‘Dark of Night’ ( An Annie Pederson Novel) by Colleen Coble

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About The Book
The law is about justice—not grace. But perhaps ranger Annie Pederson can find a way to have both.
As if the last few months haven’t been hard enough—complete with threats on her life and the return of her first love, Jon—Annie has to figure out whether or not to believe a woman who claims to be her sister, Sarah, who was abducted twenty-four years ago at age five. Annie’s eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, has plenty of questions about what’s going on in her mother’s life—but there are some stones Annie doesn’t want uncovered.
As Annie grapples with how to heal the gulf between her and her would-be sister and make room in her daughter’s life for Jon, she’s professionally distracted by the case of yet another missing hiker in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A woman named Michelle Fraser has now been abducted, and though the woman’s estranged husband is at the top of their suspect list, Annie and her colleagues will need to dig deeper and determine whether these recent mysteries are truly as unrelated as they seem.
In this second novel of bestselling author Colleen Coble’s latest romantic-suspense series, Annie and Jon must fight for the future—and the family—that could once more be theirs.

About Colleen Coble
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 4 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.

My Rating: 4 Stars!
‘Prayer was their best weapon now.’

I love Colleen Coble’s Rock Harbor series and was very happy to learn she was setting another series there. These last two books have been great. The plots were were well thought out, characters were so good, and Coble has layered in many different suspense aspects to the story. I do hope she plans more here. Very good!

My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is expressly my own.

Print length

352 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Thomas Nelson
Publication date

January 10, 2023

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B1WKV7M4/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i3

‘The Rose And The Thistle’ by Laura Frantz

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About The Book
In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley’s father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems–a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies–and those who pretend friendship may be enemies.

About Laura Frantz

Christy Award-winning author, Laura Frantz, is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State.

According to Publishers Weekly, “Frantz has done her historical homework.” With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish.

Readers can find Laura Frantz at http://www.laurafrantz.net

*Subscribe to Laura’s seasonal newsletter and receive new release information, news about contests, giveaways, and reader events, sneak peaks and teasers, signings and appearances, and more! To subscribe, copy and paste this into your browser’s address window:

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My Rating: 5 Stars!
‘Lord, please steady my spirit.’

How in the world do I even begin to write a review for a book written by Laura Frantz that will do it justice? I have been held captive by her words since reading her first book thirteen years ago. She absolutely never fails to completely take hold of my heart with her amazing way with words.

As always, Frantz’s research is truly impeccable. For this history lover and reader, she always manages to have me looking up some of her details. It’s just such an absolute delight to read her work. Then she crafts the most real characters and shows the reader their deepest heart. When I settle down to read a book by Laura Frantz, I am immediately transported to the time of the story and snuggle in for a totally satisfying adventure. For that is what her books do: they take me on an adventure. I am, quite simply, lost in her created world and regret having to return to the present world. She is a master at her craft and my heart sings when I hear she has a new book coming.

A forever favorite is Laura Frantz’s work and her books are definitely on my keeper shelf and are reread. Well done!

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


https://amzn.to/3ircRNJ
Print length

416 pages
Sticky notes

Not Enabled
Language

English
Publisher

Revell
Publication date

January 3, 2023

‘Critical Threat’ (Extreme Measures, 3) by Lynette Eason

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About The Book
FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers, using her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to get dangerous people off the street and safely behind bars. But prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a killer is incarcerated doesn’t mean they’re not a threat. His own father, Peter, is a serial killer–in prison but certainly not out of Sam’s life, as much as he wishes he was.

When bodies start showing up with Peter’s MO, Sam and Grace are both called in to consult. They’ve met before–and though Grace thought they’d made a real connection, Sam ghosted her. They’ll have to get past the awkwardness and mistrust to solve this case–especially because it’s about to get personal.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason doesn’t give you time to catch your breath in this breakneck race to stop a serial killer.

About Lynette Eason

Award-winning, best-selling author, Lynette Eason writes for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line and for Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Her books have hit the Publisher’s Weekly, CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have won numerous awards such as the prestigious Carol Award, the Selah, the Daphne, the IRCC award and more. Lynette is married, has two children, and lives in Greenville, SC.

My Rating: 5 Stars!
Lynette Eason knows suspense. In this third book in her Extreme Measures series, she takes her readers on a wild, action-packed ride that twists and turns like crazy. Getting a glimpse inside the mind of a serial killer is a rough thing to see. Then there are all the surprises that keep popping up along the way. Totally riveting and attention grabbing, this one is for the keeper shelf.

My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.
http://bit.ly/3EF4Iwy

‘Framing The Marshal’ by Sharee Stover

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About The Book
Proving his innocence

may cost him his life…

After a brutal attack, US marshal Riker Kastell regains consciousness only to find a murdered gang member in his mudroom. Even worse, Eliana Daines—his ex-sweetheart—has a DNA program that pinpoints him as the murderer. And Eliana’s technology has them both targeted by criminals. Now he and his K-9 must protect Eliana…and find the killer who looks just like Riker before they become the next victims.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

About the Author

Colorado native Sharee Stover lives in Nebraska with her real-life-hero husband, three too-good-to-be-true children, and two ridiculously spoiled dogs. A self-proclaimed word nerd, she loves the power of the written word to transform, ignite and restore. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense and the delight of falling in love all in one. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd. Visit her at https://www.shareestover.com/.

My Rating: 4 Stars!

I love suspense and this one was an action-packed ride. Sharee Stover has written a wonderful story with believable characters and a very intriguing plot. I enjoy the DNA aspect of the story very much. And the plot twist in that regard was great. Very interesting. Not to mention the best cover! Well done!!

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

  1. Print length 233 pages
  2. Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
  3. Language English
  4. Publisher Love Inspired Suspense
  5. Publication date December 27, 2022
  6. File size1956 K

    https://amzn.to/3PBvmvg

‘Texas Smoke Screen’ (Quantico Profilers, Book 3) by Jessica R. Patch

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About The Book
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
And where there’s fire, there’s a killer…

FBI profiler Vera Gilmore has the scars—both outside and in—to remind her how deadly fire is. Now homicide detective Brooks Brawley—her once sweetheart—needs her help with a serial arsonist and murderer in his small Texas town. But almost immediately, Vera becomes a target. Will staying at Brooks’s ranch with him and his daughter keep them all safe…or put them right in the killer’s path?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Quantico Profilers 

Book 1: Texas Cold Case Threat
Book 2: Cold Case Killer Profile
Book 3: Texas Smoke Screen

About Jessica R. Patch

Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a romantic suspense, a cold case thriller, or a small-town romance. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, watching movies with her family, 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.

My Rating: 4 Stars!!
I love Jessica Patch’s books! She can write a suspense story that captures your attention and just won’t let go. Here we have book three in this Quantico Profilers series and I could barely tear myself away. I missed a nap to finish this book. And not, was there a knock out surprise at the ending! I thought I knew who the culprit was. I was wrong. Again. Patch keeps her readers guessing, that is for sure. Well done!
My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinion is my own in this review.

  1. Print length 229 pages
  2. Language English
  3. Publisher Love Inspired Suspense
  4. Publication date December 27, 2022
  5. https://amzn.to/3SYnOD2

‘Wilderness Hunt’ by Lisa Phillips

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About The Book
A search-and-rescue mission

turns into a deadly wilderness escape

When a plane carrying a federal witness crashes in the Montana backwoods, Officer Kelly Wayne and her K-9, Nico, track it down—and discover Ethan Harrigan injured with amnesia. Now with the mafia on their trail, Kelly must protect the man she thinks ruined her career. But nothing’s as it seems, and trusting the wrong person could get them all killed.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

K-9 Search and Rescue

Book 1: Desert Rescue by Lisa Phillips
Book 2: Trailing a Killer by Carol J. Post
Book 3: Mountain Survival by Christy Barritt
Book 4: Search and Defend by Heather Woodhaven
Book 5: Following the Trail by Lynette Eason
Book 6: Dangerous Mountain Rescue by Christy Barritt
Book 7: Wilderness Hunt by Lisa Phillips
Book 8: Alaskan Mountain Search by Sarah Varland
Book 9: Alaskan Avalanche Escape by Darlene L. Turner

About Lisa Phillips

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians.

Find out more at http://www.authorlisaphillips.com

My Rating: 4 Stars

Enjoy inspirational suspense? Thus author has one for you that will tick all the boxes. How about running from killers in the woods? Yep. And the action moves on from there. And there is a dog!!! Grab this one.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book.

  1. Print length 222 pages
  2. Language English
  3. Publisher Love Inspired Suspense
  4. Publication date December 27, 2022
    https://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Hunt-Search-Rescue-Book-1https://www.amazon.com/Wilderness-Hunt-Search-Rescue-Book-ebook/dp/B09XBHTSD1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V0TP1AB6HFF8&keywords=wilderness+hunt&qid=1667312600&s=digital-text&sprefix=wilderness+hunt%2Cdigital-text%2C98&sr=1-1

My Top Reads of 2022.

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I read. A lot. This past year I’ve read over 250 books. Now, most readers pick their top ten books, maybe a few will do their top twenty-five. Nope. Not me. I can’t pick that few out of the many I’ve read. So, I decided a few years ago to just do my favorites from different genres. That’s what I’m going to do again this year. And let me tell you, it was hard even at that.

Another thing I’ve never done is choose a very favorite book from all the books I’ve read. This year I did pick a BEST! This book was so special, so heart-grabbing and impactful that I read it twice in just a few months. And will again. Keep on reading and you’ll discover it. I’m saving it for the last here in my blog. So…here are my favorites. I hope you will find a few in there that you loved, too. One more thing: I normally do synopses for all the books I read and buy link, along with author photo and bio, but with so many, I’m skipping that. You can look them up if you want. Here we go!



And now for the Best Read of the Year in 2022: It’s The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham. Sometimes you read a book that just touches you so deeply that it’s hard to convey your feelings adequately. This was that book. I’ve read it twice already. I will read it again. It calls to me from my shelves. It takes the reader back to a simpler time in life, but also a much harder time. People were upstanding, loyal, and honest. Their lives crowded into mine, their hurts, their struggles, their joys, all became mine. I settled into this book and didn’t want to leave. Basham is stunning here and her hearts shines through. This book will remain one of my favorite books of all time. I’ll include my original review here:

‘Prayin’ is where we admit we ain’t the lord of our own lives.’

Where do I begin to leave a review adequate enough to convey my thoughts on what a powerful story this was? Pepper Basham is always good; I’ve never read a bad book by her, or even a mediocre one. But this. This wonderful story of the Appalachian people in the time period immediately after the Great War is so full of grace, forgiveness, and the mercies of God, that I found myself crying through parts of it, gasping at others, laughing some, too.

The story takes place in Maple Springs where Basham set another book earlier and this one features some of the same folks but can totally be read as a stand alone. It was so good to read how these folks lived, their way of life, their superstitions and love. There were times the reading hurt, because people don’t always do the right thing, but Basham handles it so well.

The hero of this story, Jebediah McAdams, is perfect. I totally fell in love with his sweet heart and concern for others. And I loved his ‘itchin’ lips’. You’ll have to read the story to get that one. I promise you’ll like it, too. Jeb is totally unprepared for the English woman who literally falls into his arms when she runs away from home to escape an arranged marriage. And Cora is determined to be a help to these precious people as ‘Nurse Woman’. Having served at the Front during the Great War, she is sure she can provide help to them. IF she can get these backward and leery folk to trust her.

Set in a simpler time in a beautiful place, this story will stay with you long after you read the last word. It will be a treasure for any keeper shelf. I know it will mine. Basham’s descriptions of the mountains will have you longing to see them for yourself. This was a powerfully moving book and I adored every minute. It’s the kind of book that, when you read the last word, you want to flip to the beginning and start over again. It’s that good. Well done!

My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review and the opinion expressed here is entirely my own.

Here’s the buy link for the book: http://bit.ly/3A9dIIR

There you have it. These are the very best. I read a lot of wonderful books and wish I could include them all, but I had to force myself to limit it. I hope you will read some or all of these.

‘The Smell of Spring’ by Mary Ann Hake

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About The Book
A fresh sensation fills the air. What is this strange new smell out there?
Join April, a blind girl, in this charming rhyming picture book as she discovers the wonderful—and not-so-wonderful—smells of spring and answers questions like, “Does rain really have a smell?”
The Smell of Spring shows children how we experience the world around us through the sense of smell. Kids will enjoy her many interesting pets and have fun with the activities at the end using the sense of smell.

About the Author

Mary Ann Hake has loved learning, reading, and writing for as long as she can remember. She has been scribbling stories and poems since she first learned to write and has published hundreds of stories, articles, poems, puzzles, devotions, and more for both children and adults plus written hundreds of book reviews. She loved working in a bookstore and as a librarian and enjoyed reading to children at story times and conducting summer reading programs. She has also taught writing to children and at writers’ conferences. In addition to writing, she continues to work as a freelance editor. Visit her website, http://www.maryannhake.com, and sign up for activities for children and updates on future books. Also visit her author page on Facebook at Mary A. Hake author.

My Rating: 5 Stars!

An absolutely delightful book about a little blind girl experiencing spring through the smells of the season. A beautifully illustrated story every child should own

My thanks to the author for a copy. I was not expected to leave a review.

https://amzn.to/3FyTb23

‘Roast Date’ (Barks and Beans Cafe #7) by Heather Day Gilbert

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About The Book
BOOK SEVEN in the bestselling 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.

After much cajoling, Macy gives in to her neighbor, Vera, and agrees to come to her book club’s Christmas party so she can share about the cafe. While public speaking isn’t Macy’s thing, she wants to brighten Vera’s lonely holiday season…and she can sell a little house blend on the side.

When a lively book discussion spirals into a public roast of the mayor—who happens to be sitting in their midst—things get uncomfortable. Soon afterward, the mayor shows up dead in Vera’s bathroom, and no amount of gingerbread cookies or eggnog can restore Vera to the club’s good graces. ‘Tis the season for Macy to find the murderer, or else Vera might be taking a long winter’s nap in a jail cell.

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.

The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order:
Book 1: No Filter
Book 2: Iced Over
Book 3: Fair Trade
Book 4: Spilled Milk
Book 5: Trouble Brewing
Book 6: Cold Drip
Book 7: Roast Date
About the Author
Award-winning novelist Heather Day Gilbert enjoys writing mysteries and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather’s realistic characters–no matter what century–feel like best friends. When she’s not plotting stories, this native West Virginian can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.
Find all her books and her newsletter signup at heatherdaygilbert.com.
My Rating: 4 Stars!
Heather Gilbert brings us another great cozy mystery in her popular Barks and Beans series. And, as usual, she is very adept at keeping the culprit a mystery. I so much enjoyed visiting with Macy’s lovable Great Dane, Coal, again. I just want to meet him so much! I also enjoyed seeing all the regulars again. Gilbert leaves us a bit in the lurch at the ending, where it seems Bo and Macy’s old nemesis I once again throwing a wrench into things. I can’t wait for the next one!

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

160 pages
Sticky notes

On Kindle Scribe
Language

English
Publication date

December 20, 2022
File size

1556 KB
https://amzn.to/3FRywrH

‘Fortress of Snow’ by Melanie Dickerson

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About The Book
Mazy dreams of independence. Sir Berenger longs to play the hero. But in each other, they may find the secret to happily ever after.
Mazelina of Wexcombe has always dreamed of traveling with her father to lands beyond the confining walls of their castle. But his sudden death deprives her of the future she imagined. Abandoned by her eldest brother, Mazy is soon forced to seek help from her beloved brother Sir John at the great estate of Strachleigh.
Her visit leads to a friendship with the dashing and noble Sir Berenger of Dericott. He has notions of rescuing a damsel in distress. But Mazy is brave enough to defend herself—and has proven that her skills in archery and knife throwing rival that of a knight’s. So when he is called away to Prussian lands, Sir Berenger looks to distinguish himself in battle.
When Sir Berenger returns, he and Mazy meet again on the streets of London, where she is making a living selling goods in the market. Meanwhile, he has been summoned by the king to receive a reward for his service. But the recognition comes with a price: He must marry a wealthy, titled widow to please the king. But when Mazy begins to suspect treachery, she embarks on a journey to the fortress of snow to warn the brave knight—and secure her own fairy-tale ending.
In this fourth novel set in the Dericott universe, Melanie Dickerson weaves an exciting reimagining of the Snow Queen tale.
“When it comes to happily-ever-afters, Melanie Dickerson is the undisputed queen.” —Julie Lessman, award-winning author
Sweet historical medieval romance
Part of the Dericott series: Book 1: Court of Swans; Book 2: Castle of Refuge; Book 3: Veil of Winter; Book 4: Fortress of Snow
Book length: 85,000 words

About Melanie Dickerson

Melanie is the Christy award-winning author of Regency and Medieval fairy tale romances.

Melanie’s newsletter sign-up is on her website, http://www.MelanieDickerson.com, and you can connect with her on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MelanieDickersonBooks/ and on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/melaniedickerson123/

Growing up about 50 miles from Harper Lee’s hometown in rural Alabama, Melanie wrote stories in notebooks for her friends, who passed them around in class as soon as she finished a scene. (And no, they didn’t get in trouble—much.) These stories always involved adventure, danger, and a hero and heroine falling in love, with a happily-ever-after ending. She’s been a romantic for as long as she can remember!

Melanie lives in North Alabama with her husband and sometimes her two young adult children, who have (mostly) flown the nest. You’ll find her sprint-writing with her friends on video chat, sipping hot tea at a local coffee shop, hanging out with her handsome husband, watching movies with her oddly calm Jack Russell terrier, or daydreaming about her book-in-progress.

4 Stars!

I have always loved Melanie Dickerson’s retelling of fairy tales. A delight to read, they are such wonderful stories with good characters. They never fail to delight me. Fairy tales were a big part of my life as a child and Dickerson brings them all back to life.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B14KYYYT/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i1