Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Review: Hunting Justice

Hunting Justice Hunting Justice by Lynette Eason
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

A creepy serial killer cold case, a murder who might or might not be a copycat, and two friends with serious baggage but growing unspoken feelings all added to a thriller and fast pace suspenseful read.

Jonah had a lot of regrets, doubted in his skills, and lost his way a bit after the death of his wife. Noelle was really a strong character, and even became stronger after readers got to see her history. Still, instead of being bitter, she held on to faith and was a light to Jonah through their friendship.

“I believe that’s what He really wants. He wants us to reach out to Him. Wants a friendship with us.”

The suspense and action never ended, which will keep readers up late into the night and the scenes with the POV from the killer added to the thrilling atmosphere.

I loved the banter and friendship of the Elite Guardian group and am looking forward to the third book in this installment.

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

Elite Guardian: Savannah:
Review book 1: Vanishing Legacy

Elite Guardian Collection:


View all my reviews

About the book:


A dark secret puts them in the crosshairs of a relentless killer…

Ex-detective and current Elite Guardian Noelle Burton survived a horrifying attack by a serial killer as a child. Now, determined to put the scars of her past behind her, she’s intent on helping the Elite Guardians set up shop in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia. More, she’s wondering if her friendship with Dr. Jonah Harris, an ex-ER doctor turned medical examiner, might be more. But he has his own demons to fight—namely guilt over the death of his wife.

So, maybe not.

Meanwhile, Jonah can't ignore the growing desire he feels for Noelle. If only he knew he wasn’t going to destroy their friendship…

And then, tragedy strikes—the sudden death of a colleague rocks his world, and Jonah knows that there's more to the incident than meets the eye. In fact, he may have been the intended target. Now he needs Noelle…not just as a friend, but as a protector.

Noelle will have to protect Jonah, while not letting their friendship spark into something more, and Jonah will have to unravel the threat that stalks him. Clues lead them down a dark path, revealing unsettling connections to a series of unsolved crimes. And when they stumble upon the chilling possibility of a serial killer lurking in the shadows, all Noelle’s nightmares come back to life.

Then the unthinkable occurs—the killer strikes again, targeting someone close to them. Noelle and Jonah race against time to expose the truth and capture the killer…and when their friendship becomes something deeper, it’s clear they have everything to lose.

Don’t miss this gripping story of resilience, trust, and the power of love in the exhilarating second book of the Elite Guardians: Savannah.

About the author:


Award-winning, bestselling author Sami Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she

found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings, you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime and a little romance is the recipe for a great story.


She lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.


If you love romantic suspense, go to Sami's website and sign up for her newsletter to get the inside scoop at samiaabrams.com

Monday, May 20, 2024

Review: The Ebb Tide

The Ebb Tide The Ebb Tide by Beverly Lewis
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was a sweet story about how to be still and patient and listen to God’s voice for His will for your life even though His path might be different to the life you and your family might have wanted or thought would be the path.

“Havin’ to wait gives us time to learn that He’s always standing with us, teaching constant love and patience, until we finally come to the point of prayin’, ‘Thy will be done,’” Frannie pointed out.”

*I listened to the audiobook on Everand.*

View all my reviews

About the book:


When a well-to-do family asks Sallie Riehl to be their daughter's nanny for the summer at their Cape May, New Jersey, vacation home, she jumps at the chance to broaden her horizons beyond the Lancaster County Amish community where she grew up. Curious by nature, Sallie loves reading and learning, and she fears that her chances of making a good match with an Amish farmer will be hampered because of it.

Though she loves taking care of nine-year-old Autumn Weaver during the week, Sallie has free time on the weekends to enjoy the shore. It is there that she meets Edward Kreider, a young marine biology student who talks freely about all he's learning and asks about her interests, unlike the guys she grew up with. Sallie wonders if this is the kind of relationship she's been longing for. Then again, Ed isn't from her community--and he's Mennonite, not Amish.

Sallie is afraid of what her parents would think about her new friendship. But that's not all she's fearful of. When unexpected danger threatens Autumn, Sallie will have to put her fears aside. Will this be a summer to remember, or one to forget?

About the author:


Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished

musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."

Weekend Wrap-up: May 19th

 


 

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

We spend a lot of time outdoors and with friends and fellow South Africans who all waited in long queues (4-7 hours) to cast our vote for the national elections for South Africa.


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? 

One ARCs this week.




Bought: Some Freebies




Thursday, May 16, 2024

Book Spotlight Friday! Flashover and When Hope Sank


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.

Two book this week again - the one I just finished and really liked and the other one I started last night and if it wasn't for my eyes falling closed, I would have wanted to stay up and finish it during the evening.


Flashover







About the book:


SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.
THIS TIME, THEY'RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

She never expected her second chance to show up…

When her special ops brother was killed, Sophie Lamb left everything—and everyone—behind to start over. Now the owner of a ranch that rescues neglected horses, they’ve become her entire life. And sure, she’s still haunted by the death of her brother, but she doesn’t have time to miss those she’s lost—including her high school crush, Houston James, who she absolutely never thinks about. Okay, almost never.

In the middle of a wildfire….

Houston James can’t catch a break. Sure, he survived a house fire, and became a youth pastor, but a recent false accusation in ministry has sent him into a summer fighting fires. The last thing he expects is to find the girl he can’t forget…

When the blazing Montana wildfire threatens her ranch, Sophie refuses to abandon her rescued animals. But the last person she expects to show up and demand her evacuation is of course, Houston James.

Then her prized stallion goes missing, and she and Houston must work together to track him down before the fire catches up to them. And when they stumble upon a shocking discovery, they are forced to work together, and confront their heartbreaking past, if they hope to survive.

In this relentless fight against external threats and the ghosts of their pasts, Houston and Sophie stand on the brink of a second chance. But the fight isn’t over when the threat she left behind finds her…now, what will her second chance at love cost her?

Don't miss out on this gripping tale of survival and redemption in the heart-pounding second installment of the Chasing Fire: Montana series.



*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Sophie Lamb should have never said yes.

Friday 56

"I'll stay somewhere safe."

My thoughts so far

If I could have stayed awake, I would have wanted to finish this one last night!


   ************************************************************* 


When Hope Sank





About the book:


Can Hope Resurface After Evil Tries to Drown It?
 
Introducing a new series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic American disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.
 
The Civil War has taken everything from Lily Livingston—her parents, her twin brother, her home. Now she works at her uncle’s inn and keeps her head down. Speaking up for her beliefs proved too costly in a part of Arkansas split by conflicting loyalties and overrun by spies and bushwhackers.
 
Emaciated in body but resilient in spirit, Lieutenant Cade Palmer is crowded onto the Sultana with other paroled Andersonville and Cahaba POWs for the journey north. But a fiery explosion on April 27, 1886, rends the steamer and empties two thousand men into the frigid Mississippi River.
 
Recovering from wounds that might end his career as a surgeon but clinging to his faith, Cade threatens both Lily’s defenses and her heart. How can she tell him she might’ve prevented the tragedy if only she’d reported a suspected saboteur’s claims? And when the man returns to town and encoded messages pass through the hotel, will Lily follow her convictions to prevent another tragedy?

Also available in the A Day to Remember
When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson
When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir



*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

"Free Arkansas"

Friday 56

The fewer people knew about Alex LaFleur, the better.

My thoughts so far

This was an intriguing historical with great characters I easily connected with.


   ************************************************************* 

Review: The Thing About Home

The Thing About Home The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

“The days have been dark, and the times are hard, but there has always been love, even before Freedom. Find love and keep it. It’s the only thing that no man or woman can take away.”

This was my first book by this author, and the story and writing style grabbed my attention and made me look up all published books by this author.

This is a beautiful dual-time story which linked the strength and legacy of the great-grandmother to the present time.

Casey’s meltdown in the beginning was raw and emotional, which led to her journey to find her family and herself during this process.

Back in the past, Casey’s great grandmother lived in the time of slavery and freedom. Her life wasn’t easy, but through her struggles and challenges, she gained an inner strength and wisdom which she passed down to her children and great children thereafter.

“Do the things I couldn’t. The women before you could only dream their dreams.”

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


View all my reviews

About the book:


Home is not a place—it’s a feeling. Casey Black needs an escape. When her picture-perfect vow renewal ceremony ends in her being left at the altar, the former model turned social media influencer has new fame—the kind she never wanted. An embarrassing viral video has cost her millions of followers, and her seven-year marriage is over. With her personal and business lives in shambles, Casey runs from New York City to South Carolina’s Lowcountry hoping to find long-lost family. Family who can give her more answers about her past than her controlling mom-slash-manager has ever been willing to share. What Casey doesn’t expect is a postcard-worthy property on a three-hundred-acre farm, history, culture, and a love of sweet tea. She spends her days caring for the land and her nights cooking much needed Southern comfort foods. She also meets Nigel, the handsome farm manager whose friendship has become everything she’s never had. And then there are the secrets her mother can no longer hide. Through the pages of her great-grandmother’s journals, Casey discovers her roots run deeper than the Lowcountry soil. She learns that she has people. A home. A legacy to uphold. And a great new love story—if only she is brave enough to leave her old life behind. “. . . a beautifully written story about family, self-discovery, secrets, and forgiveness.” —Kimberla Lawson Roby, New York Times bestselling author.

About the author:


Even as she pursued degrees in Textile Technology, Organizational Leadership and finally, Adult Education,

Rhonda McKnight’s love for books and desire to write stories was always in the back of her mind and in the forefront of her heart. Rhonda loves reading and writing stories that touch the heart of women through complex plots and interesting characters in crisis. She writes from the comfort of her South Carolina home with black tea, potato chips and chocolate on hand. At her feet sits a snappy mixed breed dog. She can be reached at her website at 
www.rhondamcknight.com and on social media at www.facebook.com/booksbyrhonda www.twitter.com/rhondamcknight www.instagram.com/authorrhondamcknight

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Can't Wait Wednesday: Flashover

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.

Excited for the second book in this newly released series. The second book releases June 11th:

About the book: Flashover







SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.
THIS TIME, THEY'RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

She never expected her second chance to show up…

When her special ops brother was killed, Sophie Lamb left everything—and everyone—behind to start over. Now the owner of a ranch that rescues neglected horses, they’ve become her entire life. And sure, she’s still haunted by the death of her brother, but she doesn’t have time to miss those she’s lost—including her high school crush, Houston James, who she absolutely never thinks about. Okay, almost never.

In the middle of a wildfire….

Houston James can’t catch a break. Sure, he survived a house fire, and became a youth pastor, but a recent false accusation in ministry has sent him into a summer fighting fires. The last thing he expects is to find the girl he can’t forget…

When the blazing Montana wildfire threatens her ranch, Sophie refuses to abandon her rescued animals. But the last person she expects to show up and demand her evacuation is of course, Houston James.

Then her prized stallion goes missing, and she and Houston must work together to track him down before the fire catches up to them. And when they stumble upon a shocking discovery, they are forced to work together, and confront their heartbreaking past, if they hope to survive.

In this relentless fight against external threats and the ghosts of their pasts, Houston and Sophie stand on the brink of a second chance. But the fight isn’t over when the threat she left behind finds her…now, what will her second chance at love cost her?

Don't miss out on this gripping tale of survival and redemption in the heart-pounding second installment of the Chasing Fire: Montana series.

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Love on a Whim

Love on a Whim Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I loved how everyone in the Cape Cod series stopped in the small ocean town for a brief break from life, but ended up on a new God plan for their life.

This book was about mistakes, regrets and how in forgiveness can turn to bitterness.

I loved Brynn and how she had to learn to listen to her own heart and not let others guide her.

I loved Dawn in the other two books in the series, but her tendency to be in control and meddle and try to control the people in her life’s choices and her own life, was at times very frustrating!

I loved the epilogue and how everyone grew in this series. Marnie and Linc and little Leo was my favourite characters throughout the series.

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

Review 2: The Secret to Happiness 

View all my reviews

About the book:


Brynn Haywood's impulsive marriage to a man she'd known less than 24 hours leaves her with deep regret. She flees to Cape Cod, finding refuge with her loyal friend, Dawn Dixon. As Brynn grapples with her emotions, Dawn acts swiftly, eager to help secure a lawyer for her through her mother Marnie's good friend, Lincoln Hayes. However, Lincoln's preoccupation with his daughter's lavish wedding brings unexpected challenges.

The arrival of Lincoln's estranged son, Bear Hayes, stirs the waters further. Alarmed by his father's extravagant generosity toward the Dixon family, Bear ignites friction between Marnie and Lincoln. As the wedding day arrives, Lincoln vanishes--and an unwelcome guest makes a surprise appearance.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delights with this sweet story of love, family, and the unpredictability of life.

About the author:


Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the

Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine.


Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.

Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Book Quotes

 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I am not really someone who keeps great track of book quotes. So here is the last most recent quotes I saved/shared on Goodreads:

1. One Last Shot


“You can blame God,"..."and go it alone. Or you can trust that God loves you and that he'll carry you through the storm.”

2. Jonas


“God is in the storm. That though the winds blow and my life feels torn apart, if I can just trust Him, I'll discover Him at the center.”

3. The Land Beneath Us


“No matter what happened in my life, I could always find one good thing to enjoy -- a beautiful word, a sunset, a song.”

4. The Heart of the Mountain


“Maybe we can’t choose our hard, but I reckon we can choose how to live with it the right way.”

5. Sunburst


“You've always spent your life looking forward, the destination in mind. But faith is stepping forward without knowing the destination.”

6.  Echoes Among the Stones


“There was never a good time for Death to visit. There was never a time when Grief would leave.”

7. Thirst of Steel


“You can hide but you can't run”

8. Crown of Souls


“You weren't meant to fight this alone. On our own, we are nothing.”

9. Willow


“...I'm here. Use my skills."

"What exactly are those skills?" Cord asked.

"Whatever I need them to be."

This guy was definitely a Metcalfe”

10. Chasing Shadows


“Don’t hate them,” Mama said as if reading Ans’s mind. “They’ll win if we hate them.”

Monday, May 13, 2024

Review: Falcon

Falcon Falcon by Ronie Kendig
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Ronie Kendig again delivered an action packed military thriller, where you are afraid she will kill a favourite character and keeps you on edge on who will survive attacks and who the actual mole is.

I did not see a few things coming, and at one point I was thinking who else can get hurt or die.

Cassie and Sal’s past wasn’t pretty and I could understand the deep emotions due to the ugly baggage. There was a sweet consequence there which I loved discovering.

Ronie Kendig also dealt with a sensitive topic which you would not expect a man, and especially a military hero will deal with.

I also loved the cameo by Toni, Timbrel and Beowulf.

A thrilling suspense fans of Ronie Kendig will love and recommended to readers of military thrillers.


About the book:


Special Forces operator Salvatore “Falcon” Russo vowed to never again speak to or trust Lieutenant Cassandra Walker after a tragedy four years ago. But as Raptor closes in on the cyber terrorists responsible for killing two of their own, Sal must put his life—and the lives of his teammates—in her hands.

Despite his anger, Cassie is ill-prepared for his resistance and the fallout when she must protect the one asset who can end the attacks.

As allies become enemies and hostiles become unlikely partners, Raptor fights for its very existence.


About the author:



Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After thirty years of

marriage, she and her hunky hero are adventuring on the East coast, a short train ride from NYC with their retired military working dog and their Stealth Golden. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of raw, broken characters.


Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, the RT Reviewers' Choice Award (twice), the HOLT Medallion, the IRCA, and FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), GoodReads, and Instagram (www.instagram.com/kendigronie ).



Weekend Wrap-up: May 12th

 

 

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

Another warm sunny week. A lot of walks and time spending outdoors kept us busy!


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? 

Three ARCs this week.





Bought: None

Review: Hunting Justice

Hunting Justice by Lynette Eason My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛 A creepy serial killer cold case, a murder who might or ...