Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray

I'm not a huge fan of mystery/suspense books, but I really enjoy Shelley Gray. Since I have come to like Gray, I knew that I had to at least give this series a chance or I would always wonder if I would like it or not. I have only ever read her Amish fiction, so to break out into genre of mystery felt like a huge leap for me. After finishing this book, I now want to read the rest in this series, A Chicago World's Fair Mystery.

I'm sure if someone loves mystery with lots of suspense and twists and turns, then this book may not be one of the top suspenseful books you've ever read. However, for me, it was the perfect amount of suspense and mystery. Lydia and Sebastian both have a lot of mystery surrounding them. Sebastian hides a lot and very slowly more of who he is really is exposed throughout the story. The relationship between Sebastian and Lydia's ex-fiancé also holds a bit of mystery for a while. Even Lydia doesn't quite know all of who he is.

The mystery book seems perfectly fitting to take place in a library. It was the perfect setting for this story. Gray did a wonderful job in crafting a story that leaves the reader turning page after page, anxious to understand who Sebastian is and what decisions in the past have lead to who he is now. I also found Lydia's mom fascinating because she has just faded away ever since her husband's death. She has different idea of what Lydia's life should be like because she so desperately wants Lydia to marry for wealth and society.

Not only is there the mystery surrounding who Sebastian Marks is, there is also a mystery surrounding a death.

All throughout the book, I wrestled with which characters were being honest, which ones were hiding things, and tried to narrow down those who could be trustworthy and those who could be lying or manipulative.

I am quite impressed with Gray's ability to write Amish fiction and then to turn around and write this series. I really think that is quite an accomplishment to cross such wide genres.

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray.

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Whispers in the Reading Room (Zondervan, November 2015)
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), "The Protector," recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio.
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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Zondervan Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Creole Princess by Beth White

I have always enjoyed reading books with characters that overcome adversity or the "cultural norm" and forge their own paths through life. There were times in this book where my heart broke for Lyse as she had to put up with people who were not very nice to her. I know it was the "cultural norm" back in the 1770s, but I still hated that anyone was treated that way.

As for Rafael González, he can make any woman swoon and he knows it. I liked him, but I always had my guard up with him. It took me a bit to figure out how I really felt about him. I was never sure as to whether or not I could trust him, but eventually I did come to my conclusion.

I really did appreciate the story line and plot of this book, but the part that I most appreciated would have to be the historical facts. I don't know much about the 1770s, but I felt as though I had learned quite a bit just by reading this book. It was quite a fascinating time in history, but it was also a difficult time if you weren't like the people that was acceptable to society (i.e. from the right race, culture, social status, etc.).

The Créole Princess is the second book in the Gulf Coast Chronicles. It follows the Pelican Bride, which is also an excellent book.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book. 

The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart by Allie Pleiter

This book was such a fast read.... not just because it was a small book, but also because the story kept me engaged.  Katrina is a girl that you just can't help but like.  She came to here expecting to encounter danger as she is in a new land, but she didn't realize that the danger would happen in her very own home.

Katrine has to say goodbye to her brother for a little bit in order to protect their family.  But in order for this plan to work, Katrina can't know where her brother, Lars, is and must pretend that he died in the fire. She has to watch everyone mourn her brother with others as she is really missing his presence.

I liked how Clint protected Katrine in the absence of Lars. He was even willing to risk his life for her.  In order to protect her and Lars, he had to get in good with the gang who wanted nothing more than to murder. 

I haven't read any other books in the series of Bridegroom Brothers, but I really did enjoy this book.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter, harp player and non-reformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, doing laundry, running carpools and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in speech from Northwestern University and currently lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The "dare from a friend" to begin writing eight years ago has blossomed into a career that includes numerous public speaking engagements, two books on parenting; Becoming a Chief Home Officer and Facing Every Mom's Fears and now novels for Steeple Hill Books. She is the mother of two children and, most recently, a Havanese dog named Bella.



ABOUT THE BOOK

When Katrine Brinkerhoff's cabin is attacked, only sheriff Clint Thornton's heroism saves her. She owes Clint her life—and her help catching the men responsible. All she has to do is trust in Clint's plan to protect her family. But she can't let herself care too deeply, not when her past carries secrets that would drive him away. 

Infiltrating the murderous gang is a dirty job, yet Clint is determined to see it through. The brigands will face justice—and they will never harm Katrine again. Clint would give his life to keep the beautiful settler safe…but will he be willing to risk his heart? 

Bridegroom Brothers: True love awaits three siblings in the Oklahoma Land Rush


If you would like to read the first chapter of The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart, go HERE.

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I received this book free from CFBA and Harlequin Love Inspired in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Mark of Distinction by Jessica Dotta

I've looked forward to this book ever since I read the first on in this series.  I like the mysterious covers and the great story inside.  Mark of Distinction picks up where the first one left off.  I'm glad that she sticks with Julia instead of introducing another main character.  I really like it when authors let us really connect with a few characters that continue throughout a series.

Julie now knows who her father is, but danger is still all around her.  She's not being treated as the valued woman that she is.  Instead, she's being used to form the wishes of other powerful people.  She wants to be free of all of this, but it's not that easy.

The mysterious covers of this trilogy is not by accident.  There are so many secrets and so many people who are threatening to tell the real truth if they don't get their way.  The secrets are the action and it leaves you turning pages far longer than the time set aside to read "just a few pages."

I am looking forward to book 3 in the series. I hope it's not to long to wait!

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I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson

What immediately caught my attention about this book is the cover.  After observing so many covers, I've come to really like the ones that have something that sets it apart from others. In this case, it's the beautiful contrasting colors and the slants on the title.  It's very appealing.

I really like Tracie Peterson.  I think I've read most of her books, so I'd say that she is one of my favorites!   She does a good job in capturing my attention right away.  I had a hard time putting this book in her new series, Lone Star Brides, down.

This book has it all, from romance to suspense.  The romance was along the lines that I felt would happen.  It doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it, though!  Marty has answered the call to be a bride for a man she's never met.  It really doesn't matter to her, though.  She just wants to escape her past.  Jacob will be an honorable man towards Marty and take good care of her.  However, the one thing he's not looking for is love.  Of course, love is what they both discover.  That part is the expected.  The unexpected is what drives them together.

The end of the story doesn't resolve with an answer to the mystery surrounding the bank and the crime being committed.  I'm wondering if the mystery will continue to evolve throughout the series or if it will conclude in the next book. 

 

Read more opinions on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/tpeterson.

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About the Book

A Lone Star Brides book.
Marty Dandridge Olson is ready to leave behind the pain of the past.
Answering an advertisement for a “Lone Star bride,” she leaves her Texas ranch and heads to Denver to marry a man she doesn’t know.
Jake Wythe is the man waiting for her.
Burned by love, he marries now simply to satisfy the board of Morgan Bank, which believes a man of his standing in society should be wed. Together Jake and Marty agree they are done with romance and love and will make this nothing more than a marriage of convenience.
When missing money and a collapsing economy threaten his job, Jake’s yearning to return to ranching grows ever stronger, much to Marty’s dismay. But a fondness has grown between them, as well, further complicating matters.
What will happen when their relationship shifts in unexpected ways… and dreams and secrets collide?
Purchase a copy and learn more at Tracie’s website.

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie's Web site at www.traciepeterson.com

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

What Follows After by Dan Walsh

I enjoy reading any book by Dan Walsh. He always reminds me of Nicholas Sparks and I'm so glad to have a Christian novel that reads so much like his books.  This was a book that I was not expecting because of the deep topic.  I was impressed that Walsh as able to get inside the mind of a little child so easily and make it read interestingly to an adult.

I absolutely cannot imagine what life was like for the Harrison's as they longed for their little Timmy to be returned.  It was so sad to read, but I was thankful for the ending.  I was a little surprised about how some marriages were back then.  I knew that June Cleaver and other women were depictions of that time and was a little shocked that many would lie about their marriage because of the stigma of divorce.  Divorce is so common now that many barely give it a second thought.  I liked watching Scott fight for his marriage.

I found the historical time frame quite fascinating. It was scary to think of how close we came to having WWIII and on our own soil.  1962 was a time when the world was changing and no one knew the direction it was headed.

Dan Walsh adds his own note to the book and I think it shed extra light onto this book and why he chose 1962.  It was interesting that many chose to be Christians in the pew but not let Jesus be reflected in their daily lives.  I know that still happens but it's hard to imagine at times when I think of how many preachers are preaching the Gospel lived out to bring glory to God through every moment in our lives and to live with eternity in mind. 

I liked how all of these things weaved themselves seamlessly through the pages of this book.  The changes never felt abrupt but transitioned well between the many different characters.

Oh, and I love this cover.  Beautifully done!

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I received this book free from Revel Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki

It has been such a long time since I've given any thought to Benedict Arnold.  I'm sure we studied about him in school, but I didn't remember much about him.  I really enjoyed all of the history that was in this book.  There was so much detail, but I never got bogged down in the historical information.  The story flowed easily in and out of the historical timeline.

I am very impressed that this is Allison Pataki's first novel.  She wrote so well that I never realized this was her first book until I read the biography on her!   I expect so many other great novels coming from her over the years.

This book focuses on the Revolutionary War. I liked the perspective in which she writes through her characters.  Clara, the maid, tells the story of Peggy, who is the 2nd wife of Benedict Arnold (of whom I knew nothing about).  I absolutely could not imagine being in Clara's place.  She knew so much information and I think I'd be terrified about the repercussions if someone found out I knew all that she did!

This has been such a great historical novel. It has a little romance,  little suspense, and a little history. In my opinion, this book has everything in it that makes a good book.

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Friend Me by John Faubion

After reading this book, I'm disliking Facebook and social media!  Not that I ever truly liked it and trusted it, but it was kind of scary to put myself into the mindset of someone who wished to do harm to others using social media. 

Reading this book, I can see how people could so easily fall for schemes like this and it makes me wonder how many people do on a daily basis. It's kind of scary to even consider.

I was hooked on this book from the first page. The book is full of suspense and action. I'm not a huge suspense fan but I liked this book, which I think is good if I can read it and like it!

I'll admit that when I read the information about John Faubion, all I saw was that he was a missionary in Asia with his family for many years.  I figured he wrote with a lot of experience so that's why I chose this book. However, I was wrong.  He does write with a lot of experience, just not how I thought. He worked as a senior software developer for a large appliance chain so he has a lot of knowledge in this area.  He did a wonderful job relating to the reader using a topic that our culture is addicted to.  The lines are easily blurred and explained away when it comes to what adultery is.  I was glad that Faubion shows clearly how the heart knows when adultery is occurring and how giving into temptation once leads to a whole host of other consequences.

I'm interested to see if Faubion will write any more books.  I think he definitely has a gift to share and lots of knowledge from life experience.

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

I can usually tell when I read a book whether or not I'm reading a fairly new author or not.  I'm shocked that Jessica Dotta has not written so many more books.  I'm glad to see that this is the beginning of a trilogy!  She had me liking even a mean old woman that I doubt many authors would 

have been able to get me to like.  I even liked Julia, who I couldn't believe that I did like.  She wasn't the typical person I usually like in books.

Julia has a sense of mystery around her.  Her mother has committed suicide, she's left alone, and top it off with she now will be moving to Scotland in two months to work as a servant--compliments 

of her new guardian who remains nameless and faceless.

That means that Julia has 2 months to find a man to marry.  At first that doesn't seem to hard since 

she is technically betrothed.  One problem, though.  Edward, her secret lover, has had a change of 

heart since she last saw him.  Needless to say, they don't quite see eye to eye on most things anymore because of one major issue.  That issue has driven a permanent wedge between them until 

Julia realizes what mistakes she's made.

I really did like Lady Foxmore.  She was a brutal woman, but I did like her humor for some reason.    

I found it funny that she would send notes at night and wake up the household.  I also found it funny how she spoke to Elizabeth and her mother. 

This book has romance, but it also has suspense and mystery.  It was a book that keeps you wondering until the very last page.  I can't wait to see what the next 2 books consist of.  It'll be hard to beat this book!

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I received this book free from T'yndale Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

 

Critical Reaction by Todd M. Johnson

I am rather new to the whole legal thriller book genre.  I was first introduced to one a few years ago and ever since then, I've been keeping my ears out for those lawyers-turned-authors who write from experience.  When this one came up with the biography of Todd M. Johnson, I knew this was one I had to review.  I haven't read his first book, yet, but I did download it after reading this one.  I've even recommended it to several of my friends who like these kind of books and have trouble finding them in the Christian bookstores.

The plot is very solid and the characters are built into the story well.  I'll admit that I don't do suspense well, even though I like it.  I did find myself turning to the end to make sure certain characters were okay.  I hate liking a character so much and then something happening to them!  

I learned a lot about the nuclear field.  I have had a lot of questions concerning the nuclear plants and have had a hard time understanding certain things about them.  I appreciated the explanations on a simple, but not demeaning, level.  The courtroom scenes were intense and very interesting.  I am always fascinated on what goes on in the courtroom...just plan to never be in there for a reason other than jury duty!  

I can't wait for another book to come out by Johnson.  Since one came out last year and another this year, I'm really hoping he has another one set to release next year!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer. Todd's career experience blends with his passion for writing in his novels published through Bethany House. 

A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as an adjunct professor of International Law, and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong. 

The Deposit Slip, Mr. Johnson's first novel, debuted in 2012. Todd's second novel, Critical Reaction, will be released in November 2013. 

Todd lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife Cathy and children Ian and Libby. 

ABOUT THE BOOK 

After decades of turning out plutonium for the arms race, the Hanford Nuclear Facility has long been shuttered, though its deadly legacy cannot be fully contained. The men who guard the facility from sabotage or monitor its buildings for radiation leaks are told the risks are under control. They believe it, until the worst happens: a thunderous explosion in the dead of night. 

Two workers, lifer Poppy Martin and new hire Kieran Mullaney, believe themselves lucky to survive the blast. But as the debris is cleared, they discover their safety is not assured. Dead ends and closed doors halt their efforts to discover what really happened--and what radiation may have poisoned them. When stalling and threats force them into the hands of experienced trial lawyer Ryan Hart, they learn that theirs is no ordinary lawsuit. There is something still hidden in the desert of eastern Washington, and someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to make sure it never sees the light of day. 

If you would like to read the first chapter of Critical Reaction, go HERE. 

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Reluctant Courtship by Laurie Alice Eakes

I have looked forward to this book since I finished reading the first two books in this series, A Necessary Deception and A Flight of Fancy.  Honestly, I was hooked on the books by Laurie Alice Eakes since her Midwives series.  One thing that I love about her books is that the covers are so beautifully done.  It always gets me excited to read them because they catch my eye and draw me in right from the start.  Even the back of the cover is simple, yet artsy. 

This whole series has something for almost every reader.  It's full of both romance and suspense and twists and turns.  Honore Bainbridge has finally chosen which man she wants to be with and has no doubts about it at all.  That is, until she's given some new information that makes her doubting definitely seem reasonable.

I have always liked Honore for some reason.  She's the complete opposite of me, so maybe that's why--since opposites attract.  She makes me laugh when I think about her personality and try to describe her.  She is the opposite of what Lord Ashmoor needs in a wife, but they desire to be together.  However, the people that they need to support them the most don't seem to want to and have no desire for the two to become one.

I do think a lot of Downton Abbey when I read these books.  I think it's the era and how they are written.  Any fan of Downton Abbey or any of the other shows like it will definitely like this series.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my  honest opinion of this book.

Trapped by Irene Hannon

IIrene Hannon has remained my favorite and only suspense author that I read.  I don't tend to like suspense books because I can't stand the suspense (corny, I know!) but for some reason Hannon is able to capture me with the first page.  I think that because there is a romance going on helps me because I can focus on the romance side and not just the full-blown suspense.

This is the second book in the Guardians of Justice series.  I like how the part of the story is told in the view of the villain.  That always intrigues me for some reason.  I think it's because I like knowing what's going on inside their heads because I can't even fathom thinking like them.  However, he was very nice and friendly but it goes to show that a person may not be all that they
appear to be.

Time is something they don't have as the search for Darcy heats up.  Bad winter weather is coming in fast so they have to find Darcy before the trails are erased.  The problem is, there aren't many leads.

I am looking forward to the next installment in this series to come out.  I'm interested to see if some of the characters resolve the way I think they should!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Damascus Countdown by Joel Rosenberg

Joel Rosenberg is the one of the few authors that I read where their books are considered suspense and action.  Normally I don't like those type of books, but I like Joel Rosenberg and how he writes.  I also like how it tailors to Israel a lot and their relationships with other countries.  He has a close tie to Israel and so his books are full of knowledge and information that could only come from a first-hand perspective.

This book had me gripped from the first page.  There were moments when my heart raced and moments when I would pull my head out of the book and be like "whew...it's just a book."  Then I'd remember the state of our country and realize this could very well happen here and now.  Even thought this book is fiction, it still applies to today and the issues the United States faces today.  

Every book by him is good, but I really like this series, The Twelfth Imam series.  If you've never read anything by Joel, check out his nonfiction and fiction works.  His nonfiction is just as good as his fiction and I think that reading it helps you understand his fiction more.

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I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Moonlight Masquerade by Ruth Axtell

This book had so many twists and turns in it that I found myself staying up quite late just to finish it!  Just when I thought I knew something would happen to one of the characters, I was wrong.  I kept thinking that their masks would be revealed earlier than when they were because they kept finding themselves in predicaments.  I liked how she kept certain main details out of the beginning of the book.  It lead to the suspense and intrigue.

 

I had a hard time figuring out the cook and lady's maid.  I knew they were somehow involved with Lady Celine Wexham's side, but wasn't really for sure how or to what extent.  I liked that their relationship with her wasn't immediately clear and that there was an air of mystery around her relationship with her late husband.

 

I think if I had to sum up the style of this book, it would be mystery, romance, denial, and setting aside hierarchy.  If you like Downton Abbey, then you would most definitely like this book.  It is set in 1813, but has the whole idea of the estates and Countesses and butlers. 

 

This book is a Regency Romance novel and is set to have her next novel out in the Spring of 2014.  I am anxiously awaiting her book.  She has a wonderful style of writing that makes you feel like you're caught in the middle of two people who are socially forbidden from each other because of circumstances.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Unbreakale by Nancy Mehl

The cover of this book is very intriguing.  I have to say that was what first drew me to read this book.  At first I thought it would be a scary suspense book, but I was glad to realize that it was indeed suspenseful but not scary.  Once I got into the first couple of chapters, I understood the cover and it helped to add some imagery to the story.

 

The story itself is unlike one I've read before.  I was gripped during the first chapter and couldn't put this book down.  I really like Amish/Mennonite stories, so the fact that it was based on a Mennonite community also made me want to read this book.

 

I found it very interesting to consider the concept of self-protection among the Mennonite community.  That is one issue that I've often wondered about.  I liked the conflicting thoughts between different members where some thought it was okay to protect their families and others in the community though that they should only rely on God.

 

I was glad that Hope followed her heart.  I originally liked Jonathan the most because he had rescued her from a certain death situation.  However,  I think that Ebbie won major points with me with his selflessness and how he wanted Hope to follow her heart and explore her heart.

 

This book is the second book in the Road to Kingdom series.  I haven't read the first book, but I'm now searching for it!

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You can buy this book at http://ow.ly/huFtI 

 

Meet Nancy:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She's authored fourteen books and is currently at work on a new series for Bethany House Publishing. All of Nancy's novels have an added touch - something for your spirit as well as your soul. "I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing," Nancy says. "God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He's called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can't overcome with His help." Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site: www.nancymehl.com. She is also active on Facebook.

 

To read more reviews on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/nmehl

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

 

 

Vanished by Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon is responsible for getting me to like suspenseful books.  When I first began writing reviews, I couldn't do suspense.  However, after reading the last series by Hannon, I am now an avid fan or hers and of others in the suspense genre.

 

Although in most of her books you typically know who is the bad guy/killer, it has certainly never taken away from the suspense of the book.  I still find myself flipping the pages and get that nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach.  This book was fast-paced and captured me from the very first sentences.

 

This is the first book in her new series, Private Justice.  I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series.  I know I won't be disappointed in this series!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

I have grown to really enjoy historical fiction and was glad to find another author that I want to add to my "favorite authors" list.  As the story opens, I found myself anxiously awaiting arrival in America.  I thought a lot about what it must have been like to have been on a boat for an extended time and all you had were thoughts of what America would be like.  I immediately stepped into Cara's shoes of her joyous arrival at Ellis Island. 

Just as I was beginning this story, I was immediately introduced to the suspenseful part of this novel.  I was immediately intrigued, which led to me not being able to put this book down.  It seemed that each character was carrying a secret.  I think that these secrets helped lead up to the suspenseful part of this book. 

The history throughout the book was intriguing and I actually hope she includes more information on it throughout her next couple of books.  I didn't know much about the Catholic/Protestant conflicts, but I found that topic very interesting.  Being Irish and having a great-great-grandfather who was the one who brought his family from Ireland to America, I was thrilled to learn a little bit more about my heritage, in a sense. 

This book is the first in her new series, Edge of Freedom.  I really hope I don't have to wait too long before book 2 is released.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Resurrect by David E. Stevens

I am not really for sure what I originally expected this book to be about, but I know that I would have never anticipated this book containing such a complex and action-packed plot.  I did expect action, but the plot was nowhere near what I anticipated. I had to let go of what I had planned in my head and grab hold of what David E. Stevens had originally planned for me, as the reader, to understand.

The style of writing was the first thing that I noticed.  I enjoyed his details and his knowledge about the military that he was able to incorporate into the book.  I really haven't ever given much thought to comets or asteroids hitting earth, but he writes with such conviction that it does make you consider the possibility.  He has done much research on the science behind this book and it is displayed throughout his book.

This is the first book of a trilogy, and this one ends with a bit of wonder left for the reader.  It's not your typical book, but it is very good and is one that will provoke some thought.

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For more reviews on this book,go to

http://litfusegroup.com/author/DStevens.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Monarch Books/Kregel Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann

I'm not certain if this book is part of a series or not.  I researched it and I do know that "A Rush of Wings" and "The Still of Night" precede this book and this book continues on with the story that has been created in the other two books.  Having read neither one of those books, I was pleased to find this book easy to follow, the characters were clear to me with a little bit of history and I felt as though this novel could stand alone by itself.  I am going to track down the other two books, though, because I just can't stand to not know what came before this book!

 

I was gripped from the very first chapter.  The prologue did a great job explaining the history and my heart broke for Morgan and for his wife and precious daughter.  Knowing this was only a story, I found it so easy to relate as a real-life scenario in which loved ones are taken away by accidents daily.  Even though I barely knew Jill as a character, I felt as though I needed to grieve along with Morgan for a bit before I could begin to accept him possibly having an interest in someone else.  I liked Quinn and her personality.  It was endearing and an easy-to-like kind of girl. 

 

The cover of this book was intriguing.  It is kind of mysterious looking, but draws you to pick it up to discover what this book about.  The back synopsis does a good job highlighting the book without giving too much information away.

 

Suspenseful and romantic, this book has it all.  It is one that you will think about long after you have closed the book for the final time.

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For more reviews on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/breathofdawn.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Placebo by Steven James

This book gripped me from the first sentence.  I was hooked even when I didn't want to be!  I have never heard of this author and was a little unsure if I would even like this book.  I figured that I would give it a chance, but had set my mind to think I would end up not liking it.  I was so wrong. 

My heart broke from the first pages and those pages were intense.  The rest of the book grew in intensity and at times I thought I wouldn't be able to take any more!  Many times I would try to set a time limit to reading it so that it wouldn't consume my thoughts, but too often I turned the timer off and sat back down to read "just one more chapter."

I personally liked the first person storytelling.  It's something different that I hadn't read in quite a long time.  It made me feel as though I was, in fact, one of the characters and I think that's partly what made it more intense.  Of course, I wanted answers and I didn't want to be hurting by my wife's actions!

This book is the first book in the Jevin Banks Experience Series.  I'm very much looking forward to the second book in this series and to see how the story all plays out.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.