Book Review: The Bridge to Belle Island

From The Back:

After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon Ben finds himself falling for the main suspect--a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But is he a fool to believe her?

On Belle Island, Isabelle Wilder feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory?

When a second person dies and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know whom to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on Belle Island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.

My Reflections:

I have had the pleasure of reading many Julie Klassen novels and always leave the experience satisfied and hungry for more. 

Benjamin Booker is a lawyer by trade but after a humiliating mistake his trust issues run deep, especially with beautiful women. Unfortunately he is need to help clear the name of another beautiful face. After the death of one of his superiors Percival Norris, Benjamin is asked to go to Belle Island to investigate. How can he say no to Mr. Hardy, he took the risk and helped him go from inexperienced youth to his present position now?

Isabelle Wilder, a 30 year old spinster suffers from agoraphobia and sever anxiety issues. Trapped on the island by her affliction and fears she is tethered to her home on Belle Island. Her life spins wildly out of control after she becomes the main suspect in the murder of her trustees untimely death. Thing is she has not left the Island. 

The slow building suspense and plethora of possible suspects makes this who done it an intriguing mystery right up until the end. Fans who love Julie Klassen will be sure to enjoy this slightly different flavor in her usual writing style. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen (www.julieklassen.com) loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and three of...

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Book Review: An Uncommon Woman

From The Back:

Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with.

Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.

Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand--and heart--are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.

My Reflections:

I am over the moon to have been able to review this novel. I can always expect to be captured within the pages of a Laura Frantz novel. Her characters are always so multidimensional  they leap off the pages and become apart of your life for the short time you spend with them.

Tessa had to be my favourite, goodness she made the story! Down to earth, compassionate and humble willing to serve with a open and kind heart, she drew my admiration for her. I can't imagine the living in this time period with all these trials, hunger, wild animals, and the incessant fear of Indian attacks. This Young woman is a force to be recond with!

Clay has overcome so much in his life. Having been taken at a tender age from his family by Natives has given him experiences and heartache more than any man should endure, yet he is strong courageous and willing to do what it takes to do the right thing.

Historical romances are some of my favourite reads so it is no surprise that I adored this book for its many characters, the way it wove faith and human kindness into the storyline was simply splendid. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of eleven novels, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, The Lacemaker, and A Bound Heart. Learn more at...

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Book Revew: Seconds To Live

From The Back:

The Seconds Are Ticking Down before Someone Dies

When cybercriminals hack into the U.S. Marshals' Witness Protection database and auction off witnesses' personal details to the highest bidders, the RED Team, led by FBI Agent Sean Nichols, begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. But before he can even get started, the first witness is targeted and barely escapes with her life. Sean believes Phantom, an obsessed hacker who previously outwitted the top minds in the field, is behind the attack, and Sean needs this witness's help, as she's the person who has come closest to discovering Phantom's identity.

Trouble is, she's under the care of U.S. Marshal Taylor Mills, and Sean is reluctant to work with the captivating Marshal who knows his deepest secrets. But Phantom seems to be one step ahead at every turn and will stop at nothing to kill the witness. To stop the hacker, Sean and Taylor must learn to trust each other as danger draws ever closer.

My Reflections:

Susan Sleeman grabs her readers with just the right balance of excitement, intrigue and romance. This book will surely keep you up waiting for the good guys to come out on top!

I enjoyed the constant guessing game with this complex cast of characters. 

I loved the two main characters Sean and Taylor. Both have issues of their own and must overcome them in order to solve the case. Sean is an FBI agent and a member of the Red team within the Cyber Crime Centre. When it is discovered that someone has hacked into the (WITSEC) witness security program time is of the essence to protect many innocent lives.

Sean is trying to excel in his position and when he receives a promising lead he jumps on it. Will he be able to pull it off or with the task be too much too soon?

Taylor Mills is ensnared in the red team as she tries to help bring down the Phantom, the one responsible for wrecking havoc on the online system. Dusttee is a also involved as she was a key witness who testified against the Phantom in the past. Taylor unfortunately has her own wee problem with hacking and is on probation for her addiction.  Lives are on the line, where will the clues lead them? How many will be murdered before the catch the bad guy?

If you are looking for a good action packed novel with a nice balance, this may just be your new choice.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Susan Sleeman

Susan Sleeman (www.susansleeman.com) is the bestselling author of more than 35 romantic suspense novels with more than 1 million books sold. She has won several awards, including the ACFW Carol Award for Suspense for Fatal Mistake and the...

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