Death in the Mind's Eye by Rick Acker

Title: Death in the Mind’s Eye

Author: Rick Acker

Pages: 414

Year: 2016

Genre: Legal Thriller

Publisher: Waterfall Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

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

About the book:

     San Francisco attorney Mike Webster does not lose medical-malpractice cases. But his stellar reputation and faith are put to the test when he agrees to defend Dr. Johanna Anderson, a brilliant and beautiful psychologist. Jo is accused of failing to prevent the death of Seth Bell, a senator’s son she was treating with a revolutionary technology-assisted therapy called the Mind’s Eye. The controversial technique provides insights into what patients are thinking and feeling and determines whether they’re telling the truth—so why didn’t it detect that Seth was suicidal? 

     As the case unfolds, a shadowy firm, Horizon Finance, sees a golden opportunity to profit by seizing the Mind’s Eye and auctioning it to intelligence services around the world. And Horizon will stop at nothing—not even murder—to succeed. As the danger escalates, Mike and Jo feel the heat of a mutual attraction. But when Mike’s loyal paralegal, Val, unearths evidence that could blow the case apart, Mike realizes he stands to lose much more than just a verdict.

My review:

     This is an incredible legal thriller!

     This book is filled with a full cast of extremely well developed characters. I was completely caught up in trying to understand all of them and their specific places in the overall picture of the plot. There were a number of times that I found that my ideas about who was on the different sides flip flopped. It definitely kept me guessing.

     The plot is very intricately woven. It was deeper than it first appeared to be and that was captivating.

     I am giving this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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.*

From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden

 

Title: From This Moment

Author: Elizabeth Camden

Pages: 347

Year: 2016

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

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

About the book:

     Stella West’s artistic talent made her the toast of London, but when her beloved sister dies under mysterious circumstances she abandons everything and heads for Boston. With single-minded determination she fights to pierce the ring of secrecy surrounding her sister’s death. Upon meeting Romulus White, a publisher with connections into every important power circle in the city, she quickly realizes he could be a valuable ally in navigating Boston society.

     Romulus has been pursuing Stella for years to create art for his magazine. Her luminous illustrations are the missing piece he needs to propel his magazine to the forefront of the industry, and he will stop at nothing to get her on board.

     Sparks fly the instant they join forces, but Romulus is unsettled by the unwelcome attraction he feels toward Stella, fearing she might be the one woman who could disrupt his hard-won independence. He may have finally met his match in Stella, but is helping her solve the mystery of her sister’s death worth the risk to his publishing empire?

My review:

     This is a wonderful historical romance novel!

     I loved both of the main characters, Stella and Romulus. In some ways they are completely alike. At first meeting though the things that stood out to me were their differences. It was fun reading their story and trying to really understand their personalities.

     There was a fantastic plot with a great mystery than ran throughout the book. I was very caught up in it and extremely surprised by the outcome of it. As the story progressed and difficulties were dealt with all four of the central characters matured remarkable. I was very pleased to see how some of them grew in their relationship with God.

     I am giving this incredible book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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 Domino Effect by Davis Bunn

 

Title: The Domino Effect

Author: Davis Bunn

Pages: 325

Year: 2016

Genre: Financial Thriller

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback and hardcover)

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

About the book:

     A Financial Thriller That Will Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats

     Esther Larsen, a leading risk analyst at one of the country’s largest banking institutions, is becoming more and more convinced that she has uncovered a ticking bomb with the potential to overshadow 2008’s market crash. And as her own employer pursues “investment” strategies with ever-increasing levels of risk, she becomes convinced she must do something. Yet what can one person really do?

     The markets are edging closer to a tipping point-like the teetering first domino in a standing row that circles the globe. And when Esther does sound the alarm, she wonders if anyone will take her seriously. But as public support grows for her ideas, so does the desperation of those whose conspiracy of greed she seeks to expose. With global markets on the brink, and her own life in danger, Esther is locked in a race with the clock to avert a worldwide financial meltdown.

     This fast-paced suspense novel will make you wonder where the fiction ends and reality begins . . .

My review:

     This is an incredible, heart-pounding, financial thriller!

     I really liked Esther Larsen at the very beginning of the book. It was amazing how much more I loved her by the end of the story. She had grown and matured so much throughout the book. She learned how to see beyond her own like to those around her. She found she had a number of supportive people ready and willing to help her with each and everything that she faced.

     The plot of this book was very intense. There were a lot of details given about how investing works. Most of this went beyond my ability to understand. But when I put aside the attempt to figure it all out the excitement only built a lot more for me. I was completely caught up in the story and HAD to see how things turned out for Esther and all of her friends.

     I am definitely giving this marvelous book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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.*

Almost Like Being in Love (Destination Wedding #2) by Beth K. Vogt

 

Title: Almost Like Being in Love (Destination Wedding #2)

Author: Beth K. Vogt

Pages: 384

Year: 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Howard Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

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

About the book:

     From the author of Somebody Like You, a RITA finalist, and one of Publishers Weekly’s top ten books of 2014, comes the story of a woman who has everything for a perfect wedding—except the groom!

     Winning an all-expenses paid Colorado destination wedding might seem like a dream come true for some people—but Caron Hollister and her boyfriend Alex Madison aren’t even engaged. How is she supposed to tell him she’s won their wedding and honeymoon when he hasn’t asked her to marry him? Being “perfect for one another” seems like the absolute best reason to get married. But what if their supposedly faultless relationship is merely a safe place to protect his secrets and a way to keep their families happy? After quitting her job, Caron accepts her best friend’s offer to visit Colorado. She needs to catch her breath. Who knows, maybe visiting the destination wedding site will make a future with Alex seem like a reality.

     Kade Webster just landed the biggest deal of his life with his company, Webster Select Realty, participating in the Colorado Springs Tour of Homes. He never imagined he would run into the woman who broke his heart—Caron Hollister—right when his career is taking off. Seeing her again, Kade can’t help but wonder why Caron walked away from him years ago, leaving him with no explanation. When Kade learns his home stager won’t be able to help with the Tour of Homes, he vaults past all the reasons he should stay away from Caron, and offers her a temporary job helping him on the project. This time, their relationship is purely business.

     Spending time with Kade has Caron questioning everything. The man intrigues her—at times infuriates her—and remind her of what she lost. Has she been settling for what everyone expects of her? Just because others believe she and Alex are an ideal couple, does that mean they should get married? And how can Caron say “I do” to one man when she’s wondering “what if?” about another?

My review:

     This is a very thought provoking contemporary romance!

     I love the main characters in this wonderful story. Caron has a very complicated life emotionally. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the journey she went on trying to sort it out and figure out how God wanted her to live it. She had a couple of very strong and supportive friends that were encouraging her along the way.

     At the same time Alex had a very difficult family life that he seemed to be trapped in. He also had to go through a period of sorting out his feelings about it and grow and mature.

     I was very caught up in the story and was pulling for each person to work through their problems and find their own happily ever after.

     I am giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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 Chisholm Trail Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #12) by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Title: The Chisholm Trail Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #12)

Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo

Pages: 256

Year: 2020

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Barbour Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

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

About the book:

     Stubborn Hearts Clash on a Cattle Drive

     Eliza Gentry’s pursuit of marriage to the son of her family’s sworn enemy has cost her greatly. Furious at his daughter’s choices, her father send her off with the cattle drive heading toward Fort Worth and the Barnhart ranch, but under the watchful eye of Wyatt Creed, a Pinkerton man he has hired to see to her safety. With danger at every turn—not the least of which to his heart—can Wyatt Creed keep his focus with Eliza Gentry around? Is the Chisholm Trail a place for falling in love or a place to die at the hands of cattle thieves?

     (This synopsis sounds like a totally different story from what the book actually is. I’m only including it because this is what you will find if you look for the book online. The only things the same are that it starts on the Chisholm Trail and the names Eliza Gentry, Wyatt Creed, and the Barnhart family.)

My review:

     I loved this wonderful historical romance novel!

     The three main characters Eliza, Wyatt/John, and Ben are very well developed. I was able to connect with Eliza especially, very quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed the tidbits of star gazing and astronomy that were a thread throughout the book.

     The information about how the members of a cattle drive would work together were wonderful. I enjoyed seeing what both Eliza and Wyatt were assigned to help with. I  liked seeing Cookie’s attitude toward proper manners and requiring them of all of the men.

     The plot of the story was great. I was definitely caught up in it and pushing to see a happy ending for Eliza. She went through some very difficult challenges along the way. I was glad to see each and every person who stepped up to help her get through them.

     I’m giving this fantastic book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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 Pink Bonnet (True Colors Series) by Liz Tolsma

Title: The Pink Bonnet (True Colors Series)

Author: Liz Tolsma

Pages: 256

Year: 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Barbour Books

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

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

About the book:

     A Desperate Mother Searches for Her Child

     Widowed in Memphis during 1932, Cecile Dowd is struggling to provide for her three-year-old daughter. Unwittingly trusting a neighbor puts little Millie Mae into the clutches of Georgia Tann, corrupt Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society director suspected of the disappearance of hundreds of children. With the help of a sympathetic lawyer, the search for Millie uncovers a deep level of corruption that threatens their very lives.

     How far will a mother go to find out what happened to her child?

My review:

     This is an incredible fictional story based on true crime!

     I love both Cecile Dowd and Percy Vance. They are so  well developed that I felt like I truly came to know them. Their relationship was forged in the midst of a intense trial that changed their whole lives.

     The plot captured my attention from the very beginning. My heart broke for all of the women whose children were taken by Georgia Tann. She was truly evil personified.

     I am giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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 Celebration (Amish Cooking Class #3) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 

Title: The Celebration (Amish Cooking Class #3)

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Pages: 319

Year: 2018

Genre: Amish Fiction

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

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

About the book:

     Return to Holmes County,  Ohio, for Amish style cooking class.

     Lyle and Heidi Troyer have taken in a brother and sister, who were orphaned when their parents were killed in a car accident. Hoping to help the children adapt and make friends, Heidi decides to hold a series of cooking classes for kids. But kids are always accompanied by an adult—and that is where the trouble arises.

     Miranda Cooper is living the life of a single mom to her two kids while separated from her husband, but Trent is trying to worm his way back into her heart.

     Denise McGuire’s life as a wife, mom, and real estate broker is full and spilling over.

     Darren Keller, single dad and firefighter, and Ellen Blackburn, single mom and nurse, find a few things in common.

     Will hearts be healed over plates of Amish food?

My review:

     This is a fantastic look at the simplicity of life for the Amish.

     There is a fairly large cast of characters to keep straight in this book. Heidi Troyer is teaching a cooking class for children this time. I enjoyed seeing the variety of children and their family situations. Each one had some type of problem that they were dealing with. It was wonderful to see how they children themselves interacted with each other and learned from realizing that each one had difficulties.

     I liked it when the characters from the previous books in this series popped in for cameo appearances. It was nice to see how their lives had progressed.

     I am giving this delightful story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have 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.*