TRAPPED by Irene Hannon

Laura Griffith is a librarian whose quiet life changed when she gained custody of her sixteen-year-old sister, Darcy. Darcy thinks Laura has too many rules, so she leaves a note and decides to strike out on her own. She was suppose to take the bus to a friends in Chicago but a snowstorm delays her. She makes her way to a homeless shelter where she meets Mark Hamilton. Laura decides to hire PI James 'Dev' Devlin to help track down Darcy. Dev finds a couple of leads but it seems Darcy has disappeared. Dev knows with teen runaways, time is of the essence, but the deeper that Laura and Dev dig, the more Dev's gut tells him something very strange is going on. But will he figure it out before 'strange' turns to 'deadly'?

Trapped is a chilling, edge-of-your-seat, hard-to-put-down thriller that you will not want to miss! In Vanished, (book 1), we've gotten acquainted the folks at Phoenix, Inc., and although this story really revolves around Dev, you'll find all the players present. I thoroughly enjoyed the close camaraderie and banter they share. It's fun. Dev was a great guy and I liked how the author allowed the reader to hear what he was thinking. Laura was a great lady that I enjoyed getting to know. Together they had lots of chemistry. I must say that the villain in this story was really creepy and provided for some very intense moments. Whew! I liked how Laura's faith not only made a difference in her life but in the lives of others as well. Trapped is book two in the Private Justice series and my favorite so far. If you enjoy Dee Henderson, Anne Patrick or Lynette Eason then you would definitely enjoy this series. Now I'm looking forward to reading Deceived when it comes out.

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

Series: Private Justice (Book 2)
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0800721241
ISBN-13: 978-0800721244

For more information about this book or Irene Hannon's other books, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.irenehannon.com/

THE COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS COURTSHIP by Brenda Minton

Layla Silver once spun dreams, back in high school, about someday settling down with Gage Cooper, but Gage wasn't a 'settle-down' kind of guy. He broke her heart and left Dawson to compete in the bull riding circuits. Layla had to grow up quick after her folks died and she's now alone trying to raise her rebellious brother, has a loan on the house she can barely pay working two jobs plus all the chores at home. It's getting to be to much. People would like to help but Layla has a hard time allowing people in. When Gage has an accident, he heads home to recover, over Christmas, with a whole new perspective on life. He knows he's done wrong in the past, and would like to make amends; a good place to start is with Layla Silver. Layla is stubborn about letting Gage help. She knows her heart could easily fall for the handsome cowboy once again and reminds herself that he's only in Dawson temporarily. Gage only wants to help Layla but finds she has him wishing for more than just lending a hand.

I've read quite-a-few in the Cooper Creek Series and have thoroughly enjoyed each one but I have to say that this is one of my favorites. I've wondered about Gage through the other stories and was looking forward to getting better acquainted. So, what's he really like? You'll have to read the story to find out. I loved all the interaction between Layla and Gage; especially the romantic tension, which is very appealing to me. As always, we get lots of family interaction complete with Cooper bantering, which I love. The Coopers are a warm and loving family and you just wish you could go to Dawson and enjoy one of Angie Cooper's great Sunday dinners. Yum! I appreciated the spiritual message of peace. The author reminds us that God gives us peace, not as the world gives it, so we're not to let our hearts be troubled or afraid. That was a big encouragement to Layla and Gage and to me as well. Something that's always a joy when visiting the Coopers is Granny Myrna. She is a great lady who is always exercising her matchmaking skills on the family but will she be successful with Gage and Layla? If you're looking for a great get-away, I highly recommend a trip to Dawson. Get to know the Coopers, you'll be very glad you did!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Publisher: Love Inspired (September 17, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373878435
ISBN-13: 978-0373878437

For more information about this book or Brenda Minton's other books, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.brendaminton.net/

A DOCTOR FOR ABBY by Jeanie Smith Cash

Abigail Forrester is happy to have made her flight. Her happiness disappears when she hears the familiar voice of Dr. Nicholas Creighton, who just happens to be her ex-fiance. When they ground the flights due to a bad snow storm, Abigail decides to rent a car so she can make it to her grandparents house for the Christmas Eve festivities. Nick goes with her so she doesn't have to go alone. Nick broke Abby's heart and she's not willing to have a repeat performance. Will she still feel that way when she learns the truth?

This was a great little story. I had not read anything by this author but found her writing had an easy style to it. That made it a very enjoyable read. The characters were realistic and experienced struggles and heartaches just like the rest of us. I loved the way the Romans 8:28 verse "and we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose" was brought to life within the story. If you're looking for a good, quick and uplifting read than you should try A Doctor for Abby. Bring your coat though, the weather is a bit chilly!

File Size: 269 KB
Print Length: 57 pages
ASIN: B007LN9H5I