Book Review: End Game

From The Back:

Each New Clue . . .
Every Crime Scene . . .
Brings Them Closer to Discovering the End Game
When elite members of the military are murdered on the streets of Washington, DC, FBI Special Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini must work together to bring the perpetrator to justice. Unfortunately, all evidence points to a Navy SEAL sniper who Bailey refuses to believe is guilty.

When Bailey and Marco start to connect the dots between the victims, they wonder if there's a deeper cover-up at play. After Bailey is targeted, it becomes clear that someone is willing to kill to keep their dark secrets.

With the stakes getting higher by the moment, Bailey and Marco rush against the clock to determine whom they can really trust in this twisted conspiracy. As allies turn to enemies, the biggest secret yet to be uncovered could be the end of them all.

My Reflections:
If you like crime centred stories this one for you. Captivating, and the in-depth plot keeps readers riveted to the storyline. Murder, Mayhem, Mugging, conspiracy, theft, and political intrigue are just a taste of what to expect from this novel.  

There are many characters and a plethora of acronyms that make this read interesting and albeit a little confusing in the same breath. I was wishing that Rachel Dylan included a character list as well as the definitions for the many law enforcement analogies.  

FBI Special Agent Baily Ryan along with NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini is tasked with finding out who is responsible for the murder spree. Attraction builds between these two characters, yet it is a slow build-up, with professionalism being their main barrier. I so enjoyed these two characters. 
Such fantastic teamwork was displayed, couple this with the many other characters and their lives and sub-stories and you have a very well rounded novel. You can tell Rachel Dylan is very well versed in the dealings with law terminology, as she has worked as a litigator for over eight years, this really shines through in the well-planned plot.

If you love a good murder mystery I'm sure you will enjoy this new series. I'm excited to see what transpires in future novels of this series!

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

Rachel Dylan

Rachel Dylan (www.racheldylan.com) was a litigator in one of the nation's most elite law firms for over eight years and now currently works as an attorney at one of the Big Three automobile manufacturers. She is the award-winning...Continue reading about Rachel Dylan

Book Review: The Major's Daughter

From The Back:

She Staked a Claim on His Land,
So He Decided to Stake a Claim on Her Heart
Caroline Adams returns to Indian Territory after tiring of confining society life. She wants adventure, and when she and her friend Amber come across swaggering outlaw Frisco Smith, his dreams for the new territory are very persuasive. With the much-anticipated land run about to happen, she may just join the rush.

Growing up an orphan, all Frisco Smith wanted was a place to call his own. It's no wonder he fought to open the Unassigned Lands to people with the same longing. After years of sneaking across the border, he's even managed to build a dugout house on a hidden piece of property he's poised to claim.

But when the gun sounds, everyone's best plans are thrown out the window in the chaos of the run. Caroline and Frisco find themselves battling over a claim--and both dig in their heels. Settling the rightful ownership will bring these two closer than they ever expected and change their ideas of what a true home looks like.

Reflections:

The Major’s Daughter is the final instalment of Regina Jennings’ Fort Reno trilogy, a frontier love story which unfolds against the backdrop of one of the most underrepresented time-periods of American history in fiction, the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889. 

The novel’s protagonists are Caroline Adams, the titular major’s daughter who craves independence, and Frisco Smith, an orphan who became a roguish lawyer. Both feel confined by societal expectations and view staking a claim of their own in the Unassigned Lands as the only avenue to freedom, but, with both their dreams riding on the same plot of land, Caroline and Frisco’s relationship alternates between flirtation and bickering. 

The author has neither of her main characters obviously “in the right”, with both being endearingly empathetic and selfishly obstinate in regards to their land dispute and budding romance. Their character growth is the most entertaining and rewarding aspect of The Major’s Daughter. The excitement and turmoil of this particular historical setting is another phenomenal component to the story; the love story is decidedly enhanced through Jennings’ depiction of a town being established literally from the ground up. 

The charming prose is easy to engage, and the story is both tender and rather comedic. The romantic storyline includes an element of faith as well as a suspenseful mystery regarding a nearby settlement. Amber and Bradley, the protagonists from a previous instalment of the series, are also point-of-view characters. Despite the continuation of their romance, this book can be comfortably read as a standalone novel.

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

Regina Jennings

Regina Jennings (www.reginajennings.com) is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She's the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book...

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Book Review: Forever Hidden

From The Back:

The Silence of Secrets Could Cost Them More 
Than They Ever GuessedFor Havyn Powell, growing up on her grandfather Chuck Bundrant's dairy outside the 1904 gold-rush boomtown of Nome, Alaska, offered all she needed. She had the love of her mother, two sisters, and grandfather. But now, at twenty-three, Havyn realizes the stability of her life may soon vanish. Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the family together, but her grandfather's health is declining and everyone seems to be holding secrets from one another, including the handsome, dark-haired stranger who recently arrived.

John Roselli heads to Nome on a mission. On his deathbed, John's grandfather asked him to deliver a box to Chuck Bundrant. This is no small task and will cost everything he has, but John is determined to honor his grandfather's wishes. But keeping his promise will forever change his life.

When tragedy strikes, Havyn and her sisters have a plan of using their beautiful voices and musical talents to perform and earn money at a local roadhouse. They're an immediate hit, and it looks like the plan will save their family. But the spotlight brings with it danger, even as it serves to draw Hayvn and John ever closer. But will they realize the peril before it's too late? Will the secrets that have been hidden for so long prove to destroy their happiness?

My Reflections:
You know the book is going to be fantastic with these two authors. Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse never fail to entertain me with their well researched and heartwarming tales. 

Set in 1904 you will be transported to Nome, Alaska. Hardships are commonplace, as well as the hardworking close-knit families. 
I adore books about redheads since I have a beautiful friend who happens to be a redhead as well as a daughter who has auburn hair, so I am always interested in how the characters are portrayed. 

The three sisters Madysen, Whitney and Havyn raised by their mother Melissa Powell experience so many adventures as well as trials. I have to say I can't seem to get away from poultry! Havyn loves her chickens, well I guess she is a girl after my own heart right? The sisters are headstrong, unique and have fiery tempers (is this really a redhead trait?) The family reminded me of my own family, working hard together, loving each other through the hard stuff, and chickens...HA!

I loved how the story wrapped faith amongst the hard times, it was a heartwarming and engaging story and I am eager to read book #2.

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

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family...

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Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than fifteen fiction and nonfiction books. A popular speaker and teacher, she's shared her theme of "Joy Through Trials" with more than half a million...

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Book Review: Echoes Among The Stones

From The Back:

After Aggie Dunkirk's career is unceremoniously ended by her own mistakes, she finds herself traveling to Wisconsin, where her grandmother, Mumsie, lives alone in her vintage, though very outdated, home. Aggie didn't plan for how eccentric Mumsie has become, obsessing over an old, unsolved crime scene--even going so far as to re-create it in a dollhouse.

Mystery seems to follow Aggie when she finds work as a secretary helping to restore the flooded historical part of the town's cemetery. Forced to work with a puzzling yet attractive archaeologist, she exhumes the past's secrets and unwittingly uncovers a crime that some will go to any length to keep hidden--even if that means silencing Aggie.

In 1946, Imogene Grayson works in a beauty salon but has her sights set on Hollywood. But coming home to discover her younger sister's body in the attic changes everything. Unfamiliar with the burgeoning world of forensic science and, as a woman, not particularly welcomed into the investigation, Imogene is nonetheless determined to stay involved. As her sister's case grows cold, Imogene vows to find justice . . . no matter the cost.

My Reflections:

This dual timeline story connects past and present in a magnificent fashion. Jamie Jo Wright is one of my go-to authors, her novels are remarkably unpredictable and have an edgy feel to them that is something I am not seeing from other writers these days. 

I found I could connect with the main character right from the start. Her life has been turned upside-down, and Aggie Dunkirk un-enthusiastically moves to Wisconsin to help care for her ageing grandmother Mumsie. Now Mumsie has got to be one of my favourite characters, her spunk and determination is hilarious and inspiring all in the same breath.  I also so enjoyed Aggie's co-worker Collin with his accents, charm and ever-present help at just the right moments. I laughed when he mentioned that he irons his cotton pyjamas, ha! Really?

In the connecting story set in 1946, my heart bleeds for dear Imogene (Mumsie) Her sister's murder hits her deep and shakes her to her core, a life long mystery that has haunted her every day of her life. Imogene is determined to solve the mysteries surrounding the death of her sister, so far as to put her very life in danger. But her main task is to balance this investigation with the new secretarial job she was hired for, to organize a flooded out cemetery. Things are happening that keep everyone on edge as mysterious letters and envelopes of bones keep showing up in the most unexpected times.

In this novel, you get everything a reader would want. mystery, drama, suspense, interesting and multidimensional characters and just a dash of romance.

I highly recommend Jamie Jo Weight's works if you like something just a little different, fresh and spellbinding.

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

Jaime Jo Wright (www.jaimewrightbooks.com) is winner of the Christy, Carol, Daphne du Maurier, and INSPY Awards. She's also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of three novellas. Jaime works as a human resources director in Wisconsin, where she...

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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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