Standoff by Patricia Bradley

Standoff by Patricia Bradley is the first book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series.  I don't know about you, but I used to think Park Rangers had a rather peaceful job enjoying the great outdoors while making sure no one is hunting or fishing illegally. More recently I've realized it can entail a lot more than that.  This book deals with some of the more specific dangers such as murder, drugs, etc.

Brooke Danvers wants to follow in her father's footsteps and she has just been promoted to Park Ranger.  John Danvers, Brooke's dad, has secretly been investigating a drug ring and on Brooke's first day her father is killed in the line of duty.  Brooke fights to be on the case and is certain that her dad did not kill himself as the report states.  When Luke Fereday, Brooke's childhood friend, shows up for the funeral, he becomes a strong ally for Brooke and they team up to find out what really happened.  Luke seems to know more than he's letting on and maybe he's hiding a secret or two of his own.  Does Brooke really know him anymore?  Can she count on him to help her discover the truth?  Will the ever-growing feeling between them be a distraction?

This book starts off with a bang and it doesn't stop until the last page!  I love a good suspense and trying to figure it out as I read is so much fun.  Especially when the author gives so many twists and turns.  There were a couple surprises that caught me off guard in this book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Silent Shadows

Silent Shadows is the third and final book of the Harbored Secrets by Natalie Walters.  Even though it would make a good read by itself I would definitely read all three books as one continuous story.  The books are all set in the tiny town of Walton Georgia and if you read all three books you'll enjoy getting to know the people in this small town at a deeper level. 

In this small town you'll find that everyone knows everyone, but there are people who live there that have some big secrets.  In Silent Shadows Pecca Gallegos has just moved to the town of Walton to protect her son and escape the dangerous lifestyle that once defined her.  When a series of strange circumstances evolve into threats Pecca finds herself confiding in an unlikely ally - her stubborn patient.

Army veteran Colton Crawford is desperate to recover from the un-diagnosed disorder that is ruining his life, and his instincts are on high alert when threats against his nurse and her son force him to take action.  But Colton's involvement only ramps up the danger when he uncovers a family secret revealing that whoever is after Pecca is closer and more deadly than they realized.

When I first began this series, it was the beginning of social distancing and I really struggled with the first book.  I had a hard time focusing and found myself reading the same pages over and over because my mind was all over the place.  As the days have turned into weeks I have found that reading is a great escape from reality and I am so glad I didn't give up on this series.  This final book ended with a bang. Probably my favorite out of the three. 

If you are a fan of Christian suspense this would be a great book for you.  With so much time on our hands right now, what better time than to start a new series.  I think you'll really enjoy this one!

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Traitor's Pawn by Lisa Harris

I can usually tell by the first chapter of a book how well I'm going to like it.  On occasion I will come across a book that grabs me from the very first page. The Traitor's Pawn was just such a book.  From the very first page I was hooked.  The way it started had me at the edge of my seat and I knew immediately I was in for a page turning, suspense and action filled book.

Jack Shannon has returned to Corpus Christi,Texas and is focused on finding the man who has been selling encrypted government secrets to the Chinese through online chat rooms.  When a senator is shot during a hunting trip and the woman he was with is abducted, Jack agrees to join the search--especially when he discovers that the kidnapping victim is Aubrey Grayson, a woman he was once in love with.

As the search continues, it becomes clear the senator may not have been the intended victim and Aubrey may be connected to the other case Jack is supposed to be working on.  Can Jack untangle the knots before it's too late?  And when he learns the truth,  will it be too painful to get past?

I really enjoyed the romance between Jack and Aubrey.  It had the right amount of romance sprinkled throughout the book that kept you rooting for their relationship, but not over the top mushy.  This is also a good stand alone novel.  No worries about getting to the end of the book and be left hanging or waiting for the next book. 

If you are a fan of Christian suspense I would highly recommend this book.  Just be prepared to get nothing else done until you reach the last page.  It's a great, clean Christian suspense novel.

Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

Star of Persia: Esther's Story by Jill Eileen Smith

When it comes to biblical fiction Jill Eileen Smith is one of my favorite authors.  Star of Persia is a perfect example as to why.  The story of Esther comes alive like never before in this fast paced novel that will transport you to biblical times.  The story stays fairly true to the biblical account, but gives added details that can bring you a deeper understanding of what life was like and the true risk that Esther braved for the people of God.

The first few chapters were from Vashti's point of view and I loved getting to see things from her perspective.  The details of the courtyards and the palace make it so easy to imagine the beauty of it all.

I think it's important to remember while reading biblical fiction that it's just that....a fiction account of a biblical truth.  God tells us the beautiful story of Esther in his word and I always like to go back and read the story from the Bible after reading the biblical fiction account.  This book was so beautifully written, just remember it's for entertainment so to speak.

Jill Eileen Smith gave a great look inside of her research at the end of the book and I enjoyed reading this about as much as I enjoyed the book itself.  I love to see how author's come about their stories and while reading Star of Persia it is evident that much research was put into this book.

One way I know I've found a good book is when I lose sleep over it.  I stayed up all night to finish it.  I could not put it down! I consider it a must read!

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson

I don't often read present day novels, but occasionally I get in the mood to read something different.  I chose The Happy Camper for that very reason. It just seemed different to me.  I mean, a book about a camper?  Well, maybe that's what intrigued me with it.  I've always dreamed of owning an old camper and being able to restore it.  Our family likes to go camping and when we do we stay in a tent, but we always like to take a walk to the camper side and the one's that catch my eye are those restored vintage campers.  They are so adorable.  The way Melody Carlson describes the campers in this book is so detailed that I can picture them perfectly in my mind. But let's hold up a minute.  This book isn't just about restoring vintage campers. It is fun, quirky and what I like to call a quick read. You just have to read and enjoy!

Dillon Michaels is fed up with her non-committal boyfriend and in a spur of the moment decision she breaks up with him, quits her job and heads home to her aging and grieving grandpa's house to help him in his time of loss.  Upon arrival she is shocked to find her eccentric mother has beat her there and is staying in Dillon's room.  Dillon gets stuck on a saggy couch, but to her surprise her grandpa gifts her with a run down camper.  Dillon is thrilled and instantly begins the restoration process of her new tiny home.  She seeks help from Jordan Atwood the owner of the local hardware store.

Her life finally seems to be falling in place, but when she least expects it her ex boyfriend shows up....with a proposal.

So to be a little nit-picky.  First, the character names really bugged me in this book.  Maybe I'm just showing my age here, but Dillon seems like a guys name to me and Jordan a girls.  Second, it bugged me that Dillon called her mom by her first name.  They didn't have the best relationship, but it still seemed strange to me.  Third and last is that Dillon needed to be more firm with her ex.  That was just ridiculous.  Overall though, like I stated in the beginning, this was a fun and enjoyable book.

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot

Oh how I love historical fiction!  Throw in a little romance and a little mystery and it will be a book that I don't want to put down.  That's exactly what I had with Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot.  It is the first book in the Mesquite Springs series and I am already counting down the days until I can get the second book in my hands.  Until then this one is going on my list of favorites and it is definitely one I will be reading again.

Although it is set in the fictional town of Mesquite Springs in Texas I found a bit of a connection there.  My son and daughter in law live in Texas in the town of Mesquite so I thought that was pretty cool.

I loved the characters in this book.  From the main characters on down, I felt like I was living in a small town getting to know all the townsfolk.  I have a hunch I know who the second book will be about, but I'm also looking forward to seeing how some of the other characters are doing. 

So let me tell you a little more about it!  Evelyn Radcliffe has been an orphan ever since she witnessed the murder of her parents as a little girl.  She's always had an eerie feeling that someone is watching her and when the orphanage that she lives in is burnt to the ground and the only survivors are herself and Polly, a little orphan girl, she knows she must flee for her life.

Evelyn finds herself in Mesquite Springs and finds refuge in the home of the Clark's.  Wyatt Clark is a horse rancher who's plans do not include having a family of his own.  As the days go by Wyatt and Evelyn continue to draw close to each other, but when danger finds Evelyn her life once again is in danger.  Will Wyatt be able to protect her from the man who seeks her life?

Since most of us are social distancing and finding ourselves with more time on our hands, this is the perfect time to take a deep breath, fix a cup of coffee and get lost in a book.  This is a great one to start with!

***Thanks to Revel Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Woman Of Sunlight

Woman Of Sunlight by Mary Connealy is the second book in the Brides of Hope Mountain Series.  I had been waiting rather impatiently for this book ever since I finished Aiming For Love, the first book in the series.  Now that I have finished this one I am already counting down the days until the third book releases!  I love this series so much.

Ilsa and her sisters have been raised in isolation in the mountains of Colorado.  They were raised by their grandparents and were taught to fear people and that going to town would bring sickness and possibly death.  With both of their grandparents gone the girls have been living alone and are extremely self sufficient.  When the Warden family comes to the mountain in need, the sisters help them out.  

Mitch has left his life in New York City and is now living on the mountain with his family.  Ilsa and Mitch are drawn to each other, but it seems that the thing they do best is fight.  When Mitch's past catches up with him, he realizes that he has put everyone's life in danger.  He is determined to resolve the problem, but that means a trip to town and Ilsa insists on going with him.  Once in town they embark on a very surprising adventure!

This book was so entertaining!  It had me laughing out loud on several occasions and it had a sort of  "Tarzan and Jane" feel with the roles reversed.  I have to admit that I was very surprised with the twists and turns of this book.  It was a lot different than I expected it to be and I loved the suspense.  I don't want to include any spoilers, so I'll just say that I didn't see that coming! 

I enjoyed getting to catch up with Dave and Jo from the first book and the ground work has been set for the third book which will be Ursula's story.  It's going to be good!  I can't wait to see how this series wraps up.  

Thanks to Bethany House Publishing for providing me with this book.  

Two Steps Forward

The Deacon's Family Series comes to an end with Two Steps Forward.  You could probably read this book as a stand alone, but I would not recommend it.  There are many repeat characters and as you read through the series you become quite connected to them.  When you see their story continuing to unfold in each book it's like visiting an old friend.  You want to hear about all that's been going on in their life and how they are doing. In this series it is Luke and Izzy.  I loved revisiting them!

Two Steps Forward is about Jimmy and Sylvie.  Jimmy has been away from the Amish community for four years working in Colorado with horses.  He is used to getting by on his good looks and his charm...until Sylvie.  Sylvie is a widow and she hires Jimmy to work on her farm because of his knowledge of horses, but it seems that is all she's interested in.  However, it's not long before he manages to steal her heart. 

Jimmy's mom Edith believes that Sylvie's farm belongs to her and she is working on a way to claim back the land.  Has Sylvie made a terrible mistake in falling for Jimmy?  Has he been using his charm just to get her land? 

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an amazing Amish fiction author.  Her series wraps up perfectly.  What I like best about her books is that they are, what I call, easy reads.  They are enjoyable, and steady paced.  Not a lot of surprises, but such well developed characters that you can connect with.  This is the kind of book I like to snuggle up under a cover with and read while drinking coffee. 

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Collision of Lies - A Book Review

Collision Of Lies by Tom Threadgill is a book you are not going to want to put down until the last page is read.  It has page turning suspense and if you are like me and like to read at night, be prepared for lack of sleep!

Several years ago there was a tragic accident between a freight train and a school bus. All the children on the school bus were killed.  There is one mom who refuses to believe her child perished and after a strange phone call she seeks the help of law enforcement.  Amara agrees to look into it even though she believes all the children died in the crash.  It doesn't take long that she starts to think otherwise, but how is she going to convince everyone else that the boy is still alive when all evidence points to the opposite.  Could it be that the whole collision was based on lies?  Are the other children alive as well? Amara is determined to find the answers.  No matter the cost.

This book was the first I've read by author Tom Threadgill and he made me a fan!  It has everything I like in a good suspense novel.  The element of surprise with plenty of twists and turns, well developed characters and suspense that keeps you guessing.  I can usually tell if I will like a suspense novel if the first chapter captivates me.  That's exactly what this book did.  If you love suspense novels, I encourage you to read this one.  You're sure to love it! 

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin

The Land Beneath Us is the third book in the Sunrise at Normandy series by Sarah Sundin.  It makes a great stand alone book as I did not read the other two books in the series before this one, but trust me, if you love this book as much as I did you are going to want to read the other two as soon as you finish so you might as well start from the beginning!

It is a historical Christian Romance set in England during 1943/44.  The historical aspect shows the training of the U.S. Army Rangers up to D-day and their invasion.

Clay Paxton has been betrayed by his brothers in the worst way and he struggles with forgiveness.  Due to a recurring dream he has about his death, he now has purpose.  He must fulfill God's will for his life, by seeing the dream come to pass.

Leah Jones works as a Librarian at Camp Forest.  During her spare time she searches for clues to her family.  When she was four years old her and her twin sisters became orphans when their parents suddenly died in a horrible accident.  She longs to be reunited with her sisters, but her life is turned upside down when she is brutally attacked.  Clay saves her life and marries her to save her virtue.  When he is shipped out to train for D-day him and Leah keep in touch through letters.  As time passes their relationship strengthens and love blossoms, but neither of them can ignore Clay's dream. They know what his future holds due to his recurring dream.  Will their love be strong enough to save Clay from impending death?

I could not put this book down.  When I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it.  It was one of the best books I have read in a long time.  Leah's outlook on life is so uplifting despite the tragedies that always seem to follow her.  She is definitely an overcomer and her faith in God is inspiring.  Clay is so kind-hearted and driven by his love for God and pursing God's will.  As you read the book you can see both Clay and Leah grow in their relationship with each other and God.  The self sacrificing love portrayed in this book is one of my favorite things about it.

I can't recommend this book enough.  You're sure to love it!

***Thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.