Seconds to Live (Homeland Heroes #1) by Susan Sleeman

Title: Seconds to Live (Homeland Heroes #1)

Author: Susan Sleeman

Pages: 368

Release Date: December 3, 2019

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     When cybercriminals hack into the US Marshals’ Witness Protection database and auction off witnesses’ personal details to the highest bidders, the RED Team led by FBI Agent Sean Nichols begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. But before he can even get started, the first witness is targeted and barely escapes with her life. Sean believes Phantom, an obsessed hacker who previously outwitted the top minds in the field, is behind the attack, and Sean needs this witness’s help, as she’s the person who has come closest to discovering Phantom’s identity.

     Trouble is, she’s a witness under the care of US Marshal Taylor Mills, and Sean is reluctant to work with the captivating marshal who knows his deepest secrets. But Phantom claims he knows where the witness is hiding and will kill her, so to stop the hacker, Sean and Taylor must work through their personal pain and learn to trust each other. . . . The seconds are ticking down before someone dies.

My review:

     This is an incredible romantic suspense!

     I love the strength and dedication to their jobs that both Sean and Taylor exhibit. They are very well developed and easy to connect with. They each have issues from their past that make it hard to trust. 

     Trusting and forgiving are the two areas that are discussed throughout the book. These are great areas for all of us to mature in and I love it when characters in books are going on emotional journeys that are so relatable.

     The plot is intricately woven and kept me on my toes trying to figure it out. There was an amazing twist near the end of the book that totally floored me.

     This wonderful book is getting 5 stars from me. I am highly recommending it. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

The End of the Magi by Patrick W. Carr

Title: The End of the Magi

Author: Patrick W. Carr

Pages: 381

Release Date: November 5, 2019

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Centuries before the Magi arrived in Bethlehem, a prophecy sets a young magus on his path…

     Following his vision of the coming Messiah, the prophet Daniel calls forth a select group of men who will count down the calendar until the arrival of Israel’s promised king. Centuries later, as the day draws near, Myrad, a young magi acolyte, flees for his life when his adoptive father and others are slain by a ruthless Parthian queen.

     Equipped with very little, in haste Myrad escapes the city and, searching for a way to hide from the soldiers scouring the trade routes, tries to join the caravan of the merchant Walagash. The merchant senses that Myrad is keeping secrets, but when the young man proves himself a valuable asset, an epic journey filled with peril, near captures, and dangerous battles begins.

     With every day that passes, the calendar creeps closer to the coming Messiah. And over everything shines the dream of a star that Myrad can’t forget, and the promise that the world will never be the same.

My review:

     This is an incredible biblical novel!

     I have always loved the story of the magi visiting Mary, Joseph, and the child Jesus. I have never looked into the history of where they came from though. This book goes into the history of the magi. Either in his newsletter or on social media the author gave some information on the research he did in preparation for writing this book. That gave me a feeling of confidence that the story is built on historical fact.

     The characters are extremely well developed. I was able to understand their emotions as they moved through the story. I was completely caught up in the action throughout the book. I definitely felt the awe right along with Myrad and the others when they finally found the place the star led them to.

     The descriptions about how the merchant caravans worked and the fighting techniques of their guards were wonderful. Many times I was able to visualize what was taking place.

     I love the fact that I read this book in November. It has really gotten my mind ready for the Christmas season.

     I am giving this marvelous book a 5 star rating and highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*