Special Agent Tessa Reed almost lost everything, but she has emerged from her painful past healed and healthy. That is, until she is placed on special assignment to assist with protecting the President of the United States and her past comes rushing back to haunt her. She is at least excited to work once again with her old friend USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker, who is tasked with protecting the President. As threats against the President intensify, Tessa and Zane must race against the clock to discover the enemy before it is too late.
About the Author
Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat and Malicious Intent, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at http://www.lynnhblackburn.com.
It was easy to get sucked into this novel from the beginning pages of the prologue. I had one of those moments where I told myself I would just read a few chapters before bed and suddenly found myself devouring the book late into the night! I loved everything about this novel. The suspense has creative twists and turns that kept me guessing, the characters are flawed and real and easy to like, and both the romance and spiritual themes are woven into the plot so well that they added depth to the story without sacrificing any of the fast paced suspense. My favorite romance trope is great friends to lovers, and this novel had me cheering for Tessa and Zane from the beginning. Their witty banter is the perfect lightness to the suspense in the story. This has been a fantastic series and I am a little sad for it to end, but I can’t wait to see what this talented author pens next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Eve is blessed with a wonderful husband and a beautiful garden beyond comprehension, a gift given to her by the Creator. Yet, with one choice one day, everything changes. She and Adam must now manage a completely new world with sin, pain, and sorrow. Despite the separation from the Creator in Eden, however, Eve begins to experience moments of closeness with Him, and she and Adam learn to survive in a world forever changed.
About the Author
Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King, Star of Persia: Esther’s Story, Miriam’s Song, and The Prince and the Prodigal. She is also the author of the nonfiction books When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams and She Walked Before Us. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in biblical times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at http://www.jilleileensmith.com.
This novel has fantastic descriptions that transported me to a fictional telling of the true story of Eve. I felt her emotions and her struggles as she went from the perfect Eden to a scary sinful world. I was struck for the first time, despite reading her story many times in the Bible, of the crazy circumstances Eve must have faced as one of two of the first humans on earth. Despite the realistic sin told in the novel, there is a thread of hope in the book, especially since we know that the enemy has already been defeated. I really liked the perspective of this book and once again, I felt like this author made the Bible come alive in a new way for me. I highly recommend this book to those who love Biblical fiction and also to those who want to give Biblical fiction a try!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
American physicist Dr. Else Jensen is doing research in Copenhagen and finds herself facing an imminent invasion from Germany, but she refuses to leave her hard work and flee to safety. She is intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker in her boardinghouse who has also chosen to stay in the city despite the turmoil. Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt has exchanged his nobility for anonymity in order to aid the Danish Resistance. As danger grows, Else and Henrik each face painful sacrifices with the hope of greater rewards.
About the Author
Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks, Until Leaves Fall in Paris,and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly, and have appeared on Booklist‘s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years.” Sarah lives in California. Visit http://www.sarahsundin.com for more information.
Gripping and thrilling, this story grabbed my heart from the beginning and is still lingering with me long after I have finished. I love the way this author writes, poetic and lyrical with such rich descriptions and settings. The history is very interesting. I have read a lot of World War II books, but I don’t think I’ve read one set in Denmark and I found it very fascinating. And the characters are exactly what you want in a novel—a little flawed, a little messy, and a lot of amazing traits that made me fall in love with them. Else is my favorite because she is smart, independent, and bold. This novel tackles courage, faith, and conviction with ease, and I was so invested in the story, it made me cry more than once. I absolutely loved this novel and most highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Brianna Kelly passes her free time working at Ballymacool House and Boarding School by exploring the grounds and looking for hidden treasure. When she finds a mysterious silver platter in the woods, she is determined to figure out its origin. She turns to handsome newcomer Michael Wray, who is the son of local gentry and recently returned to town to handle a family matter. However, both Brianna and Michael hold secrets that may change everything.
About the Author
Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance) and The Lady of Galway Manor (a Parable Group bestseller). Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at http://www.jenniferdeibel.com.
I was so excited to be transported to picturesque Ireland with the help of this talented author once again. I think she does a fantastic job describing the scenery that serves as a perfect backdrop for this story. I really liked reading about Brianna. Despite difficult circumstances, she looks for ways to be happy and I was cheering for her to find her happily ever after throughout the novel. There is such tender forgiveness and restoration woven among the pages. I love how the author includes spiritual truths without seeming preachy. I was also captivated by the secrets and mystery in this novel and I could not put it down as I wished to know the ending. The romance is sweet and realistic. I truly loved this novel and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Autumn Long is police chief of Shadow Gap, Alaska, but she is feeling incompetent after a series of unexplained murders and an attack on a family member leave her shaken. She is naturally distrustful of those not in her close-knit community, but she finds herself oddly trusting Grier Brenner, despite the fact that he is a newcomer. But Grier has secrets and a dark past, part of which may catch up to him and endanger not only himself but also Autumn and their entire community.
About the Author
Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 50 novels, including the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold over 1 million copies. She is a Carol Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at http://www.elizabethgoddard.com.
Chilling and suspenseful, this novel pulls you in, grips you tight, and keeps you reading long into the night! I really liked the setting of this newest series by a talented author. It was easy to imagine the frigid Alaskan frontier. I also loved the interactions of Autumn and Grier. Their relationship developed believably as the fast-paced action never let up. The characters are realistic and relatable, and I enjoyed the growth of faith they experienced. And let’s not forget the incredible action and twists and turns in this novel, with eerie villains and an ending I did not see coming. This is one of those books where you want to call in sick to work so you can cozy up with a blanket and read it straight through so you can find out what happens! I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to read the next one in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Michael Sullivan has big dreams of being a musician, but when he suddenly finds himself without a job or a future, he is uncertain that his dreams will ever come true. That is until an invitation to a fancy New Year’s Eve party sets events in motion that could forever change his future. Natalie Wheeler may be an heir to a musical dynasty, but the fading of her family’s name means she must now find her own way in life. When she meets Mike on that New Year’s Eve, they are both changed forever.
About the Author
Erin Bartels is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, and The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two 2020 WFWA Star Awards and the 2020 Michigan Notable Book Award, Erin has been a publishing professional for twenty years. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at http://www.erinbartels.com.
I overall enjoyed this story, packed as it is with raw emotion and some good character development. I found Natalie to be endearing and she effortlessly captured my attention with her positive outlook on life and her upbeat attitude despite many trials that she faced. Michael’s journey is riddled with good character growth, although I would have liked to see a bit more of the spiritual changes in him detailed as well. This is made up for in the delight that is Deb, who is a kind and generous mother to Natalie and a great addition to the novel. I thought the chapters were cleverly laid out in tracks instead of chapters and I found myself wishing I could listen to the music they were discussing in the novel. I read a lot of Christian romance fiction and I found it interesting that this novel took on the perspective of Mike for the story. I think the author did a good job of creating a story with depth that made me want to keep reading. I recommend this book to those who enjoy romantic stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Mary Miller wishes to escape the confines of her Amish community, so she embarks on a vacation to Florida, where she meets several new friends. Sparks soon fly between her and handsome Jayson Raber, but Jayson has obligations in Kentucky that prevent him from being able to fully pursue Mary. Additionally, Mary’s past soon collides with her vacation, leading to conflict with this newly budding relationship with Jayson.
About the Author
Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 books. Two-time winner of the HOLT Medallion and a Carol Award finalist, Gray lives in Colorado, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.
Simple and sweet, this story is an easy and enjoyable read. I think it is best suited for young readers as the plot is clean and has wonderful themes of forgiveness and trusting God, while not having a plot that is terribly complex or with mature themes. I found the pace of the novel to be a bit slow for my liking, but this did not detract from the story being sweet and endearing. The setting is a wonderful place for romance and I liked the gradual development of their relationship. Although this story has Amish elements, a majority of it takes place outside of the Amish community. I overall enjoyed this novel and would be interested in reading the next one in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley’s father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.
No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems–a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies–and those who pretend friendship may be enemies.
About the Author
Christy Award-winning author, Laura Frantz, is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State.
“A masterful achievement of historical complexity and scintillating romance sure to thrill readers with its saga of love under siege.”— Booklist, starred review “A deeply atmospheric story of faith, love, and sacrifice that is as captivating as it is enthralling.”— Sarah E. Ladd, bestselling author of The CornwallNovels “Marked by majestic Scottish scenery and a memorable trip to Edinburg, The Rose and the Thistle is a delightful historical romance set during a tumultuous time.”— Forward Reviews
This novel was so well written with fantastic descriptions that I felt myself swept away to eighteenth century Scotland and immediately immersed in a culture of religious uprisings, daring romance, and threats of war. I was so impressed with the amount of history the author poured into this novel; a bonus is knowing the author is distantly related to the characters and events in the story. I was also impressed with her ability to weave Scottish Gaelic and other phrases authentic to that time period flawlessly into the plot. I did reference the glossary at the beginning several times but I did not find that this detracted from the story but only made it richer. I loved Blythe from the first page, her steadfast compassion, kind mannerisms, smart intellect, and unshakable courage made it easy to me to feel invested in her story. Everard is initially mysterious but soon becomes the perfect hero to compliment Blythe’s personality. I loved the unexpected twists their story took and I also had a hard time putting the book down. I hope there is a future novel with more of Blythe and Everard as there were a few details I would love to know more about, but I don’t think this detracted from a satisfying ending. I cannot recommend this book; I absolutely loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers, courtesy of Austen Prose Tours with Laurel Ann Nattress. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Grace Billingsley uses her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to catch serial killers, thinking that getting them behind bars means the streets are safer. But Sam Monroe, prison psychiatrist and son of a serial killer, knows better. After it’s clear that a killer with an eerily similar style to Sam’s father is at work, Sam and Grace must team up and race against danger to track down the killer before it is too late.
About the Author
Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of Life Flight and Crossfire, as well asthe Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at http://www.lynetteeason.com.
This book has everything that I love about this author! Nonstop action, subtle sizzling romance, and deeper woven spiritual themes are wonderfully written from start to finish. I found Sam to be an interesting character, especially consider his father is a serial killer. I also really liked his daughter Eleni. Grace is a great heroine with her brilliance and strength. I loved that the twists in this story kept me guessing and made my heart pound on more than one occasion. I thought there was great suspense that builds and builds, and I read late into the night to finish it. I cannot wait to see what this author pens next. Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
In On the Run by Lynette Eason, Daria Neysky is suddenly the target of an unknown predator. Dr. Ryker Donahue desires to work with Daria, hoping to stop the threat before it is too late.
In Deadly Objective by Lynn H. Blackburn, Emily Dixon works with the son of the President of the United States. But when someone threatens him, Secret Service agent Liam Harper must work to protect them both despite the ever loaming threat.
In Caught in the Crosshairs by Natalie Walters, Caludia Gallegos is targeted after witnessing a murder of a Saudi prince. She is not interested in working with Ari Blackman to solve the case, but she may not have a choice as danger closes in.
About the Authors
Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Life Flight and several romantic suspense series. Learn more at http://www.lynetteeason.com.
Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat and the Dive Team Investigations series. Learn more at http://www.lynnhblackburn.com.
Natalie Walters is the award-winning author of Lights Out, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. Learn more at http://www.nataliewalterswriter.com.
I knew when I saw these three powerhouse suspense authors working together on a novel, I had to get my hands on it, and it completely lived up to my expectations! I loved how all three were able to pack great character development and fascinating romantic suspense into short novellas. The action filled every page. I really liked the shorter stories, which allowed me to complete a story in a sitting during a busy holiday season. I was so fascinated by the constant twists and turns and thought they each wrapped up beautifully. I thought the themes of trusting God were well woven into each story, despite their different premise. I really enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it to lovers of Christian suspense!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Life of Literature 