Review of "State of Lies" by Siri Mitchell

Having been a longtime fan of author Mitchell, I was delighted to see a new book from her, as well as one that was in a modern (and somewhat unusual for her) setting. Who writes fiction suspense about a quantum physicist (who is a woman, no less?) with political and government overtones? Siri Mitchell, that's who.

When Georgie's husband Sean goes out 'for a part to fix the sink', he never returns. She is heartbroken to learn he was killed in a hit-and-run. With the support of her parents (father is a four star General currently nominated for Secretary of Defense; mother, a former beauty queen and purveyor of all things proper) and some dear friends and neighbors, George and their young son Sam try to move on with their lives. But when odd and unnerving things begin to happen, Georgie starts to connect some dots...but she can't wrap her brilliant mind around what these things could possibly add up to.

With a number of plot twists, only everyone is suspect (ok, everyone but Sam). I found myself thinking about the ending for days. I am still not sure if I liked how things wrapped up, but I am certain I am glad I read this book. Read it for yourself and write your own review!

This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "The Number of Love" by Roseanna M. White

In the first of a new series, "The Codebreakers", this book has ties to the author's Shadows Over England series. Featuring a more mature Margot de Wilde, little sister of Lukas de Wilde from "A Song Unheard", I found it not only fun to catch up a little with Lukas and Willa but interesting to see what was next for Margot.

Margot has been working as a codebreaker in Room 40 for her country and enjoys the way that God talks to her through numbers. In spite of her age (17), her unique mind is critical to England's war efforts. She also has a very close relationship with her mom - after all, it's been just the two of them for some time - but no true friends. Margot wants to get an education, not get married; the other girls just can't relate. While at work one night she cracks the code of communications about spy number 18, and feels an overwhelming and urgent need to pray for him. She has also encountered some strange newcomers to the neighborhood - are they friend, or foe?

Drake Elton meets Margot when he brings his sister to Room 40 for an interview for secretary. He is intrigued with her answers to his casual questions but immediately leaves to return to the field, deep undercover as he works to prevent a biological attack. When he is wounded, he returns to England and eventually to the care of his sister, Margot's new friend.

With many strong subplots, sweet romance, and a mystery that kept me guessing almost to the end, I happily recommend this book. Also, if you have not read any of the author's other series I highly recommend those as well! Starting with the Shadows Over England books first will only enrich your enjoyment of this one, but it can easily be read alone.

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

Review of "We Were Bautiful" by Heather Hepler

Although guilt, doubt, and family disconnect are typical YA fiction story topics, rarely are they rooted in the primary cause of this story. Nor are they always handled so deftly as they are by author Heather Hepler. The cause of guilt and disconnect are revealed slowly, and the story's pacing and development are well done; I felt curious rather than impatient or annoyed. Our heroine Mia is experiencing some serious situations - but she is interesting and creates empathy rather than being pitied and depressing. This is a difficult topic to address, and Mia's situation is certainly a big deal, to be sure - but the story ends with hope that is messy but still real.

When Mia Hopkin's sister Rachel dies in a tragic accident, her family completely falls apart. Mia was also seriously scarred (both body and emotions). Although she can't remember much of anything about the accident or it's surrounding circumstances, she knows she is to blame.

Mia unhappily goes to New York for the summer to stay with a grandmother she's never met, and immediately starts a job at a diner as a baker's assistant. Yet with all of these major challenges and huge life changes, she is still willing to cautiously try new things. The "flavor" of the city and the diner and huge Brunelli family that embrace Mia, along with the budding relationship with her grandmother and some rich new friendships - all are well written, believable, and interesting.

I truly enjoyed this book. It was thought provoking with tender and laugh out loud moments. It is easy to recommend this book!

I was provided a complimentary copy by Blink Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "A Return of Devotion" by Kristi Ann Hunter

The second in the Haven Manor series featuring a group of women in daunting circumstances who grow and persevere in spite of all they face!

When the owner of the estate Daphne Blakemoore has lived in for more than a decade arrives (his identity and timing are unexpected) she is completely thrown off guard. He is the spitting image of the child she has loved and raised - yet she knows with great certainty he is not the father. She also recognizes that the second now 13 year old Benedict sees him, serious questions and hurt will abound. Daphne has never told Benedict that she is not just his caregiver - she is his mother - but now that Lord Chemsford is here, that difficult conversation and some heartbreak is unavoidable.

Lord Chemsford arrives at the estate with the expectation to renovate and live there full time. He is quite startled by Daphne's strange initial reaction to him along with the decided lack of staff, but is willing to wait and see how things go. He quickly realizes that all is not it seems at Haven House, but the more he learns of Daphne the more he wants to continue being surprised by her.

I know I am always a big proponent of reading series books in order; I have to point out that it is especially important for this series. There's just a tremendous amount of backstory that will enrich your experience. I love the way the author manages to combine a clear picture of how it may have been in a previous time in history along with clever dialogue, hard situations, rich relationships, and a great story. I enthusiastically recommend this book.

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

Review of "Never Let Go" by Elizabeth Goddard

Willow Anderson is a forensic geologist who has just suffered some tragic losses in her life. When her beloved grandfather, mentor, and business partner dies in an accident (but was it really an accident?) she decides she will finish the last case he accepted. When it immediately becomes clear that Willow is now being targeted, she cautiously agrees to accept former boyfriend Austin McKade's help to solve the case - and try to stay alive.

Ex-FBI Agent Austin has his own family issues. Even though it's been two years since he and Willow were together, he has never truly moved on. But when the search to solve the mystery takes him near home and family, he is forced to confront all of the emotions he's thus far been unwilling to face. But who can he trust? And are there truly any coincidences? How are all of these threads connected?

I enjoyed this book (the first I've read from this author) and am looking forward to the next in the Uncommon Justice series, "Always Look Twice". I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.