Monthly recap: December 2024

 

 I first saw this monthly reflections idea on: Christian bookshelf reviews

I am totally late on this one and will only recap what I've read.  I did not manage to get all my challenges completed, but had fun trying.

My main objective goal for 2025 is to read a bit less, enjoy what I read and have more of a focus to get to specific books or series I wanted to read for a while.

 

What I've read:

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Kindle:

Audio:

Paperback:

Book Spotlight Friday! Serial Burn and Where I Found You

 

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by My Head is Full of Books and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.  First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is my Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you're reading.

Loved this third book in Lynette Eason's latest suspense series.

Serial Burn

About the book:

When Jesslyn McCormick was just seven years old, a devastating house fire killed her parents and two younger sisters. Now the fire marshal of Lake City, Jesslyn is determined to find the person who started the fire that robbed her of her family. As the 25th anniversary of her family's deaths approaches, a string of fires--including at Jesslyn's church--brings up all those old feelings and offers new evidence.

Because church fires are considered a hate crime, FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is called in to work with local law enforcement. Nathan has his own past--one he'd prefer not to revisit. And focusing on helping Jesslyn track down the arsonist is a great distraction.

As both the case and the chemistry between Jesslyn and Nathan heat up, memories will come flooding in from the past to bump up against hopes for the future. And when Jesslyn comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare, she'll have to confront her fears and rely on Nathan and her community of friends in order to survive.

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Book Beginnings

Someone had to stop her.

Friday 56

The simple one-word answer punched the air from her lungs and it took her a moment to recover.

My thoughts so far

This was an exciting and thrilling story.

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This was a sweet and great start to a new series.

Where I Found You

About the book:

From beloved author Betsy St. Amant comes an enemies to more, Hatfields and McCoys swoon-worthy contemporary romance set in a small beach town that reminds us that true love is worth fighting for.

Noah Hebert recently inherited the Blue Pirogue Inn—along with all its problems. He needs money to keep his beloved childhood home from being shut down by his family’s longtime nemesis, Isaac Bergeron. So when Noah’s lawyer approaches him about an additional segment of his late grandfather’s will, it’s just in the nick of time. But even from beyond the grave, his grandfather is up to his usual games. In order to receive the last portion of inheritance, Noah must follow the clues. But there’s one condition…

Magnolia Blossom Cafe manager Elisa Bergeron is shocked to discover an acquaintance from the local Puzzlers Club left her something in his will—and even more surprised to discover they are clues to a portion of his estate. When she learns she must work with introverted inn-owner Noah Hebert to solve the puzzle, she’s torn. Growing up in the middle of a multi-generational feud between their families, she’s been taught by her father Isaac that Heberts can’t be trusted.

When these two exes must work together to save their future, will love get a second chance or will the longstanding family feud claim another generation?

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Book Beginnings

Noah Hebert needed to get back home - he didn't have time to watch paint dry.

Friday 56

She believed him - about her shoes, anyway. 

No so much her heart.

My thoughts so far

A sweet story set in a small town.

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Can't Wait Wednesday! Guilty Until Innocent

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Robert Whitlow has delivered some interesting legal stories in the past. I am looking forward to this one!

About the book: Guilty Until Innocent

When an old case is reopened, two lawyers work to prove a man's innocence despite the odds stacked against them.

After being fired from his last two jobs, Ryan Clark lands an associate position with a law firm run by his distant cousin, Tom, in a small North Carolina town. Over twenty-five years earlier, Tom represented local man Joe Moore when he was convicted of murder in the deaths of a prominent young couple. Even though the evidence was circumstantial, Joe was high on drugs and doesn't remember the details of the crime. He never seriously questioned his own guilt, even when he was originally accused. Not only has he adapted to life in prison but he's become a different person there and has a significant ministry to fellow inmates.

But Joe's family remains unconvinced of his guilt, and they hire Ryan and Tom to file a motion to obtain Joe's release. The resulting investigation uncovers layers of dark secrets in the local community. It will result either in Joe's vindication--or expand the number of people who should join him behind bars.

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Jack

Jack by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I have started watching the series Tracker, where the lead has the same profession as Jack. I find it a very interesting job, something which I have not heard about before.

I always love the main leads the author provides and Jack was right there with my favourites.

The plot kept me engaged right till the end and I was quite surprised with the dirty dancing scene Boo wanted. It is one of my all time favourites so loved that feature in the story!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

There's Trouble in the North...

Meet Jack, a tracker with a past he’s trying to escape the first epic book of the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…

Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.

Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.

Then a bridesmaid goes missing.

And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.

Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?

So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.

Dead.

Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…

Chance at LoveUnrequited LoveReturn to hometownGrumpy/SunshineSecretsBoy/Girl Next doorKissing only
The Minnesota Kingstons
Jack
Book 2: Conrad
Book 3: Doyle
Book 4: Austen
Book 5: Steinbeck

About the author:

Also see: Author Discovery: Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren Short Bio

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Review: Sunrise

Sunrise by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

Susan May Warren has a great talent for writing adventure while providing this reader with characters I totally invest in - characters who is not perfect, made mistakes, but learn from that and grows closer to God during that journey. And on top of that, this author keeps me on the edge of my seat trying to see how fast I can see and guess what is going on.

And just when I thought I had everything under control, the author throws in a new POV twist.

"Forgiveness isn't for the person you're forgiving, Echo. It's for yourself. It's what you do to be set free."

I loved this story. From Dodge and Echo (how unique is that name) who had to deal with past hurts and truly forgive to move forward, to huskies and grizzlies and danger! I was kept up late flipping my kindle.

"This was love. Love showed up. Love stayed. Love sacrificed."

Warning: For readers who do not like cliffhangers, this story did end in one, thought that just makes me excited for the rest of the series. I'm secretly hoping certain CIA agents from a different series will pop up later in this series...

Fans of Susan May Warren and Romantic Suspense - pick up this book. You will feel like you are right there in Alaska!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Pilot Dodge Kingston has always been the heir to Sky King Ranch. But after a terrible family fight, he left to become a pararescue jumper. A decade later, he's headed home to the destiny that awaits him.

That's not all that's waiting for Dodge. His childhood best friend and former flame, Echo Yazzie, is a true Alaskan--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. Most of all, she's living a life Dodge knows could get her killed. One of these days she's going to get lost in the woods again, and his worst fear is that he won't be there to find her.

When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. Plus, there's more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

Will Dodge be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

Sunrise is the first explosive volume in a new nail-biting series from USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

About the author:

Also see: Author Discovery: Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren Short Bio

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Review: So Into You

So Into You by Kathleen Fuller
My rating: 💛💛💛

So Into You was a story by a new to me author. The plot was interesting with all the flawed characters in search of their second chance.

I also liked how everyone was connected to each other wij only the reader knowing for a bulk of time of the story.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own .*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Opposites attract in this heartfelt rom-com about overcoming your past and embracing all that life has to offer.

Britt Branch has a successful My-tube channel where she teaches all kinds of art lessons. Obsessed with the 1970s, she has a style all her own and loves yacht rock. She also has a huge problem--severe social anxiety. She lives with her mom, and while she pays her own bills, she wonders if she'll ever have the courage to move out. When her best friend announces she's getting married, Britt thinks it's time to make a change.

Gorgeous Hunter Pickett has always skated by on his model looks and applying very little effort to anything except sports, and even that was iffy at times. The third son of extremely wealthy and successful parents, he's always been the black sheep of the family and has dealt with the issue by drinking and using drugs. When he lands in jail, he turns his life around. But by his third year of sobriety, he's still dealing with aimlessness. When he catches Britt's channel, he's intrigued and ends up watching her videos even though he's not interested in art . . . at first. He reaches out to her, and they eventually become friends and make a deal--if she gives him art lessons, he'll help her with her social anxiety.

But neither of them is completely honest with the other. When all the secrets come out in the worst way possible, relationships must be rebuilt, and Britt has a decision to make--is she going to continue to hide from life, or is she going to finally start living?

About the author:

Best-selling author of Amish fiction. Also a wife, mother, crafter, coffee addict, football fan, and chocolate aficionado.

Review: Kingdom of Love

Kingdom of Love by Tracie Peterson
My rating: 💛💛💛

I do not read a lot of medieval stories, but the cover caught my eye and won me over to try the stories.

I enjoyed the short novellas in this collection, especially how the two first novellas were linked. I also enjoyed the bit of mystery included in the stories.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Kidnapping. . .Murder. . .Revenge. If Only the Fortress Walls Could Talk! From bestselling author Tracie Peterson come 3 unique historical novels, rereleased for old and new fans alike. Liberty and love--even life itself--are fragile commodities those living in medieval England. Will God's love and power triumph in the lives of these three courageous women? Arianne is finally finding love and kindness in an arranged marriage until her past overpowers the castle gate and threatens to take her hostage. Helena must overcome a king's decree, escape a savage stepbrother and devious stepsister, and try to enter thick walls of safety...for herself and her heart. Mary, a physician's daughter, brings life and health to others at the threat of her own safety. Will a shining knight come to her rescue? If the castle walls could talk, would they warn of peril or promise romance? Find out in soul-searing historical novels of romance and suspense!

About the author:

Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels

reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

Review: The Partisan

The Partisan by Susan May Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This WW2 plot set in Russia showed me a new side of the war I did not knew about. Add with that an American spy and a Russian widow turned sniper, there is suspense, anxiety, build up feelings and holding on to hope and faith for a better future.

I enjoyed going back in time with the characters we met in book one and colouring in the missing details to past events.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

The Crimson Legacy
Book 1: The Prodigal
Book 2: The Sparrow
Book 3: The Partisan
Book 4: The Secret

About the book:

A generational secret could change everything...

In war-torn Russia, love and espionage collide with devastating consequences.

Marina, widowed by the ruthless Third Reich, channels her grief into the fight for freedom. As a sharpshooter for the Russian partisans, she sabotages Nazi supply lines, driven by vengeance and a fierce desire for justice. Her mission is clear—avenge her husband's death and help defeat the invaders.

Edward Neumann, an OSS Agent from America, is haunted by his past mistakes in Poland, where his decisions led to the death of his team. Seeking redemption, he throws himself into the heart of the conflict, determined to make amends by aiding the Allied efforts. His path unexpectedly intertwines with Marina's, challenging his mission and his heart.

As Marina and Edward become entwined in each other's lives, the stakes escalate. Edward faces a critical choice—follow his heart and protect Marina, potentially jeopardizing his mission, or pursue redemption for his past, at the risk of losing her forever. Marina, with her own deadly secret, must decide how much she trusts Edward, as their enemies close in.

Will their burgeoning love be their salvation or their undoing? Can they navigate the treacherous waters of war without losing everything they hold dear?

"A gripping tale of courage, love, and betrayal, Susan May Warren's novel masterfully blends the harrowing suspense of war with the tender hope of love. Set against the brutal backdrop of WWII, this story captures the essence of human resilience and the indomitable spirit of those who fight not just for survival, but for love."

**Previously published as A Greater Love.

The Crimson Legacy
Book 1: The Prodigal
Book 2: The Sparrow
Book 3: The Partisan
Book 4: The Secret

About the author:

Also see: Author Discovery: Susan May Warren

Susan May Warren Short Bio

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. You can find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com.