Review: Without a Trace

 

I recently reread my first ever Christian Romantic Suspense and book by Colleen Coble.  I still enjoyed it as much as the first time I've read it.  Here is my recent review (originally read it before discovering Goodreads) :

Without a Trace by Colleen Coble

My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I first read this like 10 years ago and this book started my reading journey and love for romantic suspense.

There was a few things I remembered from the last time but also a few details I forgot which was a nice surprise when revealed.

I just adore Samson in this series and love how Bree and Kade just stared out as friends. I loved Naomi’s friendship with Bree and how she was a vital person who guided Bree to a relationship with God.

This second time I listened to the audiobook which was a well delivered and entertaining version.

*I listened to this on Scribd.*

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About the book:

Bree thinks a plane crash took the lives of her husband and young son, but her son Davy survived the accident. Can she find him before it’s too late?

It’s been months since the crash. K-9 search-and-rescue worker Bree Nicholls knows the chances of finding her husband and son in the vast wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula grow more remote by the day. But her heart and her faithful dog, Samson, demand she keep searching.

Deep in the woods a young boy wakes in a tiny cabin. He’s being nursed back to health by a reclusive woman, but he can’t figure out why she calls him by a name he doesn’t recognize. Or why she’s calling herself his mother. He wants to leave, but as winter sets in, his very life depends on her care.

Meanwhile, Bree’s relentless determination to find her family has uncovered a violent crime. With the help of Park Ranger Kade Matthews, she discovers the violence may be linked to the plane crash that took her family. Could solving the crime bring her peace with her own loss? Or, more incredibly, reunite her family?

Set in the untamed beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Rock Harbor novels draw readers into the life and adventures of a canine search-and-rescue team as it unravels the secrets of an enchanting wilderness.


“Colleen is a master storyteller.” —Karen Kingsbury, New York Times Best-Selling Author

About the author:

USAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana. She is the author of

dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 2 million books in print.

Throwback Thursday: Nightshade

 

A Throwback to my first book by Ronie Kendig.  Her suspense and action grabbed me and her banter between her amazing characters is what kept me reading more books.

Nightshade by Ronie Kendig
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

How did I never heard about Ronie Kendig before! This book kept my attention and made me read every available minute I could. Fast paced, full of action, but also an emotional side to it.

This book was busy, loads was happening:

Max and Sydney - My heart ached for them, dealing with their broken marriage, both not willing to let it go but also not let going of their own hurt and pride to meet each other halfway to work on mending the broken walls. Max had so much hurt from being at war and incidents from his past. I went through the emotional ride with them, also wanting to hit them behind the head sometimes. Oh and Bryce, Sydney's meddling brother, didn't like his meddling at all! Also got irritated with Lane and angry with Sydney for not setting him straight from the start.

The action:
Max and the nightshade team - the story was action packed and I felt like I was walking through the jungle with them. Sad for one thing happening, but won't spoil it. The way Ronie introduced the members of Nightshade in book one has me interested one their past and hurts and looking forward to the rest of the series.

Sydney - she is investigating a story which might cost her life. It was interesting how she followed the facts and some stuff which happened felt a bit surreal, but she is dealing with black ops which no one is suppose to know about, so I guess the extremes can be real in that CIA mission type of way.

Jon and Kimber - missionaries in the Philippines who has to deal with radicals. The events they discuss here of what the radicals does is harsh (and reality), so if you are a sensitive reader, skim over that parts (no details but they are talking about rape etc).

Looking forward to all of Ronie's other books and recommended for anyone who loves suspense.

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About the book:

Soldiers all across the globe are returning home to their families after brutal tours of duty. They are discharged from the service. . .and on their own. Meet Max Jacobs, one of these discarded heroes, as he faces a wall of failure—in his career, his friendships, and his marriage. Failing again—this time to end his life—he is offered a thread of hope. Are covert government operations the answer for him, or will they only bring more danger and dissension upon his broken family?

About the author:

Also see: Author Discovery: Ronie Kendig

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 ).

Throwback Thursday: To Win Her Heart

 

A Throwback to my first book by Karen Witemeyer.  I enjoy her humor, banter and mystery plots.

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Rating 4.5

First read by Karen Witemeyer and it will not be the last. She is such a great writer, making my emotions feel like it is on a roller-coaster - I felt compassion, smiled, laughed, got angry and even had that "aaahhh" feeling.

The story started out slow, but kept on building until the climax at the end where I couldn't stop to see what will happen!

I loved that the Christian theme about love and forgiveness was so strong!

I identified a lot with Eden. Eden had to learn to not be critical and judgmental but to look at the person, who that person is and to get to know the person and not to make assumptions and judgement calls based on first impressions. She had to learn to trust God with her heart and not to build shields around her heart due to her fear of getting hurt again. I got frustrated with the way she handled the situation with Levi's past, but this made her more human and the change in her attitude was a testimony of what God can do if you trust Him and let Him change you. It was great to see how she grew in throughout the story. Love without conditions was such a strong theme through Eden.

Levi I just loved. The verse in 2 Cor 5:17, that says that we are a new creation in God and that the old is gone, was just a strong theme through his life. I loved how the author showed that it is not always easy to accept, especially when other people make it difficult because they don't want to accept that the past is just that, the past. I admired Levi even more after the scene with Eden's father, and what a great respectable, insightful man Eden's father is! He was such a great example of forgiveness and looking at a person's character and judging someone for who he/she is now and not focusing on mistakes of the past.

I loved Chloe and Duncan. Chloe was just a fun, lovable character!

Eden and Levi - I enjoyed seeing how their relationship grew and was glad it was not just easy and love at first sight. I specifically loved the parts where it is evident that their love and attraction for each other grew as they get to know each other more.

Sheriff Pratt... I did not like Sheriff Pratt and wanted to hit him over the head with something more than once! He was just an wolf hiding in sheep's clothing. I love how the "dark is always revealed in the light".

If you like to read books which is fun, humorous but which has a deeper story and where you have enjoyable characters with struggles and growth throughout the plot, you should give this book a go.

So now just to decide which Witemeyer book to read next...

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About the book:

Do They Have a Fighting Chance at Love?

After completing his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past.

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she's reluctant to trust him. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Eden believes she's finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about Levi's prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?

About the author:

Also see:  Author Discovery: Karen Witemeyer

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Recently voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Romance Author by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a two-time winner of the ACFW Carol Award and three-time RITA® finalist. Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.

Throwback Thursday! Dangerous Passage by Lisa Harris

 

Another Throwback to my first book by Lisa Harris.  Since then I've added all her books to my TBR and even though it takes forever to get to all her books, I always enjoy the thrilling ride when reading them.

Dangerous Passage by Lisa Harris
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I really enjoyed this book.

The writing style made it a fun book to read especially how the characters interacted with each other. Mich and Avery was a fun partnership to follow, the way Avery and Jackson interacted with their family showed me as the reader the respect and love they have for them. How Jackson handled Avery was a great example of a godly man, gentle but truthfully and I liked how their relationship developed.

The crime was intriguing and had me wondering what was going on, and I had to follow the evidence with the characters to actually discover what is going on. At the end some parts felt unfinished, but this is the first book of the series so maybe what I felt was not finished would be revealed in the rest of the series.

The struggles Avery had to deal with, work-life balance, moving on, forgiveness added to the connection I had with her.

This was my first book from Lisa Harris, also the first of the series and I would definitely read the rest of the series and other books from Lisa Harris.

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Throwback Thursday! Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason

 

 

Another Throwback to June 2015.  Oh my, from the first book I've ready by Lynette Eason, I was hooked.  And since then she just got better.  Have you read any of her work?  Also see Author Discovery: Lynette Eason

Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

Warning: this is one great page turning suspense and be sure to start it only if you sufficient reading time to finish it, especially the last 20% of the book.

I have read A Killer Among Us about 2 years ago and then bought the first 2 books in the Women of Justice series, and cannot believe I waited till now to read it. Lynette Eason is one gifted suspense writer and after this book she moved up the ranks of favourite suspense writers.

The characters. I loved the characters. They were real dealing with real issues. I loved how Lynette showed the reader the inner conflicts the characters are dealing with. This made them feel like someone you know, not a fictitious character.

The romance. The romance was not over the top at all. The suspense and the murder stories got more of the limelight of the book, the romance was secondary and not in your face. I loved this.

The suspense: Wow, the plot felt like it could be one episode of criminal minds. The suspect was twisted. The writer wrote some scenes from the culprit's view point and you can't believe how twisted this subject was. The suspense was fast and building and there was so many twists that kept me guessing. About 80% in the book I thought I knew who it was, but the way the rest was written , bouncing from the cops to the culprit's view point, confused me up to almost 90% when it was revealed. That for me is great suspense - keeping me guessing right up till the end.

Oh and the epilogue - I was planning to read another book first, but the epilogue made me open the second book in the series right away!

Highly recommended to all suspense fans!

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Throwback Thursday: Against All Odds

 

Another Throwback to June 2015.  This was one of the first series I've read by Irene Hannon and I was happy to discover another author in Romantic Suspense.  Since then, I've read most of Irene Hannon's romantic suspense books:

Against All Odds by Irene Hannon
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This is my second book from Irene Hannon and all of her books are now top of my list to read.

If you are a romantic suspense lover, you need to read her books. The suspense was good and the detail of the FBI was well researched. Her characters are also written in a like-able way. The build up of the romance is also done in a non-overbearing cheesy way.

Monica's father is a hostage negotiator in Afghanistan. Now the terrorists issued a threat against Monica and two HRT operatives, Coop and Mark, is assigned to Monica's protection detail. Something went wrong and Monica's is kidnapped.

The way the kidnapping was executed was well researched and came across as possible. I liked Monica, she is an independent strong women but not without her issues. I really like the interaction between her and Coop and loved Coop's partner, Mark and looking forward to read more about him in book two.

The lesson of forgiving and reconcile relationships when you still have time came across strongly.

I enjoyed this book a lot and recommend it for all romantic suspense readers.

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About the book:

For FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper and his partner, dignitary protection duty should have been a piece of cake. Unfortunately, Monica Callahan isn't making it easy. Estranged from her diplomat father--who is involved in a sensitive hostage situation in the Middle East--she refuses to be intimidated by a related terrorist threat back in the States. That is, until a chilling warning convinces her that the danger is very real--and escalating.

As Coop and his partner do their best to keep her safe, Monica's father triggers an abduction that puts his daughter's life at risk. And with every second that ticks by, Coop knows that the odds of saving the only woman who has ever breached the walls around his heart are dropping. After all, terrorists aren't known for their patience--or their mercy.

Book one in the Heroes of Quantico series, this suspense-filled novel will whisk readers along for the thrilling ride.

About the author:

Irene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than

50 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.

Throwback Thursday! Review: Breaker's Reef

 

I'm going back to the past to one of my first reviews I posted on Goodreads in June 2015.  I only discovered Goodreads in November 2014 (and did not know what I was missing).  So, here is one of my first reviews of a book I would love to reread:

Breaker's Reef by Terri Blackstock

My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

What a great ending to the series.

A teenage girl is found dead. Later it comes to light that the crime scene matches the exact scene of a murder story of a famous writer. Then another girl turns up dead and another girl is missing. The dead girl is again found at a crime scene, exactly mirroring the murder scene of the writer's latest book. And Chief Cade is framed.

This book was full of action packed suspense. I love guessing who the culprit is and love it even more when I don't know until the end. And this book kept me wondering right up till the end. I had two suspects, but kept going, okay he did it, no he did it, up until about 87% in, when I thought I knew. But then the revealing scene was also written in such a way that you wondered for a split second, okay maybe I was wrong, then you see you were right and you are thinking "I knew it!, and then, but why?

I loved catching up with Blair and Cade and Morgan and Jonathan and a bit sad that I have to say goodbye.

You can read this book as a standalone, but I would recommend starting with book 1. A lot happened to the characters during the series and for me reading it from Book 1 made me feel apart of their lives.

Recommended for Christian fiction suspense series lovers!

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About the book:

Murder and mystery continue in Book Four of the Cape Refuge series A famous mystery writer has just moved to Cape Refuge when a teenage girl is found murdered. Sheila Caruso–ex-con, mother to Sadie and Caleb, and resident of Hanover House–is working for the writer when she discovers that a scene in one of his novels matches the crime scene. When Police Chief Cade and Blair Owens discover a second dead teenager–mirroring a murder in another of the eccentric writer’s books–Cade is drawn into a web of trickery and deceit. Evidence turns up in Cade’s own truck, and suddenly he becomes the number-one suspect. Cade tries to clear his name, but when eighteen-year-old Sadie Caruso disappears, tensions mount to a fever pitch. Can Cade find the real killer before Sadie winds up dead? Is the novelist a demented killer, or a hapless victim? And what does Sadie’s own mother have to do with the crimes? Secrets are uncovered, while lessons are learned about the sins of the father being visited upon his children. Will the consequences of Sheila’s life be fatal, or is there redemption and mercy for her and her children? “Chief Matthew Cade rarely considered another line of work, but news of the dead teenage girl made him long for a job as an accountant or electrician—some benign vocation that didn’t require him to look into the eyes of grieving parents.”

About the author:

Terri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide.. She has

had over thirty years of success as a novelist.

Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.

In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.