Review: One Final Breath

One Final Breath

"When investigator Gabriel Chavez had his cover blown by an aggressive reporter, the silver lining was being able to rejoin the dive team. The downside? Dive team captain Anissa Bell--a woman who both fascinates and frustrates him.

Anissa grew up as a missionary kid on the Micronesian island of Yap and always planned to return after college. But she remained stateside, determined to solve the case that haunts her--the murder of her best friend and the disappearance of a three-year-old child.

When Anissa's fractured past collides with Gabe's investigation into the tragic shooting death of a teenage boy in Lake Porter, they'll have to put their complicated history with each other aside in order to uncover the identity of a killer. What they'll discover is that revenge has no statute of limitations."

Author: Lynn H. Blackburn

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Series: Dive Team Investigators (book 3)

"A nail-biting story that will have you wondering 

how long you can hold your breath."

I loved this book.

I loved this team.

I loved this couple. 

That is all.

Lynn is amazing at keeping you guessing. The suspense keeps you at the edge of your seat, while the romance keeps you sighing. 😍😍

Gabe and Anissa really jive together. Neither think they're worthy of love because of past mistakes, but they're both loving people. (In their own way)

They put people before themselves, and God before other people.

We get to know them throughout the series, but it was nice to get their story! I loved seeing everything from their perspectives.  I was so excited when I heard they were getting their own story.

They're chemistry and snark was EVERYTHING! 😍 

There were quite a few plot lines, but each intertwined and wrapped up beautifully. 

I really loved this book! I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters, but I'm excited to see where this author goes next. (Plus rereads are ALWAYS an option)

I rated it 5/5 stars.

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Quotes:

"Sometimes God calls his children to sacrifice everything and serve him in the up-close spaces. In the hospitals, the courtroom, the classroom, the sheriff's office. Staying put and doing the hard work right where you are takes the same obedience, the same passion for the Lord, as any other calling."

Review: Serving Up Love

Serving Up Love

"Bestselling novelist Tracie Peterson joins Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano in this collection of four novellas, each featuring a Harvey Girl heroine. From Kansas to Texas, the Grand Canyon to New Mexico, the stories cross the country with tales of sweet romance and entertaining history.

In Karen Witemeyer's "More Than a Pretty Face," a young woman works her hardest to escape poor choices from her youth. Tracie Peterson offers "A Flood of Love," where reuniting with an old flame after more than a decade offers unexpected results. Regina Jennings's "Intrigue a la Mode" delights with a tale of a young woman determined to help support her family, despite warnings of danger nearby. And Jen Turano's "Grand Encounters" heads to the Grand Canyon with a tale of a society belle intent on finding a new life for herself."

Author(s): Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Jen Turano

Genre: Historical Romance

Y'ALL.

Y'ALL.

Y'ALL.

Every one of my dreams has come true with this novella collection! LOOK. AT. THIS. LINEUP. 

😍😍😍

And they brought it with this collection. Each story was so good. I loved them so much. 

***

A Flood of Love (Tracie Peterson)

"Returning home to New Mexico for the first time in years to fill in at the Harvey House, Gretchen Gottsacker is sure the past is behind her. But nothing can be that simple. When the man she loved long ago steps back into her life--with a daughter, no less--will she ever be the same?"

This story was so cute! I loved the character arcs. There was a lot of growth even in the short length of the story.

I love when the "childhood/teenage sweetheart" troupe is used. There was already so much history, but Tracie did a great job giving us the inside scoop, without having information overload. 

The little girl was the BEST! She was a doll, and I loved her!

4/5 stars.

***

More Than a Pretty Face (Karen Witemeyer)

"Rosalind Kemp becomes a Harvey Girl, clinging to the promise of one day transferring even farther west, someplace her youthful indiscretion won't catch up to her. But the past is hard to escape, and when the worst occurs, will anyone stand up for her?"

I feel like I've been waiting forever and a day for this story, even though its only been a few months. 😜

I don't know what all I can say other than "I loved it!" I loved the characters, and I loved the chemistry between them all, main and side characters a like. 😍😍

I loved being able to get to know Rosalind a little better, and I loved how strong she was. 

The romance pairing was perfect, they really worked well together. 

5/5 stars.

***

Intrigue a la Mode (Regina Jennings)

"When Willow Kentworth is warned that strange things are happening in the railyard after dark, she never intends to get involved. That is, until a handsome new employee at the Harvey House--who has secrets of his own--needs her assistance."

Regina just writes the best novellas! She always sucks you in and gives this perfectly constructed story in less than 150 pages. 😍 This one was no different. It honestly might've been my favorite of the collection.

This story had a very "undercover boss" feel to it, but like amped up 92.8%. AND I LOVED IT! The mystery, intrigue plot was so well done! I loved the "secret Pinkerton", and I really hope she get her own story one day! 

The characters in this story were great, and I just really really loved it.

5/5 stars.

***

A Grand Encounter (Jen Turano)

"After her fiancé abandons her, Miss Myrtle Schermerhorn flees New York's pity for a position at the El Tovar Hotel on the rim of the Grand Canyon. She's determined to hold fast to her life of independence--but a rugged, frequent guest of the hotel makes that vow difficult to uphold."

 

This was a really cute story! I loved the troupe that was used, and I loved Myrtle's attitude throughout the book. She grew a backbone when she left society, and she wasn't about to lose it ever again.

I enjoyed the characters a lot, and really felt that the side characters kept the story moving.

4/5 stars.

***

Overall, I loved this collection! I had so many wo derful expectations and they were all pretty much met!

Though each story was a standalone, different years and states, there was a common thread of redemption and forgiveness that ran through each story. 

I rated the whole collection a 4.5/5 stars!

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: Aiming for Love

Aiming for Love

"Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world--a world she's been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls' secret home, her older sister especially is frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

David's parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. David's father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?"

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Brides of Hope Mountain (book 1)

Their world will never be the same...

It breaks my heart when I don't love a book by one of my favorite authors! I'll be honest, the reviews are hard to write. 

This was one of those times for me. 
I didn't connect with any of the characters. They didn't feel fully flushed out, they felt really two dimensional to me. 

I felt like there were a few plot lines that were started and never touched on or wrapped up. I'm hoping to see them highlighted as the series goes on.

The romance was really, really quick. For how little they actually interacted with each other, and how little Jo knew about men or people, it just felt really rushed.  They weren't even in the same area for a portion of the book. 

I did really enjoy the family aspect of the book! Each family was close, even through the hard times. They held on to God, and each other. And THAT'S what got them through the valleys.

The story as a whole felt rushed and a bit incomplete. 
I LOVE Mary, and I am interested to read Isla & Mitch's story. This story just didn't hit the spot for me.
I rated it a 2.5/5 stars. 

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: Diamond in the Rough

Diamond in the Rough

"To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy's grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for."

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Historical Romance 

Series: American Heiresses (book 2)

"Your imperfections are what make you perfect!"

Let me start off by freaking out over this cover!!! If someone would like to send me a huge poster of this cover I would not be mad! 😍😍😍😍

Now on to the gorgeousness that is INSIDE this cover. 

***

ALL OF THE SWOONY HEART EYES FOR THIS BOOK!!!

I LOVE when "no nonsense" heroes are thrust into the lives of crazy, unpredictable heroines. Wacky things always go down. 

Jen Turano is QUEEN of all wacky, and hilarious situations! (And no nonsense heroes)

Reginald was great! 😍 

WAY under his brooding nature was a caring, wonderful man! He really had a heart of gold, and I loved watching it grow the more he was around Poppy.

Poppy was a BLAST! How that woman found herself in all those predicaments is beyond me, but I LOVED her attitude about it. She handled everything with a smile, and quick wit. She was just Poppy. No matter what life, or society, threw at her.

Jen always writes great side characters! This time was no different. I loved Murray! I really enjoyed the relationship between him & Poppy. Also, watching him grow a backbone was fun too. 

The "intrigue" part of the story seemed a little rushed, but since it was a sub plot it wasn't a deal breaker for me. I did enjoy the added element to the story. 

I really did love this book, and I cannot wait for book 3! Beatrix is going to be a HOOT, I can already tell.

I rated it 5/5 stars. 

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: Deadly Deceit

Deadly Deceit

"Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason--to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian's only hope for finding the truth--and the next big story--is small-town law enforcement's lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes, and Vivian finds herself fighting for not only answers but also her life. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called The Watcher force Vivian to confront the secret of her past and decide: How much is she willing to risk for the sake of a headline?"


Author: Natalie Walters
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Harbored Secrets (book 2)

Welcome back to Walton, Georgia.

Where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.

AH! I'm back! FINALLY!
Life has gotten away from me, but I'm working hard to finish this year strong. Thank you for sticking with me! I love you big!

I read quite a few books during my "posting hiatus" and Natalie's book was one of them! So today I'm gonna give all the thoughts to you.

***

I knew I was going to love this book when I found out who it was going to be about!
I really wanted to see how the author was going to write Vivian's redemption arc, since she was a piece of work in book 1.

I loved the chemistry between Vivian and Ryan. The more geeky they got, the more I loved them. (YES to all the superhero references!)
Their romance was on the quicker side, but they fit so well together it worked. They opened up to each other quickly, and they became friends. They just worked well together.

Both characters were dealing with problems that held them back from their own dreams.
Ryan felt he couldn't chase his dreams because he needed to be their for his family.
Vivian felt she couldn't chase her dreams because she trying to live up to expectations she put on herself.
Their connection helped them see the other person holding back, and they became each other's greatest confidant & supporter.

Ryan was...😍 YES! Natalie can write a man in uniform. 😍 LOVED HIM!
I really liked seeing his character development, while still keeping his "shy, nerdy, quirky" characteristics.

Vivian was a huge turnaround character from book 1, and I was HERE FOR IT! I loved watching the "small town magic" suck her in and break her walls down.

There were actually a few different suspense plot lines running throughout the story, and I really enjoyed that. Amped it up. 😉 It was relatively action packed, since Vivian was always getting into scrapes.

I do wish the "motive" for the whole scheme had been explained a little more. It felt a little rushed and unfinished, but I think it was because there were so many players.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story! I rated it a 4/5 stars.

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own* 

Review: Anointed

Anointed

"After a terrible car accident, sixteen-year-old Rachel awakens with no memories and is shocked to discover she’s become the newest resident of a mystical Cloaked City called BethEl. She quickly begins to feel at home in the mysterious town with her supernaturally gifted neighbors, especially Cohen, the handsome boy who found her. But Rachel’s new life is haunted by disturbing nightmares. 

When her new Mentor hears of these horrific visions, he believes they are more than mere dreams. They are the key to finding the long-promised Anointed—the one who will prepare the way for the return of the Messiah.

As the quest for the Anointed ensues, Rachel and her new friends are thrust directly into the center of a spiritual war. But as Rachel learns to use her dreams and newfound spiritual gifts, she begins to distinguish her memories from the nightmares that plague her. And what she discovers is even more terrifying. Now, as her past collides with her present, Rachel must fight to not only find and rescue the Anointed, but to save herself."

Author: H.R. Hutzel
Genre: Spiritual Fantasy
Series: BethEl (book 1)

"A mysterious car accident. A mystical city. 

She can’t remember anything, but they need her to remember everything."

This is a very tricky genre to navigate. There is a stigma around it, as much as there is around biblical fiction. Here's what I want people to know...this stuff they write about, is REAL! The spiritual warfare they write about it so real. 

This genre is normally a hit or miss for me. I don't gravitate towards it on a normal basis, but I'm glad I gave this book a try! I was instantly drawn into the world every time I opened the book. Time slipped away and I was sad when I would have to set the book down. 

I definitely felt the inspiration of Frank Peretti throughout the story, though the story line was still unique. 

Each plot line had another deeper meaning behind it, and they slowly untangled through the process of the story and the final connection was GREAT! This book handled so many topics beautifully. It dealt strongly with spiritual warfare, and the fight between Light and darkness. It also handled topics of your past not defining you, and God calls who He calls no matter their past.
There were even themes that were so relevant to today's real world, it was a bit freaky.
*This is a heavily "end time" based book, so if that makes you uncomfortable this probably isn't the series for you.*

The characters were GREAT! Even the villains were developed. There was the perfect amount of character development for Rachel in this book, it was paced well and written in a way that seemed realistic without making her too annoying. I'm hoping Cohen gets his character growth in book 2!
Elias was hands-down my favorite though! (Really hoping she doesn't kill him off)

The world was built nicely as well. Though there is a LOT of story, I never felt bogged down with words or information. The author did a great job painting a vivid picture of every new place she took us. As someone who really doesn't visualize when I read, this was incredible.

There was ONE thing I had a big problem with, the use of curse words. The bad guys use them a few times. They pulled me out of the narrative because I was surprised that they were there. So reader, please be aware.
That is honestly the only reason this book isn't getting a five star rating.

It was a very powerful book though, it brought tears to my eyes a few times.
I'm rating it a 4/5 stars.

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Series Spotlight: An Offer of Grace

I had the honor of reviewing the first book in this series when I first started my blog. I'm honored I get to spotlight the full series today! 😍

***

ABOUT THE SERIES

 Forward to What Lies Ahead

"Sometimes being strong isn’t enough. 

Ever since she was a teenager, Regina Whitman has relied on her tough, independent spirit to survive and to protect the ones she loves. Even when heartache and disappointment strike, she finds the strength to press forward, rebuild her life, and do meaningful work.

But just when her outlook seems brightest, a tragic and shameful secret from the past catches up with her, jeopardizing her future and threatening the lives of the people around her.

In the face of overwhelming danger and darkness, can Regina learn to trust God and embrace the love she doesn’t think she deserves? Or will the painful guilt of her past destroy her?"

A Time for Every Matter

"Seven years ago, Madeline Pine went mad.

At least it seemed that way. She traded in her fast-paced New York City lifestyle for a quiet small town existence. On the upside, she now has faith and a sense of purpose.

Yet her tranquil world is upended when her nephew witnesses a murder, and she is faced with the challenge of keeping him safe. Compelling and enigmatic business mogul, Hiram MacArthur offers to assist her, but their growing attraction makes him more distracting than helpful.

New dangers, old memories, and a potential romance will all challenge what Madeline thought God wanted for her life. Will she trust His plan enough to embrace a new season?"

No Longer a Stranger

"There is grace in the power of connection.

EJ Handler is the perpetual class clown, but he’s also a loyal friend and dedicated worker at the tech company he helped found. Friendship and work are the only commitments he needs. Yet a dangerous scandal quickly upsets his laid back life and dredges up the old heartaches that made him fear responsibility in the first place. His only hope rests in his faith and the reluctant assistance of a mysterious female detective.

Sloan is a tough, unemployed cop with a penchant for taking on the cares of the world by herself, when an unexpected job offer gives her the opportunity to do what she loves. Little does she know that a simple job will bring the infuriating, but endearing EJ and a chance at the friendships she’s avoided for so long."

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chloe S. Flanagan is an author, technical writer, blogger, and graduate of New York University. She enjoys exploring the Christian walk frankly and thoughtfully in her fiction and in her blog, The Candid Corinthian. When she’s not writing, Chloe loves music, travel, reading books in all genres, and spending time with family.

CONNECT WITH CHLOE: Facebook | Goodreads | Website

***

Chloe is the sweetest person, and I really think you should check out her books! 

If you want to know my thoughts about book one, check out my review here.

Spotlight: Going Back Cold

I LOVE spotlighting new authors! It's an easy way to support authors in a small way.

This week I'll be spotlighting some indie authors & their newest releases.

***

Today I'm spotlighting Kelley Rose Waller, and her next release 'Going Back Cold'.

ABOUT THE BOOK

"“You can’t let grief enter every area of your life, so she keeps hers confined to certain areas,” he said. “Grief doesn’t come into the lab or sit with you over your coffee at breakfast. But, late at night, grief is on your pillow.”

Physicist Dr. Jane Whyse and her husband have just arrived at a remote Antarctic base when they discover an unexpected blessing—Jane is pregnant with their second child. As Project Split Horizon builds the piezoelectric jet she designed, Jane gets closer to achieving faster-than-light travel, with the potential to radically change the course of NASA’s future plans. But after eight months of anticipation, the Whyses are devastated when their daughter is stillborn.

Torn between faith and hopelessness, Jane begins an ugly struggle to understand God’s plan for her life in the midst of a mother’s mourning. The lifeless Antarctic landscape seems only to emphasize the emptiness within her. Despite success in her scientific research and a world-changing technological leap forward, Jane continues to grieve. What healing can faith offer against hopelessness? Does the Author of Creation truly understand the suffering of His children? As she tries to find restoration through years of searching, Jane explores a critical horizon where her scientific breakthrough meets God’s sovereignty over space and time."

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

"Kelley writes fiction to imagine new life experiences.  Her debut novel, The Senator's Youngest Daughter, was released in 2016, and her latest release, Going Back Cold, will be available starting October 1, 2019.  

Kelley's day job as vice president of a marketing firm offers her the opportunity to write and plan for clients in diverse fields.  Kelley and her husband are Pennsylvania foster parents.  Kelley lives and writes to uplift and glorify the name of Jesus Christ.

Kelley is a ridiculous fan of science fiction and board games.  She has a B.A. in English and lives in Lancaster, PA, with her husband, their children, and their dog."

CONNECT WITH KELLEY: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

***

If this is something that's up your reading alley, you can purchase the book here!

Anticipated Reads: Fall 2019

I'm so excited that fall is FINALLY on its way to the world. The most perfect reading weather is fast approaching and I couldn't be happier. So in honor of fall's decent I thought I'd share some of my anticipated reads for the season.

I'm working with Kat from Kat's Corner Books & Jordan from Read. Eat. Repeat.  to share some of our anticipated books for the second half of the year. Don't forget to check out their posts!

***

A Distance Too Grand

October 1st, 2019

"Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession--starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart, but he refuses to wait even one more day to get started. This survey is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides, including within the survey party, Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind."

I'm SO excited for this book!! Regina Scott is one of my favorite authors, so I was so excited to learn she had a series coming out with Revell this year!

Always Look Twice

October 1st, 2019

"At the advice of her therapist, homicide survivor Harper Reynolds has traded her job as a crime scene photographer for a more peaceful life taking photographs of the natural world. But her hopes for a life surrounded by the serenity of the outdoors are dashed when she inadvertently captures a murder being committed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She flees the scene in fear--and loses the camera.

Former Green Beret Heath McKade is a reserve deputy in an understaffed county who has been called in to protect Harper, a childhood friend he is surprised to see back in the area. When Harper learns that the sheriff's department can't find any evidence of the murder she witnessed, she is determined to do what she can to see that justice is done. What neither Harper nor Heath could know is how many explosive secrets from the past will be exposed--or how deeply they will fall for each other.

In this suspenseful page-turner, bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard keeps you on the edge of your seat as you discover that uncommon justice lies just on the other side of fear."

I LOVED the first book in this series, and I have ANXIOUSLY awaited book 2's release since last year!

Protecting Tanner Hollow

November 5th, 2019

"Four nail-biting novellas in one!

Lethal HomecomingNolan Tanner never got over Kallie Ainsworth's sudden, unexplained departure. Now when he comes to her rescue after an attempt on her life, all the old feelings come rushing back.

Lethal ConspiracyWhen professional fundraiser Lillian Maloney sees her father's campaign manager commit murder, she goes on the run from the men he hires to kill her. A close call brings firefighter Jason Tanner to the rescue, but the killer is closing in . . . 

Lethal SecretsSomeone wants Honor McBride dead. When Eli Murphy helps her change a flat tire and discovers the danger Honor is in, he longs to help--but Eli has secrets of his own that could get them all killed.

Lethal AgendaWhen Detective Derek St. John rescues a woman he's met only once before--and has never been able to forget--he finds himself falling for her. But he'll have to keep Claire Montgomery alive if they're to have a future together."

I loooove a good novella collection, so I was pumped to hear Lynette was publishing one of her own! 

(We're even getting the last "Blue Justice" sibling story in this one)

 Serving Up Love
November 5th, 2019

"Bestselling novelist Tracie Peterson joins Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano in this collection of four novellas, each featuring a Harvey Girl heroine. From Kansas to Texas, the Grand Canyon to New Mexico, the stories cross the country with tales of sweet romance and entertaining history. 

In Karen Witemeyer's "More Than a Pretty Face," a young woman works her hardest to escape poor choices from her youth. Tracie Peterson offers "A Flood of Love," where reuniting with an old flame after more than a decade offers unexpected results. Regina Jennings's "Intrigue a la Mode" delights with a tale of a young woman determined to help support her family, despite warnings of danger nearby. And Jen Turano's "Grand Encounters" heads to the Grand Canyon with a tale of a society belle intent on finding a new life for herself."

Y'all I am READY for this collection...like yesterday! LOOK AT THIS LINEUP!! *squeals*

A Pursuit of Home

November 5th, 2019

"In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.

Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can't resist the urge to solve the puzzle. 

As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family's enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?"

I think anyone who has ever read one of Kristi's books is anticipating this release. One of the most mysterious characters is getting her love story! I need it to be November now!!

***

There are SO many amazing books coming out this year, it's hard to dwindle it down. I'm really excited for these books, as well as all the others. (Because books are life!)

What is one book your really looking forward to reading this year? 

Don't forget to check out Kat & Jordan's posts too! 

Review: Storm Rising

Storm Rising

"Mentioned in the pages of the Septuagint but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets--and dangers--never before seen on earth.  

Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is finally given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as "Viorica" snatches the volume right out from under them. 

Iskra "Viorica" Todorova is determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most--freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives--entire nations.

Though both are haunted by secrets of their past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in two-thousand-year-old words could unleash the storm of their own destruction."

Author: Ronie Kendig

Series: The Book of the Wars (book 1)

Publisher: Bethany House

Does an Ancient Book of Prophecy Hold the Answers to Saving the World

 . . . Or Predict Its Destruction? 

I am about to confess something that might strip me of my reader card...

This was the first book I've ever read by Ronie Kendig. 🙈  HOWEVER! It will not be my last.

I really really enjoyed this book. 

The writing style was totally my thing! It's everything I look for in contemporary books. It was fun and modern, with the perfect mix of humor and inner turmoil!

If you haven't picked up on this fact yet I'll make it real clear for you now, BANTER IS EVERYTHING TO ME! Here is why. Not only is it normally humorous, but when done correctly it makes chemistry explode off the page. 

The author did an AMAZE. ING. job with the banter and chemistry in this book. I always got excited when the whole team was together because the way they worked with, and off each other made the book authentic to me. The only issue I had with such a big team was keeping track of their names and what they did. I'm hoping that becomes a little clearer and easier to process as the series progresses.

This was the first military book I've ever read, and though I love NCIS as much as the next girl, all of the terms started to mix and combine in my head which did cause some confusion. I guess this just means I'll have to read more books in this genre to strengthen my vocabulary. Pity. 😏😉

The series has a super intriguing plot, and I'm sensing a TON of plot twists in our near future. I'm equally excited and terrified.

I have a love/hate relationship with series like this. I LOVE that the story keeps going, but I HATE that I have to wait so long for the conclusion. 

Leif was...*swoon* I don't know if there's much I can say about him. He's GREAT! He's super head and heart smart. He is selfless, but not stupid. He protects what he considers is his, but not in a controlling way. 

I actually really liked Iskra, like a lot! She was the girl version of Leif honestly. A little less trusting, but can ya blame her?! They really did click from their first interaction, and it didn't change. They could read each other's minds and souls...SOUL. MATES. 😍😍 

I still have so many questions!! When does book #2 comes out again?? Oh yeah, not soon enough. I"M READY!

I rated this a 4/5 stars! 

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: The Bull Rider's Secret

The Bull Rider's Secret

"Letting bull rider Jace Hawke back into her life breaks all of Mackenzie Wilder’s rules—just like he broke her heart years ago. But he’s working at her family’s ranch while recovering from a rodeo injury…and chipping away at Mackenzie’s tough-girl exterior with each passing day. Which is the bigger mistake: falling for Jace again…or letting him go without a fight?"

Author: Jill Lynn

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: Colorado Grooms (book 3)

"Will the truth 

keep them from a second chance?"

👏 JILL 👏 DID 👏 IT 👏 AGAIN 👏

I'll be honest, this series and I got a rocky start. BUT I held on through the storm, and I'm SO happy I did! I have enjoyed the Wilder bunch and I've loved watching them each grow and find their perfect matches.
I've been anxiously awaiting Mackenzie's story, and when it finally hit my little fingers I had to read it instantly.

Though each book had a different "main troupe", they all had a similar troupe running throughout: each couple knew/had history with each other before they got together permanently.

So Mackenzie & Jace knew each other, and actually were high school sweethearts before Jace took off for the rodeo. As you can imagine this caused some tension when they saw each other again since they did not part on the best of terms.
This led to a lot of problems and misplaced assumptions because they both stewed over their feelings for years. Guess what? It could've been avoided had they just communicated with each other all those years ago. *eye roll*
My issues with miscommunication aside, this theme actually worked in this book because the author had them falling BACK in love with each other and they started actually communicating with each other.

Because they already knew each other, and were already in love with each other, they had a pretty good start to a solid foundation. Once they started reconnecting and working things out they really built the foundation they needed. They stayed level headed (mostly), and started working towards a better future.

They both had a lot of pain and brokenness they were covering up, stuff they didn't want anyone to know about, yet they learned to truly lean on God and lean on each other.

It was a wholesome, sweet story. (with the perfect amount of cowboy and wit)
I loved this cast of characters, and though it's bittersweet to see the Wilder crew wrapped up, I'm excited to see who Jill makes me fall in love with next!

I rated this a 4/5 stars!

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Review: The String

The String

"Welcome to the string. Let's go over the ground rules.

Rule #1: Participation is mandatory.
Rule #2: If any one person refuses to play, the threats to all players will come to pass.

Since this is my game, allow me to introduce myself. I am the conductor. Just as musicians in a symphony must follow the conductor's direction, the selected students and staff of Trenton University must submit to my commands . . . or risk massive chaos and deadly consequences. Even that pesky university cop, Markus Haas, who thinks he'll find a way out of the impossible dilemma in which I've trapped him. Oh, the surprises I have for him. 

Ready to play?"

Author: Caleb Breakey

Genre: Suspense/Thriller

Series: Deadly Games (book 1)

Y'ALL! I was READY for this book!! I mean, READ THE SYNOPSIS!!!! 👀💀

I love a good thriller, especially when there is a head mastermind pulling all of the strings. This book was totally up my alley...hypothetically.

There is a point where there are too many characters and too many moving parts! This book fell into that category. I had to work REALLY hard to keep track of the cast, and at some point in the book I forgot about some of them. 

Don't get me wrong, I understand there needs to be multiple angles for a "game" like this to work. I think it was too much in book form. Please don't egg my house, but I think this would've been better suited as a movie. That way you could really SEE everything that was happening, and multiple POV makes sense.

I know the technology stalking is ENTIRELY plausible, however the actual motive made the whole scheme really outlandish and unnecessary. 

There were a few storylines that weren't completed, and not in a cliffhanger way, but in a "totally forgot that was in there" way. I had no clue this was going to be a series, so I wonder where the author is going to take these storylines and the series as a whole.

I spent most of the book utterly confused, and not in a good way. The "bad guy" completed blind sided me (props to the author), but I didn't really understand his mindset behind "the game".

The 1st person POV character, Markus, really got under my skin. He was SO selfish in all of this actions and jumped into every situation without thinking. 

I'm so beyond sad I didn't fall head over heels for this book. We win some, we lose some.

I'm sure there is an audience for this type of thriller, probably super visual, quick minded people!

I can't get over the pure GENIUS that went into writing this book! It was definitely the work of a mastermind. (who might watch too many crime shows 😏😉) A ton of imagination went into crafting this story, though it wasn't for me.

I rated it a 2.5/5 stars.

*I received this book from the publisher**All opinions are my own*

Review: Yours Truly, Thomas

Yours Truly, Thomas

"For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more--a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring--perhaps too much--for the one who wrote it."

Author: Rachel Fordham

Length: 320 pages

Publisher: Revell

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered,

I'm Yours"

GUYS! THIS BOOK IS ABOUT THE DEAD LETTER OFFICE!!!! I REPEAT.

THE. DEAD. LETTER. OFFICE. 

*insert ALL of the heart eyes*

Last year my mama, sister, and I found the TV series "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" that Hallmark produces, and ever since I've been obsessed with the DLO. When I found out Rachel was doing a story based around it I might've totally screamed. 

I just love how her heroes are always sweet & gentle! They have the biggest shift of perspective and mind-set throughout the story.

Her heroines are normally a little naive & self conscious. They have the biggest shift of self love and assurance.

Each character grows throughout the story, normally because and with each other.

These characters were no different, and I loved them.

Penny & Thomas had less than graceful falls from society, they felt that hiding was the proper response. But through fate and letters they found that hiding isn't all it's cracked up to be. Together they learned to live life fully. 

I really enjoyed the addition of the dog in the story! Honeysuckle was a hoot, but she was the perfect companion when she was needed. 

I JUST WANT SOMEONE TO WRITE ME A LOVE LETTER! Okay, that is all. 😍😭😍😭

Though not a series, we do get to back to Azure Springs in this adorable story, and I am SUPER excited about it! 

I've loved Azure Springs and the people there since "The Hope of Azure Springs", that came out last summer.

Stories are a HUGE aspect to Rachel's books. I love seeing how includes her love of stories into her writing. 

Rachel writes the sweetest, most wholesome stories chock full of hope and healing!

I look forward to see what story this author releases next.

4/5 stars!

*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*

Quotes: 

"I think God knows we need reminders from time to time. He wraps up in a little blessing in a sound or smell. A testament of his love."