Twilight at Blueberry Barrens... a book review

by: Colleen Coble
Series: Sunset Cove #3

Thomas Nelson Publisher

ISBN: 9781401690304
Available September 20, 2016: print, e-book, audiobook

Fiction / Christian / Mystery / Romance

Publisher's Description:

Kate Mason has devoted herself to caring for her family's blueberry barrens. But after her fields stop producing fruit, she's forced to come up with alternative ways to make a living. Renting out the small cottage on her property seems an obvious choice, but it won't be enough.

When entrepreneur Drake Newham shows up looking not only for a place to rent but also for a nanny for his two nieces, it's almost too good to be true. And maybe it is because Drake brings with him dangerous questions about who might be out to kill his family.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Twilight at Blueberry Barrens invites you back to Folly Shoals - a small town nestled on the shore of northeast Maine.  We are able to renew our "literary friendships with Claire, Kate, Luke and many others.  As Kate and her sister Claire are looking for the Puffin's nesting ground on the cliffs of Folly Shoals, Kate notices not one, but two lifeless bodies higher on the cliffs.  Who can they be? What happened? 

Since taking charge of his brother's two daughters, Drake believes he is being followed.  When his home is broken into, he decides to investigate the murders on his own.  After the sheriff determined the cause of his brother and sister-in-law's deaths as a murder/suicide, Drake arrives in Folly Shoals to spur the investigation of his half-brother and sister-in-law as murder, not a murder/suicide. 

Colleen Coble has once again created a story so real and intriguing that I read it in one sitting! Not only do you have the murder to solve, but two other "odd" happenings in Folly Shoals.  As the story lines intertwine and the attraction between Kate and Drake heats up, the pages cannot be read fast enough!

My rating:   A       4.5 out of 5 stars

I received a complimentary digital copy of Twilight at Blueberry Barrens from Thomas Nelson Publisher and NetGalley for my honest review.

Happy Reading,

     Ellen

Catching Heat by Janice Cantore... a book review

by: Janice Cantore

Series: Cold Case Justice #3

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

ISNB: 978-1-4143-9670-5

Genre: Christian / Romance / Suspense

Available: September 1, 2016

Publisher's Description:

Twenty-seven years after the deaths of Detective Abby Hart’s parents, she’s desperate to find the proof that will put the mastermind—the governor’s wife—behind bars. When she joins a newly formed task force and teams up with PI Luke Murphy, Abby is sent to San Luis Obispo to work the cold case of a murdered college student. Realizing their investigation will bring them near the town where Alyssa Rollins grew up, Abby decides to do a little digging of her own into the Triple Seven fire.

Luke is eager to help Abby close the books on a case they both have personal stakes in. But as she uncovers long-held secrets, Abby stumbles into an explosive situation, and Luke fears that her obsession may prove deadly.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

If you are like me, you find intriguing books that have begun 1-3 books ago.  Catching Heat is the third book by Janice Cantore in the Cold Case Justice series.  Although I did not read the first two books (Drawing Fire and Burning Proof), I was able to pick up on the storyline between Abby Hart and Luke Murphy.  Janice seamlessly wove the storyline of the Triple Seven Fire into this book so I did not feel like I was "missing" parts of the story.  As a retired police officer, Janice Cantore brings realism to the numerous storylines within the book.

My rating: B+             3 out of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of Catching Heat from Tyndale House Publishers for my honest review.

Happy reading!

    Ellen

Unlucky in Love... a book review

Unlucky in Love

by Maggie McGinnis

ISBN: 9781101967775

Series: Whisper Creek #4

Available: October 11, 2016

Publisher: Loveswept

Sold by: Random House

Genre: Romance

Publisher's Description:

After Alexis Maguire's wedding day comes and goes without a groom, she decides that it's time for a change. Tired of being the dependable, steady—and apparently boring—one, Alexis hopes that a cross-country road trip will help her loosen up and find her inner sparkle. Her first stop is the Whisper Creek Ranch, where the hot wranglers are sure to bring out her inner party girl. The trouble is, she can't stand pretending to be someone she's not—especially around the cowboy who tempts her to stay put.

Gunnar Peterson has spent six months working at Whisper Creek, and he's never been happier. Having grown up an army brat, he's ready to put down roots, and the only thing missing is a woman to share his life with. When Alexis blows into town, Gunnar thinks he may have met his match, despite the wild-child facade he sees right through. But Alexis swears she won't settle down anytime soon—so it's up to Gunnar to convince her that what she's looking for . . . is right here.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

From the first book Accidental Cowgirl, I enjoyed meeting the "ranch hands" and their way with the ranch's guests.  Each book invited me back to a place of family, warmth, and charm - a step back in time to overflowing hospitality.  Unlucky in Love is no different.  I was able to meet up with old "literary" friends and meet a few new ones along the way. 

This book focuses on Alexis and her determination to live life fully and to the brink.  What she learns along the way is a lesson to which many of us can relate!  Throw in a hot, down-to-earth cowboy, and the sparks are surely going to fly!

My rating:  A     /    4.5 out of 5 stars

I received a complimentary digital copy of Unlucky in Love from NetGalley and Random House Publishing for my honest review.

Happy reading,

     Ellen

Defender by Diana Palmer ... a book review

Defender

Series: Long, Tall Texans

ISBN-13: 978-0373789733
Publisher: HQN Books

Available: June 28, 2016

Publisher's Description:

The man who shattered her trust is back to protect her… New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer delivers a breathtaking story of second-chance love.

When Paul Fiore disappeared from Isabel Grayling's life, he told himself it was for all the right reasons. She was young and innocent, and he was her millionaire father's lowly employee.

Three years on, Paul is the FBI agent assigned to Isabel's case. Too late, he realizes what life in her Texas mansion was really like back then—and how much damage he did when he left.
Once love-struck and sheltered, Isabel has become an assistant district attorney committed to serving the law, no matter how risky it gets. But right now, the man she can't forgive is the one thing standing between her and a deadly stalker. She knows Paul won't hesitate to protect her life with his own. But if she can't trust herself to resist him, how can she trust him not to break her heart all over again?

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

Oh my... once I began this book, I did not want to put it down!  Unfortunately, I did have to go to work and cook and clean..... my apologies, I digress!

Isabel and Merrie appear to have it all... a wealthy family, a doting father, personal bodyguards, and a loving housekeeper, Mandy Swilling.  As the story develops, we are drawn into the tension between Paul and Isabel, the girls and their father, and too many unanswered questions regarding the father and his business dealings.

As I neared the end of the book, I was enjoying how Diana Palmer was tying up all the different story lines.  Then, when I went to turn the page to the next chapter, I realized I was at the end of the book!  Since this ended with a cliffhanger, I look forward to the next book and continuing the story of Isabel, Merrie, Paul, and Mandy!

I received a complimentary digital copy of Defender from HQN Books and NetGalley for my honest review.

Happy reading,

   Ellen

Silent Sentry... a book review

Silent Sentry

by Theresa Rizzo

Available: April 3, 2016

ISBN: 9780989045

Rizzo Publishing

Suspense / Mystery thriller / Romance

Age range: 18 +

Publisher's Description:

Dr. Joe Scarfili runs. He’s a runner. It’s how he copes with emotional pain.

When his wife was murdered, he ran from violent Detroit to insular Grosse Pointe. He ran from his smothering, caring family to long hours in the operating room. But when he falls for Gianna, another run could cost him everything.

Nurse and entrepreneur Gianna Donnatelli is on the verge of making her dreams come true. Her company is poised to go public with a product guaranteed to revolutionize medical care and at the same time help revitalize Detroit, only she’s attacked, stalked, and flattened by an explosion. Then the danger escalates.

With Gianna’s life at stake, Joe can’t run. Despite the fact that he has no police or tech experience… Despite the fact that Gianna’s penchant for aiding Detroit’s underprivileged is the same kind of altruism that got his wife killed… Despite the fact that Gianna pushes all his insecurity buttons… This time, Joe will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

And Gianna protects those she loves just as fiercely. Together they’ll fight to save each other and their love... Or die trying.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

How does a young woman, raised in the affluent neighborhood of Grosse Point, end up living in one of Detroit's highest crime neighborhoods?  One that has a mind of her own to live among those who need a hand-up.

I loved this book... from the opening paragraph to the closing scene!  Theresa Rizzo has created characters so real that you feel you truly know them.  Add the well-researched information regarding the Mafia and the strong bonds of Italian families, and you have an award-winning combination.  Every time I thought I had the plot figured out, Theresa threw in more twists and turns in the story line which kept me guessing to the very end!

Silent Sentry is one of the best books I have read in a long time!  Thank you, Theresa, for pouring your creative talent into this wonderful story!

I received a complimentary digital copy of Silent Sentry from author Theresa Rizzo for my honest review.

Happy Reading,

    Ellen

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard... a book review

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard

by Susan Meissner

Penguin Random House LLC

January 5, 2016

ISBN 9780451475992

Women’s Fiction / Historical Fiction

Publisher’s Description:

“In this new novel from the acclaimed author of Secrets of a Charmed Life, two women working in Hollywood during its Golden Age discover the joy and heartbreak of true friendship.

Los Angeles, Present Day. When an iconic hat worn by Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind ends up in Christine McAllister's vintage clothing boutique by mistake, her efforts to return it to its owner take her on a journey more enchanting than any classic movie...

Los Angeles, 1938. Violet Mayfield sets out to reinvent herself in Hollywood after her dream of becoming a wife and mother falls apart, and lands a job on the film-set of Gone With the Wind. There, she meets enigmatic Audrey Duvall, a once-rising film star who is now a fellow secretary. Audrey's zest for life and their adventures together among Hollywood's glitterati enthrall Violet…until each woman's deepest desires collide. What Audrey and Violet are willing to risk, for themselves and for each other, to ensure their own happy endings will shape their friendship, and their lives, far into the future.”

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

I love reading Susan Meissner’s novels!  Her style of writing draws the reader into the lives of the characters as they share their story.  I find myself cheering them on in good times and walking alongside them in bad times.  I found myself relating to both the main female characters: Audrey and her desire to fulfill her dream, and Violet wanting a good man and family.  Each woman overcomes many obstacles on their way to happiness.

I enjoyed the storyline setting during the filming of Gone With the Wind.  I am not up on the history of the making of the film, but Susan Meissner seamlessly weaved the girls’ story in and around the set, filming, and the “behind the scenes” work.  I easily pictured the secretary pool and the trolley rides to and from work.

So, grab a copy of Stars Over Sunset Boulevard and get lost in glamorous times past!

I received a complimentary digital copy of Stars Over Sunset Boulevard for my honest review from Penguin Random House LLC and NetGalley.

Happy reading,

     Ellen

The Jerusalem Prophecies by Terry Brennan

The Aleppo Code

By Terry Brennan

978-0-8254-4389-3

Fiction/Christian/Suspense/Thriller

The Jerusalem Prophecies, book 3

Kregel Publications, 2015

“A thousand-year-old manuscript reveals the existence of an ancient sanctuary. 

Within that sanctuary lies the most powerful weapon in the history of the world.”

The Aleppo Code by Terry Brennan is the final chapter in the mysteries deciphered from the thousand-year-old scroll and mezuzah found in the Bowery Mission.  The scroll’s message, written in demotic text, leads a misfit group around the world and into Jerusalem seeking the “treasure” at the end of a long and treacherous road.  Before I go any further, I must digress…

Book 1, The Sacred Cipher - “A secret room has been discovered in the Chapel of the Bowery Mission.  And what’s hidden inside reveals a mystery of biblical proportions.

“When New Yorker Tom Bohannon uncovers an ancient scroll containing a dead language that has been lost in the sands of time, he doesn’t fully comprehend the danger that’s about to unfold.  Though Tom and his team of ragtag scientists and historians want to decode the ancient text, others don’t want the cipher revealed.  And they are prepared to kill to keep it hidden.  From a market in nineteenth-century Alexandrea to a library in present-day New York to the tunnels beneath Jerusalem, the secret of the cipher is gradually revealing itself across the globe.  And for those in its path, life is about to change – forever.”

Book 2, The Brotherhood Conspiracy – “A secret as old as the prophets lies hidden in an ancient code.  That code may uncover an artifact as mysterious, and dangerous, as the Lost Ark.”

The Brotherhood Conspiracy continues with Bohannon’s group realizing there is another mystery on the mezuzah which was not understood in The Sacred Cipher.  The groups chasing them will not stop until they have the mezuzah and scroll in their possession.  Once again, the group heads out to parts unknown to seek what is hidden.  “One step ahead of an ancient gang of assassins, and one step behind the deadline for impending disaster, the team encounters the death of friends and colleagues and maneuvers through a maze of political treachery, religious fanaticism, and traitorous machinations – to the very brink of judgement orchestrated by a force greater than they could have imagined.”

Book 3, The Aleppo Code - “A thousand-year-old manuscript reveals the existence of an ancient sanctuary.  Within that sanctuary lies the most powerful weapon in the history of the world.”

“Having chased the secret of the Cipher through a maze of treachery, death, and destruction, Tom Bohannon’s band of explorers seems to be at a dead end.  But the discovery of a tenth-century scriptural text holding the final key to the ancient code hurls them right back into the fray.”

As much as I would love to tell you the storyline and its outcome, I cannot – no spoilers in this review.  All three books are amazing!  Terry Brennan has woven a suspense-filled, theological mystery so real that you can “almost” imagine it happening today.  His use of biblical history, archeology and present-day news and political unrest intertwined with the fictional storyline will keep you enthralled to the end!

From the opening paragraph in The Sacred Cipher to the final page in The Aleppo Code, I was pulled into the mystery of the ancient scroll.  The characters were everyday people being asked to believe by faith, not by sight.  People I can relate to; people who believed the unbelievable.  I cheered them on, grieved with them, and peered around the tunnels along with them.

I look forward to many more reads from Terry Brennan!

A huge thank you goes to Kregel Publishing for allowing me to read and review these amazing books!

I received complimentary print copies of The Sacred Cipher, The Brotherhood Conspiracy, and The Aleppo Code from Kregel Publishing for my honest review.

Happy Reading,

     Ellen