"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
This is a suspense/romance set in 1373 in the Balkans. Vivid historical and setting details were woven into the story, bringing it alive in my imaginaThis is a suspense/romance set in 1373 in the Balkans. Vivid historical and setting details were woven into the story, bringing it alive in my imagination. The main characters were engaging, complex, and felt like real people. The suspense came from repeated attacks against Konstantin's people and strained resources needed to protect his people and his family.
A famine and defeat in battle left the area that Konstantin ruled short on fighting men and food. Then brigands started burning the fields and later set what were obviously traps to kill Konstantin. I wondered why it took so long (and others pointing out that he's a target) before Konstantin started to wonder who was behind the attacks. He wasn't proactive in trying to stop the attacks or to figure out how they were pulled off. I guess it's because he's young and inexperienced, but I had a fair idea of what was going on long before Konstantin. Anyway, I still really enjoyed the story.
Suzana grew stronger in her faith in God throughout the story. Konstantin felt he had failed his wife and God at one point by not standing against evil and thought that God was punishing him. He came to realize that both family and God would forgive him. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting, suspenseful historical novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Merged review:
This is a suspense/romance set in 1373 in the Balkans. Vivid historical and setting details were woven into the story, bringing it alive in my imagination. The main characters were engaging, complex, and felt like real people. The suspense came from repeated attacks against Konstantin's people and strained resources needed to protect his people and his family.
A famine and defeat in battle left the area that Konstantin ruled short on fighting men and food. Then brigands started burning the fields and later set what were obviously traps to kill Konstantin. I wondered why it took so long (and others pointing out that he's a target) before Konstantin started to wonder who was behind the attacks. He wasn't proactive in trying to stop the attacks or to figure out how they were pulled off. I guess it's because he's young and inexperienced, but I had a fair idea of what was going on long before Konstantin. Anyway, I still really enjoyed the story.
Suzana grew stronger in her faith in God throughout the story. Konstantin felt he had failed his wife and God at one point by not standing against evil and thought that God was punishing him. He came to realize that both family and God would forgive him. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting, suspenseful historical novel.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....more
DNF. It's clear this story will only hit more of my pet peeves, so I'm quitting a bit before halfway through. Deputy U.S. marshal Carly and her co-worDNF. It's clear this story will only hit more of my pet peeves, so I'm quitting a bit before halfway through. Deputy U.S. marshal Carly and her co-workers know that Judge Nicholas has had a death threat and they're going to be acting as bodyguards. Shot fired and man down because apparently none of the U.S. marshals are wearing body armor. They know it's a serious threat now, but none of them put on body armor and so they're dropping left and right. Sigh. And the judge doesn't do the sensible suggestions given by his bodyguards, so they're put in worse danger. And when the kids are threatened, rather than get the judge to the safe house, they take the judge TO the ambush point before it's been cleared of danger. Really? Also, the bad guys seem pretty obvious but so far no one has tried to figure out who they are, simply reacting to the bold moves made by their enemy....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.
"Return to Satterthwaite Court" is a romance set in 1843 in England. Though the 3rd in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I didn't really care"Return to Satterthwaite Court" is a romance set in 1843 in England. Though the 3rd in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I didn't really care for the characters and didn't really feel convinced they were a good match (or even a love match).
Katherine's intrigued by Charles mainly because he's not interested in her. He's a challenge. He's also "heroic" because he rescued a mongrel from the London streets. (I have a hard time seeing that as heroic, though it is compassionate.) She pushed her way, unasked, into his life. She even took a four hour round trip for an unannounced visit to him without being formally introduced first and with no idea if he was literally or socially "at home" for the visit. She sneaked away to do unchaperoned things with him--it's only a scandal if they're caught, right? And he has a mystery to solve, so she tried to lead the investigation so she could have some adventure in her life.
Charles was used to being in command and having people obey him. Katherine most defiantly didn't and wanted to be the one to lead. He oddly jumped to bad conclusions about her because two letters with different handwriting came at the same time, one from her and another with a "threatening" letter (and I still don't see how it was threatening). He started to tolerate her behavior because she's kind to his shy sister. At the end, he's suddenly determined to marry her.
Katherine just didn't seem realistic for the time period. The "romance" seemed more based on looks and the challenge of it than a lasting match in personality and interests. It's just not my type of story. There was no sex. There were a few uses of bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Merged review:
"Return to Satterthwaite Court" is a romance set in 1843 in England. Though the 3rd in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I didn't really care for the characters and didn't really feel convinced they were a good match (or even a love match).
Katherine's intrigued by Charles mainly because he's not interested in her. He's a challenge. He's also "heroic" because he rescued a mongrel from the London streets. (I have a hard time seeing that as heroic, though it is compassionate.) She pushed her way, unasked, into his life. She even took a four hour round trip for an unannounced visit to him without being formally introduced first and with no idea if he was literally or socially "at home" for the visit. She sneaked away to do unchaperoned things with him--it's only a scandal if they're caught, right? And he has a mystery to solve, so she tried to lead the investigation so she could have some adventure in her life.
Charles was used to being in command and having people obey him. Katherine most defiantly didn't and wanted to be the one to lead. He oddly jumped to bad conclusions about her because two letters with different handwriting came at the same time, one from her and another with a "threatening" letter (and I still don't see how it was threatening). He started to tolerate her behavior because she's kind to his shy sister. At the end, he's suddenly determined to marry her.
Katherine just didn't seem realistic for the time period. The "romance" seemed more based on looks and the challenge of it than a lasting match in personality and interests. It's just not my type of story. There was no sex. There were a few uses of bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....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
This book is a romantic suspense. It's the third in a series but can be read as a standalone. However, it did spoil some whodunit-type information aboThis book is a romantic suspense. It's the third in a series but can be read as a standalone. However, it did spoil some whodunit-type information about what happened in the previous two stories in the series.
The suspense kept everyone hopping with several people in danger. But at the end, Jillian knows that a killer is still out there yet she blithely goes off on her own to talk with someone in a non-public spot. Hmm. What happened to all of her extreme caution and survival skills from the past 10 years?
Colton's a jerk. He's seen that someone is trying to kill Jillian, and she tells him why. Everyone else is willing to consider it and investigate, but Colton kept telling her things like she must be making it up or imaging things. He claims to have never stopped loving her and even sneaks some kisses while at the same time makes it clear that he doesn't believe her. How can she want a relationship with a man who doubts her integrity? He could have just shut up and protected her from and investigated the known threat but, no, he has to tear her down. Jerk.
Once the evidence started mounting up in the second half, he quit tearing her down, but I just kept feeling like Jillian could do better. But they had a child together and that child really wanted them to marry. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I guess I'd recommend it for the suspense, but the main characters--while realistic--didn't draw me in....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 collection of 4 Christian romance novels set at different times and in different countries. They're general sweet romances, where both preacThis is a collection of 4 Christian romance novels set at different times and in different countries. They're general sweet romances, where both preacher and future wife like and admire each other from the start, but something stands in their way that needs to be resolved before they can get together. One gal is the daughter of the town's main drunk and criminal and tries to counter being tarred with the same brush by being a quietly caring, hardworking Christian woman. Another gal is one of the few single women in the area and has several admirers, so the preacher has to figure out how to win the respect of the lumberjacks while handling her unwanted suitor's attempts to run him off.
The main characters were complex and likable, though some of the characters in Trumbo's story didn't quite come across as realistic. The romantic pair supported and built each other up. Three of the historical settings were based on real places or situations, giving a nice feel for the place and time. Each story had a Christian message about dealing with others. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this romance collection.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley....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
"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
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