"One Final Target" is a Christian romantic suspense. Since Jodie was responsible for her team, she felt guilty for their deaths even though there was "One Final Target" is a Christian romantic suspense. Since Jodie was responsible for her team, she felt guilty for their deaths even though there was no way for her to anticipate what happened. Sam also second-guessed himself after his partner died in an accident, so he could understand some of what Jodie was going through and help her deal with her guilt and grief. He also found further healing through helping her. They worked well together during the intense events. The author kept me guessing about exactly who on Sam's suspect list had a personal grudge worth killing over. I thought I knew, but I also wasn't sure, so who could they really trust? The constant danger and this uncertainty created a high level of suspense.
Jodie struggled with believing God was good even when tragedy happened. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this engaging, suspenseful story.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"All My Secrets" is a Christian historical set in 1898 in New York. It's about the legacy we leave behind and how our actions affect future generation"All My Secrets" is a Christian historical set in 1898 in New York. It's about the legacy we leave behind and how our actions affect future generations. As the oldest, Junietta's story unfolded first as she told Sylvia and Addy about her first love. He's an impoverished immigrant who headed off to make it rich in the gold fields of California so he could give Junietta the lifestyle to which she's accustomed. She's forced into marriage with Art, the son of an evil, scheming man who set his sons against each other. Her marriage wasn't a love match, and she wants that for Addy along with a sense of purpose that she's found in supporting charities for widows, orphans, and the poor.
Sylvia then told how she married Junietta's son to regain the wealth of her childhood only to fall in love with him. She's determined to find a wealthy husband for Addy so that they both can continue the lifestyle they're used to. Addy likes social events and can't imagine giving up her home (even if it costs too much to maintain), but the men willing to court her aren't ones she can see spending her life with. Decisions, decisions for everyone.
The characters were complex, realistic people, and I cared about them. Historical details about what life was like were woven into story, and some major historical events affected the women's lives. Junietta received God's forgiveness for her sins and, out of gratitude, reached out to help others. There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this well-written historical.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
This is a Christian romance set in 1940, mostly in England. Aleida's abusive husband is ashamed that their son lacks fingers on one hand. As many richThis is a Christian romance set in 1940, mostly in England. Aleida's abusive husband is ashamed that their son lacks fingers on one hand. As many rich families fled from the Netherlands, he sneaked his son away and gave him to an English family to take with them. Aleida escaped to England, but she didn't know who had her child. She agreed to work for the department handling sending children (including refuge children) into the country in hopes of finding her son. Hugh didn't have permission to tell her story, but he helped as he could. He also struggled to hide his asthma while reporting from areas burning from German bombs. He fought for the right to report on bad events, not just positive ones.
The main characters were complex, engaging, and I cared about what happened to them. Aleida and Hugh supported each other and built each other up. Then Hugh said something unthinking that triggered Aleida into feeling like he was controlling, like her dead husband. They both had to realize that they'd reacted wrongly to the situation. Concerning Theo, I thought it odd that Aleida didn't anticipate being asked and had trouble thinking of how to prove that she's Theo's mother.
Aleida learned to stop trying to control every detail of her life and trust that God loves her and is in control. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Fatal Witness" is a Christian romantic suspense. It's the second book in the series but works as a standalone. Mark once failed to protect the woman "Fatal Witness" is a Christian romantic suspense. It's the second book in the series but works as a standalone. Mark once failed to protect the woman he loved, so he avoids romantic relationships. Now he has to keep Dani (and Mae) alive while they finally solve what happened 25 years ago. Mark admired Dani's character as they spent time together and got to know each other. They worked well together and brought out the best in each other. Dani was brave and refused to be a passive victim of events.
The main characters were likable, complex, and reacted realistically to events. The high level of suspense came from repeated attacks on Dani and Mae. Whodunit was guessable but not obvious or easy to narrow down. The case went cold years ago due to lack of definitive clues, and Dani struggled to remember anything about when she lived in Pearl Springs. Several characters were bitter because of unforgiveness, and Dani faced having to forgive others. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"One Wrong Move" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It had two mysteries and romances in it. The main story was Christian and Andi investigating "One Wrong Move" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It had two mysteries and romances in it. The main story was Christian and Andi investigating the art heists. Christian pulled off some art heists as a teenager, so he's great at setting up security to prevent them, yet someone knows exactly how to break through it. Andi once worked crime scene forensics for the FBI, but she was falsely accused of messing up the evidence and putting an innocent man in prison. It's Christian's private investigator brother who ruined her career, but now her best friend (from that same lab) and his brother investigate her claim that she was set up.
The physical danger to the main characters and others kept the suspense high. The characters were smart, complex, and dealt with realistic struggles. I cared about what happened to them. The romantic pairs worked well as a team and built each other up. The characters were Christians, so they prayed to God to help them, and their beliefs affected their choices. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting, suspenseful novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"While the City Sleeps" is set in 1913 in New York City. The author wove historical details into the story to create a distinct sense of the time and "While the City Sleeps" is set in 1913 in New York City. The author wove historical details into the story to create a distinct sense of the time and place. The Bomb Squad and their attempts to stop bombings added some suspense. Katherine and Jonathan were flawed, realistic people who matured due to the events. Yet the 'romance' just didn't work for me. Jonathan faithfully escorted her to her subway each night for two years. She knew little about him, yet she still decided that he's this perfect, wonderful guy. So she started showing more skin and wearing her most flattering dresses to entice him into a relationship. He thinks she's so pure and untouched by the dirty, criminal world he grew up in and is thus desirable and above what he could hope for. But she's clear that she won't forgive lies (even by omission), and he's hiding the fact that he was born into a notorious criminal family.
The two didn't share any interests, though she was happy to eat the sweets he made and he was happy to do whatever she wanted to spend time with her. Both fell in love with an illusion they'd created about the other rather than the real person. Even by the end, some of that illusion remained. Jonathan thought that she brought out the best in him, but it's the opposite. She actually got him to break rules. She was more concerned with her desires than with his. She didn't support his dangerous police work, yet she kept ignoring his warnings of danger because she wanted to do something and not just wait. It just didn't seem like a healthy relationship.
Katherine suddenly decided in the epilogue that she could trust God with the future (especially regarding Jonathan's dangerous job). There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this more as a historical than a romance.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Double Take" is a romantic suspense. Lainie feels like a victim and a door mat. Her family's a mess, with her mother having a mental illness and her "Double Take" is a romantic suspense. Lainie feels like a victim and a door mat. Her family's a mess, with her mother having a mental illness and her siblings wanting nothing to do with their parents. She wanted a normal family so badly that she initially overlooked how her fiancé started to treat her. When she dumped him, he tried to kill her. She's finally recovering from that trauma when she suddenly sees Adam again. She's certain it must be someone who looks like him, only, every trace of his death is being erased. Why? Who is this man, or is it possible Adam actually survived?
James' father refused to talk with him after James became a police officer, so he had his own family problems to work through. He and his partner investigated Lainie's case while keeping her safe. The high suspense came from the deadly danger to Lainie. The main characters were capable, likable people who reacted realistically to events. James built Lainie up and showed her that she's a fighter, not a victim. They worked well together. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting story.
I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Live the Let-Go Life" focused on God's amazing grace toward us and how that changes how we deal with situations that could cause us stress and anxiet"Live the Let-Go Life" focused on God's amazing grace toward us and how that changes how we deal with situations that could cause us stress and anxiety. It's very Bible-based, and he quoted many verses (in correct context) to support what he was saying. He comes from a bit more of a 'God wants to pour blessings like health and wealth on you if you'll let him' background that influences his views, but I generally agree with what he teaches. I think everyone would benefit from hearing about or being reminded of God's wonderful, amazing grace toward us, and this book does a good job of that....more
This is a Christian romance set in 1895 in Texas. Birdie's father died and her mother abandoned her, so she goes to her mother's childhood friend hopiThis is a Christian romance set in 1895 in Texas. Birdie's father died and her mother abandoned her, so she goes to her mother's childhood friend hoping she'll help her get to her aunt. Only, Lida pressures Birdie into prostitution at her brothel. Birdie now feels worthless, used, and rejected. Then a pastor enters the brothel, offering refuge at his mission, and Birdie accepts. But what does her future hold? Most folk don't want anything to do with an ex-prostitute, and a few even claim God won't forgive a sin as bad as hers.
Ephraim is talented at playing and singing music, and he dutifully helps his pastor father with his mission and revivals. He feels restless, though, and he doesn't understand how his parents can pray for Lida (as he's never been told that they once knew each other). He's captivated by Birdie's beautiful singing and enjoys her kind, caring personality, but he's not supposed to get personally involved with the girls at the mission.
The main characters were engaging, reacted realistically to events, and grew in maturity. Birdie and Ephraim shared interests and got along well. The main focus of the story was how God forgives and can make one new. The pastor constantly prayed to God for guidance, and several of the ex-prostitutes accepted Christ as they came to understand what He'd done for them. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this story of renewal and healing.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Children of the Shadows" is a Christian mystery set in 1816 in England. This is the 3nd book in the series, and it didn't spoil the previous mysterie"Children of the Shadows" is a Christian mystery set in 1816 in England. This is the 3nd book in the series, and it didn't spoil the previous mysteries. However, you at least need to read the previous book to understand the romance as Juliette and Daniel were told they must stay apart for various reasons. The little time they had together was usually spent kissing. I was sad that Juliette had little to do in this story except fret about her future.
Daniel, his police partner, and his apprentice investigated the disappearing street children. They tracked down clues or had others look for certain information for them. All of the obvious clues pointed toward someone they didn't believe could be guilty. I did wonder why Daniel wasn't suspicious of the behavior of one of the culprits (who was the one I guessed). There was a very subtle clue pointing at the other culprit, but I didn't catch it at the time. Some historical details were woven into the story, but other details verged on fantasy.
The Christian element was mainly how the main characters felt that the street children were valuable and deserved help. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Of Love and Treason" is set in 269-270 AD in Rome. I thought a novel would be a fun way to learn about Valentine only to learn that he might not have"Of Love and Treason" is set in 269-270 AD in Rome. I thought a novel would be a fun way to learn about Valentine only to learn that he might not have even existed and the little that's recorded is conflicting. The author has done a lot more research than me, but this story didn't even seem to match the various legends beyond Val was a Christian leader who prayed that a blind daughter of a judge or jailor would see again when they presented it as a test.
Val was portrayed as such a thoughtful, kind, and courageous man that it was hard to read the scenes of him being tortured and martyred. (While not highly graphic, we do get a rundown of the various torture devices, how they're used, and how much pain Val was in during his ordeal.) I loved the Christian message: the cost of standing firm and reaching out to unbelievers during a period of persecution and how Iris struggled with how God is real and good because He gave her back her sight, but how can she trust a God that doesn't always protect His followers?
My main problem was that the main characters just didn't act realistically. Iris was under threat of being sold to her father's superior officer to be raped, beaten, and maimed. He was initially a serious threat, then suddenly Iris came out of hiding and went about in public with no thought to the threat. The evil man knew Titus cared for her yet didn't have someone follow him as he repeatedly went to visit her hiding spot. In another case, Val was threatened with death and warned to leave Rome that day, but his pride kept him there because his church needed him. Hello, he won't be there to teach them if he's dead, now will he? Val's supposedly in hiding but would go out in public both at night and during the day to help his doctor host. He also barged into the clinic when unknown people were present. And so on. It's like he had a death wish. Then, at the end, a lot of people we know and like were unexpectedly killed. The ending felt rushed and wasn't very satisfying.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I might recommend this to Christians who want to know what it was like for a Christian to live in Rome under persecution.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"The Juliet Code" is a Christian mystery set in 1914 in Venice. This is the third book in a series, and you can understand it without reading the prev"The Juliet Code" is a Christian mystery set in 1914 in Venice. This is the third book in a series, and you can understand it without reading the previous books. However, this book did spoil both events and the mystery in the previous books, so it's best to read them in order.
Grace is full of enthusiasm and a lively imagination fueled by books. She gets a thrill from adventure, and I love how resourceful she is in the face of unexpected adventures. Frederick's finally getting into being a sleuth and actually put together many of the clues before Grace did. She figured out the secret code leading to the treasure, though. Anyway, they were working with Detective Jack, so he mostly led the questioning and detecting. Frederick and Grace spent a lot of time mooning over each other (as it is their honeymoon) and having fade-to-black bedroom scenes. It was a fun romp, but I had the ghost whodunit figured out before even Grace (who had all of the clues) and the same with Laraby's stunt.
The ending got confusing, partly because the author switched from the known names for the characters to their true names and relationships. The scenes were so poorly described that the 'suspenseful' ending just left me confused. It felt like the author forgot how she initially described the place, nor did the scene seem possible. I hope this is fixed in the final version of the book.
Grace and Fredrick learned to trust God with each other's safety. There was no bad language. There was implied married sex. Overall, I'd recommend this fun mystery, but I hope the end is re-written to make more sense as it was hard to follow.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Codes of Courage" is a Christian suspense set in 1940 to 1945. While there is romance, this isn't romance genre but primarily a war story. We continu"Codes of Courage" is a Christian suspense set in 1940 to 1945. While there is romance, this isn't romance genre but primarily a war story. We continue Karl's story from "Heirs of Falcon Point," and if you've read that book, you have some idea of how this turns out (which is a good thing, so feel free to read it first). This novel can be read as a standalone, though.
The historical details about what it'd be like to serve on a U-boat or on merchant ships taking supplies to England (and getting attacked), working in code breaking, etc., brought the time period alive in my imagination. These details were very interesting without bogging down the pace. Karl and Millie didn't get to spend much time together while falling in love, but we got snippets from their letters. They were well-suited to each other. Karl appreciated Millie's intelligence and willingness to help him while they're still strangers. Millie felt seen and loved for herself when normally she felt like she didn't fit in. There's plenty of suspenseful battle and rescue scenes.
Karl had a family Bible with a code in it, and code-breaker Millie tried to break it. This ended up leading her to rely on God when things got hard (like raising a baby without a husband present to help). There were no sex scenes (though obviously they make a baby) or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting and suspenseful historical.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Appalachian Song" is a Christian romance set in 1943 and 1973 in Tennessee. Walker and Reese fell in love while spending time together searching for "Appalachian Song" is a Christian romance set in 1943 and 1973 in Tennessee. Walker and Reese fell in love while spending time together searching for the midwife who delivered him and for the story of why he was given up for adoption. They mostly bonded over both having been adopted. I can understand why Walker felt rejected when he learned he was adopted, but a Christian apparently feeling that he was meant to have one life but that was messed up when he was adopted just seemed strange to me. He did change his attitude, but it's not like he missed out on a better life or something.
The 1943 story was about Bertie's life with her sisters and as a midwife. She took Songbird in and protected her against her violent father. Bertie taught her about how God adopts us as his children when we confess our sins and accept Jesus and that God is our good Heavenly Father. The main characters were engaging and realistic. Interesting historical details were woven into the story to give it a distinct sense of time and place. There was no bad language or sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting story.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Voice of the Ancient" is biblical fiction set during the first months of King Saul's reign (1 Samuel 10-12). The author added a lot about the battle "Voice of the Ancient" is biblical fiction set during the first months of King Saul's reign (1 Samuel 10-12). The author added a lot about the battle and the aftermath that's not actually in the Bible. Her additions showed the people on the east side of the Jordan River as hardly knowing of God anymore and Saul as failing as a king right from the start. Keziah didn't worship God until Levite and storyteller Avi started telling her and other Hebrews about their history.
My main problem was that too many things were unrealistic. For example, a sword was coming at Avi and he was about to die, yet he had time to contemplate his life and wrong choices. I've taken fencing lessons, and you barely have time to recognize the danger before it hits; the contemplation comes afterward. The characters liked reminiscing in the middle of high danger when it'd be best to focus on getting out of the situation alive. Keziah's horse seemed to be permanently saddled and bridled with the only way to remove the saddle being to cut it off with a knife. Hm, you remove the saddle when not riding and cutting the saddle off in that situation probably would have injured the horse. I didn't understand why Avi didn't try to free the saddle first as that would have made more sense.
And Avi left a 15-year-old young man behind in a cave at the break of day only to come back and find him missing. His friends concluded that a huge pack of hyenas must have attacked, killed, and dragged the remains away. But hyenas are primarily nocturnal animals, and it's rare for them to prey on humans (especially adult humans). The only hyena that's maybe referred to one time in the Bible is the type that's primarily a scavenger, so they don't "hunt" in large packs. Why not pick a more believable animal? And Avi made a lot of assumptions about what happened to his missing cousin. He believed he'd found him every time someone said they had seen a boy about the right age, whether they saw any distinctive markings or not. I realize guilt was driving him, but that seemed a very futile method for finding him.
There was no sex or bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Capturing Hope" is a Christian romance set in 1939 in Poland. Nadia was raised to think herself as above others, but she's lonely because even her pa"Capturing Hope" is a Christian romance set in 1939 in Poland. Nadia was raised to think herself as above others, but she's lonely because even her parents don't seem to love her. David feels responsible for a relative's death when he was young, and he's determined to get Nadia to safety after her father makes him promise to help her escape Poland. They're more aware than most about Hitler's hatred for Jews, so David gives his seat on an escape plane to a Jewish family and Nadia's inspired to do the same. As bombs fall on Warsaw and David captures the truth on film, Nadia can't abandoned those left orphaned...especially the Jews. Every time David finds a way to escape, Nadia ends up sending those in more danger in their place. As they spend time together, David comes to love the increasingly kind and caring Nadia, and Nadia appreciates his courage, kindness, and sacrificial character. They're better people for knowing each other.
The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Historical details were woven into the story. There was plenty of suspense due to the dangers from the invasion. David was a Christian. Nadia questioned if God cared about them and life after death. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Against the Wind" is a Christian romance set in 1883 in Texas. It's the 2nd novel in a series but can work as a standalone. Louisa feels that God has"Against the Wind" is a Christian romance set in 1883 in Texas. It's the 2nd novel in a series but can work as a standalone. Louisa feels that God has given her the desire and ability to heal and so is determined to be both a midwife and a doctor. She doesn't let other's opinions that women shouldn't be doctors stop her, but it becomes quite the struggle to convince her hometown to accept her skills even though there's no other doctor. In fact, someone's trying to scare her into giving up both professions.
Josh respected her medical skill and consulted her knowledge of the town to help create a tea room that would appeal to them. He's driven by a promise to his father to try to win leadership of his family's business, and the success of the tea room could prove his worth. Both Josh and Louisa built each other up and showed how they valued the other through their actions. They became close friends as they spent time together. Josh had to reconsider if his priorities really would bring him happiness.
The Christian element was mostly how Louisa treated other people as valuable even when they didn't treat her kindly. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romance.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Into the Fire" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. Suspense was created by two p"Into the Fire" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. Suspense was created by two people secretly harassing Bri and escalating the level of danger as she got closer to solving the serial arson/murder cases.
Bri had a bad relationship back when she was a smokejumper, so she's wary of a new romance. Marc recognized this but was intrigued by her and so kept finding ways to spend time with her. They became friends as they worked together, and Marc was happy to show up to help her in an emergency. They had a romantic 'spark' but both wanted something more that would last. Marc and Bri both had a traumatic childhood, and both struggled to forgive the person who wronged them.
Bri and Marc acted like Christian forgiveness originated in them feeling a certain way rather than as a choice. They couldn't forgive how that person wronged them and changed their lives, like doing so would mean they were okay with what happened. At the end, both suddenly decided to 'give it to God.' Since their inability to forgive was mentioned several times, I felt like there should have been a little more explanation about how they resolved this struggle. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting arson novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"A Winter by the Sea" is a Christian romance set in 1819 in England. Emily still longs to marry Charles, a long-time family friend. She thought he was"A Winter by the Sea" is a Christian romance set in 1819 in England. Emily still longs to marry Charles, a long-time family friend. She thought he was going to propose until he suddenly distanced himself from them two years ago, after the hushed up scandal attached to her oldest sister. He's visiting Sidmouth with his parents and renewed his attentions to Emily--especially after he realized his rival James was interested in her. James supported Emily's desire to be a writer and backed her up in times of conflict. He admired her as she was. But he's not in a position to marry. Charles is a good friend and her dream man, but his parents don't approve of her and her family. She started to question if she still wanted to marry Charles now that she's experienced a man approving of her just as she is.
Historical details were woven into the story and brought it alive in my imagination. The characters were engaging, varied, and acted in realistic ways. I cared about what happened to them, including people staying at Sea View. They faced challenges and grew in character. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Knowing You" is a Christian romance set in 1909 in Seattle, Washington. Interesting historical details about the Expo and the prejudices of the time "Knowing You" is a Christian romance set in 1909 in Seattle, Washington. Interesting historical details about the Expo and the prejudices of the time were woven into the story. The main characters were likable and behaved realistically. The story was mostly about May's cultural heritage. She had a (white) America father and a Japanese mother, but her mother refused to talk about Japan due to bad memories. Despite this and the bullying she received for her Asian looks, May's obsessed with learning more about Japan. May spent much of her free time at the Japan exhibit and took detailed pictures and sketches of the samurai armor so she could paint it. One picture captured a known art forger studying the armor, and Detective Lee saw this picture. Can he arrest the forger before he steals the armor and replaces it with a copy?
When she was young, Lee protected her from bullying even though his own parents despised Asians. So May and Lee were already close friends, and they realized how much they meant to each other as they spent time together. Lee's parents objected so strongly that they threatened to disinherit him if he married May, so he debated how to honor his parents when he knew their prejudice wasn't biblically based. And they quote Scripture at each other over the topic.
This book was the third in a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. However, it spoiled the main events of the previous books. May and Lee were both Christians who prayed to God and read their Bibles for guidance. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
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