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.

Review of "The Christmas Heirloom" (a novella collection by Kristi Ann Hunter, Karen Witemeyer, Sarah Loudin Thomas, and Becky Wade)

Have ya'll read any of the other books by these four amazing authors? If you haven't, this will be an excellent introduction for you. If you have and already love them all like I do, I think you'll be especially pleased.

Let's be real, novellas are not always...well, the best. It can be hard to provide any real character development, story arcs are short, context can be missing or hard to find....but that is not the case in any of the four novellas in this lovely Christmas book.

Set in chronological order (1827, Kristi Ann Hunter; 1890, Karen Witemeyer; 1958, Sarah Loudin Thomas; and present day, Becky Wade) with a fun concept that ties them all together: a beautiful (and full of meaning) heirloom is passed through multiple generations, and it plays a special part to the main character in each of the stories. They are all woven together beautifully (and even go so far as to connect to some of the author's other full length novels.)

My favorite of the four stories is easily Becky Wade's present day novella, because frankly the more about the Bradford Sisters she writes, the better.

It is easy to strongly recommend this collection - and what better time of the year than now! Get one for yourself and give some as a gift!

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

Review of "Hidden Peril" by Irene Hannon

Book two in the author's "Code of Honor" series, this story continues the arc of three friends who grew up in differing but challenging situations. Together, the three friends vowed to do whatever they could to make the world a better place when they grew up.

Kristin Dane was the only girl in the Treehouse Gang, and she has truly lived her life in a way that fulfills that vow. She runs a company called World Craft, specializing in selling beautiful things from all over the world - all made by people in developing countries who are trying to make a living wage and build sustainable businesses. When it turns out that one of her suppliers may have been unwittingly compromised by terrorism, Kristin is sucked into a web of danger that she just may not get out of.

Luke Carter is currently a detective for St. Louis PD, but this is not his first rodeo into law enforcement. His wife Jenny also passed away three years prior, and saying he is a little leery in the relationship department is an understatement....so the fact that he is intrigued by Kristin is very different for him. Luke is also concerned about solving the mystery, and it seems like he and his team are hit with one dead end after another. Meanwhile, people are dying, so he needs to figure it out fast - and make sure Kristin stays safe.

Now for my opinion: I have always enjoyed Irene Hannon's books. She is on my regular "get when the new one comes out" list. I do have to say that out of all the novels I've read in the past six months in this genre (suspense/light romance), that this one was not terribly compelling for me. It was totally acceptable, and I will still give it four stars, and I will still recommend it. It probably just won't be very memorable or on my list of favorites.

Note: Your reading experience is always enhanced by reading books in a series in order, however, I think this one could be read as a standalone, or out of order. Very little reference is made to book 1 and to my knowledge no spoiler secrets are given - so, your choice!

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

Review of "Wait for Me' by Susan May Warren

I have truly enjoyed each of the books in the Montana Rescue series! We have been waiting a long time for Pete Brook's official story, haven't we? And it is finally here.

Pete may not have a perfectly innocent past, but since he has been in love with Jess Tagg, a more dedicated man you would be hard pressed to find. No one can say he doesn't always at least try to do the "right thing", and his bravery knows few boundaries.

Jess Tagg, aka Selene Taggart, has been sucked back into her (on the surface) fairy tale world and seems happy; but anyone who has lived for 10 minutes as an adult will know that appearances don't always tell the whole story.

When Jess (along with Shae and Ned) is essentially kidnapped from Ben and Kacey's wedding reception, Pete will stop at nothing to find her. The challenge is, who is behind it all? Who is the real target? And who can they possibly trust?

As I typically note when reviewing a book in a series, your experience will always be enhanced by reading the books in order; for this series we are in pretty deep. I suppose this one could technically be read as a stand alone.....but for this series in particular, too many mysteries were solved along the way and if you don't read them in order you will sincerely lose much of the fun.

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

Review of "In Too Deep" by Lynn Blackburn

I have been eagerly waiting for this book ever since I finished the first book in the series, "Beneath the Surface". Author Lynn Blackburn has found a unique niche in this genre, hitting the exact right blend of suspense, dialogue, believable characters, and romance for my personal taste....all the right notes are hit in this book.

Atypical wealthy person turned-police officer-and-crusader-for-justice Adam Campbell loves his career. He has also made peace with the place he holds in his uber wealthy family. In love with the brilliant Dr. Sabrina Fleming since they met two years ago, he has yet to truly share his heart. When they are reconnected to solve this mystery, Adam knows that he cannot go on working with her unless he is straightforward about how he feels.

Dr. Sabrina Fleming is so crazy smart that she sometimes misses social cues - and occasionally, doesn't even recognize her own feelings. To her surprise, Adam is not only interested, but seems quite serious. However, she is sure that she is not a good fit for him or his family. Combined with the fact that her life seems to be repeatedly in danger, Sabrina puts all her energy into solving the mystery. But is the mystery she is trying to solve the right one?

The supporting cast is interesting, and there are multiple surprises throughout the story. Note: they are not only unexpected, they are surprises that make big picture sense (vs. just being for shock value.)

This book can be read as a standalone but your experience will be much richer if you read number one first. I enthusiastically recommend these books and this author!

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