Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard

Thrilling from page one to the end!  This book is packed and I mean jam packed full of suspense, mystery and action.  And the icing on the cake?  There's a lovely little romance thrown in for good measure.  It is not often that the second book in a series outshines the first book but in this case I say it is so.  Goddard outdid herself with this one.  I could not put this book down.  She formed a fascinating backstory to the current time story that keeps you guessing along with main character Harper Reynolds.  It is not necessary to read book one in the Uncommon Justice series to enjoy this book.  Each book can be read standing alone but I can tell you I can hardly wait for book 3 in the series to come out.  Although this story does contain a murder mystery it does not deal with gruesome or graphic details.  The romance is also sweet and "clean".  This is an all around winner.

I received this book free from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Unscripted by Davis Bunn

Unscripted starts out with Danny jailed for a crime he didn't commit.  But from there he rapidly is freed from jail by a mystery person.  But the thrust of the story is a movie he makes with a young teen, Emma.  It is more the story of Emma's journey through grief and anger which parallels Danny's emotional journey.  As Emma works through her emotions Danny becomes more entrenched in his.  His lawyer Megan take s a personal interest in him and longs for Danny to be freed from his turmoil.  The making of the movie takes up most of the book but through the movie script we see insights into Emma's life and Danny's that lead them both to the point of confrontation with themselves and what they will do with the rest of their lives.

I was given this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Dark Ambitions by Irene Hannon

Don't let the title throw you off.  Although this is a novel about solving a crime it is not gruesome and does not dwell on violence or gore.  Instead it is suspenseful with clever twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.  If you like a good mystery this will be a perfect read for you.  Irene Hannon is a multi-talented author who can write equally well about romance as she can about suspense.  The relationship she builds between characters makes them come alive on the page.  She draws you into their lives through their thoughts and feelings.  Through their eyes we experience the the frustrations and triumphs of the investigative team.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott

Set in the rugged Western frontier this story’s heroine is Meg, an unconventional young woman especially for her times.  Trained by her late father in the art of photography she longs to carry on his legacy.  When she lands a job with an army expedition group she little expected to see her lost love Ben.  This book is full of beautiful descriptions as seen through the eyes of Meg, Ben and the expedition group viewing God’s wonders for the first time.  Scenes such as what we now know as the Grand Canyon are described and marveled at.  There is also a feeling suspense throughout the book with Ben’s secret mission and Meg’s unescapable feeling of being watch.  Add to this the spark that still exists between Meg and Ben and you have a great tale of mystery, intrigue, history and romance.  

I received this book free from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner

This is the first book I've read by Susie Finkbeiner and it was a very positive experience.  Finkbeiner created a tale that was multifaceted.  Historical information delivered in a riveting story that made it hard to put the book down.  Emotional and relational dilemmas that give the reader a lot to think about long after the last page of the book is read.  Annie, the heroine of the story is a young woman on the brink of discovering herself.  Right when it seems life is steady and stable several things happen.  Her long lost father re-enters into her life.  Her older brother joins the army and is sent to Vietnam.  A newcomer to town  also catches her eye even though the racial tensions in town cause many to murmur against their budding friendship.  As Annie navigates the complex emotions in her own heart as well as the social ramifications of her choices she learns to to rely on God in a deeper way.

I received this book from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman

I love the concept of this book!  I love the practical, Biblical and spiritual advice given by the author Emily P. Freeman.  I love the dedication page which reads:  For anyone who's ever made a pro/con list in the middle of the night.  Yes that is me and I know a lot of other people too.  In the twenty-four chapters you will find what to and what not to do if you don't want to drive yourself crazy.  You will also find sound, God-centered ways to reduce stress, worry and anxiety and move forward into clear decision making.  Each chapter begins with a thought-provoking quote.  Then the chapter moves into a real life story.  It continues on with a prayer.  The chapter ends with a practice activity.  This is an enlightening and lightening of your burdens book. 

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Driftwood Bay by Irene Hannon

Driftwood Bay delivers delightful characters who live in the warm and welcoming Oregon coast town of Hope Harbor.  Irene Hannon gives her fans a masterpiece of Christian romance in this installment of her series of the Hope Harbor books.  Immediately the reader is drawn into the heart ache surrounding little Molly and the complexities of life as a single parent that Logan faces.  Add the the mix a naughty but adorable beagle and an enchanting neighbor who only wants to tend her lavender fields and right away you know this will be not only a fun read but worthwhile.  Hannon creates beautiful scenes that bring to mind the rugged awe of the Oregon coast.  She also has a way of making the dialogue and interactions between her characters natural and also enticing.  I read this book straight through and couldn't wait to find out what happened next.  Hannon touches on some very deep topics such as grief, fear of abandonment, fear of loss and even the plight of refugees who seek asylum in our country.  She deals with each with grace and respect.  This book was truly heart warming.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

The Edge of Over There by Shawn Smucker

I had a difficult time getting into this book.  For one there were too many things that were not Bible based.  Another thing is that I felt it fell short of convincing me this was a story to draw one close to God.  It felt a bit creepy and more sensational than spiritually uplifting.  I have read other Christian fantasy books but this one just didn't draw me in.  It was not what I had hoped it would be and I found it disappointing. 

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Justice Delivered by Patricia Bradley

This story is fast paced and action filled.  It might prove a bit too violent for some readers of Christian fiction.  The book deals with human trafficking and the long lasting affects the victims lives with for the rest of their lives.  However the main body of the story is about redemption, forgiveness and the power of rebuilt trust.  Carly is a heroine in this story not just because she escaped from her pimp and was rehabilitated from that lifestyle and drugs but more so for what she gave others.  She was willing to face her own post traumatic stress in order to counsel girls coming out of human trafficking.  The one thing that bothered me about this book was that I felt the characters did not react realistically to traumatic loss and trauma throughout the story.  

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Set in the mid 40s this story starts out with folks down on their luck and coming together at Dolly's old farm house for shelter and a place to start over.  The bonds they make with each other and Dolly make this a heart warming read.  More than that the reader gets to experience the transforming power of community, belonging and grace as seen through the benevolent gestures of Dolly's boarders.  Dolly, herself, is very much a mother hen, but as the story progresses her own wounds are revealed. Intertwined with the complicated lives of Dolly and her friends is the diary of one of the town's legendary woman.  The mystery surrounding Catherine keeps Dolly and her friends in suspense as they verge on compulsion to find out what really happened.  Dolly receives much more than she even imagined as the boarders she brought in for financial necessity become her dearest friends.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

A Tender Hope by Amanda Cabot

This book concludes the Cimarron Creek Series by Amanda Cabot and is by far the best of the triology!  This books contains some tender Western romance full of cowboys and outlaws and ladies in distress.  The characters will reel the reader into the story quickly and keep the reader's attention.  From midwife to orphan to sheriff's wife the heroines in this tale are anything but demure.  They each have their own brand of spice and sparkle.  A Tender Hope gives the reader a good look at what a simple Western town looked like and the expectations and social morals of the time period.  Unexpected twists in the life of Aimee, Lydia and Thea will keep the reader guessing all the way to the very last page.  Cabot weaves a believable and exciting tale of the pursuit of love and capture of criminals as well as of tender hearts.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

This book is an example of exactly why I LOVE Melody Carlson's writing!  Don't let the first few pages fool you.  It may start out reading like a romantic comedy but it is far from it.  It quickly delves into some serious issues such as abandonment, teen pregnancy, unresolved grief, denial, OCD, and even being an atheist.  All this in one book!  The characters have their tough spots and don't always make the best choices.  Their relationships are complicated to say the least and take hard work.  This book is not wrapped up in a neat bow but rather takes a winding path through some troublesome and sometimes painful patches.  The beautiful thing about this book is that though the characters are each "flawed" and flounder God is quietly but persistently speaking to them in very personal, detailed ways to get their attention.  If you're a fan of Melody Carlson you will want to get this book pronto.  If you've never read Melody Carlson I can guarantee after reading this book it won't be the last of her books you'll pick up.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard

Packed with mystery, "what ifs" and spine tingling suspense this book will have you on the edge of your seats.  The great thing about this book is that it is written by a Christian author.  You have all the high paced thrills and intrigue but a clean romance.  Willow has been raised by her grandfather since her parents were killed in a car accident when she was a child.  Trained by one of the best (her own grandfather) she has worked in the agency with him in finding lost persons.  When her grandfather dies suddenly in the middle of a case Willow feels compelled to continue the case.  A cold case of a missing baby from over twenty years ago. Little does she know the the snowball effect this will have on her life.  When a series of unexplained life threatening events occur Willow realizes this is much bigger and deeper of a mystery than she originally imagined.  The FBI becomes involved and with that protection enters Willow's former love interest Austin.  Together they must solve the mysterious crime of the baby abduction before time runs out for the biological mother and for them.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Mending Fences is a look at repentance and forgiveness.  Not always a straight forward action on either party.  Luke Schrock has not only disappointed but negatively affected his family and close knit Amish community by immature and self centered actions.  Upon returning from an extended time in a rehab center Luke is ready to make amends.  At the beginning he assumes wrongly that this will be an easy task.  The Bishop has not only required that Luke express his apologizes to each person he has wronged but that Luke listen to how the wrong has affected the person.  This proves much more heart breaking than Luke could have ever imagined.  He learns the true meaning of long lasting and far reaching effects of another person's action upon another.  As Luke struggles with these revelations he meets a lovely young woman Izzy.  When he discovers that she does not know who her biological mother is he decides to find the woman.  This has consequences that neither of them could have imagined. 

I received this book from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

A beautiful book full of conviction, faith, loyalty and love.  The story alternates between Ireland in the present day, 1916 and 1798.  Interweaving history, romance and mystery Kristy Cambron has produced a masterpiece.  In the lives of three women:  Laine, Issy and Maeve we get a glimpse of the struggle Ireland had for independence and at the same time the struggle of each woman had to be true to her personal convictions.  Set in amazing detail each time period holds intrigue with the unique landscape and culture of Ireland.  The author's decision to go back and forth between three time periods is a stroke of genius in helping the reader understand that the Irish quest for freedom held degrees of angst at each turn.  The love story of Laine, Issy and Maeve demonstrate the true love takes a brave heart that does not falter under hardship and that God has His hand over every detail of our lives.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

The Warrior Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

Fans of Dickerson will recognize the "fairytale" immersed in her book The Warrior Maiden.  A retelling of the Chinese legend of Mulan with a twist.  I was disappointed that she didn't base the story in China or Asian culture.  Instead Mulan is the child of a Lithuanian soldier and an Asian woman who dies.  Mulan is brought back to Lithuania to be raised as the adopted daughter of the soldier and his wife.  In the original Mulan she goes to war in place of her aged father to spare him and to give honor to her family while providing for her mother and father.  In this tale all that is gone. In this book Mulan, not wanting to marry her suitor decides instead to go to war disguised as a man to earn her mother's right to remain in the family home.  But throughout the story she laments that if she is killed her mother will be cast out of the home with no one to care for her.  This seems like a very big risk for a female to take who has not been trained for battle.  To me it lessened her honor because she was fleeing an unwanted marriage but with no guarantee she could provide for her mother.  In the original legend Mulan was a hero because if she didn't go to war her aged father would have had to go.  Aside from this the romance in the story is sweet and there is a lot of history about Germans vs Lithuanian and the different ways they had of worshipping God.  It is still a good story and worth reading but if you're looking for the Chinese version this is not it.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.