Sleeping in Eden by Nicole Baart

She knew what he wrote . . .

One little word that made her feel both cheated and beloved.

One word that changed everything.

MINE.

On a chilly morning in the Northwest Iowa town of Blackhawk, Dr. Lucas Hudson is filling in for the vacationing coroner on a seemingly open-and-shut suicide case. His own life is crumbling around him, but when he unearths the body of a woman buried in the barn floor beneath the hanging corpse, he realizes this terrible discovery could change everything. . . .

Years before Lucas ever set foot in Blackhawk, Meg Painter met Dylan Reid. It was the summer before high school and the two quickly became inseparable. Although Meg’s older neighbor, Jess, was the safe choice, she couldn’t let go of Dylan no matter how hard she tried.

Caught in a web of jealousy and deceit that spiraled out of control, Meg’s choices in the past ultimately collide with Lucas’s discovery in the present, weaving together a taut story of unspoken secrets and the raw, complex passions of innocence lost.

My Review:

Alternating chapters tell two seemingly different stories about Dr. Lucas Hudson and his wife, Jenna whose marriage is falling apart; and Meg Painter, a young girl experiencing difficulty choosing between two fellows. Toward the end of the book, the stories converge and mysteries are solved. The chapters are short, and pages seem to quickly turn. There were times when I wanted to skip the next chapter so as to continue reading one story or the other, but I resisted and read as the author intended.

My favorite scene is between Lucas and Jenna, when they finally talk.

This novel contains some profanity and indicates sex scenes between an unmarried couple.

Reading Group Guide included.

Thank you to Anne Staszalek at Authors On The Web and Howard Books for my copy.

When a Secret Kills by Lynette Eason

Deadly Reunions #3

Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it's time to put the past to rest. She's tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She's no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do--ferret out the truth and expose it. Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago--and Jillian watched it happen.

Didn't she?

Not even the enigmatic and attractive Colton Brady, her ex-boyfriend and nephew of the killer, will be able to make her leave this alone. Get ready for the spine-tingling, nail-biting conclusion to an explosive series.

My Review:
With some chapters devoted to the bad guy, Eason allows the reader to get inside their thinking. I really like this style of story-telling; it's extra spooky.

Jillian spent the past ten years hiding from those who would wish her harm, but now that she's been discovered, she feels she must return home to find the proof she needs to bring the killer to justice. She's been trained in self-defense and even packs a gun. She's prepared for the worst, and boy, oh boy, does she find it. It begins with a would-be slayer at the airport and never stops until the surprise ending.

I like the way Eason ties up this series, but even if you haven't read the others in the series, this stand-alone novel will more than satisfy.

Thank you to Donna Hausler at Baker Publishing Group and Revell Publishing for my copy. Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Love at Any Cost by Julie Lessman

 The Heart of San Francisco (Book 1)

Jilted by a fortune hunter, cowgirl Cassidy McClare is a spunky Texas oil heiress without a fortune who would just as soon hogtie a man as look at him. Hoping a summer visit with her wealthy cousins in San Francisco will help her forget her heartache, Cassidy travels west. But no sooner is she settled in beautiful California than Jamie McKenna, a handsome pauper looking to marry well, captures her heart.

When Jamie discovers the woman he loves is poorer than he is, Cassidy finds herself bucked by love a second time. Will Jamie discover that money can't buy love after all? And can Cassidy ever learn to fully trust her heart to a man?

With delectable descriptions and a romantic sensibility, bestselling author Julie Lessman brings the Gilded Age to life in this sumptuous new series. Readers will faithfully follow Lessman to the West Coast for more romance, passion, and surprising revelations found in Love at Any Cost.

My Review:
From the first page, I was hooked. What a beginning! I guarantee, it'll bowl you over.

There are two love stories intertwined in this Christian fiction. Both Cassidy and Aunt Cait demand that any man who could win their heart must also be a man of faith. This proves problematic as the would-be suitors don't much care for the things of God.

One caveat: I dislike the repetition. The author describes the physical attributes of the characters way too often, and explains situations over and over.

This book is one for lovers of romance novels. Flirting, kissing, and tears fill the pages. There are tension-filled love scenes that leave the characters--along with the reader--wanting more. Although the plot is somewhat predictable, there are some twists to surprise the reader at the end.

Available April 15, 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thank you to Donna Hausler at Baker Publishing Group and Revell for my copy.

The Dance by Gary Smalley & Dan Walsh

The Restoration Series

Love's recovery starts with a single step . . .

After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn Anderson is tired of playing the role of perfect wife. Her husband Jim is a successful businessman who gives her everything she needs--a beautiful home in an upscale neighborhood, the financial freedom to be a stay-at-home mom, an enviable collection of stuff. Everything, that is, except what really matters: love.

After years of trying to connect with Jim, Marilyn has had enough. She longs to experience some measure of happiness before she's too old to enjoy it. Needing some time to herself to sort things out, Marilyn leaves to start a new job and take dancing lessons--something she has wanted to do for as long as she can remember.

Shocked to find his wife gone, Jim Anderson must sort through the past to save his marriage. With a little help from an unexpected ally, he begins a campaign to win Marilyn back. What he doesn't anticipate is how his actions will affect everyone around him--starting with himself.


My Review:
Usually, books written by two authors turn me off, but this one proved an unexpected treat! From the first page, I knew that this was going to be an memorable book. The storyline moves at just the right pace. The characters are so real that they seem like people I know.

Even though I knew where the plot was heading, I loved turning the pages to see just how we were going to get there. Read this one, folks! I'm looking forward to following this family in Book 2 in the series, The Promise.

Discussion Questions included.

Thank you to Donna Hausler at Baker Publishing Group and Revell for my copy.

Stress Test by Richard Mabry

They may not have enough evidence to convict him, but they have enough to ruin his life.

Dr. Matt Newman thought he was leaving his life in private practice for a better one in academic medicine. But the kidnappers who attacked him as he left his last shift in the ER have no such plans—they just want him dead. Bound and in the trunk of his car, Matt's only thought is escape. He does so, but at a price: a head injury that lands him in the ICU . . . where he awakens to discover he's being charged with murder.

Sandra Murray is a fiery, redheaded lawyer who swore she was done with doctors. But when Matt calls, she knows she can't walk away from defending someone who is truly innocent.

Matt's career is going down the drain. His freedom and perhaps his life may be next. But with the police convinced he's a murderer and the kidnappers still trying to finish what they started, finding the truth—and the faith to keep going—will be the toughest stress test Matt has ever endured.

My Review:
Poor Dr. Newman. He can't "catch a break." He's kidnapped, escapes, only to find himself in the hospital with a serious head injury. He loses his job, his girl friend, the police think he's a murderer, and someone wants him dead! Thankfully, he latches on to a good attorney--a pretty one too. That bit of romance plus the fact that he slowly rediscovers God makes for a good story.

I especially liked reading about how Matt tries and tries again to restart his life. The medical aspects as well as the aspects of the law were well told.

There are some times I held my breath as I read. I usually read quietly, but once, I exclaimed out loud, "Oh!" when I saw what just happened. I did manage to guess the ending; however, I enjoyed this book. The final pages felt a bit rushed, but overall, a really good read.

Thank you to Booksneeze and Thomas Nelson Publisher for my copy.

The Survivor (Crime Scene: Houston) by DiAnn Mills

Crime Scene: Houston

Kariss meets Dr. Amy Garrett, who survived a brutal childhood attack in which the assailant was never found. Now Dr. Garrett wants her story written in a novel.

Kariss wishes she could seek the advice of Special Agent Tigo Harris, but she broke off the relationship a few months prior and seeing him again would be too painful. She interviews Amy and conducts her own research, stepping unaware into a viper's pit of danger.

Tigo misses Kariss and wants her back, but he understands why she broke off their relationship. Instead, he concentrates on solving a car bombing and bringing the killer to justice.

As Kariss's new story attracts an onslaught of danger that she never expected, can Tigo save the woman he loves and find who wants her dead for writing about an unsolved cold-case?

My Review:

Protagonist, Kariss Walker, writes suspense novels based on cold cases. Amy Garrett, a childhood survivor of violence, wants her story told as if a work of fiction with the hope of drawing out the perpetrator and thereby solving the crime. As soon as the ladies agree on the project, horrible things begin to happen to Kariss.

I enjoyed renewing my acquaintance with Tigo, the handsome FBI Agent and Kariss' love interest. He holds Buzz Lightyear in high regard. (It's things like this that make a character come to life.) Tigo struggles with his faith in God, and because Kariss does not want to be unevenly yolked, she decides to stop the romance. The story opens as they've not seen one another for two months. The reader cannot help but root for Tigo to find God, accept Christ, and restore his relationship with Kariss.

Some cons: Amy is losing her hearing and doesn't like using the telephone; yet it seems, she's always on the phone! Amy's brother proves to be a distraction--at least for me. The undercover work should have been left out.

This work is a sequel to The Chase, and I suggest you read them in order.

Discussion questions are included.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Zondervan for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.

Memory of Murder by Ramona Richards

The secrets of her past could imperil her future

Lindsey Presley certainly can't imagine why anyone would want her dead—though she knows she wouldn't be alive today if not for the local cop who saved her from two murder attempts. 

Deputy Jeff Gage has worked difficult cases, but with only Lindsey's fractured memories of a broken past to guide him, this is by far his most challenging. For Lindsey, fleeing the town she has come to call home is unthinkable. 

Separately, they are vulnerable, but together, Jeff and Lindsey just may stand a chance of catching a ruthless killer.

My Review:
Memories from her abusive childhood stay deeply buried. Lindsey remembers only fragments. However, someone wants her dead and keeps trying to kill her. Fortunately for Lindsay, Deputy Gage remains determined to protect her.

Violence abounds right up to the conclusion. Although the book is small, the adventure is large.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Love Inspired Suspense for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.

The One Good Thing by Kevin Alan Milne

For as long as Halley Steen has known her husband Nathan, he has carried a handful of stones in his pocket. Each day he uses those stones to remind him to follow the Golden Rule, moving a stone from one pocket to the other with each act of kindness. So it's not unusual that Nathan stops to help a stranger on the side of the highway while on his way to his son's football game one Friday evening. But that one act will change all of their lives forever, when a car hydroplanes off the road, killing Nathan instantly.

As Halley and her children Ty and Alice struggle with their grief, Nathan's spiritual legacy lives on. A Facebook page appears, where countless stories about Nathan's selfless acts are shared. But among them is one that stands out, from a woman who says that Nathan saved her life. Neither Halley nor her children have ever heard of Madeline Zuckerman. But soon Halley discovers years of e-mails from this woman to her husband on his computer that refer to "our little girl." How could her husband have kept the secret of this other child for their entire marriage? Why had he lied to her? Was he not the man she thought he was?

Only thirteen-year-old Alice maintains unwavering faith in her father. She knows there's an explanation. When she sets out to find Madeline and learn the truth, she will start to unravel the complex story of The One Good Thing Nathan Steen did that had the greatest impact of all.

My Review:
What a good read! I heartily recommend this one.

Stellar writing helps the plot to flow. Realistic dialogue for each character.Twists and turns continue to surprise. Although the main character, Nathan Steen, dies early on, this is far from a depressing tale; instead, it is one filled with hope. A Facebook page is created that allows those touched by Nathan to comment about his many acts of kindness. Various characters tell their perspective of the story.

Two themes are woven throughout: bullying and family secrets.

Although this can be labeled Christian fiction, there is little religion in it. 

Reading group guide inside.

Thank you to Sarah Reck at Hachette Book Group and Center Street for my copy.

Strands of Deception by Robin Caroll

A Justice Seekers Novel

When Gina Ford, the daughter of a prominent Tennessee politician, goes missing from the University of Memphis a week after another girl was murdered on the same campus, police call in the FBI. Nick Hagar, married to his job as Special Agent in Charge, is assigned to the case, and when Gina’s body is found, her father demands justice.

Maddie Baxter is the forensic expert running DNA tests from the crime scene. When they come back without a match, Nick asks her to do a familial DNA run that yields a shocking result: the prime suspect is Adam Alexander, the very same guy who broke Maddie’s heart when she was in college.

But do scientific advancements tell the whole story? Strand of Deception offers romance, suspense, and a lively debate about the impact of DNA testing, for better or worse, on the United States justice system.

My Review:
This Christian fiction is the third in the Justice Seekers series, but it's a stand alone work. I received my copy Monday afternoon and had it finished by Wednesday evening. It's a real page-turner.

I like the two main characters: Nick Hagar and Maddie Baxter--who become romantically connected.  They both share tragedy in their past lives: Nick's brother died while serving overseas with the Marines, and Maddie's parents were killed by a drunken driver. This causes Nick to doubt God, while Maddie leans on Christ.

Nick's hard work at finding and following leads has the reader jumping from one conclusion to another. "Science doesn't lie" is the motto that Maddie lives by, as she manages the DNA testing. Their struggles of work on a murder case makes for some interesting and complex issues.

Maddie, a super fan of Elvis and his music, creates a lighter theme that runs throughout the novel. As a long-time lover of Elvis, I really enjoyed the references!

Discussion questions included.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and B&H Books for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.

The Return of Cassandra Todd by Darrel Nelson

When the popular girl whose friends bullied him in high school suddenly reenters his life, little son in tow, Turner Caldwell must put the past behind him if they are to survive.

Turner Caldwell works at a local motel as a handyman while attending college full-time. On his way to class one day, he is shocked to see Cassandra Todd and her young son in town. The sight of her brings back powerful memories of being bullied in high school—she was the popular head cheerleader and he the target of her friends’ mean-spirited pranks.

When Cassandra and her son check into the motel where he works and she asks for his help in eluding her abusive husband, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous drama that will require him to forgive and draw on every skill he has if they are to survive.

My Review:
This Christian Fiction story is much more than a romance; it's chock full of adventure. The character, Turner Caldwell, reminds me of a current-day Superman. As a handyman--rather than reporter, Clark Kent--Turner's super characteristics come to the forefront when needed. And they are urgently needed to protect Cassandra, a victim of spousal abuse, and her son, "little man" Jason as they flee for their lives.

I've never been overly fond of outside activities, but I was able to easily follow along with the scenes in the great outdoors. I enjoyed this thrilling adventure/romance novel, and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Realms Publishing for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.

Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson

Weddings by Design (Book 1)

Feisty wedding photographer Hannah McDermott has dealt with her share of difficult brides. But none can compare to the ultimate Bridezilla she's dealing with now. Still, she's trying desperately to impress Bella Neeley, Galveston Island's most sought-after wedding planner, so she can take the top spot in Bella's list of recommended photographers--a spot currently occupied by her arch-rival, Drew Kincaid. What she doesn't count on, however, is falling head over heels for the competition.

With her contagious humor and cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives readers more of the bridal business drama they want in a brand-new series all about those long-suffering people who make beautiful weddings happen. Readers are desperately waiting for more of Bella and this new series brings her back in a big way, while introducing new characters fans will love. Fans will laugh out loud as they experience this breezy and entertaining novel from a great storyteller.

My Review:
I'd love to live next door to Janice Thompson; she has such a positive outlook. I'm sure we'd be BFFs. I've read several of her novels, and each one has a lighthearted, bouncy plot. As I finished reading this her latest Christian fiction, I closed the book with a contented sigh and a smile on my face. Thompson's done it again!

The protagonist, Hannah McDermott, photographer, nicknamed Shutter Speed by her father still lives at home with her parents. The reader watches as this flawed character struggles with her fledgling business, relationship worries, and low self-esteem. She's easy to like because she thinks and acts like real people.

Clan McDermotts are a proud people, and each chapter offers an Irish blessing at its beginning. References to Grandpa Aengus are interspersed throughout the story, adding more Irish flavor. How I'd love to be invited to their annual Bing and Bob party. What a fun idea!

As a fan of Dancing with the Stars, I've introduced it to my husband, and therefore, I understand the resistance of Hannah's father, Michael McDermott to viewing it. I chucked as he, like my husband, is drawn bit by bit to sneek a peek until (at last!) he becomes a fan.

It's fun to watch Hannah blossom into her happy ending.

If you want a fun book to read, get a copy of this one. I sure enjoyed it.

Thank you to Donna Hausler at Baker Publishing Group for my copy.

Available February, 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Redeeming Grace by Ward Tanneberg

Seven years ago, Grace Grafton died in a boating accident while partying on the Georgia, South Carolina coast. Was her death the result of alcohol and drugs or something more sinister? Nobody knows: her body was never recovered. Now years later, a woman reads in disbelief the note addressed to her:

"Hello Grace, did you think we wouldn't find you?"

Those nine chilling words end Grafton's self-imposed sanctuary of witness protection. Now she and everyone she loves are in grave danger. Long believed dead, she has a secret that can change the world. She knows the man running for president is guilty of a double murder! But who will believe her?

My Review:
What a terrific storyline! A young lady witnesses two horrible murders and flees for her life. Grace changes her name to Taylor and successfully hides for seven years. Then her world collapses when the killers locate her, placing her and those around her in danger. All alone, we watch as she struggles to survive.

That's the good part. Here comes the bad. Editing is desperately needed. The writing is wordy making the book a whopping 600 pages. On page 331, an entire paragraph is repeated--word for word. Another example on that same page: a sentence is left hanging, and then repeated in the following paragraph. Any editor would/should have caught this! Furthermore, every character uses standard English except for blacks. They speak in nonstandard English. Another glaring error that editing should have caught is when Taylor gratefully kisses "a man of color" (335) on his cheek. The description of that kiss is racist, even though the author works hard to prove it's not. What a shame that this otherwise good book published with such careless editing.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.

Ashton Park (The Danforths of Lancashire) by Murray Pura

For fans of the hugely popular Downton Abbey series, comes this equally enthralling story of the Danforth family of Ashton Park.

Among the green hills and trees of Lancashire, only a few miles from the sea, lies the beautiful and ancient estate of Ashton Park.

The year is 1916. The First World War has engulfed Europe and Sir William's and Lady Elizabeth's three sons are all in uniform--and their four daughters are involved in various pursuits of the heart and soul.

As the head of a strong Church of England family for generations, Sir William insists the Danforth estate hold morning devotions that include both family and staff. However, he is also an MP and away at Westminster in London whenever Parliament is sitting. During his long absences, Lady Elizabeth discreetly spends time in the company of the head cook of the manor, Mrs. Longstaff, who is her best friend and confidante. This friendship includes visits to a small Baptist church in Liverpool that exposes Lady Elizabeth to a less formal approach to Christian worship and preaching than she is used to and which she comes to enjoy.

Readers will follow Ashton Park's charming upstairs/downstairs characters through the perils of war and the affairs of the heart with relish--and with an eye to the sequel coming in Fall 2013.

Book One in The Danforths of Lancashire series.

My Review:
Covering the many changes of England's society from 1916 to 1923, this Christian fiction book addresses one family's romances and marriages. Social lines are crossed and barriers are lifted. One of the themes of this work is that the Bible says that "God is no respecter of persons." People should not be judged on class.

When I first saw the long list of characters, I groaned. However, I found myself appreciative of the list as I flipped back from time-to-time to review it.The author worked hard with many repetitions to help the reader remember who was who. Nonetheless, I did feel that overdone. Unnecessary repetition makes for a longer read. With so many characters, no one stood out; they were all alike--rather flat.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Harvest House Publishers for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.

The Lawyer’s Lawyer by James Sheehan

Jack Tobin, the main character of THE MAYOR OF LEXINGTON AVENUE returns in this non-stop novel that combines enthralling plot twists with some of the best courtroom fiction being written today.

Tobin, known as the lawyer's lawyer--the guy the best lawyers say they'd want to represent them in a courtroom battle--undertakes the representation of a serial killer who he believes to be innocent. The Chief of Police is outraged, the citizens of Oakville where the murders occurred, erupt, and the State Attorney is out for blood as Jack challenges the criminal justice system once again.

Sheehan masterfully weaves stories of love and friendship into one man's uncompromising search for truth within the four corners of a courtroom where it is often spoken about but seldom seen. Jack is in a fight for his life and the outcome is in doubt right up to the turn of the final page.

A trial lawyer himself, James Sheehan is also a top-notch thriller writer. Once again he succeeds in translating the depth of his courtroom knowledge into an entertaining and truly fascinating read.


My Review:
I finished this compelling book in one day. I simply could not put it down. The protagonist, Jack Tobin, has made enough money to retire, so he takes cases of wrongly convicted people on death row. He works for no fee with a drive to bring justice to the criminal system.

I enjoyed Jack's friendship with Henry, a former death row prisoner set free through Jack's efforts. Henry literally owes his life to Jack and becomes a devoted employee. The twosome is hard to beat.

There are twists and turns that surprise. I really enjoyed this thriller.

Contains profanity.

Thank you to Sarah Reck at Center Street for my copy.

The Great House of God by Max Lucado

God's greatest desire is to be your dwelling place. The home for your heart.

He doesn't want to be merely a weekend getaway. He has no interest in being a Sunday bungalow or even a summer cottage. He wants to be your mailing address, your point of reference, your home...always. He wants you to live in the Great House of God.

Using the Lord's Prayer as a floor plan, bestselling author Max Lucado takes you on a tour of the home God intended for you. Warm your heart by the fire in the living room. Nourish your spirit in the kitchen. Seek fellowship in the family room. Step into the hallway and find forgiveness.

It's the perfect home for you. After all, it was created with you in mind. There's only one home built just for your heart. No house more complete, no structure more solid.

The roof never leaks. The walls never crack. The foundation never trembles.

In God's house, you're home. So come into the house built just for you. Your father is waiting.

My Review:
When I realized that this book takes The Lord's Prayer and uses it as a floor plan of the House of God, I remembered hearing a similar sermon many years ago. Since the publishing date is 1997, perhaps my pastor used Lucado's book as a guide for that sermon. Good idea, I say!

Max Lucado takes an in-depth look into the most famous prayer. He breaks down The Lord's Prayer by words and phrases. He entertains with scripture and personal anecdotes which reminds the reader of the greatness of God.

Included is a chapter-by-chapter study guide with three sections for each chapter: Let Us Ponder, Let Us Prepare, and Let Us Pray. This book can be used as a personal devotional or for a group study material.

Thank you to Booksneeze for my copy.

Vanished by Irene Hannon

Private Justice (Book 1)

Reporter Moira Harrison is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a confusing detour places her on a rural, wooded road, she's startled by the sudden appearance of a lone figure caught in the beam of her headlights. Though Moira jams on her brakes, the car careens across the wet pavement--and the solid thump against the side of the vehicle tells her she hit the person before she crashes into a tree on the far side of the road.

A dazed Moira is relieved when a man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then everything fades to black. When she comes to an hour later, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person lying on the side of the road. But she can't forget the look of terror she saw on the person's face in the instant before her headlights swung away. The person she hit had been in trouble. She's sure of it. But she can't get anyone to believe her story--except a handsome former police detective, now a private eye, who agrees to take on the case.

From the very first page, readers will be hooked into this fast-paced story full of shocking secrets from fan-favorite Irene Hannon. Vanished is the exciting first book in the Private Justice series: Three justice seekers who got burned playing by the rules now have a second chance to make things right.

My Review:
Moira Harrison has an accident one rainy night when she spots a lone figure with "terrified eyes" standing in the middle of the road. Trying to avoid hitting the woman, Moira swerves and hits a tree. A man appears and promises to help her, right before she passes out. When she comes to, there is no trace of the the terrified woman or of the man. Police seem to believe she imagined the entire experience and offer no help.

Haunted by those "terrified eyes," Moira contacts private investigator Cal Burke, who works with his two partners at Phoenix, Inc. where the motto is "Justice First."

I like the character of Moira. She often quotes ancient philosophers--a trick she's learned from her father. Cal, a widower, feels a guilt over the death of his young wife. He's not ready to date, but Moira catches his eye from the first look. Even though the romance between Cal and Moira develops slowly, the mystery is the main focus of the plot.

The villain is revealed at a pace that holds the reader's attention. In the end, it all makes sense. I give this one a thumbs up and look forward to the next in the series.

Thank you to Donna Hausler at The Baker Publishing Group for my copy.

Available January, 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Fourth Bear: A Nursery Crime

The inimitable Jasper Fforde gives readers another delightful mash-up of detective fiction and nursery rhyme, returning to those mean streets where no character is innocent.

The Gingerbreadman—sadist, psychopath, cookie—is on the loose in Reading, but that’s not who Detective Jack Spratt and Sergeant Mary Mary are after. Instead, they’ve been demoted to searching for missing journalist “Goldy” Hatchett. The last witnesses to see her alive were the reclusive Three Bears, and right away Spratt senses something furry—uh, funny—about their story, starting with the porridge.

The Fourth Bear is a delirious new romp from our most irrepressible fabulist.

My Review:
Reading is a land where thumbs are never sucked (8) less Scissors-man, a Person of Dubious Reality (PDR) finds out. This second in the nursery crime series had me chuckling by page 13 and laughing out loud by page 14.

The characters are unique to any other book I've ever read. There's Jack Spratt (who eats no fat) and Mary Mary (who really isn't that contrary), and they lead the Nursery Crimes Division (NCD) along with Constable Ashley, a blue alien visitor, who speaks binary as well as twenty-three other languages. He can make suggestions to anyone whose hand he shakes!

Investigative reporter, Goldilocks is missing, and the NCD is on the case. The villain, Gingerbreadman, is a seven-foot tall homicidal maniac. You might remember his speed from your younger days ... "run, run as fast as you can, you can't catch me . . ."

I'd sure like to have a car like Jack's Allegro. Inside the truck is an oil painting that changes with every dent and ding, while the car continually restores itself!

Note: contains some profanity.

Flight of the Earls: An Heirs of Ireland Novel by Michael K. Reynolds

It’s 1846 in Ireland. When her family’s small farm is struck by famine, Clare Hanley and her younger brother, Seamus, set out across the ocean to the Promised Land of America.

Five years prior, Clare’s older sister Margaret and her Uncle Tomas emigrated in similar fashion and were not to be heard from again. But Clare must face her fears as she lands in the coming-of-age city of New York. There she discovers love, adventure, tragedy, and a terrible secret which threatens to destroy her family and all she believes.

Flight of the Earls is the first book in a historical novel trilogy based on Irish immigration in the 1840s.

My Review:
The rough life during Ireland's potato famine is the setting of this historical novel. The plot moves at a steady pace, and although at times dreary, the reader has hope. A good bit of both Ireland's and American's history are woven into the story line.

Characters are believable. Clare Hanley,  a responsible, determined young lady manages to avoid terrible happenings--some, while the reader holds his breath. It's interesting to watch Clare weave in and out of life's struggles. Her father insists that Clare take her troublesome brother, Seamus, with her to America and Seamus stumbles toward trouble. Clare has her hands full.

I look forward to the second in this series, which will be about Seamus.

Discussion questions are included.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and B&H Books for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.

The Big Over Easy: A Nursery Crime by Jasper Fforde

A Nursery Crime

Jasper Fforde's bestselling Thursday Next series has delighted readers of every genre with its literary derring-do and brilliant flights of fancy. 

In The Big Over Easy, Fforde takes a break from classic literature and tumbles into the seedy underbelly of nursery crime. Meet Inspector Jack Spratt, family man and head of the Nursery Crime Division. He's investigating the murder of ovoid D-class nursery celebrity Humpty Dumpty, found shattered to death beneath a wall in a shabby area of town. 

Yes, the big egg is down, and all those brittle pieces sitting in the morgue point to foul play.

My Review:
It didn't take me long to realize that this is not a read-it-in one-day book; rather, it should be savored--read and put down for a chuckle and contemplation. A working knowledge of nursery rhymes helps. Each chapter is prefaced with an excerpt from an imaginary publication giving humorous background.

The protagonist, Detective Inspector Jack Spratt and his partner Mary Mary of the Nursery Crime Division, in fictitious Reading struggle with a limited budget, tight office space, and a shortage of staff. The story begins as Jack has just lost his recent case. The trial goes in favor of the pigs when they are found not guilty of murdering the wolf.

Jack's next case begins when Humperdinck Jehoshaphat van Dumpty, better known as Humpty Dumpty, a womanizer,  falls from his favorite wall. Was it suicide? Was it Murder?

British humor coupled with mystery and more allusions than I've seen in one book make this is a good read. (I've already checked out the second in the series from my local library.)

Note: contains some profanity.

Nowhere but Up: The Story of Justin Bieber's Mom by Pattie Mallette & A.J. Gregory

Most people only know her as Justin Bieber's mom, but Pattie Mallette has had an incredible journey of her own. Many people have heard of her son's rags to riches triumph. A few know she was a teen mom who had to overcome a drug and alcohol addiction. Even fewer know the rest of her story.

Now, for the first time in detail, Pattie shares with the world the story of a girl who felt abandoned and unloved. Of a teenager who made poor choices. Of a young woman who attempted suicide and could hardly bear to believe that God would ever care for her. One who messed up, got pregnant, and got a second chance. Every reader will find themselves somewhere in Pattie's painful journey of redemption. They will be encouraged by her example that what was once broken can become whole.

Pattie's story will inspire readers to believe that even in the darkest of places, there's always hope. For those who feel unlovable, there's always love. And for those who believe they're a lost cause, there's always room for another chance.

My Review:
Pattie's voice presents itself loudly and clearly: most of her life, she felt unloved. Turning to alcohol, drugs, and teen "love" didn't help her. Her life continued to spiral down, down, down. She even attempted suicide! Even after she turned to God, she reverted to her old habits.

The story is told in a straightforward manner. The only caveat I have is that it's a bit wordy, but even so, it is a story worth reading.. Whether or not you're a fan of her son, once you read this true accounting, you'll be a fan of Pattie Mallette.

Thank you to Donna Hausler at Baker Publishing Group and Revell for my copy.

Placebo by Steven James

While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did.

Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James will keep you flipping pages late into the night.

My Review:
Jevin Banks, a skilled magician with a brown belt in TaeKwonDo, now earns his living by exposing phoney fortune-telling scam artists and the like for cable television. He and his small team go undercover to investigate a large paranormal research center.

I've learned a bit of science during the reading of this novel. I sure would like to see telomerase, a drug that stops aging come to market! I know I'm not being fair to say so little, but I don't want to publish spoilers. The plot grabs the reader, and the book is a hard one to put down. I did not see where this was going, and had to keep turning those pages. It certainly held my interest. Some passages are scarey. I may not sleep well tonight.

Characters are believable. A set of twins who seem to be able to combine their ability to change their environment are being tested. Could their combined thoughts work toward the good==or the bad?

Thank you to Donna Hausler at Baker Publishing Group and Revell for my copy.

Available November 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Five Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Hunt

If these three sisters don’t change direction, they’ll end up where they’re going.

Darlene Caldwell has spent a lifetime tending Sycamores, an estate located five miles south of a small town called Peculiar. She raised a family in the spacious home that was her grandfather’s legacy, and she enjoys being a pillar of the community. Sycamores is the kingdom where she reigns as queen . . . until her limelight-stealing twin sister unexpectedly returns.

Carlene Caldwell, veteran of the Broadway stage, is devastated when she realizes that an unsuccessful throat surgery has spelled the end of her musical career. Searching for a new purpose in life, she retreats to Sycamores, her childhood home. She may not be able to sing, but she hopes to use her knowledge and experience to fashion a new life in Peculiar, the little town she left behind.

Haunted by a tragic romance, Magnolia Caldwell is the youngest of the Caldwell girls. Nolie has never wanted to live anywhere but Sycamores. She spends her days caring for her dogs and the magnificent gardens she’s created on the estate, but when she meets a man haunted by his own tragedy, she must find the courage to either deny her heart or cut the apron strings that tie her to a dear and familiar place.

Can these sisters discover who they are meant to be when life takes an unforeseen detour? In a season of destiny, three unique women reunite and take unexpected journeys of the heart.

My Review:
Every time Angela Hunt publishes a new novel, I look forward to reading it. She never disappoints, but some titles, like this one, are like cream that rises to the top!

The plot revolves around three sisters--each quite different, and yet, each one linked together. These unique family members get so upset with one another that they go months without speaking. Some interesting men add to the mix. Why, there's even two dogs--Lucy and Ricky Ricardo!--who play a big part. Set in a small town in the South, where everyone knows everything about anyone, family loyalty becomes strained.

I found it difficult to put the book down.

Reading Group Guide and recipes included.

The Matchmakers of Butternut Creek by Jane Myers Perrine

A traumatic experience as a college freshman has left Gussie Milton "once bitten, twice shy." Although she'd like a relationship, she's frightened, so she's thrown herself into caring for her aging parents, her photography business, and her church.

In the eyes of Miss Birdie and her friend Mercedes, aka "the Widows," Gussie would make their young pastor the perfect wife. And though the attraction proves mutual, first Gussie's past and then the pastor's hopes for the future threaten to keep them apart.

Can the Widows' meddling be the catalyst that changes the couple's lives forever?


My Review:
Pastor Adam Jordan, an unsuccessful-at-love single pastor of a small country church in Texas, struggles with a group known as "The Widows," who set about finding him the perfect bride. To further complicate matters, the one chosen to be the pastor's bride, Gussie Milton, shows a reluctance to being touched. There are some humorous scenes as the lovebirds are pushed [ahem] gently maneuvered together.

Although this novel reminds me of Jan Karons' Mitford series with Father Tim, the writing is a bit more uneven. Perhaps this is because I had an uncorrected proof to read. Hopefully, further editing will make a difference.

Reading Group Guide included.

Thank you to Sarah Reck at Hachette Book Group and FaithWords for my copy.

All Things New by Lynn Austin

New Historical Novel from 7-Time Christy Award Winner!

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well.

Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival--and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine's mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak...but a bitter hatred fuels her.

With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women--daughter, mother, and freed slave--in a riveting tale.

My Review:
Once again, Lynn Austin has captured my attention with a compelling story! I must admit that I get an extra jolt of excitement when I hold a new Lynn Austin title in my hands. I've never been disappointed in any of her novels. I want to immediately begin reading; yet, I want to go about it slowly so as to better lengthen the pleasure. When I turn the final page, I sigh with contentment. This is a book that I can easily recommend!

What wonderful complex characters! Three women try to adjust at the end of the Civil War. One, Eugenia Weatherly, the lady of a once-grand plantation, determined to regain her former lifestyle; two, her daughter, Josephine, a practical woman, caught between the rules of the South and present day trials; and three, Lizzie, a former slave, who struggles to understand how to help her family survive with this new freedom. As I read, I found myself sympathetic to each.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Bethany House Publishers for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.

Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson

Ann Silver is a cop's cop. As the Midwest Homicide Investigator, she is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murder. Hers is one of the region's most trusted investigative positions.

Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the Midwest. If the victim carried a federal badge or had a security clearance, odds are good Paul and his team see the case file or work the murder.

Their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass a case off her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter he is tracking. Paul isn't expecting to meet someone, the kind that goes on the personal side of the ledger, but Ann Silver has his attention.

The better he gets to know her, the more Paul realizes her job barely scratches the surface of who she is. She knows spies and soldiers and U.S. Marshals, and has written books about them. She is friends with the former Vice President. People with good reason to be cautious about who they let into their lives deeply trust her. Paul wonders just what secrets Ann is keeping, until she shows him the John Doe Killer case file, and he starts to realize just who this lady he is falling in love with really is...

My Review:
I found this book hard to get into at first, but I pressed on. Perhaps part of the problem is that I received an ARC copy rather than a finished product. It seemed a bit choppy.

Both of the lead characters, Paul Falcon and Ann Silver are rather flat without flaws. They are sharp problem solvers at the top of their fields. Everyone admires them. When characters are too perfect, it is difficult for readers to connect.

Paul and Ann's romance moves slowly and is told with Skyte-type internet visits. For instance, most evenings, Paul connects to Ann as she writes her book. After greeting each other, to avoid interrupting her work,  he just watches his monitor--for hours at a time. One evening, he watches as she naps on the couch! That smacks of stalking, I think! Somehow Ann is not turned off by his observing. I feel that the plot unnecessarily drags during these times.

Both Paul and Ann are Christian, but only once is grace offered before a meal. They don't seem to attend church. However, they both think about and/or talk to God on a daily basis. There is one serious discussion about their future together, and it is during this conversation that their faith shines. It's interesting to see how well they work on compromises.

The solution to the murder-puzzle will surprise most readers. Fans of Dee Henderson will also enjoy reading a bit about the O'Malleys, characters from earlier Henderson novels.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Bethany House Publishers for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.

A Heartbeat Away by Harry Kraus

When a brilliant surgeon undergoes a heart transplant, her life transforms as she begins experiencing memories of a murder she never witnessed.

The residents worship her. Nurses step out of her way. Her colleagues respect and sometimes even fear her. But surgeon Tori Taylor never expected to end up on this side of the operating table.

Now she has a new heart. This life that was formerly controlled and predictable is now chaotic. Dr. Taylor had famously protected herself from love or commitment, but her walls are beginning to crumble.

And strangest of all, memories surface that will take her on a journey out of the operating room and into a murder investigation.

Where there once was a heart of stone, there is a heart of flesh. And there is no going back.

My Review:
Harry Kraus has done it again! I quickly became engrossed in this medical-suspense tale. Imagine: a patient receives a heart transplant with a bonus. That bonus seems to be the memories of the organ donor, along with clues to a murder!

Tori Taylor, a surgeon with the reputation as a demanding perfectionist, finds her personality being adjusted while recovering from her heart transplant surgery. I'd love to tell more, but I won't ruin it. Run and buy a copy of this page-turner! You won't be disappointed.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and David C. Cook for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.