CHRISTMAS HIDEOUT by Susan Sleeman

Nicole Dyer is a widowed single mom who has been dating a policeman.  When he becomes abusive she breaks it off.  Now strange things are happening.  Things that are  scaring her.  Calling the police has never been fruitful since her ex in on the force.  When she returns home one evening she finds a butcher knife stabbed into her picture on the kitchen counter.  Fearing for her life and the life of her daughter she throws some things in the car and takes off.  Lost Creek is where her car chooses to breakdown.  Knowing because of the cold they can’t stay in the car, they take refuge in a cabin.  Sheriff Matt McKade finds them when checking the property.  Nicole explains what happened.  Not sure if he really believes her or not, he decides to take them home to his family’s ranch to offer her the safety and protection while he checks out her story further.  But trouble just seems to continue to pop up at every turn.  Will Nicole’s story check out and will they figure everything out before it’s too late?

This was my first Susan Sleeman book but I can tell you it won’t be my last.  The story held my attention from beginning to end.  The characters were well developed and I fell in love with the McKade family.  The interaction between them is great.  It makes me want to go back and read the others in the series.  Although this is a Christmas theme it’s really a story you can enjoy anytime.  I loved the chemistry between Nicole and Matt.  You really felt the romantic pull that makes a good story even better.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

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

For more information about his book or other books by Susan Sleeman I encourage you to visit her website at https://www.susansleeman.com.

A SECRET TO DIE FOR by Lisa Harris

Psychologist Grace Callahan thinks Stephen Shaw is a paranoid when he explains that people are after him.  That is until he’s murdered.  Now they are after her because they think Stephen gave her something they want and are willing to go to any lengths to get it.  Detective Nate Quinn suffers from PTSD after a bombing that left him the only survivor.  He has just returned to active duty and is assigned investigate the murder of Stephen Shaw.  Turns out the only lead is Grace Callahan, an old friend of his.  Now it’s a game of keeping Grace safe while they trying to figure out who’s behind Stephen’s murder and what he left for Grace that is important enough to kill for.

This story was fast-paced right from the very first page.  It keeps you guessing about who is behind the murder until close to the end, which I really enjoy.  I didn’t particularly fall in love with Grace or Nate.  They both had been handed difficult things to deal with and Grace was a good example for Nate.  I just didn’t really feel a strong connection between them.  I felt this was more of a suspense than romantic suspense.  I would say it had a touch of romance.  Overall it was a good book that holds your interest until the end. 

This complimentary copy was provided by Revell through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

For more information about this books or other books by this author, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.lisaharriswrites.com.

ON MAGNOLIA LANE by Denise Hunter

Daisy Pendleton loves her small town life and working with her mom at the flower-shop.  But as nice as that is, she really longs for a husband and family like her good friends have.  She’s tried online dating without success, that is until TJ sent her a message.  Pastor Jack McReady has been counseling Daisy for a couple of years and has fallen in love with her.  He doesn’t want to risk what they have by telling her how he feels.  Jack’s friend Noah signs him up on the same dating app as Daisy uses but uses Jack’s initials ‘TJ’ instead of his name.  Noah thinks it will it will provide an opportunity for Daisy to get to know him as a man instead of pastor.  Jack doesn’t feel comfortable deceiving Daisy but kind of gets pull into it when she contacts him as TJ through the dating app.  When Daisy finds out something about her family that blindsides her she expresses to Jack how much she hated her family not being honest with her.  Jack is guilt stricken but what can he do now?  What will happen will Daisy finds out that TJ is really Jack?

A cute story that was enjoyable to read.  I have read all the books in this series but I’ll admit this was not my favorite of the three.  That said, there was a lot of things I liked about the story.  I enjoyed that we see all the familiar friends from the previous books.  I enjoyed how folks banded together during a difficult time. I was inspired by how Daisy dealt with some difficult things.  I guess for me, Daisy didn’t have that ‘spark’ I was looking for toward Jack.  I felt Jack had it toward her though.  I also felt like Jack was a stand-up kind of man and could have said no to Noah.  Also, knowing Noah from the other books, I couldn’t see him doing what he did.  But, this is fiction and I did still like the story.  I also think any of this author’s books would make great “Hallmark” movies including this one.

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

Some favorite moments:

Hope squeezed her hand.  “Try and be patient.  God’ll bring you the right guy at the right time, just like He did for me.  And sometimes that guy can be someone completely unexpected.

“You know, honey…sometimes you just have to extend a little grace to people.  Not because they deserve it - but because we don’t deserve it either.

“I’m so sorry, Daisy.  Can you ever forgive me?”  She smiled at him - because in giving grace, she received hope and joy.

For information about this book or other books by this author I encourage you to visit her website at https://www.denisehunterbooks.com.

SHADOWS OF DECEPTION by Ashley Dawn

Tiffany Reiley is a successful PI whose good at her job.  While at her office wrapping up some current cases, in walks Colorado Wiley, who just happens to be a tall, dark and handsome cowboy with whom she finds an immediate attraction.  After explaining to her about the trouble he’s been having on his Texas ranch, she decides to take the job thinking it will be a nice get-away from LA and a pretty simple case to solve.  She decides to pose as his new ranch cook in order to gain information from the ranch hands.  It doesn’t take long for them to not only grow fond of her cooking but of her as well; especially Colorado.  Then she makes a terrible discovery and knows it’s more than she can handle on her own. That’s when she calls on her family for help. Can they figure out what’s really going on at the ranch?  And will Tiffany and Colorado figure out what to do about their growing attraction?  There are several questions that definitely need answering.  As they all work together on the case, will they find the answers they’re looking for? 

I was so excited when I found that the latest book in the Shadow Series was published.  This has been a favorite series of mine so I couldn’t wait to ‘dig in’.  Shadows of Deception is Tiffany’s story and what a story it was.  Danger, suspense and romance as well as snappy dialog draw you in and hold you ’til the end.  The family dynamics is exceptional and I love watching them all look out for each other.  Their banter and humor is really fun and their deep love and care for one another is very refreshing.  Even with some awful things that happen you will be encouraged.  I loved the way this author plants biblical truths throughout the story without being preachy.  I also enjoyed that several family members are involved and you catch up with the ones who aren’t.  There is a cousin’s involvement which was really fun.  I don’t recall he was in the other books but I loved his personality.  This book sorta has a conclusion but there is still an open thread (not really a cliff hanger per se) that will probably be part of the next book.  I am looking forward to that!  I suppose you could read this as a stand alone, but having read the previous books, I recommend you read this series in order.  There is a lot of history and family dynamics that you would miss and, trust me, you don’t want to do that!!

*This copy was purchased by me*

Some favorite moments:

Knowing he wouldn’t be able to sleep, he turned on the lamp beside his bed.  He opened his Bible, searching for comfort, and knowing God’s word was the only place he would find solace.

Jordan walked through the door and immediately to the coffee pot. ..As he took a sip, his gaze landed on Tiffany, still in Colorado’s arms and his eyes narrowed. “Am I missing something?”  Rick chuckled.  “I doubt it.  Well, on as little sleep as you got, and with that thick skull of yours it is possible but what you see before you seems pretty self-explanatory to me.”

“We don’t know why this happened and probably never will.  There is too much evil in the world to understand.  At the same time, we can be secure in the knowledge that He knows what is going to happen and we already know the ending of the story…He wins.”

For more information about this book or other books by Ashley Dawn I recommend you head over to Amazon.

A VAST AND GRACIOUS TIDE by Lisa Carter

Sergeant First Class Caden Wallis has had about all one man can take.  He’s not only lost his leg and some close friends but now his girlfriend left him.  While recuperating at the Army hospital he receives a quilt that helps him through the difficult times.  Now he’s determined to return the quilt to the women who made it and thank her, so he heads for the Outer Banks.  There he runs into McKenna Dockery and realizes she’s the maker of the quilt.  He’s surprised to find that she’s around his age.  McKenna originally made the quilt for her future husband but when he was killed, she decided to mail it to the military hospital.  McKenna sees the deep emotional pain that Caden is experiencing and tries to help, but Caden is about as surly as they come.  While heading for the beach one day, they come across a man who was murdered; the cook at McKenna’s family restaurant.  That’s only the beginning of many things that will rock the tranquility of Hatteras Island.  Caden and McKenna must work together to find the truth and unravel a tangled web that dates back to the second world war.

Wow, I devoured this book in one sitting!  From beginning to end I was held captive by both the suspense and the dialog between Caden and McKenna.  I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed McKenna.  I wish I could be more like her in many ways.  She was such a sweet spirit who genuinely loved those around her. Her personality just made me smile. One thing that did drive me nuts was her constant wavering between Caden and Bryce.  Caden was hard to like in the beginning because he was so surly.  You understand why but it kinda got frustrating.  That being said, it was McKenna’s interaction with him that I enjoyed the most.  The way she was with him, the way she encouraged him, it was so up-lifting.  The dialog was well done!  There was lots of action and suspense but was nicely balanced with some funny moments and cute sayings sprinkled throughout.  I was encouraged to see how the faith that McKenna and her family had, and the way they dealt with Caden, made a difference in his life.  We all hope to be that for someone in our lives.  And I must say, the cover of the book is gorgeous.  A Vast and Gracious Tide is headed for my keeper shelf!

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

Some favorite quotes:

But Jesus was here.  Jesus was, as Granddad had told her, wherever she was.  Even in the fathomless depths of the ocean blue.

Earline hip-bumped McKenna.  “Sweet tea and hush my mouth.  That boy looks at you like you’re a bowl of ice cream on a hot July day and he’d like to eat you with a spoon.”

“If the butter doesn’t just melt in your mouth.  That charm of yours will either be your making or your undoing.”

For more information about this book or other books by Lisa Carter I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.lisacarterauthor.com.

NIGHT STALKER by Shirlee McCoy

Adam Whitfield is a special agent who has been hunting for a serial killer they call The Night Stalker.  He just can’t seem to pin down just who he is.  Charlotte Murray is out one evening when she hears a scream.  Turns out, she stopped what could have been another abduction of the Night Stalker.  Charlotte is injured in the process and that’s when they notify Adam.  Adam and Charlotte were married young and then the unthinkable happened; the loss of their son.  Because of grief, Adam left and they finally divorced.  Now the Night Stalker has turned his attention to Charlotte since she stopped him from getting his last victim.  Adam vows to protect Charlotte and bring down the Night Stalker.  But will they figure it out before he carries through his plan.

This story is one that is sweet as well as suspenseful .  It certainly keeps you on your toes as well as the edge of your seat.  The sweet part was between Adam and Charlotte.  You learn their history and why things happened the way they did but you also get to see how time and maturity can change things.  It’s always an encouragement to me to read about characters who have faith but are flawed; because that is very relatable.   I loved the interaction between Charlotte and Adam being both tense and tender.  The secondary characters were great too. (Except, of course, for the Night Stalker)  I felt like you really got to know them well.  And let me tell you, when the mystery and suspense is wrapped up, you are in for a real treat at the end.  I absolutely loved it!  If you enjoy sweet and suspenseful reads then you’ll love Night Stalker.  Be prepared to stay up way past your bed time though.

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

Some favorite quotes:

A lot of years had passed since they’d been married.  They’d both changed.  Maybe she’d become more willing to take chances.  Maybe she was no longer afraid of spiders or disgusted by the thought of eating hard-boiled eggs.

“Promise me, Charlotte,” he murmured, leaning down and kissing her forehead, his lips warm, the contact light and undemanding.  And she could feel herself melting, sinking into him the way she always had.

He had a dangerous job, but he didn’t carry worry around as his companions.  He focused his attention and energy on finding solutions to problems.  He prayed, he trusted and he entered every situation knowing that God was in control.  Because of that, he was never consumed by fear.

For more about this book or other books by this author I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.shirleemccoy.com

DEAD DRIFT by Dani Pettrey

Kate Maxwell is a private investigator who has loved Luke Gallagher for what seems like forever.  And when he disappeared seven years ago, she has spent all her free time trying to find him.  Now he’s back and she finds that his leaving was a choice, which hurt.  Luke Gallagher was recruited to be part of an elite team of operatives working to stop a terrorist who is planning a devastating attack on American soil.  To do that he left everyone he loved behind, including Kate.  Luke plans to take down the terrorist network with the help of his old friends but it won’t be easy.  And if he and Kate make it out alive, he plans to do whatever it takes to win her heart once again.

Wow, from beginning to end Dead Drift takes you on a wild ride you won’t soon forget.  This is the fourth book in the Chesapeake Valor series where you’ll find a very exciting conclusion, but not until you have chewed off all your nails.  The story (as well as the series) is very complex with lots of intertwining threads.  It’s also a series I would definitely read in order as there is a subplot that runs through all the books.  This was the story I have been waiting for after learning about Luke through the other three stories.  It mainly focuses on Luke and Kate but you see the other lead characters from the previous books as well, which I love.  There were some parts that were difficult to read as you learn how truly evil the enemy really is. The chemistry, though, between Kate and Luke was great.  You’ll find yourself trying to solve the puzzle right along with them.  Honestly, I hated to see this series end as I have grown fond of all the characters.  Well done!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*  NOTE: I also purchased the Kindle and Audible versions as well.  The narrator did a fair job.

A few quotes I liked:

Kate, he feared, still struggled in that area - full dependence on God - just as she had in college.  She loved her Savior - always had and, from what he’d observed, still did mightily - but loving and depending on were two vastly different things.

[Katie] She was a tender movement of a slow dance on the front porch to the soft melody of crickets. She was every sensation, every good moment, every emotion rolled into one.

Gentle has it’s own strength but gentle, unfortunately, does not protect you from enemies.

For more information about this book or other books by Dani Pettrey, I encourage you to visit her website at https://www.danipettrey.com.

THE HOUSE AT SALTWATER POINT by Colleen Coble

Ellie Blackmore loves fixing up houses and reselling them and it’s something she’s really good at.  But how can she focus on her latest fixer-upper when her sister, Mackenzie, has gone missing and the only clue is a bloodstain on the deck of her boat.  Mackenzie’s ex-husband, Jason, is Ellie’s business partner and she knows he and Mac were not getting along but she didn’t think he’d harm her.  So who did?  Grayson Bradshaw works for the Coast Guard as an Intel officer and is on the trail of a cocaine shipment that was stolen from the Feds warehouse.  All leads point to Mackenzie but Grayson can’t seem to convince Ellie that she’s guilty.  Both Ellie and Grayson want to get to the bottom of what happened to Mackenzie and what happened to the cocaine.  What they discover is a lot more than what they bargained for and it will be a race against time to keep a terrorists attempt from turning deadly.

The House at Saltwater Point is one of those stories that’s hard to put down once you pick it up.  The mystery keeps you guessing all the way through with lots of clues to pick up on.  The suspense keeps you turning pages to find out the resolution of the mystery.   I enjoyed getting to know Grayson.  He was a great guy and I liked Ellie too.  Both were very real characters.  I didn’t really care for MacKenzie though. Something about her just kinda hit me wrong.  One aspect that I enjoyed was the little tid-bits from Hammer Girl Blog at the beginning of each chapter.  I also enjoyed that Shauna and Zach were involved in this story.  This is the second book in the Lavender Tides series and while there is a conclusion to this story, keep in mind that there will be some loose ends that will most likely be resolved in the next book.  It’s a series I definitely recommend reading in order as there is a lot of history and details that build through each book and there is a subplot that runs through the entire series which is why there are some unanswered questions at the end.  This was a great addition to the series.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*  NOTE: I also purchased the kindle book and audible version as well.  The audible edition was nicely done.

A few quotes I liked:

The kitchen is still the heart of the home.  Good food, laughter, and warmth never go out of style.  - Hammer Girl Blog

“It’s not the tragedy that can ruin you - it’s your own attitude toward it.  You can let adversity make or break you, Jason.  It’s up to you.”

Nothin could define her unless she let it.  She had God in her life to heal those broken places, but she hadn’t let him do it.  She held her pain to her heart like a lovey she couldn’t give up.

For more information on this book or other books by Colleen Coble I encourage you to visit her website at https://colleencoble.com