Friday, December 28, 2012

VANISHED by Irene Hannon

Investigative reporter, Moira Harrison is caught in a thunderstorm on a dark and very rainy night. Suddenly a lone figure appears in her headlights. One with terrified eyes. Moria slams on her breaks but conditions cause the car to slide. She feels a thud against her car right before she hits a tree. While still dazed, a man opens her door to let her know he saw the accident and will call 911 and take care of the person she hit. Something poked her leg then her world went dark. When she comes to, she is alone and there are no emergency personnel. What happened? The police are skeptical of her story but the terrified eyes Moira saw drive her to seek a private investigator. Cal Burke is part of Phoenix, Inc. (a PI group comprised of ex-law enforcement) and comes highly recommended. After hearing Moira's story he agrees to investigate further. As they gather clues and the mystery begins to unfold the danger to Moira escalates.

Vanished is a great start to Irene Hannon's new Private Justice series. I enjoyed meeting the men who make up Phoenix, Inc. (Cal, Dev and Conner). Although they're all involved, this story belongs to Cal. Cal lost his wife 5 years ago and has carried the guilt ever since. He never expected to love again until Moira shows up in his office. The relationship between Moira and Cal had a slow build which felt very natural. They complimented each other nicely. One thing I thoroughly enjoyed was the way Cal, Dev and Conner interacted with each other. Lots of good fun, humor and teasing! I loved it! You know who the guilty party is but it was interesting gathering clues along with Cal and Moira. The author keeps you engaged through the entire story and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed the ending. Now I'll be watching and waiting for Dev's story!

*This complimentary copy provided by Revell through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0800721233
ISBN-13: 978-0800721237



Thursday, December 20, 2012

CHERISHED STRANGER by Regina Tittel

Lucy Durham Watson knows what hurt and pain are all about thanks to her late husband, Eddy.  With that behind her, she sponsers a Romanian girl (Anika) and her father (Dorin) to come live in American on her farm.  Dorin knows what hardship really means.  Though his pride wanted to turn Lucy down, he knows what it will mean for his daughter's future.  They get off to a bad start when Lucy's late to pick them up at the airport and then gets them lost through a bad part of town.  Dorin makes known the fact that Lucy is young and has careless behavior, yet something draws him to her.  Lucy knows Dorin doesn't approve of her but she can't seem to stop the way he tugs on her heart.  The two of them try to deny the chemistry between them but everything changes when Lucy life is endangered.

Suspense runs high in this installment of the Ozark Durham Series.  Once I started reading Cherished Strangers I could not put it down! I almost read it in one sitting!  I loved Lucy, Dorin and Anika!  It's also fun to see Keaton and Lindsey, Ann and Jacob again too! The romantic tension between Lucy and Dorin was electrifying!  I truly fell in love with Dorin and the way he was with Lucy.  Lucy was so endearing to me.  She reminded me that we've all made foolish choices.  Some are just harder to recover from than others.  But Dorin reminds Lucy that God often takes us through journeys made of small steps; each one with the purpose of bringing us closer to Him.  I also appreciate the way the author addresses the issue of the 'feel good' church mentality.  When troubled times hit, your relationship with Christ is what will see you through.  We also see how important a good church home/family is and the impact they can have in our lives.  How our giving makes a difference in other peoples lives.  A difference we may not even realize.  If you enjoy a good romantic suspense with a great message then I HIGHLY recommend Cherished Strangers!  Regina Tittel has become a favorite author of mine and I would not hesitate at all to recommend any of her books.  Now, I'm looking forward to Devoted Mission.

Paperback: 236 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 7, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1480263613
ISBN-13: 978-1480263611
File Size: 410 KB
Publisher: Hawse Pipe Ministries; 1 edition (December 14, 2012)
ASIN: B00AOEVHQI

For more information about Cherished Strangers or Regina Tittel's other books, I encourage you to visit her website:  http://www.reginatittel.com/


Tuesday, December 18, 2012

NO SAFE HARBOR by Elizabeth Ludwig


Cara Hamilton thought her brother (Eoghan) was dead until she received a letter.  She travels to America to search for him.  Despite the fact he tells her to talk to no one, she befriends Rourke Walsh, a man who says he's a friend.  Not realizing all that her brother was involved in, she becomes a pawn in a deadly game of revenge.  Rourke seems to care for Cara, but he's not who she thinks he is.  Her growing feelings for him cause her to trust him.  With little faith and hope left, she wonders if she should have trusted Rourke Walsh.  As she gets closer to finding her brother the closer to danger she finds herself in.  Will she learn the truth about Rourke? Will she ever find her brother or will revenge find it's target?

What a wonderful turn-of-the-century story of Irish immigrants coming to America. It was loaded with danger, suspense and of course romance.  As you arrive at Ellis Island with Cara, you immediately feel her apprehension and rightly so.  Not knowing who to trust can make you weary.  That immediately drew me into the story.  The author keeps you turning pages to see how it will all turn out.  The characters were well drawn and fully fleshed out.  The tension between Rourke and Cara was tangible.  It's easy to see why Cara reacted to Rourke the way she did.  As I was reading I was thinking that despite our circumstances and though we lose faith, the Lord is always there.  Sometimes we have to come to the very end of ourselves before we're reminded of that.  I loved the very satisfying ending but the door is wide open for Eoghan's story.  Looking forward to reading 'Dark Road Home', book 2 in the Edge of Freedom Series.

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (October 1, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0764210394
ISBN-13: 978-0764210396

*This complimentary copy provided by Bethany House through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*




Wednesday, December 12, 2012

SUBMERGED by Dani Pettrey


Bailey Craig swore she'd never return to Yancey, Alaska ever again. She knew the town's folks would always remember the reputation she had. She's returned now only to bury her aunt, who died in a plane crash, and sell the shop she owned in town. But evidence turns up that leads the police to believe the crash might not have been an accident at all. Bailey might be the only one who can help solve the puzzle. Cole McKenna is an experienced diver who worked on the rescue effort of the downed plane. Knowing Bailey's aunt was on it, he's sure he would see her again and he's not sure how he would handle it. She had once ripped his heart out. But he finds she's not the same girl who left Yancey. In fact, both of them had changed, a lot. As Bailey and Cole work together through the mystery of the crash and several mysterious murders, will they discover the truth of what really happened and will they also discover their long buried feelings beginning to surface once again?

I thoroughly enjoyed Submerged, with it's romance, mystery, and suspense but I also enjoyed getting to know Bailey and the McKenna family. Though fictitious, I liked visiting Yancy, Alaska and learning about the town and it's people. I appreciated the way the author dealt with Bailey and her past. It reminded me that becoming a believer doesn't erase your past but it doesn't define your future either. You shouldn't let your past hold you hostage. I also found the whole Russian history aspect to the story very interesting as well as entertaining! There is also a hint of something happening between Piper McKenna and Deputy Landon Grainger (Cole's best friend), which makes me look forward to reading Shattered, (Book Two in the Alaskan Courage Series). Great start to a new series by a new author.

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0764209833
ISBN-13: 978-0764209833

Sunday, December 9, 2012

UNDERCOVER COWBOY by Lisa Harris



Cole Ramsey is a Pinkerton detective hired to investigate Aaron Covington. Folks think he's responsible for some crimes happening in the area. Abigail Covington is done with love after being totally deceived by a man. When she has a buggy accident, Cole happens along and helps her. He learns she's Aaron Covington's daughter and escorts her back to the ranch. Aaron and Cole find they have something in common and Aaron hires him as a hand. Cole and Abigail are drawn to each other but it's hard to build a relationship when Cole can't be honest about who he really is or why he's there. And with the way things are going, they may not get a chance to be honest with each other.

Undercover Cowboy was a wonderful tale. For being short (about 78 pages), it really felt like you got a full-length story. It had some romance, some danger and the mystery of who's behind the sabotaging isn't revealed until the end. Always a plus for me. It's very well written (with several unexpected twists) and I appreciated the way the author presented the true meaning of Christmas through the characters. Cole and Abigail were fun to get to know and spend time with. If you're looking for a place to go for Christmas, I would definitely recommend you head on over to Covington Ranch. It's a beautiful place and the coffee is always on for friends! Do be cautious though, things around the ranch have been kinda rough lately!
 

File Size: 194 KB
Print Length: 78 pages
ASIN: B005VAHUIY

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

RANSOMED HOPE by Deborah Pierson Dill

When Ashley Turner's father died, he left the ranch to her alcoholic brother. Her brother then forced Manuel Vega (the man Ashley loved) to leave. Now seventeen years later her brother is still drinking and their ranch is about to be foreclosed. Ashley knows that God must have a purpose but she's just not sure what it might be. Her hopes are raised when Manuel returns. But Manuel's not there to help them. He's bent on getting revenge. Will he be able to follow-through with his plan or will his plan change when he learns the reality of the situation?

This was a story that was full of emotion. Ashley was a sweet woman who could have been bitter but instead was honoring the Lord with her behavior. Manuel was a really great, yet flawed hero. I appreciated the way the author handled the whole family dynamics. What man meant for evil, God meant for good. A good message for those difficult situations we face. This is a short read (about 61 pages) but I thoroughly enjoyed every page. Though as a reader, I would have loved an epilog to finish out the story. If you are looking for a quick Christmas- themed story, Ransomed Hope would be a great choice!

File Size: 222 KB
Print Length: 61 pages
Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group-White Rose Publishing (November 2, 2012)
ASIN: B00A111VHO


Monday, December 3, 2012

SILENT NIGHT by Colleen Coble

Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas but her heart is heavy from her recent miscarriage.  She longs to have Kades child.  Bree and Kade begin fixing up a room for Kade's sister, Lauri, when she suddenly shows up two weeks earlier than expected.  Bree senses something isn't right.  Then a parachuter disappears in the North Woods.  Bree and Samson (her search and rescue dog) go searching when some clues turn up concerning a young girl who disappeared.  Bree and Kade fear Lauri knows more than she's telling.  What will the search turn up and will Bree's deepest prayer be answered?

I knew when I saw Silent Night that it was a must-read!  Rock Harbor and the wonderful folks I've come to know and love are always a joy to go visit.  Though this was a short and quick read, it was wonderful to be brought up to date with what's happening in the lives of Bree and Kade and the extended family.  There's a mystery, of course, and you watch Samson do his thing!  I love that dog!  And I must say the ending was fabulous!  If you are a Rock Harbor fan than this is a story you won't want to miss.

File Size: 596 KB
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 20, 2012)
ASIN: B00A29R22I

Saturday, December 1, 2012

THE CHRISTMAS STALKING by Lillian Duncan

Destiny is a country music superstar on top of the world. But her world is turned upside down when a stalker seems bent on killing her. With no leads and no clues, she drops the name Destiny, leaves Nashville and heads to Serenity to hideout in her grandparents cabin as Holly Stone (her real name). No one knows she owns it or that she used to go there in the summers growing up. So the stalker can't possibly find her there, right?

What a great little Christmas romantic suspense. I was intrigued by the cover, loved the clever title and thoroughly enjoyed the story! I liked Holly and found that her reaction to situations matched what I was thinking while I was reading. You just really aren't sure who the stalker is until the end. For me that's a plus! There was some romance, but who should Holly trust? Though the story is short (about 81 pages) it was really very satisfying. So if 'the weather outside is frightful', it's the perfect time to pick-up The Christmas Stalking!

File Size: 219 KB
Print Length: 71 pages
Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group-Harbourlight Books (November 1, 2012)
ASIN: B00A0XOU8A

Book I've Been Reading...

Sherry's bookshelf: read

Almost Like Being in Love
Wanted: Royal Princess Miracle Bride: Royal Hearts of Mondoverde Series, Vol. 3
Her Rancher Bodyguard
Traces of Guilt
The Stronghold
Close to You
Protecting Her Daughter
The Goodbye Bride
The Rancher's First Love
Reclaiming His Past
Keeper of the Stars
Cold Shot
Mermaid Moon
Thin Ice
Buried Secrets
Murder at Black Lake
Christmas With Miss Austen
Falling Like Snowflakes
Married 'til Monday
Second Chance Hero


Sherry's favorite books »