Just Desserts by Allison Pearl

 

About the Book:

Does she decorate cakes because she loves to or because she’s too scared to do anything else? That’s the question Anna Duncan asks herself daily. Unlike the heroines and amateur sleuths in her mystery novels who take chances and face danger, Anna doesn’t handle anything riskier than a wooden spoon. That is, until she inadvertently jumps into an investigation into a criminal network. When the danger appears closer to home than she realized, will Anna end up solving the case or will she become the next victim?

Rob Appleton is an outsider in his own life. He doesn’t fit in anywhere… not with his long-lost sister, not with her husband, and certainly not with their Christian family. His one place of comfort is the small table at the local bakery. But despite his comfort with the bakery’s cute manager and her sweet pastries, he never makes a move for fear of hurting her.

Rob is on a mission to take down the criminal network responsible for his parents' murders and then get out of dodge, but when his vendetta pulls Anna into the line of fire, Rob must decide which is more important to him—vengeance or love—because he soon realizes he can’t have both.

My Review:

This was a cozy mystery that has the reader wondering what will happen next. There were lots of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. If you are looking for a light read that will keep you engaged, look no further. Would recommend!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the Anaiah Press. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Misdirection by Christy Barritt

 

About the Book:

One high-risk assignment. Two dangerous secrets.

As a teen, Olive Sterling's entire family was murdered, leaving her alone and desperate for answers. She’s learned to compartmentalize her loss and trust no one. Now she lives in the shadows, working as an undercover investigator for an elite private security firm.

Her latest assignment seems Identify a corporate mole who plans to sell dangerous classified technology to foreign operatives. When Olive runs into Jason Stewart—the only man she's ever loved—at her target company, her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble.

With thousands of lives on the line, Olive can’t afford to make a mistake. But as bodies start dropping and suspicions rise, Olive must Can she trust Jason with the truth? Or will exposing the painful secrets from her past prove to be a deadly mistake?

The first book in the pulse-pounding Pros and Cons series, MISDIRECTION is a high-stakes thriller about betrayal, redemption, and the fine line between truth and deception.

My Review:

Christy Barritt never fails to deliver a great story in the books she writes, and this one is no exception! The characters drew me in as did the plot line. Do yourself a favor and get the book but be sure to set aside time to finish it in one sitting!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Hidden in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard

 

About the Book:

At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent turned rare-book collector Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone--taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she's getting herself into.

Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions--and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg.

My Review:

I was really looking forward to this book from reading the description and really loved the cover. In reading, I just couldn't connect with the story. The dialogue and characters fell flat for me, and I really struggled to get through the story. I do love the Christian faith parts of the story, and they were authentic.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from Revell. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Cold Case Target by Jessica Patch

 

About the Book:

Caught in a serial killer’s deadly game

with nowhere to turn…

Interrupting an attempted murder—and leaving with incriminating evidence—makes Sissy Spencer a serial killer’s next target. With a flash drive in her possession containing disturbing proof of multiple murders, Sissy has no choice but to trust her ex-boyfriend, private investigator Beau Brighton, to keep her safe. But can they unravel the clues and track down a killer…before he catches them first?

My Review:

Excellent story with lots of twists and turns! Highly recommend.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Bidding on a Second Chance: A Small Town Christian Romance by Emily Conrad

 

About the Book:

His bid for a second chance this Christmas might lead to her most disastrous fall yet.

Police officer Graham Lockhart’s life is dangerous enough without accident-prone Piper Wells tripping around in it—at least that’s what she claimed when she declined his marriage proposal two years ago. But he can’t help but wonder if there is more to her refusal.

Piper always cared for Graham, but she is incapable of giving him the one thing he wants more than anything—family. All her orphaned self knows about that is how much it hurts to lose. She’s better off focusing on caring for her nephew and running her business. Secondhand furniture doesn’t break hearts.

When an injury sidelines Piper leading into the holidays, Graham steps up to help her keep her commitment to a Christmastime auction benefiting a local family. Can they overcome the hurdles between them, or will the past and their warring hopes and fears trip them up for good?

Visit Redemption Ridge, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series of Christian romance.

This series is a spin-off continuation of the best-selling Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series with all new characters and traditions, but the same magic of community and romance readers love.

My Review:

The first book I read from Emily Conrad was Justice, and it was an amazing read! Knowing what an amazing author she is, I was looking forward to reading her newest book And it did not disappoint! In fact, I read it all within 24 hours which is very rare for me. This cozy, Christmas story is one of hope and redemption that is solidly built on the Lord. I absolutely loved the characters of Piper and Graham, and I absolutely loved the story. I highly recommend it!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

 

About the Book:

Aidyn Kelley is talented, ambitious, and ready for a more serious assignment than the fluff pieces she’s been getting as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. In her eagerness, she pushes too hard, earning herself the menial task of writing an obituary for an unremarkable woman who’s just entered hospice care. But there’s more to Clara Kip than meets the eye. The spirited septuagenarian may be dying, but she’s not quite ready to cash it in yet. Never one to shy away from an assignment herself, she can see that God brought the young reporter into her life for a reason. And if it’s a story Aidyn Kelley wants, that’s just what Mrs. Kip will give her—but she’s going to have to work for it.

My Review: 

Wow, what an incredible and inspiring read! This book hooked me from the beginning and did not let go. Swept up into the life of Mrs. Kip and her life intersecting with so many including in particular Aidyn Kelley, this book has to be one of the best of the year! It is rare for me to find a book that grips me, inspires me, and makes me weep. I know it may not be a book for everyone, but I certainly do recommend it!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

He Should Have Told The Bees by Amanda Cox

About the Book:

Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary, until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business--one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her into the position to lose everything they built together.

When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a man she's never heard of, she's not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie's financial situation rather . . . precarious. She's sure she has no right to someone else's farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her the stability she's always craved.

As these two women navigate their present conundrum, they will discover a complex and entangled past full of secrets--and the potential for a brighter future for both of them.

My Review: 

This is the third book I have read from Mrs. Cox. Since I loved her first two books, I so was looking forward to reading this one! It definitely did not disappoint! From the beginning, I was swept up in the plot woven by the author and loved the characters. It is a gift that the author has to be able to create authentic characters that are so relatable and dynamic. 

I at once took a liking to the little girl Fern and loved the interactions between her and Beckett. As the story develops, it is clear that both Beck and Callie operate from lives that involved trauma, and I could certainly identify with both characters having had my own traumas in life. In fact, one spot was so eye-opening I found myself taking a picture of the three pages to remind myself in the future of what I had read. The story flows so fluidly and definitely had me invested in what was going to happen. You know a story is good when you are close to tears near the end of the story. As a side note, while I loved the story, I did not like the references to shapeshifting.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the Revell. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Crossroads by C.C. Warrens

 

About the Book:

Run and don't look back.
I'll find you when it's safe.

Those were the last words Holly whispered to her six year old foster sister before the little girl fled into the trees and disappeared from existence.

Fifteen years later, Cassandra Ward is still missing.

Holly is haunted by the possibility that she sent her foster sister running from one monster and into the clutches of another. How else could a child vanish without a trace?

Determined to find her, Holly sifts through her own dark memories for clues, revisits her past, and chases a lead across the country with Jordan by her side. But the search for Cassie takes a dangerous turn when an altercation in the mountains leaves them stranded, cut off from the outside world, and running for their lives.

My Review: 

I have never read a bad book by C.C. Warrens. Every single book is amazing and has you sitting on the edge of your seat! This one is no different. Although the book has a complex plot line that is intense, this story (like all her others) will never fail to get a laugh or more from you. The dialogue is witty, the characters are rememerable and lovable, and the plot is suspenseful. If you start reading, plan on setting aside a chunk of time to finish--this book is hard to put down!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Letters From My Sister by Valerie Fraser Luesse

 

About the Book:

At the turn of the twentieth century, sisters Emmy and Callie Bullock are living a privileged life as the only daughters of a wealthy Alabama cotton farmer when their well-ordered household gets turned upside down by the arrival of Lily McGee. Arrestingly beautiful, Lily quickly--and innocently--draws the wrong kind of attention. Meanwhile, Callie meets a man who offers her the freedom to abandon social constraints and discover her truest self.

After Lily has a baby, Callie witnesses something she was never meant to see--or did she? Her memory is a haze, just an image in her mind of Emmy standing on a darkened riverbank and cradling Lily's missing baby girl. Only when the sisters are separated does the truth slowly come to light through their letters--including a revelation that will shape the rest of Callie's life.

My Review: 

This is the first book I have read from Ms. Luesse. The plot revolved around two sisters specifically involving a fall that Callie had but couldn't remember. Some of the things I liked about the story included the sweet relationship between Emmy and Callie, the including of the servants into the family as if they were family, some really good dialogue/character development, and the unfolding of the story through letters (although there weren't a lot of these). 

I struggled because there were a lot of words and phrases used in passing that should not be in a Christian book. For example: "too much white folks mojo," "spellbound," "they're my spirit bird," "maybe it would free her from the juju," "black-eyed peas for good luck in the new year, greens for money" as well as some others. These repeatedly pulled me out of the story. I also agree with another review that the ending was anticlimactic--with the suspense leading up to the conclusion, I would have thought it would be a bit different.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the Revell. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Awaken a Better You by BJ Thompson

 

About the Book:   

Unlock the person you’ve always wanted to be with four practical steps to lasting change, from life coach BJ Thompson.

“BJ Thompson lives what he preaches. And we might just live a little longer for having listened.”—Beth Moore, Living Proof Ministries

Is there a change you’ve been wanting to make, but you don’t know how? Have you tried it all and still can’t figure out how to move forward? BJ Thompson has been there.

Born to a teenage mother on the gang-permeated streets of Dallas, BJ understood that as a Black man, his starting place was disadvantaged, under-resourced, and unequipped. But then one day he decided to stop allowing life to “just happen” and to rise above the obstacles set before him. He transformed his life and became a global leader, coaching tens of thousands and influencing millions on their way toward building better lives.

Now, BJ wants to help you unlock greater mental, spiritual, relational, and emotional health with a simple four-step process:

1. desperation—identify a problem you desperately want to change

2. information—research the problem, unlearn built-in ideas, and vet data

3. application—build a practical plan and take active steps to make the change

4. transformation—celebrate change and embrace a mindset of continual growth

With BJ as your guide, you can start on the path to create the balanced, holistic life you’ve always wanted. Make the choice to become the person you’ve always wanted to be. The only person you’re waiting on is you.

My Review: 

Starting off I was really pulled into the book, and this continued for several pages. There was lots of practical nuggets of truth I found myself highlighting. Chapter 5, Awaken a Better Mental and Emotional You, was very helpful to me. 

However, as with some books, there can be things we disagree with. That happened with this book particularly in Chapter 8. For example, I am not sure why it was necessary to speak of "greater lights" and "lesser lights"--the Bible is clear there are angels and demons and those who are influenced by both entities. Honestly, most of the chapter did not resonate with me. However, the book, as I said, did offer some helpful pieces of wisdom in other chapters.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from NetGalley (WaterBrook and Multnomah). All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Potiphar's Wife by Mesu Andrews

About the Book:

Before she is Potiphar’s wife, Zuleika is the daughter of a king and the wife of a prince. She rules the isle of Crete alongside her mother in the absence of their seafaring husbands. But when tragedy nearly destroys Crete, Zuleika must sacrifice her future to save the Minoan people she loves. 

Zuleika’s father believes his robust trade with Egypt will ensure Pharaoh’s obligation to marry his daughter, including a bride price hefty enough to save Crete. But Pharaoh refuses and gives her instead to Potiphar, the captain of his bodyguards: a crusty bachelor twice her age, who would rather have a new horse than a Minoan wife. 

Abandoned by her father, rejected by Pharaoh, and humiliated by Potiphar’s indifference, Zuleika yearns for the homeland she adores. In the political hotbed of Egypt’s foreign dynasty, her obsession to return to Crete spirals into deception. When she betrays Joseph—her Hebrew servant with the face and body of the gods—she discovers only one love is worth risking everything.

My Review:

This book which focuses on Potiphar's wife, Zuleika, is Biblical fiction. Mrs. Andrews does a lot of research into this time period, and it definitely reflects in the writing. The plot was tightly woven together, the characters were dynamic, and I could relate to them (or get really frustrated with them), and there was a faith element present throughout the story. I really enjoyed reading this piece of Biblical fiction and recommend it!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from NetGalley (WaterBrook and Multnomah). All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Not Again The Fallout by Maria T. Henriksen

 

About the Book:

Not Again The Fallout. Book two of the Not Again series. This edgy, faith-based novel continues the life of Christina De Rosa, who experiences the fallout of her past during her college years in the 1980s.

Will Christina be able to open her heart again for a second chance romance?

Is she brave enough to face her worst fears to allow the healing needed to live a productive life? Or did her most recent event cause permanent devastating effects?

Will Christina be crushed once again by a former love?

This book will not only tie up unanswered questions from Not Again book one, but the inspiring messages will have a lasting impact.

Not Again The Fallout is so powerful that it may cause emotional responses, as well as put you on a path of healing. Bring tissues.

My Review:

This story continues with Christina's story as she goes to college. There are some great things she encounters and some heartwrenching things.  The question is what does she do with these circumstances. In a writing style that is very engaging and a foundation rooted in Jesus Christ, the reader will discover how Christina navigates these very realistic situations. There are scenes that have bad language/take the Lord's Name in vain, and there are scenes dealing with sexuality. HOWEVER, while normally this would make me put down the book, this book is one that deals with the messiness of life while there is transformation through Jesus Christ. An excellent story!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

You're Gonna Make It by Daniel Fusco

About the Book:

Most of us are just trying to get through the next twenty-four hours . . . let alone being ready to deal with the stress, anxiety, and suffering that arise when least expected.

But it's possible to move from fear and worry to the positive anticipation life should hold. See, there's a way to survive the maddening chaos of this world, but it is only found in Jesus.

Pastor and author Daniel Fusco discovered this the hard way. He's experienced his share of loss, including the death of loved ones. Through diving into the Bible and deep times of prayer and reflection, Daniel has found a new closeness to Jesus and uncovered a way of resilience, perseverance, and grit.

Jesus never promised a life of ease. He promised to be with us through everything. God can create good from all things, leading us into His promise of abundant life. We can persevere in hope. Right here. Right now.

You can persevere in God's promise. Because you're gonna make it.

My Review: 

Anyone going through various trials will be hooked by this book title. I was no different. The author speaks at great length to resilience, grit, hope, and faith all within a Biblical context. There were a lot of reminders to put my trust and hope in the Lord to get through the really hard times. Two of the things that, in particular, resonated with me were the topics of how important it is to be an encouragement and servant to others even while going through hard times. The author's writing style is conversational and funny at times. 

There were some exceptions to the book that I did not like. For example, there was a quote at the beginning of a chapter from the Harry Potter's series, there was a passing reference to Enneagram/Myers Briggs, and a reference to suffering in Buddhism's Four Noble Truths (that, the author points out in a hyperlinked note, is "not really Buddha's truth in the first place"). There were also some passing references to lyrics from musical bands. I think the author is trying to find common ground with people and so uses these reference points. 

Overall, I thought the book was good and uplifting.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from NetGalley (WaterBrook and Multnomah). All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin

 

About the Book:

Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She's not a victim, she's a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she's determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers in her poor Mexican village. But she can't stay safely over the border in America--unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her.

Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Assessing the situation, he steps in to rescue Liliana from traffickers. If he can keep his secrets at bay, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him.

Melissa Koslin throws you right into the middle of the action in this high-stakes thriller that poses the question: What is the price of freedom?

My Review: 

This is the first book I have read from Ms. Koslin. This book deals with a very tough topic--human trafficking, but Ms. Koslin handles it very well, and there is nothing graphic. Honestly, for the first half of the book, the characters fell very flat for me. While there was dialogue and description, there just was something missing. There was a surprise half-way through the book that I feel changed how the characters interacted, and changed how I felt about the book. I ended up liking the book, but because I struggled for the first half, it effected my rating.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the Revell. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

A Week In The Word by Heather Erdmann

About the Book:

A Week in the Word is an insightful Bible study guide meant to enhance your daily quiet time and help you dig deeper into any passage of Scripture you want to study.

This easy-to-follow plan will teach you how to better understand and correctly interpret and
apply God’s Word as you go through the activities each day. By immersing yourself in one selected passage throughout the week, you will grow in your understanding of the Bible and be able to more fully
incorporate what you learn into your daily life. It is designed to help you cover various aspects of a
thorough, inductive Bible study—yet in a manageable and enjoyable way.

Whether you are a seasoned Bible student who has studied for years or are brand new to
uncovering the truths of God’s Word, this study guide will help you find context, meaning, correct
interpretation, and most importantly life application as you grow to know and love Him more and then
apply what He shows you in your time with Him each day.

Guided, step-by-step instructions so anyone can confidently study using:

• Context
• Keywords
• Hebrew/Greek Definitions
• Bible verse mapping
• Memory verses
• Attributes of God
• Hymns/Worship
• Cross-references
• Commentaries
• Translations
• Life Application

If you’ve ever wanted to be able to better understand the Bible for yourself, you need this journal! 

My Review:­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ 

If you want to take your Bible studying to the next level, this study guide is for you! Easy to use with an example that will help you understand thoroughly how to walk through the steps, this study guide will have you on your way to digging into the treasures of God's Word. It comes complete with ideas of great resources you can use to help you on your digging adventure. Be prepared to learn and grow--highly recommend!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.  

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars