end before they even have a chance to begin?

WOW!!! This is Colleen Coble's best yet! A story I absolutely could not put down. From beginning to end I was glued to the pages 'til my eyes crossed and I had to get some sleep. I found myself hiding out just to be able to read a few more pages. I must say the chemistry ran strong between Eden and Clay, which I love! And one thing I appreciated very much was all the interaction between them. They didn't spend the whole book fighting like in some stories. I also enjoyed seeing the couples from the other Lonestar stories play a role in this tale as well. This was most certainly a story filled with mystery, suspense and action that kept me wondering until the end who was responsible. I like trying to figure it out! I think the message that it's our choice whether or not we trust God even when we don't understand things was well played out. That's a great message because there are lots of things that happen that we don't understand but God does. This could be read as a stand alone and you wouldn't feel lost but I think reading the other stories (Lonestar Sanctuary, Lonestar Secrets, Lonestar Homecoming) make for a much richer reading experience. If you've read the others (or even if you haven't) I highly recommend you pick up Lonestar Angel and stop by the Bluebird Ranch to meet Clay and Eden for yourself! Be prepare to stay awhile! A thank you goes to Thomas Nelson for this complimentary ARC for my review through Netgalley.
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 8, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1595542698
ISBN-13: 978-1595542694

SAVING HOPE by Margaret Daley

Kate Winslow is founder and operator of the Beacon of Hope School. A school that girls from the street can call home and be safe. When Rose (one of Kate's girls) goes missing Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan is sent to help find her. As Kate and Wyatt work together to find Rose they also find their feelings for one another beginning to grow. Frustrations mount though when every time they think they have a lead it turns out to be a dead-end. All clues point to a human trafficking ring but finding the leader is proving to be difficult. Then Kate is kidnapped. Wyatt will have to draw on every ounce of faith and investigative skills he has to find her.

Saving Hope is a well written, multi-layered, realistic story that tackled the very difficult subject of child trafficking. It stirs your anger that people could actually be that evil. This tale definitely kept me turning pages as I experienced tragedy and triumph with Kate and Wyatt. I felt like the characters were well drawn and had realistic reactions and responses to the situations they faced. The story had enough of a romance to please romance fans but I think this would also appeal to non-romance fans because the romance didn't overshadow the story. I believe the emotions and the thought process of teens (especially girls) was spot on. It showed how easily they can be deceived and how important it is as a parent to be involved with your kids. I liked the way things were handled. There was a spiritual thread running through the story but it was unobtrusive and felt very natural. I loved the twist at the end that I didn't see coming. To me that's a big plus. If you enjoy a good romantic suspense then try Saving Hope. This is book one in Men of the Texas Rangers series. Looking forward to the next installment. A thank you goes to Abingdon Press for providing this ARC for my review through Netgalley.
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (March 2012)
ISBN-10: 1426714289
ISBN-13: 978-1426714283