Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Review: The Keeper

The Keeper The Keeper by Charles Martin
My rating: 💛💛💛

Similar to the other books in this series, this story is filled with hurt and darkness due to the trafficking plot, but also hope and healing as part of the journey after being rescued.


I actually enjoyed the flashbacks of the start of Murph’s journey. It was nice to see how helping others was just part of who he was and though he struggled with the harsh realities of the path he chose, he could not help but step up.


With action and secrets and  a few twists which caught me by surprise, this was an engaging read and a good conclusion to the series.



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

Review: Book 1 - The Water Keeper 
Review: Book 3 - The Record Keeper 

View all my reviews

About the book:


Combine James Patterson and Colleen Hoover and you'll start to understand why readers are riveted by the Murphy Shepherd gripping action, heart-wrenching emotion, and deep questions that deserve to be considered.

In this fourth book in the Murphy Shepherd series, Murphy knows Bones didn't hesitate to give his life to stop the evil perpetuated by his brother, but there's still work to be done. Though Frank is gone, his organization is not, and almost even before Bones's funeral in Arlington is complete, Murph receives a call that the three daughters of presidential hopeful Aaron Ashley have been taken and there are no leads.

The girls' lives on the line and time is of the essence. But Murphy has never done this without Bones. How can he grieve his friend and mentor, figure out who he is without Bones, and navigate a new role for himself with team . . . all while putting total focus into finding these daughters?

When his daughters are finally rescued, Ashley steps back from the presidential race. But Murph knows something about the timing is a little too convenient for the senator who steps in to take his place. The far-reaching tendrils of Frank's organization are entangled even here, and Murph and his team will stop at nothing to root them out.

About the author:




Charles Martin is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, FL. Learn more at charlesmartinbooks.com; Instagram: @storiedcareer; X: @storiedcareer; Facebook: @Author.Charles.Martin

Can't Wait Wednesday! The Accused

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.

This one looks good!


About the book: The Accused




When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn't believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer.

Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. After he loses a client to tragedy, he's ready for an in-house corporate position.

When Chase is assigned to Anneliese's case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel—not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese.

Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese's innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery—and navigate their growing interest in one another—before the wrong person is charged with murder?

What are you waiting on this week?

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Review: A Tender Hope

A Tender Hope A Tender Hope by Amanda Cabot
My rating: 💛💛💛

For fans of romance, this story was not only filled with one love story, but three. All unique and sweet as the couples.

There was also a murder and suspense plot following Thea and ranger Jackson which kept my interest to find out what is going on.

I enjoyed meeting all the characters and seeing a sweet reconciliation.

*I listened to the audiobook on Everand.*

Review book 2: A Borrowed Dream 

View all my reviews

About the book:


As far as Thea Michener is concerned, it's time for a change. With her husband murdered and her much-anticipated baby stillborn, there is nothing left for her in Ladreville. Having accepted a position as Cimarron Creek's midwife, she has no intention of remarrying and trying for another child. So when a handsome Texas Ranger appears on her doorstep with an abandoned baby, Thea isn't sure her heart can take it.

Ranger Jackson Guthrie isn't concerned only with the baby's welfare. He's been looking for Thea, convinced that her late husband was part of the gang that killed his brother. But it soon becomes clear that the situation is far more complicated than he anticipated--and he'll need Thea's help if he's ever to find the justice he seeks.

About the Author:



With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age. From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she’s sold more than forty novels. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and – of course – reading.

Amanda Cabot invites readers back to Cimarron Creek for a tender story of loss, betrayal, and love in the majestic Texas Hill Country.

Review: The Lady of Galway Manor

The Lady of Galway Manor The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel
My rating: 💛💛💛

With some lovable and wiser older characters and a beautiful setting in Ireland, readers can welcome a romance historical story.

Anna and Stephen’s story were a bit messy with Anna having family duty on her shoulders while trying to follow her heart and passions and Stephen with a past and hurt he needed to let go.

The side characters added to the enjoyment and success of the story.

The narrator had a beautiful voice which made listening a treat.

*I listened to the audiobook on Everand.*

View all my reviews

About the book:


In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the ÒliesÓ the Claddagh Ring promises.

Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the "other side" isn't quite as barbaric and uncultured as they'd been led to believe--and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.

Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.

About the author:


Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on



The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona.


Debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, releases February 2, 2021 from Revell. Follow Moira Doherty to the wilds of rural Ireland in 1921. Available for preorder wherever books are sold.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Review: Her Darkest Secret

Her Darkest Secret Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

Just after the first page I knew two things. This book is going to be good. And I have a new favourite author to add to my list.

There was a creepy factor with being in the mind of the the killer, a relationship which was broken but clearly deep emotions still there and a spiritual thread with Asa just recently finding his way to a relationship with God. I loved this part since we could see he is trying to make better decisions, but the flesh is still weak. But Fiona could clearly see the change in him in ways he would previously reacted versus reacting now.

The twists I did not see coming! I am looking forward to continue this series since there was a lot of things I felt was not immediately answered!

View all my reviews

About the book:


When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted—her.

The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly's blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister's body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he's back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona.

Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that's fueled Fiona's career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.

“Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch grabbed me in the first scene of this edge-of-your-seat suspense and didn't let go until the end!”—Patricia Bradley, author of the Memphis Cold Case novels

About the author:


Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether

she’s penned a romantic suspense, a cold case thriller, or a small-town romance. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, watching movies with her family, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at 
www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Rescued Faith

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.

I am enjoying this series!


About the book: Rescued Faith






When private detective Penny Mitchell’s latest case takes her right back to the last place on earth she wants to go, she must make a choice—continue running from her past, leaving Last Chance County for good, or stay and ensure that her sister and her kids are safe. Even if that means running into her ex.

Rescue firefighter and notorious playboy Bryce Crawford is supposed to be a different guy now that he’s come to faith, but he isn’t exactly sure how to do that—especially when the woman who broke his heart comes back to town. As if seeing Penny isn’t dangerous enough, they have to work together on a new task force to find the criminals responsible for the recent string of explosions and epidemic of dangerous new weapons on the streets.

Together, Penny and Bryce must set aside their past and race against time to uncover the criminals’ end game…and stop them before it's too late.

Dive into this heart-pounding romantic suspense where danger lurks around every corner and second chances come at a price. Rescued Faith is a thrilling tale of redemption, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds of family in the face of adversity.

What are you waiting on this week?

Monday, March 24, 2025

Weekend Wrap-up: March 23rd

 

 It’s Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Book Date.

A bit slower reading week this time.


Finished





(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Currently reading




Next up:




What are you reading this week?



Here is my past week's Blog Posts.




Which Avid Reader do not add to their shelves! I try to limit mine to review books since I have so many owned on my TBR to read.  So did I add to my shelf this week? 

None this week.



Bought: None



Freebies: None



Review: The Keeper

The Keeper by Charles Martin My rating: 💛💛💛 Similar to the other books in this series, this story is filled with hu...