Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Out of the Storm (Beacons of Hope #.5) by Jody Hedlund













Title: Out of the Storm (Beacons of Hope #.5)
Author: Jody Hedlund
Pages: 141
Year: 2014
Genre: Historical Romance (1800s)
Publisher: Bethany House

About the book:

     Having grown up in a lighthouse, loneliness is all Isabelle Thornton has ever known – and all, she assumes, she ever will know. But when her lightkeeper father rescues a young man from the lake, her sheltered world is turned upside down.

     Bestselling author Jody Hedlund’s Out of the Storm is her first ever novella and introduces readers to Beacons of Hope, a new series set in the 1800s amid the romance, history and danger surrounding the Great Lakes lighthouses of Michigan.

My review:

     This is a great historical romance novella!

     I loved the characters in this short novella. Because of the length of the story there wasn’t time to do a really deep development for any of them except for Isabelle. There is just enough about her father and Henry so that they were very realistic and their relationships to Isabelle were believable.

     I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of the lighthouse on the lake. I had never given much thought to what a light keeper might have to face in the aftermath of a storm. The beginning of this story made that reality come alive for me.

     I am definitely recommending the short and sweet story. I look forward to reading the books in this series. This novella is getting a rating of 5 stars from me.

Irish Meadows (Courage to Dream #1) by Susan Anne Mason













Title: Irish Meadows (Courage to Dream #1)
Author: Susan Anne Mason
Pages: 384
Release Date: June 30, 2015 (eBook), July 7, 2015 (print)
Genre: Historical Romance (1911)
Publisher: Bethany House
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     1911 Long Island, New York

     Faced with an uncertain future, sometimes all you have left is the courage to dream.

     Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he’s put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

     Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry – as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans.

     As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O’Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father’s machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

My review:

     Filled with masterfully written characters!

     This book is filled with a complete cast of incredibly well developed characters. I connected completely with a number of the young adults from very early on. So much that I need to get my feelings for the father, James O’Leary out here at the beginning. Many times during this story I wanted to shake the man and tell him, “These are people, your own daughters, with feelings and dreams of their own.”

     The young adults struggle with a number of conflicting emotions throughout the book. They are trying to figure out their feelings as well as God’s plans for their lives. Most of the older people share a lot of sensible advice with them. A lot of it is encouraging them to seek God for direction. At times some of the younger adults also have incredible words of wisdom to impart to each other.

     The story captured my interest from very early on. At no time did I lost interest in it or want to even take a break from this novel. It is a wonderfully well written story. I am definitely looking forward to Susan Anne Mason’s next book.

     I am highly recommending this novel and giving it a rating of 5 stars.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

London Tides (MacDonald Family Trilogy #2) by Carla Laureano













Title: London Tides (MacDonald Family Trilogy #2)
Author: Carla Laureano
Pages: 340
Release Date: June 1, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: David C. Cook
Note: I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley for the purpose of writing my honest review.

About the book:

     Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and mentor in the field, Grace is shaken.

     She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved – Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace … only for her to choose career over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together … or tear them apart for good this time?

My review:

     This is a deeply moving contemporary romance.

     Grace Brennan carries so much pain and heartache within herself that my heart broke repeatedly throughout this book. She has seen so much pain and anguish and been in danger so often that she doesn’t really seem to know how to live a happy life. Yet she has never forgotten the man she once loved and was engaged to.

     Ian MacDonald is as different from Grace as he could possibly be. I thoroughly enjoyed this character and in many ways I can relate to him. He has a very strong level of commitment to doing what is expected of him in business and family relationships.

     Both of these wonderful people needed to grow and learn before they could find their happy ending. The biggest hurdle for them was Grace’s PTSD from all of her years as a war photographer.

     I had heard about PTSD and terms connected with it. It was quite eye opening for me to read the scenes where Grace had nightmares or flashbacks. Carla Laureano did an incredible job of writing them so that I could not only see what was happening but also feel what Grace felt, or as close as I possibly could without actually struggling with the trauma and aftermath myself.

     I am looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future. I am giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars and highly recommending it.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Dead Dog Like Me by Max Davis













Title: Dead Dog Like Me
Author: Max Davis
Pages: 320
Release Date: June 23, 2015
Genre: Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Worthy Publishing
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Megachurch pastor Nick Gregory’s life is falling apart. His wife is filing for divorce. His congregation is questioning his leadership. His faith is nearly nonexistent. It goes downhill from there. When he regains consciousness after a horrific car crash, Nick realizes he is no longer in his hometown – or even in the twenty-first century.

     Transported back in time to 800 B.C. and into the body of King Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth, Nick must quickly adapt to a completely different way of living. Can the experience of living as another broken man, desperate for God’s healing, bring healing to Nick himself – if he can ever get back home?

     A novel of adventure, redemption, and outrageous grace, Dead Dog Like Me takes you back in time to know more deeply a God who never changes, a God who lavishes you with His love.

My review:

     An incredible thought provoking novel!

     One sinful action and how Nick Gregory, senior pastor of a megachurch, handles it has a cascading effect. When the book opens he is spiraling into a pit as things in his life fall apart as a result.

     Nick and the secondary characters closest to him are well developed and very human. There is a large variety of personalities included. There are also many different ways that people deal with the situation. As happens in real life it doesn’t take Nick long to find out who are truly his friends and who are just riding his coat tails of success.

     Max Davis does a fantastic job of crafting a story where God uses research from Nick’s past, extreme events, and the family dog to teach Nick some deep truths about grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

     This was a wonderful book and I’m highly recommending it. It is getting a 5 star ranking from me.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

In Good Company (A Class of Their Own #2) by Jen Turano













Title: In Good Company (A Class of Their Own #2)
Author: Jen Turano
Pages: 352
Release Date: June 30, 2015 (eBook); July 7, 2015 (print)
Genre: Historical Romance (1882)
Publisher: Bethany House
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren’t always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.

     Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.

     At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance – with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children’s parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?

My review:

     A historical romance filled with mayhem!

     I loved getting to know Millie Longfellow. She is a young woman of great character that it would be a pleasure to call friend. We met her in the first book of this series and had a glimpse into her past in that story. Jen Turano has dome an absolutely marvelous job in this book in developing this wonderful and loveable character.

     With such an incredible heroine it would have been a crime to slack off when it came to writing a hero for her. I’m very pleased that Jen stepped up to the challenge and put just as much effort into making Everett Mulberry just as memorable as Millie is.

     I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful matchmaking matrons, the truly evil villains, and the delightfully mischievous children and animals. As with each of Jen’s books I found plenty to make me laugh in this story.

     If you are looking for a rollicking fun romantic comedy, look no further. If you are looking for an accurate depiction of life for high society New Yorkers in 1882, you should probably look for another book.

     I absolutely loved this book and am giving it a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Friday, June 19, 2015

The Reckoning (Legacy of the King's Pirates #5) by MaryLu Tyndall













Title: The Reckoning (Legacy of the King’s Pirates #5)
Author: MaryLu Tyndall
Pages: 330
Release Date: June 5, 2015 (print), June 19, 2015 (eBook)
Genre: Historical Romance/Time Travel
Publisher: Ransom Press
Note: I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     When Morgan Shaw crept into the hold of an old pirate ship replica at San Diego’s Annual Tall Ship Festival, her only intention was to avoid the guy who had just dumped her and who was now boarding the ship with two women on his arm. What she didn’t expect was to wake up aboard a real pirate ship three-hundred years in the past. But of course, it wasn’t real. Her wealthy father had obviously staged it all in an effort to get her mind off her upcoming chemo. Or had he?

     Pirate Rowan Dutton seeks enough treasure to repay a debt to his sister and reinstate the Dutton name among British Jamaican Society. He is but one major haul away from accomplishing his goal what a strange woman appears on his ship and causes him to lose his prey. Despite his anger, he is enthralled with the little minx, her strange clothing, odd speech, and her insistence that they are all actors playing a charade paid for by her father.

     Yet when the brazen little lady divulges Rowan’s secret to a longtime nemesis, events are triggered that could cost them both their lives and change the course of history forever.

My review:

     This is a fascinating historical romance.

     There is a marvelous time travel twist included in this book. I love the way that Morgan reacts when she first travels through time. It seemed to be handled in a very believable way.

     The main characters are Morgan Shaw and Rowan Dutton. Two people couldn’t be more different than these two. They are incredibly well developed and, dare I say, both are very likeable. I found it very amusing the way the two of them butted heads over just about everything they talked about.

     There are a lot of new secondary characters in this book. There are also a few appearances by a number of the main characters that I loved from the previous books in this series. It was fun to see them again and catch up a little bit on what they have been doing since their books ended.

     MaryLu included fantastic descriptions of sea battles and great “pirate talk” dialog that added great color and excitement to the story. There were also a number of people with a deep seated belief in God that encouraged others to trust Him as well.

     I was completely delighted with this story and can’t recommend it highly enough. I have to give it a rating of 5 stars. This is a series that should be read in order though. But that isn’t a bad thing since each book in the series is just as great.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Hope During Heartache by Cheri Swalwell













Title: Hope During Heartache
Author: Cheri Swalwell
Pages: 218
Year: 2014
Genre: Non-fiction
Publisher: Spoken from the Heart

About the book:

     Have you ever dealt with the pain of infertility? Heard the devastating words, “I’m so sorry but your child is no longer alive?” Lived with a heartache so deep it feels as though there will never be any relief? By answering yes to any of these questions, you know how it feels to belong to an exclusive club. This group is designated for men and women who have had to learn how to live with the pain of either the lost dream of a child through infertility or the crushing reality that a child you love is no longer with you – the result of miscarriage, stillbirth, or death. It’s a group to which no one wants to belong, but nevertheless, the list of members of this group is long. If you find yourself enrolled in this membership, know that you aren’t alone. There are many who have walked this road that are waiting to come alongside and help. Just as the picture on the cover shows the reality of a fierce storm with the hope of bright skies, there is Hope for the storm you are currently facing as well. Step inside this book to hear from thirteen different men and women, through their own words, how they were able to find hope during their heartache. Let them offer you a chance to experience that hope for yourself.

My review:

     This is a heart-breaking book to read.

     I don’t read very many non-fiction books. I’m very glad that I read this one though. I know a number of people who have had problems with infertility, miscarriages, or the death of a child. This book helped me to understand more fully the heartache that they have gone through. Each person’s story is different just like each person is different. There is no “proper” way to deal with the pain. I feel that with this added level of understanding I may better be able to love and support someone going through one of these situations.

     Each chapter was a different person’s story. Because of the heartache in each one I took my time and read one chapter a day so that I wouldn’t be overwhelmed by it. I do recommend this book and am giving a rating of 5 stars.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Passing Strangers by Angela Hunt













Title: Passing Strangers
Author: Angela Hunt
Narrated by: Lia Frederick
Pages: 346
Year: 2014
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Christian Writers Guild
Note: I received a free audio book copy of this novel through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     A train roars over the rails, carrying passengers on a trip that will change their lives. Among the many people aboard the 97 Silver Meteor are Andie Crystal, a lonely young woman hiding from her youth as a reality TV star; Matthew Scofield, a widower trying to escape his responsibilities to his two young children; and Janette Turlington, a middle-aged mother running from a situation that has destroyed the peace in her home and marriage. These three form a makeshift family on an Amtrak tour through the Southern seaboard, a journey that just might heal their wounded hearts and restore them to the people to whom they matter most.

My review:

     This is a very thought provoking novel.

     The three main characters are Andie Crystal, Matthew Scofield, and Janette Turlington. They are vastly different from each other and they are all struggling with situations in their lives that have left them feeling alone and unable to connect with others. They are each so well developed that I was able to feel a connection with each of them early on in the story.

     I loved how Angela introduced them to the reader as well as to each other. It simply started as loners that didn’t want to eat alone. Then as they spent time with each other they became friends. At different times throughout the story different ones were able to speak words of wisdom to another one.

     Each of the main characters grew throughout the story and there was a lot of insight shared in this story about how people should treat family members. It did a great job of getting me to think about my own relationships with my family members. This included a number of different family relationships; mother/grown child, grown siblings, spouses, father/young children.

     I absolutely loved the narrator for this audio book. Her voice is very smooth and easy to listen to. The accents and voice changes that she used for the dialog of different characters was fabulous. It added an extra dimension to the listening experience for this story. I will be looking for more books that she has narrated.

     I can’t recommend this story highly enough. I’m very seriously thinking about getting a print copy and rereading it myself. I am giving it a rating of 5 stars. I look forward to reading more books by Angela Hunt. She is a marvelous author.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Can't Buy Me Love (Destination Weddings #.5) by Beth K. Vogt













Title: Can’t Buy Me Love (Destination Weddings #.5)
Author: Beth K. Vogt
Pages: 140
Year: 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Howard Books
Note: I received a free eBook copy of this novella through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     In this e-novella kicking off the brand-new Destination Weddings series, Bellamy, a bride-to-be who dreams of a one-of-a-kind Manhattan wedding, gets caught up in all the planning, and things quickly spin out of control.

     What is the true cost of an ultimate uptown wedding?

     Bellamy grew up in a large, boisterous family. The Hillmans may not have had it all, but Bellamy learned how to stretch a dollar and make it look like she did. Now she’s marrying Reid Stanton, the man of her dreams. While planning their one-of-a-kind Manhattan destination wedding, Bellamy gets caught up in all things Pinterest. It starts out simply enough with a “Save the Date Destination Wedding” board. Then it’s the “Destination Wedding Dresses” and “Invitations” boards. As her ideas multiply, so does the cost of the wedding.

     Before she realizes it, all her creative planning has decimated the budget. Can Bellamy make things right, or will the cost of the ultimate wedding be losing the man she loves?

My review:

     This is an incredible inspirational romance!

     I have never read any of Beth K. Vogt's books before. I am so glad that I read this one though. She is a marvelous writer. I loved the characters she created. They are so HUMAN and easy to relate to. Both of the main characters, Bellamy and Reid, are perfectly flawed and that makes them believable. They have both made mistakes in the past.

     I loved the exploration into how those past mistakes can create misconception as to who they are in their own minds. They each have great counsel from a close friend and their parents to help them work through these problems and get their own heads screwed on straight. Only then can they work through things with each other.

     I loved this story and will be getting the rest of this series. I also think I’m going to have to go back and find this author’s earlier books. I am giving this novella a 5 star rating and highly recommending it.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Desperate Measures (Port Aster Secrets #3) by Sandra Orchard













Title: Desperate Measures (Port Aster Secrets #3)
Author: Sandra Orchard
Pages: 368
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: Revell
Note: I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Researcher Kate Adams has finally pinpointed the medicinal plant responsible for tearing her family apart. She’s certain that discovering its secrets is her only hope of solving the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her father. Kate will risk anything to find the truth – even her budding relationship with Detective Tom Parker. But more people than she can fathom are after the plants and going it alone just might prove to be a fatal mistake.

My review:

     This is the exciting conclusion to a fantastic series.

     I have absolutely loved the main characters throughout this series. Kate and Tom are so incredibly well written. They both have a lot of past hurts that keep rearing their ugly heads and causing both of them trouble. Most of their problems are in the form of not knowing who to trust and how to relate to each other to help build trust. There is also an ongoing struggle with trying to trust God. This is definitely an area where they both need to grow and it great to follow along as they work on it.

     There are a number of additional characters that show up in this book that either haven’t been there at all in the previous books or else they only received a brief mention before. The pool of secondary characters becomes even cloudier as the story progresses as to who are good guys and who are bad guys. This made for a very enjoyable read as I HAD to find out the truth. I wanted so badly for Kate and Tom to be safe and achieve the happily-ever-after that I felt they deserved after all the danger they had gone through.

     I was so completely sucked into this book, as well as the entire series, that I know I have to find the rest of Sandra Orchard’s books and read them all. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. You have to get the whole series and read them if you have any interest in mystery/suspense stories. I’m sure you won’t be surprised to find that I am giving this book 5 stars.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Empire's End by Jerry B. Jenkins













Title: Empire’s End
Author: Jerry B. Jenkins
Pages: 336
Release Date: June 9, 2015
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Publisher: Worthy Publishing
Note: I received a free copy of this book through Worthy Publishing’s First Look Blog Tours program in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Betrayal. Passion. Defiance. Violence. An obsessed persecutor transformed. And the world would never be the same.

     Mining clues sprinkled throughout Paul’s writings, Jerry B. Jenkins weaves a thoroughly believable tale filled with high drama at every turn. This inventive, page-turning novel is steeped in bravado and bloodshed, conflict and deep devotion, romance and political maneuvering. The result is a can’t-put-it-down thriller crafted to satisfy any curious observer’s longing to meet a flesh-and-blood man whose mission and message ultimately triggered the end of the great Roman Empire.

My review:

     This is an incredible Biblical fiction story!

     From the time Saul first appears in the book of Acts until the time he is sent on his first missionary journey there is not much information given in the Bible. I believe that Jerry Jenkins has taken each of the few details we know from scripture and then added to them facts about life during the time period and probably even Jewish history. He then used all of these to craft a very believable and captivating account of the largely unknown years of Paul’s life in this very entertaining story.

     I was very quickly drawn into the story. I loved how he interspersed periods of activity and interaction between Paul and others with periods where Paul was alone with God. When Paul was alone with God, God Himself was teaching him many of the truths about God’s nature and how mankind is to live life. These truths are what Paul wrote in the letters he sent to the churches and to individuals that are contained in the New Testament.

     I was completely entranced by this very plausible account of the early years of Paul’s life as a believer. Therefore, I am giving it 5 stars and highly recommending it.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Once Upon a Summertime (Follow Your Heart #1) by Melody Carlson













Title: Once Upon a Summertime (Follow Your Heart #1)
Author: Melody Carlson
Pages: 320
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Revell
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it’s a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises – not the least of which is Sean O’Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

My review:

     This is a nice clean-cut, feel-good romance.

     I fell in love with the main characters, Anna Gordon and Sean O’Neil. They are both so wonderfully well developed and easy to relate to. It was a lot of fun to follow along as they built a friendship starting with their first meeting since they have grown up. I enjoyed the information that they shared with each other about their home life as children and how they each made their decision about what they wanted to do for a living.

     I also enjoyed the secondary characters in this book. The interaction between them and Anna and Sean was great. There was some conflict in the story, but it wasn’t enough to detract from the over-all feel good experience of reading this story. In fact there was just enough conflict to help the story feel a little more realistic.

     This is a wonderfully entertaining light escape summertime read. I am highly recommending it and giving it 5 stars.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Blind Trust (Port Aster Secrets #2) by Sandra Orchard













Title: Blind Trust (Port Aster Secrets #2)
Author: Sandra Orchard
Pages: 359
Year: 2014
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: Revell

About the book:

     Kate’s not sure how deep this deception goes – but she’ll do whatever it takes to find out.

     Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money and can’t believe that it came from her sweet elderly neighbor. Or that it has landed her in the middle of another of Detective Tom Parker’s investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor’s innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation – and one that strikes too close to home for comfort.

     As family secrets come to light, her world – and her budding romance with Tom – begins to crumble. To Kate, it’s clear that she won’t be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster’s secrets. But then will it be too late for her and Tom?

My review:

     This is a fabulous mystery/suspense novel!

     It was great getting back to Kate Adams and Tom Parker. I loved getting to know them in the first book in this series. Their story continues in this book. This is a series that you HAVE to read in order for it to make sense.

     Many of the secondary characters that are also introduced in book 1 reappear in this book. There are a few new characters that we meet in this novel though. I really enjoy the details that Sandra Orchard gives about her characters. It is very easy to think of them as flesh-and-blood people rather than fictional characters. There are a variety of personalities and quirks included in the cast of this book.

     As this story progresses there are glances back to the first book and the danger that Kate was in during that story. The question comes up briefly as to whether this new mystery and danger are actually connected to that story or just a coincidence. At the same time there were some questions that came up during the first novel, but not resolved, that resurface and more information about them is revealed.

     It is a wonderfully well written story and drew me in so thoroughly that I finished it in 2 days. I am looking forward to reading book 3 and finding out how everything is resolved. Hopefully Kate and Tom will get their happily-ever-after.

     I am giving this story 5 stars and highly recommending it.

Monday, June 1, 2015

By Your Side (Crisis Team #1) by Candace Calvert













Title: By Your Side (Crisis Team #1)
Author: Candace Calvert
Pages: 432
Year: 2015
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Tyndale House
Note:  I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     ER Nurse Macy Wynn learned essential, gritty lessons in the California foster care system: land on your feet and trust no one. She’s finally located the fellow foster child she loves like a sister, but the girl is in deep trouble. Macy is determined to help, no matter what it takes. Her motto is to “make it happen” in any situation life throws at her – even when she butts heads with an idealistic cop.

     Deputy Fletcher Holt believes in a higher plan, the fair outcome – and his ability to handle that by himself if necessary. Now he’ been yanked from Houston, his mother is battling cancer, and he is attracted to a strong-willed nurse who could be the target of a brutal sniper.

     When everything goes wrong, where do they put their trust?

My review:

     Great characters and romantic suspense story.

     This is the first book I have ever read by Candace Calvert. I really love the way she develops her characters. She doesn’t stop with just a couple of main characters that she focuses the attention on. She has really done a great job of balancing out the lives of a number of different people. They all have their own, very well developed and presented personalities. Each one has their own personal issues to deal with. At the same time the main story of the sniper affects all of them. I loved reading how they interact with each other and look out for each other throughout the story. They truly care about one another.

     The two main characters are Macy Wynn and Fletcher Holt. They both feel that it is their responsibility to fix every problem that comes up. A number of the people around them have a strong faith in God and trust Him. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the paths that these two individuals took as they were trying to learn that it is okay for them to also trust God.

     The mystery/suspense about who the sniper was caught my attention from the beginning. There were plenty of clues pointing in the right direction but it still had plenty of tension as I was rooting for the police to figure it out and catch him before more people were injured or killed.

     I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be looking for more books by this wonderful author. Therefore, I am highly recommending it and giving it a rating of 5 stars.