Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Review of "Blind Betrayal" by Nancy Mehl

This is the third book in the author's "Defenders of Justice" series; although there are some crossover characters from both of the other books somewhat casually mentioned throughout, this can easily be read as a stand alone book.

US Marshal Casey Sloane's latest assignment is to escort a local newspaper report to testify in a trial in Washington DC. She and her team are joined by Marshal EJ Queen from the DC office - and Casey used to work with him.

EJ Queen has always admired Casey and may have even had some interest in her, but she was dating his friend. (The relationship was not what he thought it was and once he learns the truth, things begin to make much more sense). The team is quickly thrown off course when their local office is bombed, and they are now on their own with the witness - no backup, no plane tickets, no safety net. Having to think and plan on the fly, with danger coming at them from every turn (there were quite a few "we're safe, no we're not" moments), will the witness make it to testify? How far will their enemy go to stop them? Who even is the enemy?

Another action packed installment in this strong offering from Nancy Mehl! I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.


Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Review of "The Hidden Side" by Heidi Chiavaroli

Continuing in the format of split time (1776 and 2016) as she did in her first book (Freedom's Ring), Author Heidi Chiavaroli has excelled at the "contrast and compare" between people then vs. now - things may be different these days, but life still has it's challenging similarities. Both stories are set in the same general location in New York.

Our 1776 timeline follows Mercy Howard, a young woman in love with a man who was martyred for the cause. She truly wants her life to count for something she believes in, but how can she do it with all of the danger and mystery that surrounds her?

The 2016 story follows the family of Natalie Abbott - married, three kids (although one died as a child - we know it happened, but the timing and the how are not fully explained until closer to the end) and they now live as a family of four. The two teens are boy and girl twins, Chris and Maelynn (16). Natalie is a radio personality (think K-LOVE morning show) and her husband is a police officer. They have had some rough roads in life, but absolutely nothing could prepare them for what they are about to face.

Frankly, this was a tough read. Worth it, but hard. No spoilers here, but the uncanny timeliness of the topic that is written about here was a true challenge to get through. The characters are authentic, the storyline compelling, and this well written book is certainly worth your investment of time and money. Pick it up today!


I was provided a free copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Cover: The Hidden Side