Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Review of "Deadly Deceit" by Natalie Walters

In the sequel to "Living Lies", we learn more about reporter Vivian DeMarco - reviled in book one, but with some redemption and understanding to be found in book two.

Vivian is back in Walton with a specific plan in mind. She has changed her ways and is determined to see her goals through. She will not get attached to anyone or any place, so don't even try....but when her boss Harold dies under suspicious circumstances, she can't ignore the possibility of foul play. Vivi is determined to find out what happened, no matter the cost.

Deputy Ryan Frost has recently returned from training at Quantico, and is being pursued by the big agencies. He's pretty sure he is going to stay a hometown boy, though - because who else will take care of his mother and sister? But between possible foul play in Harold's death, blackmail, and the intriguing reporter, his life in small town Walton has grown exponentially more exciting.

Ryan and Vivian soon find out that there is far more behind the scenes than they could imagine. Just who is The Watcher? Who is he blackmailing, and why? When the villain strikes far too close to home, Ryan and Vivian must work together to solve the mystery.

With plenty of twists and turns and some surprising answers, the author's sophomore effort does not disappoint. I am looking forward to the third book in the series!

I receive a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "A Girl's Guide to the Outback" by Jessica Kate

These books are so fun, and I am delighted to have found a new author to love! The sequel to "Love and Other Mistakes", in "A Girls' Guide to the Outback" we get to better understand the very driven Kimberly and the extremely conflicted Sam.

Although this is a sequel, you could read it as a standalone, if absolutely necessary. :) (I always believe your reading experience will be highly enriched by reading the first one, you know, first.)

Business Manager for the non-profit Wildfire, started by Sam Payton, Kimberly Foster can best be described as determined...determined to meet goals, to succeed, and to find love (although she is loathe to admit it). With a challenging childhood and generous heart, she will do whatever it takes to help kids.

Sam Payton may have founded Wildfire but he is not sure how to navigate it's growth without anyone in need slipping through the cracks. When his family in Australia needs help, he leaves the US...and Kimberly eventually follows, because without his agreement to return her proposal will not have support and Wildfire may close down. And without Kimberly's expert assessment and advice, Sam's family business may not recover.

As you can imagine, when the city girl gets to the outback, hilarity ensues...and we just may see a romance or two, if some of our characters can get over their pride and guilt! ;)

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

Review of "Being Known" by Robin Jones Gunn

Can I just say how thankful I am that Robin Jones Gunn has seen fit to continue giving us some Christy Miller connection points?! We are able to get a glimpse of what Christy and Todd are up to, and meet new friends along the way. Part of the "Haven Makers" series, this second book follows a deeper dive into the story of original DOE (Daughters of Eve, as they have name themselves) Jennalyn (we also learn a bit more about Tess, another DOE). The author does not shy away from challenging subjects, including grief, depression, co-dependency, and emotional affairs. For anyone who has been married for more than 10 minutes this is a poignant and possible illustration of the disconnects and seriously difficult times that can occur and we see that when they are navigated with grace and forgiveness we are able to fully known.

Jennalyn is still grieving the loss of her mother. With two small children and successful but very busy restauranteur husband, Joel, she begins to feel very alone. When she runs into former high school boyfriend and first love at her daughter's dance class, they begin to slowly reconnect. Sister DOE Tess is struggling with connection as well, and although she tries to keep it professional with one of her clients, their deepening friendship may soon be crossing a line - because he is married. There are some interesting surprises and just enough conflict to keep it real.

If you haven't already, you should DEFINITELY read "Becoming Us" first. I am loving this series and will gladly endorse this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "On Wings of Devotion" by Roseanna M. White

Oh, this series! It is so good, you guys.

Wealthy Heiress and Nurse Arabelle Denler is convinced that her only avenue to having the family she has always craved is to marry for convenience...and in exchange will save her fiancée's family estate. With her mother dying when she was young and her explorer father always away on "adventures", she has learned to cope with disappointment but certainly has some abandonment issues. When said fiancée's unfaithfulness comes to light, things change rapidly....and in the process of navigating this she is introduced to Philip Camden (aka Black Heart). He's a grounded pilot accused of allowing his entire squad to die - and Ara has already been praying for him.

The substory of spy Diellza Mettler eventually intersects with both families, and the author weaves them beautifully together. The characters are multi-faceted and rich. The result is a story of pain, forgiveness, grace, and true mercy that illustrates the love God has for us.

I always enjoy when authors include little winks from other books, supporting characters that were leading ones in other books pop in for a visit - it makes it even more enjoyable. However, you can definitely read this as a standalone. I wholeheartedly recommend this entire series!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.