This is a romantic suspense. While Sera and Duncan managed to survive, I saw no evidence that they or their team was actually competent. Their main goThis is a romantic suspense. While Sera and Duncan managed to survive, I saw no evidence that they or their team was actually competent. Their main goal was to capture a drug lord, so Sera had a tracking device to slip onto this man when he visited a party. Another criminal crashed the party instead, and they want him, too. Sera put the tracker on her sister, who was a member of this crime gang who stole something the drug lord wanted. You'd think this tracker would be followed by multiple sources as it's so important, but, no, only by a handheld tracker, which Sera stole when setting off on her own. On multiple occasions, this elite team knew where one or both of the bad guys were going, but instead of calling in others and capturing the bad guys, somehow they always ended up outnumbered and on the run. Each top bad guy apparently handled his own crimes personally and showed up repeatedly with their 2-3 favorite bodyguards. They knew the odds and had many opportunities, but, no.
So many smaller details were odd, too. Sera used a sharp knife to remove a long sleeve sweater to expose a wound (hard not to cut someone that way!) when she was in a fully furnished house with a first aid kit at her side. Why not use scissors? At one point, she put the tracker on herself and accidently left the device showing her location behind in plain sight of the bad guys, but she never once wondered if that might be why the bad guys always knew exactly where she was. The bad guys initially wore masks but then used their actual names when talking to each other during the crime. And so on.
Sera was very impulsive with a high risk tolerance. Duncan was normally a careful planner but felt it was up to him to keep her from getting killed. She didn't want help, yet Duncan kept forcing her to accept his leadership. Sera's irritated that he's always right. Neither had time for relationships. Yet suddenly both decided they're madly in love with each other. Hmm. I just don't see Sera putting up with Mr. Knight to the Rescue for very long as she didn't like the role of damsel in distress.
Both Sera and Duncan were Christians and prayed for help. There was no sex or bad language. It may have been exciting, but this whole story just didn't work for me.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Merged review:
This is a romantic suspense. While Sera and Duncan managed to survive, I saw no evidence that they or their team was actually competent. Their main goal was to capture a drug lord, so Sera had a tracking device to slip onto this man when he visited a party. Another criminal crashed the party instead, and they want him, too. Sera put the tracker on her sister, who was a member of this crime gang who stole something the drug lord wanted. You'd think this tracker would be followed by multiple sources as it's so important, but, no, only by a handheld tracker, which Sera stole when setting off on her own. On multiple occasions, this elite team knew where one or both of the bad guys were going, but instead of calling in others and capturing the bad guys, somehow they always ended up outnumbered and on the run. Each top bad guy apparently handled his own crimes personally and showed up repeatedly with their 2-3 favorite bodyguards. They knew the odds and had many opportunities, but, no.
So many smaller details were odd, too. Sera used a sharp knife to remove a long sleeve sweater to expose a wound (hard not to cut someone that way!) when she was in a fully furnished house with a first aid kit at her side. Why not use scissors? At one point, she put the tracker on herself and accidently left the device showing her location behind in plain sight of the bad guys, but she never once wondered if that might be why the bad guys always knew exactly where she was. The bad guys initially wore masks but then used their actual names when talking to each other during the crime. And so on.
Sera was very impulsive with a high risk tolerance. Duncan was normally a careful planner but felt it was up to him to keep her from getting killed. She didn't want help, yet Duncan kept forcing her to accept his leadership. Sera's irritated that he's always right. Neither had time for relationships. Yet suddenly both decided they're madly in love with each other. Hmm. I just don't see Sera putting up with Mr. Knight to the Rescue for very long as she didn't like the role of damsel in distress.
Both Sera and Duncan were Christians and prayed for help. There was no sex or bad language. It may have been exciting, but this whole story just didn't work for me.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Lone Witness" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The characters were nice people who struggled with realistic fears. Tessa changed her identity "Lone Witness" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The characters were nice people who struggled with realistic fears. Tessa changed her identity (illegally) to escape her dangerously abusive boyfriend, and she took some jewelry that he had given to her to fund her escape. She doesn't trust her judgement in people and is afraid he's still after her, but she risked her safety to stop a kidnapping. The kidnapped girl's widowed father happened to be on the FBI team tracking this serial kidnapper. He's determined to keep his sole witness safe (partly from gratitude), and his loving family comes to know and care about her.
The author focused mainly on the periodic suspenseful events (where various people attempted to scare or kill Tessa), but the story covered over a month of time. This gave the hero and heroine some time to get to know each other and fall in love. He's attracted to her character as well as her beauty. She feels safe with him and that he brings out the best in her. He builds her up, unlike the ex-boyfriend that tore her down. He's kind, caring, and supportive. She's courageous and good at finding ways to survive. I enjoyed the characters and cared about what happened to them.
The heroine struggled with believing that God could have good things in store for her future due to her bad childhood and an abusive ex-boyfriend in her past. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Merged review:
"Lone Witness" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The characters were nice people who struggled with realistic fears. Tessa changed her identity (illegally) to escape her dangerously abusive boyfriend, and she took some jewelry that he had given to her to fund her escape. She doesn't trust her judgement in people and is afraid he's still after her, but she risked her safety to stop a kidnapping. The kidnapped girl's widowed father happened to be on the FBI team tracking this serial kidnapper. He's determined to keep his sole witness safe (partly from gratitude), and his loving family comes to know and care about her.
The author focused mainly on the periodic suspenseful events (where various people attempted to scare or kill Tessa), but the story covered over a month of time. This gave the hero and heroine some time to get to know each other and fall in love. He's attracted to her character as well as her beauty. She feels safe with him and that he brings out the best in her. He builds her up, unlike the ex-boyfriend that tore her down. He's kind, caring, and supportive. She's courageous and good at finding ways to survive. I enjoyed the characters and cared about what happened to them.
The heroine struggled with believing that God could have good things in store for her future due to her bad childhood and an abusive ex-boyfriend in her past. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Montana Cold Case Conspiracy" is a Christian romantic suspense. Ten years ago, Lila's father disappeared after Stewart's no-good father held up his b"Montana Cold Case Conspiracy" is a Christian romantic suspense. Ten years ago, Lila's father disappeared after Stewart's no-good father held up his bank then was found murdered without the stolen goods. Stewart moved on by working hard to prove he's not his father. Lila can't believe her father killed anyone or voluntarily helped rob his bank. She left town, disillusioned that so many people believed her father a crook. New evidence has turned up, and she came back hoping Stewart will help her prove her father's innocence. He's not interested, but someone clearly doesn't want her poking around and repeatedly tried to kill her.
The main characters were likable but didn't seem like the brightest bulbs in the pack. After Stewart's convinced that Lila's in danger, he didn't even carry a gun when off duty. He's repeatedly lured away from Lila, who's then attacked. And Lila did things like wander off alone after a frightened dog, not telling anyone what she was doing. When asked once why she did something foolish, she said she wasn't thinking. Uh-huh. It didn't feel like they reacted realistically to the danger they knew they were in, which made them that much easier to target. I liked the relationship tensions between Lila and Stewart caused by their engagement being broken by their fathers' actions. Since they had that romantic past, their quick attraction (after getting back in sync about investigating the past) at least made sense.
There was some prayer to God for help. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this suspenseful novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Merged review:
"Montana Cold Case Conspiracy" is a Christian romantic suspense. Ten years ago, Lila's father disappeared after Stewart's no-good father held up his bank then was found murdered without the stolen goods. Stewart moved on by working hard to prove he's not his father. Lila can't believe her father killed anyone or voluntarily helped rob his bank. She left town, disillusioned that so many people believed her father a crook. New evidence has turned up, and she came back hoping Stewart will help her prove her father's innocence. He's not interested, but someone clearly doesn't want her poking around and repeatedly tried to kill her.
The main characters were likable but didn't seem like the brightest bulbs in the pack. After Stewart's convinced that Lila's in danger, he didn't even carry a gun when off duty. He's repeatedly lured away from Lila, who's then attacked. And Lila did things like wander off alone after a frightened dog, not telling anyone what she was doing. When asked once why she did something foolish, she said she wasn't thinking. Uh-huh. It didn't feel like they reacted realistically to the danger they knew they were in, which made them that much easier to target. I liked the relationship tensions between Lila and Stewart caused by their engagement being broken by their fathers' actions. Since they had that romantic past, their quick attraction (after getting back in sync about investigating the past) at least made sense.
There was some prayer to God for help. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this suspenseful novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Christ Crucified" discussed the theology found in Galatians. Each chapter examined a topic found in Galatians, like: Paul's apostolic authority, how "Christ Crucified" discussed the theology found in Galatians. Each chapter examined a topic found in Galatians, like: Paul's apostolic authority, how to treat circumcision or the law in light of the gospel, justification by faith, who makes up Abraham's linage, etc. The author provided verses from other biblical books to help give background to the debate and looked at things like grammar and word meanings. The tone was scholarly, but I didn't have any trouble understanding his arguments. I'd recommend this book to those who'd like a deeper look at the arguments made in Galatians....more
"Wonderland Creek" is a Christian adventure set in 1936 in Illinois and Kentucky. The main characters were complex, realistic people. Alice started of"Wonderland Creek" is a Christian adventure set in 1936 in Illinois and Kentucky. The main characters were complex, realistic people. Alice started off as extremely self-centered but grew as she was forced to think about others and endure some hardships. It's not really a romance, though she dated a handsome, great kisser for a while (and her appreciation for his fiddling was about all they had in common). While Mack shared her love of books, they hardly spent any time together and Alice even thought about how he brought out the worst in her.
This certainly was an adventure, though even Alice admitted it was unbelievable. For example, she and Mack searched the mine office (which just happened to still have all of the paperwork stored there even though the mine was closed). Mack later said he needed a map of the mine, but surely there would have been several at the office. The action just seemed forced sometimes so they would then do things the hardest, most dangerous way.
Despite Alice's father being a pastor, she had a very shallow understanding of God. Lily was an old woman who explained why bad things happened and otherwise answered Alice's questions about God, yet she showed very little trust in God. Rather than trusting that God would provide needed help (like He had already), Lily manipulated Alice to get her way and even forced Alice to do things she didn't want to do by pointing her loaded gun at Alice. There was no sex or bad language. I wouldn't recommend this book to people who really care about realism, but others may enjoy it....more
"River of Secrets" is a Christian romantic suspense. Though the second book in the series, it works as a standalone. However, Gabe's description of ho"River of Secrets" is a Christian romantic suspense. Though the second book in the series, it works as a standalone. However, Gabe's description of how Micah got left behind is provided in the first book. Someone's trying to kill Micah, but he can't remember his past and so has no idea who or why. Amy has a tendency to go off on her own to meet with criminals without effective backup, so his hands are full. (She's trying to find a relative and help her get away from the criminals.)
The main characters were likable, honorable, and well-meaning. Amy and Micah came to care for each other as they spent time together, and Micah admired Amy's faith. The suspense came from the danger from the attacks, from the jungle, and from not knowing who was trying to kill Micah.
"Wings of Refuge" is a Christian historical set in the land of Israel. The main action started with a lot of suspense as Abby got accidently caught up"Wings of Refuge" is a Christian historical set in the land of Israel. The main action started with a lot of suspense as Abby got accidently caught up in spy games in 1999. After the initial excitement, though, she settled into working on an archeological dig. The repercussions of the initial situation were pretty much dropped until the very end, and even then some things were never explained.
Abby works under a Messianic Jew, so she asked about her life and we're taken back to the origins of the state of Israel and the wars fought when Israel was attacked. Abby also uncovered items in the dig providing clues about a Jewish woman living in the 60-70 AD. So we get her story: how she came to believe in Jesus and witnessed the Jewish revolt against Rome.
The main characters were complex, realistic people that were well-developed. Historical details were woven into the story in vital, interesting ways which brought the stories alive in my imagination. The main characters dealt with forgiving those who had wronged them. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting story....more
"Lethal Deception" is a Christian romantic suspense. Cassidy went to South America to retrieve an orphaned child that a friend wanted her to raise. Th"Lethal Deception" is a Christian romantic suspense. Cassidy went to South America to retrieve an orphaned child that a friend wanted her to raise. The child's relatives question if she's up to raising a toddler due to her past party-girl behavior, but a recent conversion to Christ has changed her. After arriving in South America, she's kidnapped by criminals living in the jungle. Her father asks Gabe to rescue her. Gabe once lead Cassidy's brother on a military mission that ended with him left behind, presumed dead. Cassidy wants to know what happened, but Gabe isn't allowed to explain the mission.
The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. Though Gabe was judgmental of Cassidy at first, he quickly realized he didn't actually know her and he liked the woman he was getting to know. They came to care for each other as Gabe helped protect her. The suspense came from the danger from the attacks, from the jungle, and from not knowing who was trying to kill her and why.
"Over the Edge" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. Though the second book in the series, it works as a standalone. The characters were likable an"Over the Edge" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. Though the second book in the series, it works as a standalone. The characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. Suspense was created by someone messing with Lindsey to discredit her as the sole witness of the suspected murderer (though she didn't see very much of use). Jack and Lindsey initially kept each other at a distance emotionally. Jack's birth mother had mental problems, so he didn't want to get involved with someone who might have similar problems. Lindsey felt Jack hadn't accepted her friend for who she was but pushed her to do something he liked that turned out to be dangerous. Since her parents also pushed her toward careers she didn't care for, she was worried Jack might not be willing to accept her for who she was. However, they came to care for each other as they spent time together and got to know each other.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting suspense novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Holiday Hideout" is a Christian romantic suspense. Almost from first sight, Abby and Cal imagine kissing each other even though they don't quite trus"Holiday Hideout" is a Christian romantic suspense. Almost from first sight, Abby and Cal imagine kissing each other even though they don't quite trust each other. Abby's brother-in-law is a detective yet he's declared he'll make her life miserable for letting his wife (Abby's sister) and his baby die. She's on the run, and cop Cal ends up hiding her on his family's ranch. He thinks she's running from domestic abuse, and, in the past, he didn't act in time to save a friend from dying from domestic abuse.
The main characters were likable and acted realistically. The attraction between Abby and Cal seemed mainly physical, but they did get along well. The suspense came from repeated attacks on Abby while a snow storm prevents help (cops and medical personal) to get through when her hostess could give birth at any time. Abby is angry at God for letting her sister die, and Cal talks to her about her relationship with God. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense....more
"Danger on the Mountain" is a Christian romantic suspense. It's the third in a series but works as a standalone. Widow Maggie and her baby daughter ar"Danger on the Mountain" is a Christian romantic suspense. It's the third in a series but works as a standalone. Widow Maggie and her baby daughter are put in danger and nearly kidnapped during a bank robbery. Policeman Reese stops the attempt, but the attacker escapes, vowing to get revenge.
The main characters were likable and acted realistically. Reese recently lost his wife and baby in childbirth, so he struggled emotionally around Maggie's baby. Maggie's husband didn't want the child, and she left his family behind after his death. Her sister-in-law has tracked her down, pleading to spend time with the baby. Reese protects them while trying to capture the attackers. Reese and Maggie built each other up and generally worked well together. The suspense came from repeatedly attacks on both of them.
Maggie learned to trust God with their safety. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense....more
"Hunted for the Holidays" is a Christian romantic suspense. Shae risked her life to get evidence against a crime boss and get him sent to prison. Now "Hunted for the Holidays" is a Christian romantic suspense. Shae risked her life to get evidence against a crime boss and get him sent to prison. Now he's dying, and he'll decide who will inherit his organization based on who can find and kill Shae. Mason has been working undercover but gets wind of the danger, so he races to protect Shae. During the lead-up to the trial, they spent a year getting to know each other and falling in love. Shae still trusts him, but they're not sure who keeps leaking their location.
The main characters were likable, courageous, and reacted realistically to events. I cared about what happened to them. Shae and Mason worked well together, trusted each other, and were willing to die to protect their five-year-old daughter. The high suspense came from the bad weather, wild animals, and several people trying to capture or kill Shae. Both Shae and Mason were Christians, and they prayed to God for help. 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
"Agent Undercover" is a Christian romantic suspense. Paige is sent undercover to find out who's selling drugs in the local schools. The last DEA agent"Agent Undercover" is a Christian romantic suspense. Paige is sent undercover to find out who's selling drugs in the local schools. The last DEA agent was killed with only a 6 year-old boy as witness to what happened--but he's not talking. Yet he bonds quickly with Paige after she saves his life. She's attracted to the handsome and kind uncle who's raising him, Dr. Dylan, but she's certain she'd be a horrible mother.
The main characters were likable and acted realistically. Paige and Dylan got along well. The suspense came from repeated attacks on Paige, Dylan, and the boy. I found it a little odd that everyone agrees that Paige has a gift for getting people to talk, but she gives up her career to stay in Rose Mountain.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense. ...more
"When a Heart Stops" is a Christian romantic suspense. This is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone. Serena has something that "When a Heart Stops" is a Christian romantic suspense. This is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone. Serena has something that someone else wants, and that person is willing to send a killer after her. Not only does she have to avoid this threat but she's working with FBI agent Dominic to solve a serial killing that looks a lot like an old case that was solved. And the killer's in prison. So did they get it wrong or is it a copycat?
Dominic and Serena worked pretty well together. They realized how much they cared for each other while they worked together. The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense....more
This is a Christian romance set in 1969 and in 1942 in Tennessee. Vivid historical details were woven into the story giving it a distinct sense of theThis is a Christian romance set in 1969 and in 1942 in Tennessee. Vivid historical details were woven into the story giving it a distinct sense of the time and place. Mattie was exasperating at first because she was so self-centered and voiced her opinions even when she knew it'd hurt other's feelings. She understood the reasons given by her twin and by her mother for the decisions they made, but she wanted her way instead. A returned, wounded veteran helped her to move beyond her pain to actually care about others. She also has to work through her anger at God for letting her twin die during the war and her mother die a year later.
Ava is Mattie's dying mother, but we also get her backstory. I enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Ava and Gunther played out, but they spent very little time together 'on screen' so we're just supposed to accept how much Mattie loved Gunther. (I can see why he loved her as she shows him kindness when he's feeling pretty low.) I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. The critical decision made by Gunther didn't really make sense in terms of why Mattie's father felt so strongly about keeping it a secret even 20+ years later. Gunther had a strong faith in God throughout the story, even talking with a Jewish friend about Jesus.
There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Waiting for Christmas" is a Christian novella set in 1901. It's a continuation of the events from the story "All My Secrets." Howard wants to be the "Waiting for Christmas" is a Christian novella set in 1901. It's a continuation of the events from the story "All My Secrets." Howard wants to be the provider for his wife and insists that she keep the money she inherited in reserve in case of emergency. Adelaide wants to live life as a normal housewife, but she doesn't know how to cook or clean. Howard doesn't want her doing that anyway, so they hire a cook and someone to clean the house. Adelaide intends to live within her budget, but expenses pile up as she tries to help an 8-year-old boy find his younger sister after they're separated when their mother died. And how can they let his father know where to find Jake when his ship returns on Christmas?
Historical details about tenements and orphanages were woven into the story. The main characters were likable, complex, and acted realistically. Adelaide and Howard had to work through certain expectations they had for their marriage. Adelaide methodically tried to track down Jack's sister, and Howard helped when he didn't need to be working. In my experience, an 8-year-old would have remembered a great deal more about his father's job and ship than Jake did, but, hey. And after one miracle, I would have thought Adelaide and Howard would have been more positive about another happening, but instead they tried to solve certain problems before they even occurred. Still, it was a nice story. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable, well-written Christmas novella.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"Lethal Standoff" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The characters were likable, complex, realistic people, if a little crazy. (Hey, you know th"Lethal Standoff" is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The characters were likable, complex, realistic people, if a little crazy. (Hey, you know that place we went where we both got badly injured in an unexpected attack and our law friends told us not to do that again? Yeah? Want to go back again? Count me in!) Carrington's a skilled negotiator who genuinely cares about everyone involved in the situations she's called out on. Levi's an investigative reporter who wants to present the facts to the reader, not give news a political spin. After the hostage negotiation ends, their role should have been done. But some aspects of what happened just didn't add up, plus they cared about the devastated families. They followed up with those involved to try to figure out why things happened as they did...only to uncover a bucket-load of secrets. Carrington and Levi worked well together and made an effective team.
The suspense was from physical danger to several characters, including Levi and Carrington. Levi was a Messianic Jew while Carrington struggled to believe in a good God with all the suffering she saw around her. There were no sex scenes. There was no 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
This novella is a delightful, sweet romance set in 1902 in England. Mariah wants a husband who will appreciate her for who she is: Her sense of child-This novella is a delightful, sweet romance set in 1902 in England. Mariah wants a husband who will appreciate her for who she is: Her sense of child-like fun. Her caring for the people of the village. But her sister is much pretty than her, and her current suitors both came very close to proposing to the beautiful but self-centered Lady Pearl. It's clear she'd only be their second choice, mainly desirable for her connections and as a way to get back at the other suitor. Cyril fully appreciates her sense of whimsy and caring, but how to prove it? The Danish lord isn't marrying for love and assumes she'll grow out of her silliness, but Mariah's sister encourages him to treat her as a person rather than a goal.
The characters were likable, complex, and acted realistically. Historical Christmas details were woven into the story. A moment happens when both men realize they've been acting badly and need to change their behavior. Everyone gets a happy ending, filled with fun and delight in the Christmas season. The focus of Christmas was the birth of Christ, and why He came was woven into the story. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable novella.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
"The Lost Heiress" is a Christian romance set in 1910 England. The story was okay but the ending really went downhill in my opinion. While Justin and "The Lost Heiress" is a Christian romance set in 1910 England. The story was okay but the ending really went downhill in my opinion. While Justin and Brook are longtime good friends with fun banter at the beginning, things become troubled the moment he takes her home to her family. Expecting resistance from the family, he vows to stay by her side and support her as she gets used to British society, but he quickly finds reasons to be elsewhere. True, Brook's family immediately acknowledged her, and his own family needed him, and then he needed to set things in order on his estates. But I don't like "romances" where the romantic pair hardly spends any time together and, when they do, they fight. Rather than fight to win Brook's heart or at least support her, he's the main one letting her down.
The main characters--Brook's family and friends--were interesting and likable. The mystery about why Brook's mother sent her off with a stranger rather than home to her father added suspense. The ending didn't seem believable for several reasons, and just passing the trouble on to a friend seemed like the worst possible solution. Anyway. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this to fans of this series, but I'd suggest starting with this author's other books if you haven't read one by her before....more
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