Book Review: Living Lies

From the Back:

In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret.
At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

My Reflections:
Natalie Walters hits the mark with her debut novel "Living Lies." Intriguing plot marred with death and deceit pair this with heart jarring topics of depression, PTSD, suicide and a mother's love and you have a best-seller! 
I found myself really put out when I had to put the book down to attend to life. 
Small town Georga is picturesque and filled with great people and home town community, however, not everything is as it seems as darkness creeps into the crevices of this well-manicured little town. 

Lane's struggle is portrayed realistically, but the autour does a fine job at balancing this reality with the handsome newcomer, Charlie Lynch. Though the romance is a little on again off again you can understand this with the mental state Lane is in. Her confidence is crushed and her controlling parents don't help matters one bit. It was a beautiful unfurling as we witness Lane realizing life may just have something to live for. 

I was drawn to Carlie Lynch right away, he reminded me of my husband: he is the epitome of protection, kindness and trust. Who wouldn't want that in a life partner? He doggedly respects Lane's space but also won't let her wither away, but holds her close, even when danger is forefront in their lives. 

All in all this book was a "YES, PLEASE!" In the fact that this authour has made it to my top 10 authors to watch for, I am eagerly awaiting book two, Natalie Walters, great work!

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

Natalie Walters

Natalie Walters is the author of Living Lies and Deadly Deceit. A military wife of 22 years, she currently resides in Hawaii with her soldier husband and their three kids. She writes full-time and has been published in Proverbs 31...

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Book Review: Fire Storm: Kaely Quinn Profiler bk 2

From The Back:

When FBI profiler Kaely Quinn's brother asks for help caring for their unwell mother, Kaely finds herself headed to Darkwater, Nebraska. When she arrives, she learns the small town has been facing a series of fires. While the fire chief attributes them to the misuse of space heaters in the frigid winter, Kaely identifies a pattern that makes her suspect they were no accident.

After yet another blaze devastates a local family, Kaely's suspicions turn to certainty. Together with her partner from St. Louis, Noah Hunter, and her brother's firefighter neighbour, Kaely and her team begin an investigation that swiftly leads them down a twisted path. When the truth is finally revealed, Kaely finds herself confronting a madman who is determined his last heinous act will be her death.

My Reflections:
If you read my blog, you know I have a few favourite authours, and Nancy Mehl is one of them. Her novels are usually filled with well researched, interesting plots.
 I am over the moon excited for book two in this series "Kaely Quinn Profiler" Fire Storm is such an interesting and fascinating read for me. I read book one (Mind Games) some time back and was completely creeped out and intrigues all at the same time. Kaely's technique to get into the UNSUB's mind is very unorthodox, to say the least. Even though this is book two in a series it can be read as a stand-alone, but really why would you?

Nancy Mehl's ability to get into the minds of the "bad guys" through her character Kaely is what is fascinating. I find people so interesting, their stories and what shapes them intrigue me. 
For this fact alone this book was super awesome, you get to pull the pieces apart then put them all back together again!

Kaely receives a call that her estranged mom is ill, her brother Jason wants her to come and make things right. Kaely rushes to the seemingly quiet town of Darkwater to help where she can, however, she quickly becomes embroiled in the case of an arsonist who is terrorizing the town. When things heat up Kaely asks her partner Noah Hunter to join her and help her unravel the mystery. Will they be able to solve this case, or will they find the target moved a little too close to home?

Brilliant writing, nail-biting suspense and fantastic interpersonal dynamics make this novel a 5 out of 5 for me! 
If you love more than just a simple who done it, this series is for you. I have to say I was dying a little inside when I found out book three, "Dead End" doesn't come out until next year. 

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

Nancy Mehl

Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of more than thirty books, including the Road to Kingdom, Finding Sanctuary, and Defenders of Justice series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is...

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Book Review: Vow Of Justice

From the Back:

Playing dead might just get her killed
FBI Special Agent Lincoln St. John is living his own personal nightmare. When the woman he loves, Allison Radcliffe, is killed, he devotes himself to tracking down the killers and making them pay for their crimes. He expected it to be a challenge. What he never expected was to find Allison very much alive shortly after her "murder."

As his anger and hurt mix with relief, Linc isn't sure how he's supposed to feel. One thing he does know for sure: he and Allison will have to work together to stop a killer before she dies a second time--this time for good.

My Reflections:
Lynette Eason, you outdid yourself!
In this last novel of the "Blue Justice" Series the pages fly and the action roars, you won't be disappointed with this novel. Though this book is a series, it contains enough backstory to be read as a stand-alone, but really, why would you?

Russain Mobsters and high tech gadgets rule as special agents Allison Radcliffe and Linc St John pull out all the stops to try to solve the mystery before its too late. 
Linc St. John is heartbroken when he learns of the death of the woman he loves. Things are not always the way they seem, however. Now that he has discovered the truth they must work together and use all their training and intuition to stay alive for real.

Eason's attention to detail and her dedication to accurate meticulous nuances speak volumes thought the entirety of this novel.  If you love a mystery, on the edge of your seat action this series is a perfect fit! 

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

Lynette Eason

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Protecting Tanner Hollow, as well as the Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the...

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Book Review: Welcome To Adulting

From the Back:

You're an adult . . . now what?
Adulting is hard. But sometimes we make it harder than it has to be. Combining entertaining stories from his own experience, insights from the Bible, and compelling evidence from research, Jonathan "JP" Pokluda lays out a roadmap for how to navigate your life as an adult, addressing topics such as:

· friendships and dating
· career and money management
· interpersonal conflict
· controlling anxiety
· recovering from addiction
· discovering your purpose on this earth

If you're struggling to find a footing in the world of adult life, this witty, non-patronizing guide is for you.

My Reflections:

Adulting... do we ever become adults? That's what I felt when I saw this title. I mean we got here somehow? We try to do the things responsible adults do, right?

I loved reading this book in snippets to my fledglings. They groaned and made all the appropriate fuss, but the was listening, and there was no way I was stopping. 

This book is something I wish I had read when I was a newly married young adult. We fumble along and eventually make it out, but wouldn't it have been nice to have a few pointers along the way?

I found myself really enjoying reading this at family dinner time, it opened up so much dialogue, so that alone was a win! I do have to say some of the experiences the authour speaks about were a little bit intense, in the way that I hope my fledglings don't fly into those particular windows, but it was healthy to see the perspective of how life can go wrong with a few bad choices. I think it's safe to say this is a great book to facilitate discussion and open up areas where you may not have previously covered. 

If you are looking for a book for your young adult that speaks to the issues of today, this may be a good resource for you or your fledgling. However I would caution you to not just give it to them and expect them to read it cover to cover because let's face it, they probably won't!

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

Jonathan Pokluda

Jonathan "JP" Pokluda is pastor at Harris Creek in Waco, Texas, and former leader of The Porch, where he saw the ministry grow from 150 to more than 7,000 young adults. The author of the bestselling Welcome to Adulting, Pokluda came to...

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Kevin McConaghy

Kevin McConaghy works as a copywriter for a marketing agency in Dallas, Texas. He's been involved with The Porch since the day it first launched, and served in a variety of roles there for over a decade. As an editor and contributor to The Porch blog,...

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Book Review: Deadly Intentions

From the Back:

There is no such thing as random
Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victims' husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

My Reflections: 

Lisa Harris is known for her intense action infused novels, and her newest title "Deadly Intentions" is by far no exception! I have read so many novels, I am usually pretty good at guessing the "who done it." This book is the exception, readers are taken on a fast-paced ride that refuses to fully stop until the very last pages. 

I loved the cadence of this novel. It was intense, yet readers are given little snippets where one can catch their breath. It's in these times where our characters dive a little deeper into interpersonal relationships and faith-building happens. 

I enjoyed both Caitlyn and Josh, their characters were true to life and kept me engaged through the entirety of this novel. Caitlyn is one smart lady, but can she use those smarts to survive? With the help of Detective Josh Solomon, they embark on a quest for truth, but will it be too little too late?

Have a free block of time before you start "Deadly Intentions," because once you open the cover you're sucked into the vortex, and it's not letting loose until page 297!

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

Lisa Harris

Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than 40 books, including The Nikki Boyd...

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Book Review: The Killing Tide

From The Back:

A Corpse That Only Leads to Secrets.
An Old Flame with Danger Written all over Her.
Things Are about to Get Very Complicated.When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer's boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

The already volatile situation is complicated even further by the arrival of Gabby Rowley--Finn's boss's sister and an investigative reporter with unrelenting questions about the crime. Now that she's returned, the tug on Finn's heart is strong, but with the risks she's taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can't ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

My Reflections:

I am a huge Dani Pettrey fan, so it's no surprise that this first book in the "Coastal Guardians" series is a hit with me. Who doesn't love romantic suspense with bubbling over the top suspense, strong heroes melded together with clean faith approved storylines? 

The cast is expansive, so that was a little for me to overcome, I am however excited to see where they emerge in future editions. The tidal waves of action would not let up, so be prepared to read without distraction, otherwise, you may find yourself getting annoyed with your real life!

Gabby Rowley was a character that you loved to hate, strong-willed and in a heap of danger. She never expected that her job as an investigative reporter could turn deadly. Her brother Noah, a special agent with the Coast Guard Investigative Service jumps in to help, with his team of agents, but is it too little too late? 

Readers will become well acquainted with all the members of the CGIS team. I especially loved Finn, his dedication and strong ethics made him my favourite character! I also enjoyed how all the special agents interacted, it was a close bond, I suppose you would have to trust and like the people who have your back! 

This was a quick read, I'm glad it is a series of I might have been disappointed with having come to the last pages. One thing you can expect from this authour is that you will be immersed within the pages of any of her novels from page one to done!

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

Dani Pettrey

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as "a name to look for in romantic suspense," Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning...

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Book Review: Breathe Again How to Live When Life Falls Apart

From The Back:

"If you are struggling with what your life looks like right now, this book offers real help and tangible hope."--Sheila Walsh, cohost of Life Today and author of It's Okay Not to Be Okay
***

You can thrive, not just survive, no matter what life throws at you.
No one gets to skip the tough stuff. Niki Hardy knows. After losing both her mother and sister to cancer, she too was diagnosed. Eventually, she discovered that it was possible to find hope, peace, trust, joy, and even laughter in the midst of it all and that life doesn't have to be pain-free to be full.

With plenty of her British humour and loads of practical advice, Niki shows you how to

· replace soul-destroying myths of suffering with the hope-building truths of God
· escape the suffocating mire of survival mode by learning God's life-giving practices for thriving
· uncover more joy, peace, comfort, and connection, despite your circumstances
· laugh when all you want to do is cry, scream, or dive headfirst into a gallon of ice cream

My Reflections:

I absolutely love how God cares for his people! This book arrived at just the perfect time! Niki Hardy is my kind of authour, she speaks my language! This powerful book is filled with encouragement and practical back to the Bible basics, the very balm we often forget to apply to our lives. I loved Niki Hardy's quote, "life is not just about surviving but thriving" I'm a thriver" sounds so much better than "I'm a survivor" right?

This book had me crying from the first chapter, I'm a softy for a good story and Niki's life has some pretty deep stories. Niki's mother and sister both died from cancer, not long after she too was diagnosed with cancer. Her authenticity rings true in the entirety of this thought-provoking read.

This book is great for anyone who is experiencing tough situations, the hope and personalization Niki brings to her readers is refreshing and down to earth. I love how she points us back to the Bible and the God who is ever-present in those tough times. Life is all about free will and choices, we don't get to control what happens to us but we can control how we handle it. This reminded me of our sermon this Sunday, Jesus says to give thanks in ALL circumstances, not just when we felt thankful or happy. It's a beautiful reminder that God walks with us through everything, even when we don't feel him, he is faithful, he is the great I Am.

This hope infused book along with the writing style was the perfect fit for me and the journey I am blessed to travel. Is it easy? Heck no, but with God, by my side, we got this! This would be a fantastic book for a small study group. It's easy to read and encouraging for women of all ages and stages.

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

Niki Hardy

Niki Hardy is a speaker and writer whose work has appeared in Christian Today and Living by Design Ministries and on Premier Radio. After leaving corporate life in London, she trained as a teacher at...

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