Review of "Code of Valor" by Lynette Eason

Book three in the Blue Justice series opens with Officer Brady St. John, who is on vacation at a lake house in an attempt to get his head on straight from a recent rough patch. When forensic accountant Emily Chastain appears on the lake -trapped in a boat with her kidnapper- Brady rescues her, and their adventure begins.

It's quickly apparent that Emily was targeted for something far bigger than she knows, and she and Brady are forced to go on the offensive. With attacks on every side, connections to human trafficking, greed, and numerous revenge plots, it's even possible that more than one mystery is at play here. Will Emily and Brady make it out alive? Will their past traumas allow them to see the other for who they really are? Can they learn to trust again?

Must be the season for book threes! As always, my opinion on reading the series in order stands. However, this book includes only a few small references to previous books and I believe it can be read without the first two, if necessary. As always, your experience is far enhanced by reading them in order. I will gladly recommend all three books in this series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Secrets at Cedar Cabin" by Colleen Coble

The third in the Lavender Tides series, nurse Bailey Fleming is having a rough go of it lately. After realizing she has been victimized by a narcissistic rock star (who married her only for what she would give him-and that he was committing bigamy by marrying her in the first place), she learns that her recently deceased mother was likely murdered. Now Bailey is being hunted and has to go on the run - and through an unexpected turn of events, she heads to Lavender Tides.

FBI agent Lance Phoenix is relentlessly searching for his sister Ava, who he strongly believes was trafficked as a teen. He is convinced she is still alive, with ties to Washington state. Acting on a tip that the traffickers have ties to Cedar Cabin in Lavender Tides, Lance poses as Bailey's neighbor so he can keep an eye on the area.

We are also given glimpses of Bailey's adversary, the nefarious King and his right hand man Chey. Throw in an elderly neighbor with possible Alzheimer's, an exotic pet cat, a suspicious holding company, and a crazy snowstorm, we have the makings of a great mystery!

I would strongly encourage you to read the first two books, as many of the supporting characters and plot points are woven in from the previous installments in the series. Your experience with this book will be very enriched. by reading them in order - and as all three books are solid, you'll be very happy about that decision!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Mind Games" by Nancy Mehl

The first in the exciting new Kaely Quinn Profiler series!

FBI Special Agent Kaely Quinn's unusual background (her father was a serial killer) and creative process for profiling (she 'has dinner' with her unknown suspects as part of her process) have kept her at a distance from the rest of the world. Her unique skill set, combined with a passionate focus on her work, allows very little time for friendships of any kind.

When the St. Louis FBI office receives a "eulogy for Kaely Quinn" poem, they quickly realize there is likely a budding serial killer on the loose - and the killer's end game is Kaely's death. Recently widowed Special Agent Noah Hunter is assigned to lead the case; he is initially leery to partner with Kaely - and more than a little curious - but is determined to be professional and work with her to figure it out.

 

Although I did have my suspicions on who the culprit eventually was, I was truly kept guessing up until the literal last minute. I also loved all of the unexpected and very clever surprises that were sprinkled throughout the book, especially at the end. This is not the usual crime/FBI/suspense novel - it is extra creative, interesting, and just plain good overall. I can't wait for the second book!

I was provided a copy of this book by Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

Reveiw of "Becoming Us" by Robin Jones Gunn

Let me lead by saying this is one of the best books I have read in a long time...and that's saying something, because I read quite a bit. So it's probably no surprise that this is going to be a positive review. :)

Set in Costa Mesa (right next to Newport Beach!), this story focuses on  Emily Winslow, a new acquaintance of Christy Miller's good friend, Jennalyn. Recently relocated with her husband and daughter to the West Coast, Emily is introduced to 'the group' at one of Jennalyn's gatherings. She is initially reluctant to connect but when a surprising emergency occurs, she decides it is worth the risk. The book follows the story of her family, friendships, and finding her purpose.

The thing that stood out to me the most about this book was what I will call its positive realism. The author portrays Emily's struggles in a very real and healthy way. Emily acknowledges them, is trying to understand and grow, and doesn't choose to be constantly whiny or negative. Nor are we forced to suffer through a pie in the sky fanciful solution, either.

The author is famous for having connection points between all of her books, and there's no exception here! Longtime favorites Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen are both supporting characters; you'll even find Mr. and Mrs. Miller have a role to play, and so do Uncle Bob and Aunt Marti. RJG fans will be very happy to catch up on what's new - and the new readers will enjoy meeting them.

RJG has also long been the master of finding wonder in simple things. She creates stories rooted in regular, everyday happenings - yet they seem so special. The friendships she portrays are relationships that you wish existed in your life. I will emphatically recommend this book! The writing is excellent, the story is relatable, and I truly believe your life will be enriched by reading it.

I was provided a copy of this book from Waterbrook & Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review of " Who I Am With You" by Robin Lee Hatcher

Jessica Mason is shell shocked when her husband of discloses his affair and says he is going to leave her. A short time later, he and their six year old daughter, Angela, get into a fatal car accident while running an errand....and Jessica is not only heartbroken, but finds out she is pregnant shortly thereafter. She has been holed up at home; working, resting, and attempting to heal.

Ridley Chesterfield is in Hope Springs to escape. Staying in his parent's vacation home, he is healing from his own trauma. When Ridley meets his new neighbor Jessica, he is drawn to her, and their friendship develops slowly....but eventually, he will have to go back to the real world. Or can he make it work to see what develops with Jessica?

The book also bounces back and forth to tell the story of Jessica's Great Grandpa Andrew, set in the Depression. The author uses Andrew's numerous (and sometimes surprising) life experiences to draw some parallels and subtle conclusions that are very current.

Robin Lee Hatcher's books are always thought provoking and heart warming, and this one is no exception. I gladly recommend this book! If you haven't read any of her others please check them out as well. 

I was given a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.