July 2020 – Simply Susan

Book Review: ‘The Power of Knowing God’ by Tony Evans

July 30, 2020 susansnodgrass

You go to church, you read the Bible, you participate in small groups—but do you truly know God?

God gives every Christian the tools for an active relationship with Him, but many don’t yet experience His presence in their daily lives. Dr. Tony Evans understands that the only way to deeply know God is to make seeking Him your life’s greatest purpose. In The Power of Knowing God, he shares how you can prioritize God over all else—and how doing so will transform you from the inside out.

Your relationship with the Lord can be more than intellectual knowledge, warm and fuzzy feelings, or dutiful acts of service. As you begin to understand Him personally, you will…
experience a soul-deep closeness with God
practice relying on God instead of yourself
find your identity and purpose in belonging to Him
The Power of Knowing God will remind you that God wants you to be more than His acquaintance, His student, or His fan, and inspire you to dive headfirst into the pursuit of a life-changing relationship with your Savior. Complete your experience with
The Power of Knowing God DVD
The Power of Knowing God Interactive Workbook

DR. TONY EVANS is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. He is a pastor, bestselling author, and frequent speaker at Bible conferences and seminars throughout the nation.
Dr. Evans has served as the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship for nearly 4 decades, witnessing its growth from 10 people in 1976 to now over 10,000 congregants with 100 plus ministries.
Dr. Evans also serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to bring about spiritual renewal in America through the church. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on nearly 1,000 stations around the globe daily. Dr. Evans has written over 50 books, including The Kingdom Agenda, Tony Evans’ Book of Illustrations, Oneness Embraced, Marriage Matters, and The Battle is the Lord’s. Dr. Evans served as chaplain for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, and continues to serve as chaplain for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.
Through his local church and national ministry, Dr. Evans has set in motion a Kingdom Agenda philosophy of ministry that teaches God’s comprehensive rule over every area of life as demonstrated through the individual, family, church, and society.
Dr. Tony Evans is married to Lois, his wife and ministry partner of 40 years. They are the proud parents of four: Chrystal, Priscilla, Anthony, Jr., and Jonathan as well as proud grandparents of ten: Kariss, Jessica, Jackson, Jesse, Jr., Jerry, Jr., Kanaan, Jude, Joel, Kelsey, and Jonathan, II.

‘What God wants from us is much more than a nod, salute of high five when we walk by.’

Tony Evans is a wonderful Bible teacher and preacher. I have always enjoyed listening to him and reading his books. The Power of Knowing God teaches the reader how to ‘know’ God on a deeper level, not just merely praying to Him and going to church. Truly knowing God requires us to deeply seek Him and Evans teaches us how to do this. Very impactful. Recommended.

*My thanks to Harvest House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are my own.

**Publisher: Harvest House**
**Publication Date: August 4, 2020**

Book Review: ‘In Spite Of Ourselves: A Murphy Brothers Story (The Potter’s House Books) By Jennifer Rodewald

July 29, 2020 susansnodgrass

Who could build a life on such a monumental mistake?

Jackson Murphy: family prankster, class clown… and now, smack in the middle of a Vegas-sized mess. All he’d wanted was to qualify for the Boston Marathon. After failing that goal, he slipped into a deep, sulking valley, only to emerge from it with a much bigger problem. He’s married. To a complete stranger! Forget making a world-class marathon so that his family will believe that (1) he’s capable of being grown up and serious on occasion and (2) he doesn’t need the ongoing pity about his brother and a certain ex-girlfriend.

Now? Now he has no idea what to do.

Mackenzie Murphy: independent woman and excellent student—but not a med student. Because those pesky MCATs were H-A-R-D. She doesn’t particularly mind that much, seeing as she’s never really wanted to be a doctor, but her mother will be…uh, displeased. Exceptionally. That’s nothing, however, compared to how Mother will respond if she finds out what else happened in Vegas.

Mackenzie wants out. Jackson wants a chance. Neither of them is prepared for what’s coming. Caught in the middle of a disaster that keeps getting bigger, they hardly dare ask: Can God take their monumental mistake and turn it into a beautiful life?

About Jennifer Rodewald
Jennifer Rodewald/J. Rodes lives on the wide plains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. A coffee addict, pickleball enthusiast, and storyteller, she also wears the hats of mom, teacher, and friend. Mostly, she loves Jesus and wants to see others fall in love with Him too.

She would love to hear from you! Please visit her at authorjenrodewald.com or at http://www.facebook.com/authorjenrodewald

‘I will choose love, even when it’s hard.’

How in this world did Jackson Murphy get himself in such a colossal mess? Sure, he’s always been the funny, pranking Murphy brother, but this? He is married. To a complete stranger! A Las Vegas mistake of gigantic proportions. Now how will he face his family? The family who thinks he should have grown up by now. MacKenzie Murphy (only just) is an independent, take care of herself woman. She thought. But she finds herself married to someone she wants rid of. Yesterday. She wants out of this marriage, but Jackson wants a chance to prove himself. This huge mistake just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Can God take this mess and make a blessing? A second chance?

Jennifer Rodewald has always been a go-to author for me. She proves it with each book she writes. This one held me enthralled. Completely. God’s mercy and grace is written all over every page. He and only He can bring peace and happiness out of even the biggest mistakes. Happiness from sadness. Joy out of ashes. I wept reading some of this. Worth every minute of reading time. I highly recommend this one, folks.

*My thanks to the author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

**Publisher: Rooted Publishing**
**Publication Date: July 28, 2020**
**Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3OXanKz**

Book Review, Tour & Giveaway: ‘The Gentleman Spy’ by Erica Vetsch

July 28, 2020 susansnodgrass

He only wanted a duchess for a day–but she’s determined to make it a marriage for life

When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she’s meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life–as a secret agent for the Crown.

But his bride has other ideas. She’s determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society–the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she’d remain in the background as he ordered.

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.

Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

‘Life would be so much easier if God would stay confined to Sunday worship and evening prayers.’

I’ve read Erica Vetsch a long time, but last year when she wrote her first Regency and book in this series, I was completely certain that she had found her niche. She wrote the best Regency! And now she has done it again with the second book in the series.

Marcus quite unexpectedly finds himself the new Duke of Haverly after the sudden death of his father and older brother. Being a duke does quite interfere with his job as a spy for the Crown. His mother insists on him marrying and begins parading a long line of simpering females in front of him. Unable to bear it any longer, Marcus ups and marries a debutante his mother quite disapproves of. After all, Marcus needs to have a wife to manage his home while he’s off spying, and he believes Charlotte Tiptree is just the one to do it. However, he does not reckon on Charlotte being an independent thinker and reader. She decides she is going to help the lowly in society and fulfill God’s call on her life. No husband will banish her to the sidelines.

‘I should have known better. God doesn’t give someone like me good gifts.’

Truly, Erica Vetsch is a masterful story teller in this genre. Rich historical details combine with a swoony hero, seriously heart pounding romance and that danger belonging to spies, Vetsch has another stunning Regency that will reside on my keeper shelf for always. I can’t wait for the next book in the series1 Highly recommended.

*My thanks to Kregel Publications for a copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3f6ddSC

Book Review: ‘Iced Over’ (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery) by Heather Day Gilbert

July 27, 2020 susansnodgrass

BOOK TWO in the ALL-NEW BARKS & BEANS CAFE cozy mystery series!!

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java…and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

Black Friday turns fatal when an armored security truck hits an icy patch and runs over an embankment near the cafe. With one driver dead and the other in a coma, police are baffled by the discovery that $500,000 is missing from the truck’s cache.

When strangers show up at Barks & Beans asking nosy questions about a young cafe employee, Macy’s mama bear instincts kick in. She can’t ignore what her gut is telling her—that things aren’t all they seem on the surface—and with a little help from her brother, Bo, and her Great Dane, Coal, Macy follows up on a few leads of her own. But if the ruthless thief beats her to the stash, the thin ice she’s been skating on might just crack.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown…with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

About Heather Day Gilbert
HEATHER DAY GILBERT, an ECPA Christy award finalist and Grace award winner, writes contemporary mysteries and Viking historicals. Her novels feature small towns, family relationships, and women who aren’t afraid to protect those they love. Publisher’s Weekly gave Heather’s Viking historical Forest Child a starred review, saying it is “an engaging story depicting timeless human struggles with faith, love, loyalty, and leadership.”

Find Heather on Pinterest (heatherdgilbert), Instagram (@heatherdaygilbert), Twitter (@heatherdgilbert), and Facebook (heatherdaygilbert). You can find all her books at heatherdaygilbert.com.

‘I just have this feeling I’m missing something. Maybe something the cops overlooked.’

Heather Gilbert knows her way around a cozy mystery. For sure. I never once guessed the culprit, nor the other surprise in this book. I love the way Gilbert takes us on the journey, letting us into the lives of the characters involved in the day to day of her books. I read this one in a few hours. Looking forward to the next. And….there is a bit of a cliffhanger here, too. Sweet. Recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinions here are my own.

Publisher : Woodhaven Press
Publication Date: July 27, 2020
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Length: 201 pages
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08651VYB3/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

Book Review: ‘Who Is Alex Trebek’ by Lisa Rogak

July 23, 2020 susansnodgrass

After a contestant wrote “We love you, Alex!” as his Final Jeopardy! answer, fans around the world quickly chimed in to proclaim their own love and support for beloved Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek. In the wake of his devastating cancer diagnosis, the moment provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on what the show — and the man – meant to them.

It was no surprise, since millions of devoted viewers have long considered Alex Trebek to be a part of their daily lives ever since he began hosting the show in 1984. Now, bestselling biographer Lisa Rogak gives readers a look at Trebek’s early life, his career, and his personal life throughout the years, drawing on many sources to tell his full story for the first time.

There are many surprises, like the fact that Trebek was almost 50 when he discovered that he had a half brother, as well as the revelation that for a short time he actually dreamed of becoming a priest. The native Canadian also struggled with depression after the failure of his first marriage, and for years afterward he despaired of ever having a family of his own until he met the woman who would become his soulmate.

Who Is Alex Trebek? is the first biography of the much-loved game show host, and as such, celebrates the man who has created a remarkable legacy that will live on in popular culture for generations to come.

About Lisa Rogak
Lisa Rogak is an independent journalist with over three decades of experience in the biz. She’s written about everything from high-tech and cats to food and travel, and after all this time, she is still amazed that it’s possible to make a living by indulging her natural curiosity and asking total strangers really nosy questions…

Her books have twice appeared on the New York Times Bestsellers List, and have been nominated for the Edgar and Anthony Awards. Her newest books include Cats on the Job: 50 Fabulous Felines Who Purr, Mouse, and Even Sing for Their Supper, and The True Tails of Baker and Taylor: The Library Cats Who Left Their Pawprints on a Small Town . . . and the World, which she co-authored with Jan Louch, a retired librarian who cared for the world-famous Scottish Folds.

She lives in New Hampshire.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Jeopardy has always been my favorite game show. Actually, it’s the only one I watch. I watched it even before Alex Trebek was the host but I like it so much more after he came on board. I’ve always thought well of him, even thought he was a little sexy. He just seemed like such a nice guy. After reading this biography, he really ‘is’ a nice guy.

Well written and not bogged down with boring and unnecessary details, it held my attention and interest throughout. It gave me understanding about someone I’d admired for decades. And it was so exciting to read about the behind the scenes at Jeopardy. I know I just felt so bad when Alex was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a while back and to see how he has pushed through this and still keep going with a great attitude speaks volumes about him. Well done!

*My thanks to St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this book. The review is my own opinion.

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (St. Martin’s Press)
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Genre: Biography
Length: 244 pages
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Alex-Trebek-Lisa-Rogak-ebook/dp/B084M1SM4C/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=who+is+alex+trebek&qid=1595426751&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

Book Review: ‘Ready to Trust’ (Hearts of Oklahoma) by Tina Radcliffe

July 22, 2020 susansnodgrass

Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.

Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl.

About Tina Radcliffe
Tina Radcliffe has been dreaming and scribbling for years. Originally from Western NY, she left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her past careers include Certified Oncology R.N. and library cataloger.

Tina is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist and a four-time Carol Award finalist and three-time ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist. A 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner and a 2018 ACFW Mentor of the Year winner, Tina is also on the RWA and ACFW Honor Roll of Best-Selling Authors. In 2019 she won the Holt Medallion for Christmas with the Cowboy. A short story writer, she has sold over three dozen short stories to Woman’s World Magazine

She currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance. Sign up for her newsletter to be notified of new releases, sales & giveaways! http://bit.ly/2angfWP

‘The Rainbolts come from good stock. Every one of them is God-fearing, easy on the eyes and a plain nice person.’

Tina Radcliffe brings us her second book in her Hearts of Oklahoma series and it’s just as good as the first one! I can’t wait for the rest. Reece Rainbolt was not the man he is now six long years ago and is shocked to learn he has a daughter. Clare Ballard comes back to Rebel, Oklahoma when her father dies and is equally shocked to learn that her dad left Reece half the family farm. She definitely does not want to stay in Rebel near Reece.

I loved everything about this book: the plot, the spiritual theme, the secondary characters. Radcliffe has talent, folks, and this series showcases it well. God’s mercies are indeed new every day and these characters need to get this down deep in their hearts. Expertly written and heart tugging throughout, I highly recommend this one.

*My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. The opinions here are my own.

Publisher: Love Inspired
Publication Date: Mass Market Paperback 7/21/2020, Kindle 8/1/2020
Length: 224 pages
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Ready-Trust-Hearts-Oklahoma-Book-ebook/dp/B084YS6Q3G/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3IVLAH58N35PH&dchild=1&keywords=ready+to+trust+by+tina+radcliffe&qid=1595080812&s=digital-text&sprefix=ready+to+trust%2Cdigital-text%2C158&sr=1-2

Book Review: ‘Raising Honor’ (Colorado Grooms) by Jill Lynn

July 21, 2020 susansnodgrass

She’s their first priority…

Could a shared love for little Honor
unite their reluctant hearts?

Nothing will stop Ryker Hayes from giving his neglected five-year-old niece the stable home he never had. But to gain custody, he must move to Colorado…and prove to Honor’s wary foster mother, Charlie Brightwood, he’s more than just responsible. As his visits with Honor and Charlie begin to feel more like family time, might Charlie become another reason to stick around for good?

About Jill Lynn
Welcome! I’m Jill. Award-winning author, hot mess, loud laugher and coffee addict. I write small-town stories filled with grace, humor and happily ever after. I also co-authored Just Show Up with Kara Tippetts–a book about how to support one another during hardships.

My books:
Texas Series
(Prequel) The Start of Us
1. Falling for Texas
2. Her Texas Family
3. Her Texas Cowboy

Colorado Grooms Series
1. The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter
2. The Rancher’s Unexpected Baby
3. The Bull Rider’s Secret
4. Her Hidden Hope
5. Raising Honor
6. Choosing His Family

Non-fiction:
Just Show Up with Kara Tippetts

Find out more at Jill-Lynn.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest: @JillLynnAuthor

‘Why would someone else believe in him when he couldn’t believe in himself?’

A woman who wants a child so badly she becomes a foster mom and a man who’s been put down so much, he can’t believe in himself a bit. Charlie Brightwood doesn’t believe in herself enough to believe a man would want to marry her. So she takes in a 5 year old girl to foster. Then Honor’s uncle shows up wanting custody when he finds out his sister is in rehab. Can Charlie and Ryker work together to give this little girl a stable environment? And might they just work things out and make a couple? Both have serious issues from their pasts and it’s going to be a difficult road. If not impossible.

I’ve enjoyed Jill Lynn’s series so much and this one just touched my heart a lot. She has created such wonderful characters and deep emotions. I recommend this one very much.

*My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. The review is my own opinion.

Publisher: Love Inspired
Publication Date: Mass Market Paperback 7//21/2020, Kindle 8/1/2020
Length: 224 pages
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Honor-Colorado-Grooms-Book-ebook/dp/B084Z4FGPR/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=raising+honor&qid=1595080399&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

Book Review: ‘Fair As A Star’ by Mimi Matthews

July 16, 2020 susansnodgrass

From USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews comes a Victorian tale of love and longing in a quaint English village.

A Secret Burden…

After a mysterious sojourn in Paris, Beryl Burnham has returned home to the village of Shepton Worthy ready to resume the life she left behind. Betrothed to the wealthy Sir Henry Rivenhall, she has no reason to be unhappy—or so people keep reminding her. But Beryl’s life isn’t as perfect as everyone believes.

A Longstanding Love…

As village curate, Mark Rivenhall is known for his compassionate understanding. When his older brother’s intended needs a shoulder to lean on, Mark’s more than willing to provide one. There’s no danger of losing his heart. He already lost that to Beryl a long time ago.

During an idyllic Victorian summer, friends and family gather in anticipation of Beryl and Sir Henry’s wedding. But in her darkest moment, it’s Mark who comes to Beryl’s aid. Can he help her without revealing his feelings—or betraying his brother?

About Mimi Matthews
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

To learn more, please visit http://www.MimiMatthews.com

My Rating: 4 Stars!

I discovered this author earlier this year and so happy I did. Her writing is absolutely exquisite. I have loved every book I’ve read of hers and still am trying to catch up! This one is a bit shorter than her others, but no less full because of the word count. It deals with a subject that was thought quite odd in Victorian times: clinical depression. Even the ‘treatments’ at that time would render the sufferer even more pain. I was so impressed with Matthews’ handling of this subject. The hero in the story was just completely amazing. I loved this book so much. Highly recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.

Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Publication Date: July 12, 2020

Book Review: ‘Hometown Honey’ (The Honeyhaven Series, Book 3) by Jessica R. Patch

July 15, 2020 susansnodgrass

Welcome back to Honeyhaven!

The town is gearing up for the bicentennial and all the festivities including the annual Hometown Honey Pageant. Single mom, Zayda Miller has never been a fan of pageants, particularly this one, but she needs cash and if she could pull it off and win, she could use the sweet prize money to help her achieve her dream. With zero talent or skill in the kitchen—why baking pies is part of the pageant is beyond her—she’s off to a pathetic start. When her high school sweetheart, up and coming chef, Stratton Shay returns to town for the grand event, she reluctantly allows him to help her in the kitchen, but they might be cooking up more than pies for the competition. Until they discover they both want the same thing. And for one of them to win, the other will have to lose.

About Jessica R. Patch
Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a contemporary romance or romantic suspense. When she’s not hunched over her laptop (or in physical therapy because she’s been hunched over her laptop), you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home watching way too much Netflix with her family, going on “adventures” in the name of book research, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at http://www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

‘Leave the dramatics to me. I’m way better at it than you.’

Jessica Patch brings her readers another delightful offering in her Honeyhaven series of novellas. And delightful is the perfect way to describe them. That, and just so witty. I love these books so much and before this one, have read each one three times! And will do again, too. They are so good. Patch is a great wit, anyway, and her deft touch at bringing these folks together in this precious little town is wonderful. Recommended.

My thanks to the author for a preview copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.

**Publisher: Bales Publishing**
**Publication Date: July 14, 2020**
**Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BJG11QM?pf_rd_r=J5KJ0DYZDYHNANJQ8E48&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee**

Book Review: ‘Relative Silence’ by Carrie Stuart Parks

July 14, 2020 susansnodgrass

About The Book:

A powerful family with lots of secrets. A forensic artist with his own tragedies. And a hurricane drawing bearing down on their private island.

Fifteen years ago Piper Boone’s only child died in a boating accident, and Piper’s almost perfect life came to an end too. After living through a divorce and losing her job, she retreats to Curlew Island and her childhood home—a secluded mansion for the politically powerful Boone family, who are practically American royalty.

But Piper’s desire to become a recluse is shattered when a mass shooter opens fire and kills three women at a café where Piper is having lunch. The crisis puts her family in the spotlight by dredging up rumors of the so-called Curlew Island Curse, which whispers say has taken the lives of several members of the Boone family, including Piper’s father and sister.

Forensic artist Tucker Landry also survives the shooting and is tasked with the job of sketching a portrait of the shooter with Piper. They forge a bond over their shared love of movies and tragic pasts. But when police discover a connection between the shooting and two more murders on Curlew Island, they face a more terrible lineup of suspects than they could have imagined: Piper’s family.

Unraveling the family’s true history will be the key to Piper’s survival—or her certain death.

About Carrie Stuart Parks
Carrie Stuart Parks is an award winning artist, writer, speaker, and law enforcement instructor. A Certified Forensic Artist, she met her husband, Rick, in the romantic hallways of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Together they formed a dynamic and successful team in their fine and forensic art, working on major national and international cases and creating exquisite watercolors and stone carvings. They travel internationally, teaching forensic art to a variety of participants: from the Secret Service to the FBI, from large law enforcement agencies to the smallest two-man departments in their one-week classes. They are the largest instructors of forensic art in the world. Carrie has won numerous awards for her innovative teaching methods and general career excellence and is a signature member of the Idaho Watercolor Society.

Carrie’s Gwen Marcey series chronicles a forensic artist from Montana and is loosely based on Carrie’s forensic cases.She began her fiction writing career while battling breast cancer. Mentored by NY Times bestselling author, Frank Peretti, Carrie’s debut novel, along with her subsequent novels, have been met with critical acclaim, including:

2017 Christy Winner: mystery/suspense (When Death Draws Near)
2017 Carol Winner: mystery/suspense (When Death Draws Near)
2017 RT Reviewer’s Choice Best Book Awards for 2016 finalist (When Death Draws Near)
2017 Christian Retailing Best Finalist:mystery/suspense (When Death Draws Near)
2017 Inspy Award Finalist (When Death Draws Near)
2016 Idaho Author Awards: winner: mystery/suspense (When Death Draws Near)
2016 INSPY winner: mystery/suspense (The Bones Will Speak)
2016 Christy Award Finalist: suspense/mystery (The Bones Will Speak)
2016 Christian Retailing Best Finalist: mystery/suspense (The Bones Will Speak)
2016 Family Fiction Readers Choice: 15 Best Books of 2015 (The Bones Will Speak)
2016 Idaho Author Awards Finalist: mystery/suspense (The Bones Will Speak)
2015 Carol Award Winner: mystery/suspense/thriller (A Cry From the Dust)
2015 Christy Award finalist: mystery/suspense/thriller (A Cry From the Dust)
2015 Selah Award finalist: mystery/suspense/thriller (A Cry From the Dust)

‘No one had an alibi and everyone had a motive.’

There’s an old saying that every family has skeletons in the closet. Well, welcome to the closet. Piper Boone suffered a great loss fifteen years ago when her only child, two year old Dove, was killed in a boating accident. She returns to her childhood home on Curlew Island, South Carolina, after a divorce and determines to live as secluded life as the home is secluded. Her family is practically American royalty but she wants no part of all that. Her longing for a quiet life is suddenly destroyed when a mass shooter opens fire and kills three women at a café where she is having lunch, one woman at her table. It’s not long before the press is bringing up the old Curlew Island Curse that hovers over the Boone family.

Tucker Landry, forensic artist is also a survivor of the shooting and also saves Piper’s life. He is given the job of sketching the shooter because Piper remembers how he looked. They have a bit of a bond between them but soon the police make new discoveries and Piper’s own family is suspect.

Carrie Stuart Parks, an internationally known forensic artist herself, is in fine form here. Her skills as a forensic artist absolutely make her books come alive. She deftly crafts a puzzle which is gripping and she has a great eye for detail. This is a compelling read, and as the action draws to a conclusion, with a hurricane bearing down on the island, no one seems to be safe and everyone looks like a suspect. A riveting conclusion that I absolutely did not expect! Bravo! Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: July 14, 2020