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.