Always Look Twice by Elizabeth Goddard

Book Summary:

At the advice of her therapist, homicide survivor Harper Reynolds has traded her job as a crime scene photographer for a more peaceful life taking photographs of the natural world. But her hopes for a life surrounded by the serenity of the outdoors are dashed when she inadvertently captures a murder being committed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She flees the scene in fear–and loses the camera.

Former Green Beret Heath McKade is a reserve deputy in an understaffed county who has been called in to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to see back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff’s department can’t find any evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed–or how deeply they will fall for each other.

In this suspenseful page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps you on the edge of your seat as you discover that uncommon justice lies just on the other side of fear.

 

My Thoughts:

This book grabbed me in the first chapter with its introduction into this plot!  Any time there is a murder in the first few pages of a book, you can bet I am sticking around to see where it’s headed.  I felt like there was enough action sprinkled throughout this story to keep me guessing at what was coming next. I really loved that there were paragraphs here and there that were from the villains perspective, I felt like it allowed me to get a sense of what was motivating him and also prompted some guessing as to who was behind it all.  Heath and Harper were both likable characters, but goodness that girl went through cameras like they were disposable!  I enjoyed the relationship between Harper and her sister because I felt like it added another set of characters to focus on that was not strictly based around romance like Harper’s relationship with Heath.  The villain popping up unexpectedly and the fact that he was watching them with a scope long distance really created a feeling of insecurity for the characters.  You just never felt like they were safe.  Several surprises and twists and turns kept me guessing until close to the conclusion of this book!

 

If you would like to purchase a copy of this book or learn more about the author, follow the links below!

Amazon: Always Look Twice

https://elizabethgoddard.com/

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, however I was not required to leave a positive review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Dark Ambitions by Irene Hannon

Book Summary:

Former Army Night Stalker Rick Jordan usually has his camp for foster children to himself during the winter months. But someone has visited recently–leaving a trail of blood. One of the two clues left behind tips Rick off to the identity of his visitor, who soon turns up dead. The police deem it an accident, but Rick isn’t convinced. With the help of private investigator Heather Shields, he sets out to decipher the remaining clue. Except someone doesn’t want them to succeed–and will stop at nothing to keep them from finding the truth.

With her trademark psychological suspense ratcheting up the tension on every page, bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon takes you on a search for a cold-blooded killer with an ambitious goal and deadly intent.

My Thoughts:

I have been anxiously anticipating this book since I finished Hidden Peril! Irene Hannon has such a way combining the perfect blend of suspense and masterful villains in her stories! The first chapter of this book instantly intrigued me as the reader follows a character who is clearly on the run and in danger. The plot thickens from there! Full disclosure that this book seemed to pack most of its action towards the end of the book instead of scattered throughout. There are several plot twists that may seem obvious, however a few I didn’t see coming! Sparks and romance develop between the main characters as they continue to work together to solve the missing person case, so don’t worry, there is plenty of chemistry to keep romance readers tuned in! Also, it was so fun to see the gang from the Phoenix Private Investigators in this book! It was like hanging out with old friends. All in all I enjoyed this book and really enjoyed this series!

If you would like to purchase a copy of Dark Ambitions or learn more about Irene Hannon, visit the links below!

Amazon: Dark Ambitions

Irene Hannon

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

With You Here by Sarah Monzon

Book Summary:

Holy Roman Empire, 1527
In the wake of Martin Luther’s religious reforms, Princess Christyne von Heidelbraum is compelled by her sense of duty to help ease the burden of her people. When she stumbles upon a dying man in the woods, she vows to aid him—even when she discovers the arrow shot in his leg was put there by a heretic hunter. With both her physical and spiritual well-being in danger, she must choose between conscience or adhering to the laws of the Empire.

Present Day
Doubting her calling to become a hospital chaplain, Amber Carrington takes time off from her theology studies to volunteer with refugees in Germany. Working with children, making a difference, reconnecting with the conviction that once drove her—these were her expectations. An instant attraction to a professional soccer player wasn’t a part of the plan…and she can’t let him distract her from her purpose.
As a new Christian, Seth Marshall is determined to put his popularity as a world-renowned footballer to good use. Unfortunately, old habits and public opinions are hard to overcome. When he falls hard and fast for Amber Carrington, his former life—and her no-dating policy—may block his perfect shot for the woman he loves.

 

My Thoughts:

I could not wait to get my hands on another Carrington Family Romance Novel!  I have really loved the characters in this family and this particular novel features Amber in the present day story line!  That’s right!  This book, like those previously in this series, is a split time novel!  I really love split time novels because they give readers a chance to experience both Historical and Contemporary writing in the same book, which for some readers is a step out of their comfort zone.

The historical story line in With You Here takes readers back to the Holy Roman Empire and its a time of religious unrest and danger for those that choose to defy the beliefs of the King.  The historical seemed to weave a lot of religious history into the story through the perspectives of the characters and it was pretty heavy with minimal romance.  I was definitely surprised with the conclusion of the story and I felt as though it  wrapped up in a unique and unexpected way!

The present day story line was my favorite in this particular book.  I am totally team Seth.  He was my favorite character in this book!  Who doesn’t love a charismatic, super attractive soccer player as a main hero?  I really loved his character because he was a new believer and it was really nice to see his transformation from his old lifestyle, but also highlight the fact that he still struggled with his old habits.  His chemistry with Amber was great and I enjoyed their interactions with the refugee children they were helping.  Amber had her own set of struggles to overcome and I think that Seth really tried to help her overcome some of her doubts.  I really enjoyed the conclusion of the book and really loved getting a few pop ins from the Carrington family members during the story as well!

If you would like to purchase a copy of With You Here or learn more about Sarah Monzon, visit the links below!

Amazon: With You Here

http://www.sarahmonzonwrites.com/

*I was given a copy of this book by the author, but I was not required to post a positive review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

One Final Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn

Book Summary:

When investigator Gabriel Chavez had his cover blown by an aggressive reporter, the silver lining was being able to rejoin the dive team. The downside? Dive team captain Anissa Bell–a woman who both fascinates and frustrates him.

Anissa grew up as a missionary kid on the Micronesian island of Yap and always planned to return after college. But she remained stateside, determined to solve the case that haunts her–the murder of her best friend and the disappearance of a three-year-old child.

When Anissa’s fractured past collides with Gabe’s investigation into the tragic shooting death of a teenage boy in Lake Porter, they’ll have to put their complicated history with each other aside in order to uncover the identity of a killer. What they’ll discover is that revenge has no statute of limitations.

 

My Thoughts:

What a fantastic end to a truly fantastic series! One Final Breath was just as good as I was anticipating and totally did this series justice as a final book! Lynn Blackburn has delivered another suspense filled novel that is gripping and will catch you by surprise with its twists and turns. I absolutely love the characters she has created for this series and I had been anxiously awaiting Gabe and Anissa’s story.  The romantic tension, the chemistry, it had been building for two books!!! Two books!!! I felt as though this love story unfolded exactly how it needed to! These characters each have a past that made them cautious of love and relationships and I felt that the author honored that, while slowly allowing them to break those barriers down as the story progressed.  The mystery element in this story was intriguing and kept me turning the pages!  And, the dive team gang was together for a good portion of this story which I loved! Can Leigh come and cook for me? Every time I read one of these books I want to hang out with this crew, and maybe steal their dinner.  One Final Breath was such a solid ending to this series, you will not be disappointed! It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to these characters because I have such a fondness for each of their stories! If Lynn Blackburn ever takes us back to Carrington I wouldn’t be mad about it!

If you would like to purchase a copy of One Final Breath or learn more about Lynn Blackburn, visit the links below!

Amazon: One Final Breath

http://lynnhblackburn.com/

*I was given a copy of this book by the Publisher, but I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano

Book Summary:

Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London’s east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within–and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.

 

My Thoughts:

Once Again Joanna Davidson Politano has written an intriguing and mysterious historical romance that kept me guessing with every turn of the page.  This book did not disappoint in providing danger, twists and turns, and a truly unique plot.  Raina’s love story is one that plays out so uniquely because of the circumstances she finds herself caught up in, and it is memorable, sweet, and clever.  Throughout the book I was continuing to make guesses as to what I thought was really going on beneath the surface!  I love being surprised by a plot twist or two and I definitely could not have predicted the ending!  Raina and her love interest had a truly special way of communicating their thoughts and feelings and it added a sweetness to this story that had me rooting for them in spite of the challenges they faced.  This story is beautifully written and combines flawed characters and a unique plot to immerse the reader into a mystery that will keep you hooked until the final pages!

To purchase a copy of Finding Lady Enderly or learn more about the author, visit the links below!

 

Amazon: Finding Lady Enderly Purchase Link

https://jdpstories.com/

 

*I was given a copy of this book by the Publisher, but was not required to leave a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Girl Behind The Red Rope by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker

Book Summary:

Ten years ago, Grace saw something that would forever change the course of history. When evil in its purest form is unleashed on the world, she and others from their religious community are already hidden deep in the hills of Tennessee, abiding by every rule that will keep them safe, pure–and alive. As long as they stay there, behind the red perimeter.

Her older brother’s questions and the arrival of the first outsiders she’s seen in a decade set in motion events that will question everything Grace has built her life on. Enemies rise on all sides–but who is the real enemy? And what will it cost her to uncover the truth?

My Thoughts:

While this book was somewhat out of my comfort zone, I wanted to read and review it because the plot sounded intriguing and the cover is really phenomenal! The beginning of this book really sucked me into the story and I was completely invested in the characters and where this plot was headed. The rigid rules of the cult and and vague and haunting descriptions of their fears about what lay outside their boundaries, really kept me eerily glued to the pages. However, I began to see that this novel, while being about a cult, also had a supernatural element to it that I was not expecting. I don’t care for novels that involve supernatural things in regards to the plot, so this book really wasn’t one that I enjoyed.  I really felt that a book that supported a supernatural element in the plot should have indicated as such in the blurb on the back cover. For me, it would have allowed me the opportunity to get a better idea of where this plot was headed and know that I most likely would not connect with this particular story.  I think that readers who don’t mind this kind of a story line will enjoy this novel. The writing was well done and the pacing of the book was good. The descriptions and characters were written really well and you definitely feel the fear that encompasses those living within the boundary lines of this cult. If you are a Ted Dekker fan or a fan of stories with supernatural elements you will probably really enjoy this one.

If you would like to purchase a copy of this book, visit the link below!

Amazon: The Girl Behind The Red Rope

 

*I was given a copy of this book from the Publisher but I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

 

Book Summary:

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building his very successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before it spirals out of control, he returns to his ancestral home to save his brother and sister before it’s too late.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

My Thoughts:

I found The Spice King to be utterly captivating!  I absolutely loved the history, details, characters and plot of this novel.  The entire book held my attention and as with most Camden novels, I learned so much from reading this book!  Elizabeth Camden has a way of imparting information into her stories by using descriptions and characters.  There are so many historical facts, but with his novel I never felt I was being flooded with information.  It was insightful and well balanced, which had me hanging on every detail of every page!  The history of finding and manufacturing spices in the United States was fascinating to me.  I also really enjoyed reading a bit about the laws concerning food labeling and some of the examples given about adulterated food items was appalling.  Apart from all that, I really loved Gray!  He was a bit grumpy and pretentious in the best sort of way.  He and Annabelle balanced each other perfectly and their chemistry was fun to read.  I really enjoyed this book and I also love that is is book one in a series!  Looking forward to the next book already!

Amazon: The Spice King Purchase Link

http://elizabethcamden.com/

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the Publisher, but I was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.