CONTEMPORARY SUSPENSE: Shifting Sands by Kathi Oram Peterson

SHIFTING SANDS

by Kathi Oram Peterson

Covenant Communications, 2023

ISBN: 9781524423025

Source: eARC provided by publisher for review

Contemporary Suspense/Romance

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover & summary provided by publisher through Deseretbook.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

All Gloryanna Griffin needs is a full-ride scholarship to finish her master’s degree in marine biology in order to pursue her dream of saving the ocean. However, to be a serious contender for the money, she needs to publish in a prestigious magazine. A research dive off the Olympic Peninsula is a dangerous proposition but one that just might give her article the impact it needs. But when she’s swept into an underwater vortex, she realizes her life may be the price she pays instead.

When she awakens on the rocky beach—miraculously alive—the first person she sees is the handsome stranger who saved her. Over the years, Jonathan Dawson has saved countless lives from the perils of the ocean. But until now, no one has ever seen him. Nearly eighty years ago, he died on this same beach, and his spirit has been tied to the spot ever since. Now Gloryanna and Jonathan are irrevocably linked as they are plunged into a decades’ old mystery that promises answers to the past and keys to the future. But they soon discover that some secrets may be better left undisturbed.

REVIEW

Shifting Sands intriguing premise pulled me into the story right away. The shocking events of the prologue left me with questions that kept me eagerly reading. Gloryanna makes a winning heroine with her love of family and love of the ocean. And the connection between Jonathan and Gloryanna is clear from the beginning. The way the two mysteries blended together and twisted around and between each other was fascinating. Jonathan doesn't remember how he died and he certainly doesn't know how he ended up as a ghost with the power to rescue people from the ocean.  And Gloryanna has no idea why someone would want to sabotage her diving tanks. Working together they seek answers, but the danger only seems to increase and Gloryanna is left wondering just who she can trust. 

Peterson does a great job blending the real and the fantastical.  With ghost stories it can be tricky to make it work in a story that revolves around the real world.  On the other hand, you have the freedom to create your 'own rules' so to speak. No complete explanation is given for Jonathan's state or for what happens later, but there are hints provided that relate to Gloryanna's work in marine biology and the circumstances that bring Gloryanna and Jonathan together. As I read this I wanted a happy ending but I wasn't sure how the author was going to pull it off.  I'm pleased to say that she does it in a way that works well for the story. I enjoyed meeting Gloryanna and Jonathan and reading their story. Recommended for mystery lovers who enjoy a good dose of suspense with a touch of the supernatural.

PROPER ROMANCE: The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

THE MATCHMAKER'S LONELY HEART

by Nancy Campbell Allen

Shadow Mountain, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-62972-927-5

Source: ARC from publisher for review

Historical Romance

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple's blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe—a grieving widower and a member of Amelie's book club.

Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law dies in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

When a woman's body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman's husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe's innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

NANCY CAMPBELL ALLEN is the award-winning author of eighteen published novels and several novellas, which encompass a variety of genres, ranging from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. Her most recent books, which include Regency, Victorian, and steampunk romance, are published under Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance brand, and the What Happens in Venice novella series is part of the Timeless Romance Anthology collection published by Mirror Press. She has presented at numerous conferences and events since her initial publication in 1999.

Nancy loves to read, write, travel, and research, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She nurtures a current obsession for true crime podcasts and is a news junkie. She and her husband have three children, and she lives in Ogden, Utah, with her family, one very large Siberian Husky named Thor, and an obnoxious but endearing YorkiePoo named Freya.

REVIEW

This romantic suspense follows the adventures of a rather naïve young matchmaker who inadvertently gets involved in solving a murder.  After Detective Michael Baker catches Amelia spying on a couple that she helped match, he enlists her help in getting close to Harold Radcliffe who he suspects of having murdered his wife.  Amelia reluctantly agrees hoping to prove Mr. Radcliffe's innocence.  What she doesn't expect is finding herself caught between Mr. Radcliffe's charm and Detective Baker's attractiveness.  When a second murder occurs, it becomes clear that the risk to both Amelia and Michael and their loved ones is also increasing.  If they don't find answers quickly, it may soon be too late.  

Amelie and Michael both make for delightful reading.  Amelie's romantic nature and touch of naivete made her a bit frustrating at times, but her spunk and determination balanced that out nicely.  Michael makes for a solid hero with his dedication to finding the truth and to his family.  The secondary characters were great also.  Radcliffe makes for an intriguing, dangerous foe while Amelie's cousins, Eva and Charlotte stand as interesting characters all on their own.  The plot takes several interesting twists along the way as does the romance.  Not only does this book work well as a romance, but it's a fantastic mystery as well with plenty of action and adventure along the way.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to run into these characters again. 

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE : One the Run by Traci Hunter Abramson

 

ON THE RUN

A Guardian Novel

Traci Hunter Abramson

Covenant Communications, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-52441-248-7

Source: ARC from publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

As one of the top investigative journalists in the nation, Elle Jameson has a knack for uncovering the truth. So when a promising lead points to corruption on a German military base, Elle anticipates a straightforward assignment. But then she stumbles upon a deadly conspiracy beyond anything she's faced before, and her scrutiny does not go unnoticed. She knows too much, and she can't be allowed to live. With no idea where to turn for help, she does the only thing she can: she runs.

The guardians, an elite team of undercover agents, have one job: safeguard those under their protection. As a new guardian, Nolan has just received his first solo assignment to help a young woman who just survived an assassination attempt. Within minutes of making contact with the beautiful journalist, however, their location is discovered. Thus begins a game of cat and mouse spanning the globe as the two work to stay ahead of a determined assassin. Nolan fights to buy Elle time to complete her investigation, and what she discovers is a plot that threatens the very fabric of America. In a desperate race against evil, Nolan and Elle are the only ones who can prevent global catastrophe.

REVIEW 

As in her other Guardian novels, Abramson tells a tale of suspense and romance.  This book in the series of novels about a secret organization whose job is to protect the United States and its governmental entities, tells the story of an investigative journalist who is sent undercover by her general uncle and stumbles on a plot to steal and use a stealth drone.  After an ally is murdered, Elle goes on the run where she meets up with Nolan, a guardian whose identity has been erased.  As the two struggle to stay alive and unravel an increasing complicated conspiracy, they develop feelings for each other.  Can they accomplish their mission and foil the plot or will their lives be forfeit?  And even if they survive what kind of life could they hope to have together?  Abramson has done a fine job creating interesting characters and a compelling plot. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages while I found it easy to empathize with the characters.  A fine read for those who enjoy a nice dose of romance with their suspense.

CONTEMPORARY FICTION REVIEW : Royal Heir by Traci Hunter Abramson

ROYAL HEIR

by Traci Hunter Abramson

Covenant Communications, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-52441-128-2

Source: ARC from publisher for review (Thank you!)

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Within a fairy-tale palace overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Princess Cassandra of Sereno leads a charmed life—until that life is nearly cut short in an assassination attempt. Desperate to protect his daughter, the king sends the princess to safety in the one place he trusts: the neighboring country of Meridia. There, Cassie's life is places in the hands of a man who possesses the skills to protect her. CIA agent Levi Marin has years of experience pretending to be someone he's not, but posing as the boyfriend of a real-life princess is new, even to him.

With the CIA and Interpol hot on the trail of the assassin, Levi and Cassie do their best to blend in in Meridia and to remain professional amid their charade. Yet despite their best efforts, the charade begins to feel all too real. Their chemistry is undeniable, but forgetting the dangerous reality of their situation could prove a deadly mistake. Cassie's would-be killer is still at large, and her search for answers is leading her ever closer to a shocking revelation that will rock the monarchy of Sereno to its core.

REVIEW

In this companion novel to her Royals series, Abramson introduces readers to Princess Cassandra and the royal family of Sereno.  After an assassination attempt fails, Cassie is sent away to Meredia, a neighboring country.  While there, Cassie's safety is in the hands of Levi Marin, an American CIA agent who has spent two years building Meredia's Royal security.  Nobody bothers to tell Cassie that Levi's an American though because of her family's well-known dislike of Americans.  In order to provide the security that Cassie needs, Levi pretends to be Cassie's boyfriend.  What neither of them expects is for real feelings to develop between them.  Abramson has written another entertaining, believable tale of life as a royal.  Cassie is a sympathetic character as she struggles to come to terms with having her life in danger, falling in love, and learning her father is sick.  Levi's expertise regarding security is believable and fascinating as he works to keep Cassie (and his secret) safe.  There's plenty of romance and suspense for those who enjoy those things.  I also enjoyed the realistic portrayal of the challenges of being royal as well as the luxuries.  A great addition to the Royals series.

CONTEMPORARY SUSPENSE/ROMANCE : A Stranger Watches by Kathi Oram Peterson

A STRANGER WATCHES

A Suspense Novel

by Kathi Oram Peterson

Covenant Communications, 2020

ISBN:  9781524412203

Source: ebook for review from publisher

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Something is wrong. Despite the fact that Kyra Fletcher hasn't seen her estranged father in five years, the peculiar birthday card he sends in the mail is our of character—and alarming.

Determined to put her mind at ease and men their relationship in person, Kyra travels to her father's Wyoming lodge. She finds it well kept but vacant, and according to the people in town, her father has been gone for months. Kyra is certain something has happened to him and turns to local Sheriff Shane McQuire for help. As the pair works together to investigate her father's whereabouts, Kyra finds herself becoming more and more comfortable with the town—and its sheriff. But she is unaware of one deadly detail: someone is watching her, and as she draws ever closer to the answers she seeks, that person will do anything to ensure her silence.

REVIEW

Kyra Fletcher arrives in Wyoming to discover her father missing.  She'd come to find out why he had never shown up to see her, after telling her he was coming.  With the help of the local sheriff, Shane McQuire, she sets out to find her father.  But clues are few and far between, and no one seems to have any idea where her father is.  And her father's wife complicates everything.  Kyra's difficulties with her lawyer neighbor, and Shane's struggles with his teenage daughter make it even more challenging to find answers.  But Kyra is determined to find her father despite the growing number of incidents that make it clear that someone doesn't want her to find anything. The growing feelings between Kyra and Shane also leave her wondering what the future might hold.

Kathi Oram Peterson has written plenty of romantic suspense novels, but this is my favorite so far.  I enjoyed the characters and following along as they searched for clues.  Peterson does a fine job of revealing information piece by piece, allowing the reader to try to figure things out along with Kyra and Shane.  The relationship issues made the book more interesting and left me with lots of suspects. An enjoyable read for those who enjoy contemporary romance and mystery.

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Mistaken Reality by Traci Hunter Abramson

MISTAKEN REALITY

A Novel

by Traci Hunter Abramson

Covenant Communications, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-52441-941-8

Source: ARC from publisher for review

Romantic suspense

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hadley Baker can't believe her boyfriend finally invited her on a fancy hotel dinner date only to break up with her in public. Even more unbelievable is the moment FBI Agent JD Byers finds her crying in the women's restroom and demands she evacuate. Seconds after JD ushers Hadley outside, an explosion shatters the building. Could her life be any more disastrous?

JD didn't anticipate seeing Hadley, the beautiful schoolteacher, again after he saved her from the hotel attack. But soon after he ex-boyfriend became a lead suspect in the hotel bombing case, the man turned up dead—and now it seems that Hadley herself is a target. Determined to keep her safe, JD shelters Hadley as they join forces to put together the pieces of the perplexing case. When they discover the horrifying truth behind her ex-boyfriend's nefarious work, Hadley realizes her life is far from the only one being threatened. Countless others are in danger, and she and JD might hold the key to saving them.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND HER BOOKS SEE HERE.

REVIEW

Like many of her previous books, Abramson starts this one with a bang.  Literally.  Hadley Baker flees to the restroom after her boyfriend abruptly breaks up with her.  FBI Agent JD Byers finds her there moments before a bomb goes off.  Afterwards, Agent Byers is forced to inform Hadley that the man she thought she knew may have been involved with the bombing.  When men associated with the bombing ransack Hadley's house looking for something, she goes into hiding with Agent Byers.  What neither of them expects is to develop feelings for the other.  Meanwhile, they continue to work on the case along with Byers's partner and others (including the guardians and Saint Squad from Abramson's other books) work to bring down the man and organization behind the bombing.  As with her previous works, Abramson writes a compelling narrative with an interesting story line and sympathetic characters.  And it's always fun to hear more about characters met in previous books.  If you enjoy clean romantic suspense I can easily recommend this new book by a favorite author.

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BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Secrets Never Die by Laurie Lewis

SECRETS NEVER DIE

A Novel of Suspense

by Laurie Lewis

Covenant Communications, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-52440-841-1

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tallie Brown's life has never made any sense. Raised in isolation by her mother, Julia, Tallie was dragged suddenly and without explanation from one third-world outpost to another until life normalized seven years ago when Julia took a position on a mountaintop in the Pacific northwest. But when Julia unexpectedly dies, Tallie uncovers clues suggesting that Julia had a secret life.

Journalistic phenom Jackson James is still recovering from the devastating mistake that flatlined his promising career. Now he's paying the price, working as the editor of a syrupy community rag in a posh D.C. suburb. But when the very man who destroyed him drops a tantalizing lead about a potential D.C. scandal, the reporter sees his chance for redemption and sets off to chase the story.

Jackson's investigation leads him to Cutler's Ridge, a dying Virginia coal town, and directly into the path of the mysterious and beautiful Tallie. As these two mistrustful loners follow their leads, their stories begin to intertwine until they reach an alarming conclusion - something terrible happened in Cutler's Ridge. As they doggedly pursue the story, the town's cold reception spirals into threats and danger, proving that there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden forever - because secrets never die. 

REVIEW

Coming soon!  Haven't finished it yet. 

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BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: The Emerald Heart of Courtenay by Anita Stansfield

THE EMERALD HEART OF COURTENAY

by Anita Stansfield

Covenant Communications, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-52440-969-2

Source: publisher for review

Historical suspense

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The moment her father takes his final breath, Sarah Courtenay becomes the sole heir of her family's sprawling castle—and something far more unexpected. For on his deathbed, Lord Courtenay left his daughter a cryptic message: a dark curse will fall upon the house should Sarah fail to obtain and protect a priceless treasure. Sarah's astonishment upon discovering the carefully hidden sword sparkling with jewels is nothing compared to the shock she feels when she learns the true nature of her father's death: he was poisoned. And now Sarah herself might possess something worth killing for. Desperate to avoid her father's fate, Sarah flees the only home she's ever known, taking with her a loyal maid and a hired bodyguard who will stop at nothing to protect the beautiful woman in his care. From the safety of a remote farm, Sarah finds a renewed measure of peace and hope for the future. But the sinister weapon that glitters amid her belongings in that small farmhouse beckons a shadowy enemy, one who will not be deterred from taking everything from Sarah—including her life.

REVIEW

When Sarah's father dies from a sudden illness, she has no idea that he's been murdered.  When she learns that he was poisoned and that it might be related to a family heirloom that her father just barely revealed to her, she's not sure what to do.  When some of those closest to her insist on hiring a bodyguard for her, in case she to is a target, she's not happy about it.  But another tragedy makes it clear that she is indeed at risk.  She doesn't expect to fall in love with her new bodyguard or feel so at home in her hiding spot.  As she faces the unknown she must decide what she really wants and what's she's willing to give up to get it.  I quite enjoyed this new book by Anita Stansfield.  The build-up and suspense is superbly done with the tension building from the very first page.  I especially enjoyed Sarah as a character, she's rather an unusual lady in that she's not proud or greedy, her best friend is her personal maid.  And she has no trouble accepting her growing feelings for her bodyguard, even though he's from a different class.  The author also does an excellent job disguising the culprit.  The guilty party isn't really obvious, which leads Sarah and Darius back to Castle Courtenay in search of answers when hiding doesn't get them any closer to answers.  The love story between the two is sweet and gentle, but Darius has his past to deal with and Sarah of course must deal with the challenges of her present.  If you enjoy historical suspense with great details and a sweet romance, I can easily recommend this one.

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BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: The Redgrave Murders by A.L. Sowards

THE REDGRAVE MURDERS

a romantic suspense novel

by A.L. Sowards

Covenant Communications, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-52440-945-6

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Loss is inevitable, as Evie Hampton knows all too well. But despite losing her mother to can er and her older brother to a war, she knows she's one of the lucky ones. After all, she still has her father, a distinguished professor of medieval history. And she has Gary Redhawk, the man she loves despite the emotional scars he carries from the Second World War—and despite her father's opposition to their relationship.

When Evie's car suddenly careens off the road, she chalks it up to poor maintenance or sheer bad luck making another appearance in her life. Little does she know a host of hardships is just beginning—the car was her father's, and the brake lines were deliberately cut. Someone wants them dead—but why? All fingers point to Gary, a man with a troubled past and no solid alibi, but Evie is unwilling to believe he's involved. Determined to uncover the truth, she begins to piece together a startling picture of deception and vice. But as she closes in on the truth, it is clear that someone is determined to silence her—and the next attempt on her life may be a deadly success.

REVIEW

A.L. Sowards knows how to write a suspense novel full of historical detail.  In this one, Evie Hampton's life takes an awful turn when someone murders her father and frames her boyfriend for it.  Her efforts to clear her boyfriend, Gary Redhawk, lead her in directions she could never have imagined.  Unfortunately for her, the murderer doesn't seem to be finished and she's clearly his next target.  I enjoyed reading this both for the mystery aspects, but also for the historical setting.  In addition to the murders, her relationship with Gary is uncertain as he struggles with serious PTSD and trauma from his childhood.  As a Seneca Indian, he was forced to attend an Indian Boarding School as a child, where abuse was rampant.  But Evie loves him and wants to help, she just doesn't know how.  So unlike many of Sowards previous books, this one doesn't take place in the middle of war, but it deals with the aftereffects of war and the emotional damage it causes.  The inclusion of Gary's Indian school experiences adds additional historical context.  Although reading about it and Gary's PTSD was difficult, it certainly made him an empathetic character.  One of the things I especially enjoy about Sowards books is the depth of her characters.  They feel like real people dealing with real problems in a flawed but determined way. A great book for readers who enjoy romantic suspense, but also those who enjoy a book with a solid historical setting.

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BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Undercover Honeymoon by Kari Iroz

UNDERCOVER HONEYMOON

by Kari Iroz

Covenant Communications, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-52440-710-0

Romantic suspense

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Wedding bells are finally ringing for Jacklyn “Jack” Wyatt and her FBI-agent fiancé, Damon Wade. After their adventurous beginning, the happy couple finds the relative calm leading up to their big day a huge relief. Unfortunately, it seems the peace and quiet were too good to last. As they embark on their honeymoon, a weeklong cruise, Jack can’t shake the feeling that something is off with her new husband. When she stumbles upon a secret plot—one in which her husband is a key player—she realizes this getaway will be anything but smooth sailing. When she delves into the shady happenings aboard the ship, Jack realizes Damon’s involvement is just the tip of the iceberg—she has become an unwitting player in a deadly conspiracy, and in such close quarters, there is no escape. Now, Jack has no choice but to work with her new husband to unravel the truth before their happily ever after—and their lives—are ended all too soon.

REVIEW

Jack and Damon are back in this action-packed third book.  Jack and Damon are finally getting married, but as one might expect who has read about these two in the previous two books, things do not go smoothly either before the wedding or after.  Once the wedding is over and the two have left on their honeymoon things will calm down.  But from the first moment of the honeymoon, Jack senses that something isn't right, that their is something that Damon isn't telling her.  And it turns out that she is correct.  Once again she finds herself smack dab in the middle of an FBI investigation, but this time its her husband who put her there, which does not make her happy.  But Jack can't help wanting to help solve the case and it puts her in danger.  As the stakes get higher, Jack and Damon have to get past their marital frustrations or they may find their lives are forfeit.  As in the other books in the series, Jack is quite amusing and her relationship with Damon is sweet and realistic. 

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BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Plague by Gregg Luke

PLAGUE

A Suspense Novel

by Gregg Luke

Covenant Communications, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-52440-866-4

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Centuries ago, the Black Death shadowed the world, claiming the lives of tens of millions. Now the world is on the brink of another scourge—and this time, it will be an extinction-level event. . . .

Professor Mitch Pine knows all too well the history of epidemics, so the startling new information he's discovered has him racing to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Mitch has uncovered a startling pattern: dramatic environmental changes always occurred prior to devastating outbreaks, and current climate change may be such a catalyst. But before his plane lands, Mitch's journey takes a terrifying turn. He is intercepted by a woman who represents a dangerous faction whose interest in Mitch's research opposes his mission to save lives. To secure Mitch's cooperation, his research assistant is being held hostage. With so many lives on the line, Mitch embarks on a turbulent trip around the world, uncovering pieces of the puzzle until he ultimately holds the key to prevent—or precipitate—global devastation. Unless he can find a way to stop the lunatics behind his abduction, a plaque the likes of which the world has never known will be unleashed.

REVIEW

Gregg Luke always does a nice job with his medical thrillers.  And this one is no different.  While the premise does require some suspension of disbelief, in an author's note at the end he explains the science on which it's based, making it not quite so unbelievable.  In any case, I find the mixture of real science with fiction to be an intriguing one.  Mitch makes for a very sympathetic characters as he is pulled into a quest through blackmail and extortion in the very first chapter.  His determination to use his research to save people stands in stark contrast to the motives of his extortioner and handler.  Although the twist involving his handler makes for some interesting reading.  If you enjoy medical thrillers I can recommend this one. 

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BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Catherine' Intrigue by Paige Edwards

CATHERINE'S INTRIGUE

a suspense novel

by Paige Edwards

Covenant Communications, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-52440-673-8

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

To fulfill her mother's last request, twenty-four-year-old historic design specialist Catherine Pressley-Coombes travels to England in order to investigate an elusive family line. Armed with an illegible diary, she is determined to discover the identity of her mysterious ancestress. Distracted by an Elizabethan manor and unused to British country roads, Catherine runs her car into a ditch. Luckily, Nick Davidson, a handsome, hard-working local rides in on his tractor to save the day. As the down-to-earth manager of his family's estate, Nick also happens to be one of England's most eligible aristocrats.

Nick is certainly not the kind of man Catherine would fall for, a man dogged by media and rumor. So why does she find the English lord so irresistible? Even though she can't overlook their differing values and beliefs, as she and Nick spend time together, their attraction deepens. While she battles through romantic turmoil, Catherine is beleaguered with far more sinister concerns: a series of unexplainable misfortunes that are not mere accidents. With her heart on the line, Catherine discovers her life is in jeopardy, and she has no idea who the perpetrator is but she has a growing suspicion that the danger might be connected to whatever secrets lie hidden in her ancestor's diary.

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BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Sanctuary by Traci Hunter Abramson

SANCTUARY

A Guardian Novel 

by Traci Hunter Abramson

Covenant Communications, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-52440-738-4

Romantic Suspense

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kristi Hartinger has come to terms with her life as a single, thirty-something woman. She was in love . . . once. But following her boyfriend's tragic death, no one else could capture her heart. And nothing else could fill that void, though the serenity of the ocean came close. Two years ago, Kristi left the craziness of her Wall Street career behind and embraced a simpler life on her family's private island off the coast of Main. As a resident of the small beach community, she anticipates a quiet future—until she comes face-to-face with her past.

Ace Samson is dead, or so the world believes. As a member of a secret organization known as the guardians, he was forced to fake his death years ago, leaving everything behind when he became an agent. So when he is selected to offer a potential new recruit a job with the organization, Ace braces himself: for the first time in more than a decade, he must face the woman he loved and left.

Kristi's world is rocked by Ace's sudden reappearance, and she's soon drawn into his world of danger and cover-up. But when Kristi herself becomes a target, Ace will do whatever it takes to protect the only woman he has ever loved.

REVIEW

Like the other books in the guardians series this one revolves around one of the members of the Guardians team whose purpose is to secretly help and protect those in need.  This book tells the story of Ace, the senior member of the team, and how he came to be a member and what he gave up in the process.  With the world considering him deceased, he lives like a ghost, coming and going as needed.  But when he's required to revisit an old flame and inform her that he isn't dead as she's thought for the last twenty years, he's not so certain of the response he's going to get.  But Kristi has troubles of her own and when the two meet again, they work together to face those troubles.  Abramson has done a nice job in adding to her growing series of books about the guardians and the various people involved in it.  I enjoyed reading about Ace and Kristi and the challenges they face.  I also loved the setting, an island off the coast of Maine.

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*March 12^th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*March 13^th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*March 14^th: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/,https://www.wishfulendings.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/

*March 15^th: https://brightlystreet.com/, https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/,http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: The Gem Thief by Sian Ann Bessey

THE GEM THIEF

by Sian Ann Bessey

Covenant Communications, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-52440-773-5

Source: publisher for review

Contemporary Suspense

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Gracie Miller is a small-town girl who has landed her dream job in New York City. As jewelry designer for one of the most prestigious jewelers in the world, she completed a particularly stunning piece, a custom setting for a large pink diamond. But when her billionaire client Mrs. Katsaros comes to repair a minor issue with the setting, Gracie is horrified to realize it is not the ring she created. Someone has forged her design, and the priceless diamond is gone.

Mrs. Katsaros has no desire to bring media attention to the jewelry heist, so she recruits her nephew, Quinn, and his FBI agent friend, Steve, to do some sleuthing off the record. When they discover that the missing ring is just one of many forgeries in the widow's collection, they look to Gracie for help. They need her to act the part of Quinn's fiancée. From the lights of New York to the shimmering islands of the Mediterranean, Gracie is swept into a thrilling hunt. But amid the search for the elusive thief, she and Quinn find themselves increasingly distracted by their growing feelings for each other. What neither realizes is how close the danger lies and how serious the vendetta is—because, apparently, it is worth killing for.

REVIEW

My life has been so crazy lately that I haven't had time to finish this book.  But I've enjoyed what I've read so far.  Bessey has a knack for creating sympathetic characters along with interesting plotlines.

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

* Nov. 5^th: http://mybookaday.com/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/

*Nov. 6^th: https://brightlystreet.com/, http://empowermoms.net, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://www.kindleandme.com/

*Nov. 7^th: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, https://www.lovebugsandpostcards.com/

*Nov. 8^th: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

*Nov. 9^th: http://www.iamareader.com/, https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, https://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Short Investigations by Clair M. Poulson

SHORT INVESTIGATIONS

A Suspense Novel

by Clair M. Poulson

Covenant Communications, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-52440-693-6

Source: publisher for review

Contemporary Suspense/Romance

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the sleepy town of Heber, a strange 911 call is made to report an unthinkable crime: someone has murdered a woman . . . and her body has been found in Rhett Ketchum's barn. Rhett, a well-known rodeo cowboy, is placed firmly at the top of the suspect list—the only problem is, he's innocent. As officers search tirelessly for the evidence needed to lock him up, Rhett takes matters into his own hands.

Max and Patches Fisher are the father-daughter duo behind the unconventional PI firm Short Investigations, and they agree to undertake the task of proving Rhett's innocence. Soon the list of suspects begins to grow, and Rhett feels a glimmer of hope—and an undeniable attraction to Patches. But when the officers on the case become targets themselves, it seems they may be the ones in need of protection. As events take a deadly turn, it's up to Max and Patches to uncover the truth before time runs out.

REVIEW

This is another suspense from Poulson who does such a nice job with his law enforcement stories.  This one revolves around a detective agency called Short Investigations because of the lack of height in the owner (less than 5-feet-tall).  Rhett Ketchum is called home from his rodeo tour when the dead body of a former girlfriend is found in his barn and he's reported as the murderer.  Taking the advice of his attorney, he hires Short Investigations to help prove his innocence.  With a rival working as a deputy determined to see him arrested for the crime, Rhett is understandably nervous.  What he doesn't expect is to be caught between his attraction to Patches Fisher, one of the 'short' investigators, and Detective Kori Davis.  But when attempts are made on their lives, it becomes clear that romance has to take a back seat until the the perpetrator is caught.  As always, Poulson's law enforcement details are spot on and interesting.  The twists and turns that the case takes makes for entertaining mystery.  The inclusion of an old cold case involving the investigators from Short Investigations makes for an interesting side story.

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

*August 20^th: http://mybookaday.com/blog/

*August 21^st: https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*August 22^nd: http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/, http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/, https://rachellechristensen.com/blog/

*August 23^rd: http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*August 24^th: https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://brooklynberrydesigns.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/