Wednesday, April 25, 2018

The Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan

Prosecutor Sophie Dawson's first job in the White Collar division of the Fulton County D.A.'s office is to build a case against a local bank employee who may be cheating clients. But when circumstances beyond her control leave her as the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang, her world is turned upside down.

Former Atlanta police officer turned private security guard Cooper Knight is hired to ensure that Sophie is kept safe. But as threats escalate, they don't know who they can trust.

Sophie is determined not to back down, but her bank case gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from testifying. Sophie wants to take a stand for what's right--but can Cooper, who is determined not to be distracted by their growing attraction, keep her safe so that she can finish her pursuit for justice?

I really enjoyed the book.  Sophie is tough as nails when it comes to wanting to persecute those who  break the law.   Cooper will do all he can to protect those he'd hired to protect.  It gets personal with Sophie and he doesn't like that at all.  He has vowed never to get married.  This isn't an edge of your seat thriller.  But still a good mystery.  I had some of it figured out before the end. But still a good book.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.



Sunday, April 15, 2018

The House at Saltwater Point by Colleen Coble

Ellie Blackmore is making a name for herself as a house flipper. But when her sister Mackenzie disappears, Ellie can’t focus on anything but uncovering what happened. Her only clue is the bloodstain on the deck of Mackenzie’s boat. Ellie knows her sister isn’t on the best of terms with her ex-husband, Jason, but he wouldn’t kill her—would he?

Coast Guard intelligence officer Grayson Bradshaw believes Mackenzie faked her own death after stealing a seized cocaine shipment. The problem is convincing Ellie, who seems to view him as the true enemy.

Both Ellie and Grayson want truth, but truth—and family—is often more complex than it first appears. From international terrorism to the peaceful lavender fields of Puget Sound, The House at Saltwater Point is a thrilling race to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

Another great book by Ms. Coble.  A lot of twist and turns that I didn't expect.  I wouldn't say this was an edge of your seat book.  But it sure kept me interested. 

Ellie carries around guilt from her sisters death that she just can't seem to let go of.  This colors her life if about every way.  Grayson finds out he's adopted and this throws him for a loop.  His familiy dynamics starts to make since to him now.  So them dealing with these issues and then throw in terrorism it make for a great read.  I would highly recommend this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.


More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer

Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers.

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

This is a good story about orphaned children pulling together to protect each other no matter what it takes and becoming a family.  It's also depicts the superstitions that people have and their abusive behavior can affect children.  Also, the affects of gambling. The main characters are Eva and Zach.  But the other siblings have their fair amount of time also.    I enjoyed reading this book.  It was a nice read.  Had some mystery as well as romance.  I would recommend this book to anyone.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange fore an honest review.  I was not compensated in any.

Sunday, April 8, 2018

Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey

Burning debris littering the ground . . . smoke pluming in the acrid air . . . this is just the beginning if he fails.

Seven years ago, operative Luke Gallagher vanished to become part of an elite team set on capturing a deadly terrorist. When Luke returns to face those he left behind, their help becomes his only hope of stopping his target's latest threat of an attack that would shake America to its core.

Private investigator Kate Maxwell never stopped loving or looking for Luke after he disappeared. But she also never imagined he left her or his life by choice. Now he's back, and together they must unravel a twisting thread of secrets, lies, and betrayal, all while on the brink of a biological disaster.

Will they and their love survive, or will Luke and Kate become the terrorist's next mark?

How would you feel if the love of your life suddenly appears after being gone seven long years?  That is what Kate is facing.   That's not her biggest challenge though.  He needs help finding a terrorists before he releases a terror attack on the United States bigger than anyone can imagine.

This is the fourth and final book in the Chesapeake Valor series. I highly recommend you start with the first one and read them straight through. Without reading the other books you will be lost in this one. The only negative thing I have to say about the series is that each book was pretty much a cliff hanger for the next book.  I like books to have an ending.  There was an ending to this book.  That being said I loved the books and Ms.Pettrey kept me on the edge of my seat.  I will admit to staying up late at night reading. 

I was given and ARC copy of this book for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Pelican Point by Irene Hannon

A crumbling lighthouse is not part of the inheritance Army doctor Ben Garrison expects to claim when he journeys to Hope Harbor. Fresh out of the service, he wants only to unload the tower of bricks, decompress from years of treating battlefield trauma, and prepare to launch his civilian career.

Hope Harbor Herald editor Marci Weber has other ideas. She may not be a Hope Harbor native, but the small Oregon seaside town has become home--and she's determined to save the Pelican Point landmark.

Sparks fly as the two go head to head over the fate of the lighthouse. But when they start to cooperate, a different kind of fire ignites. And as they work together, might Hope Harbor heal the hearts of these two romance-wary souls?

What a good book.  Ben is ready to retire from the Army and move on with his life.  Then he finds out he has inherited an fund draining lighthouse from his grandfather.  What to do but see if he an sell it and get rid of it.  In come Marci.  She is determined to save the lighthouse.  There's really no mystery involved.  Just a real good book to read on a rainy afternoon.  I highly recommend this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes the hand behind the attack as the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he'd finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail, driving off dangerous men. He'd
hoped those days were over, but the latest attack shows he was wrong.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace offers the only shelter for miles around, and agrees to take them in until she can safely continue. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing.

Working to survive the winter and finally bring justice to the trail, Trace and Deborah find themselves drawn together--yet every day approaches the moment she'll leave forever.

Another good book by Ms. Connealy.  Lighthearted humor with enough mystery to keep it interesting.  Deborah takes her responsibility of protecting her younger sister and the two young children in her care seriously.  She will do anything to keep them safe.  Trace is trying to find the men who murdered his pa and others along the wagon train trail.  He does what is necessary to keep them safe.    He comes upon Deborah and takes them to his ranch.  Then the fun begins. 

I highly recommend this book for everyone.

I was given this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck

Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte—in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career.
When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.
Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted—something straight from the heart. 
Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully-crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times. And just maybe, all these generations later, love can come home in a way not even Hollywood could imagine.

There was really two stories in one in this book.   Chloe and Jesse and Hamilton and Esther.  At first it was a little confusing.  Chloe reads the script for the play that Jesse wrote and immediately sees herself as playing the lead.  She also sees it as a way to break the mold Hollywood has her in as the one who always dies in the end.  Chloe is no saint and is a new Christian.  She has to overcome some of her bad choices she has previously made.  Hamilton and Esther are caught on different sides of the Revolutionary War.  Overall it was a real enjoyable book and I would recommend it to everyone.

I was given this book by the NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Storm Front by Susan May Warren

A tornado has destroyed a small Minnesota community and among the missing are not only a group of students but PEAK Rescue team leader Chet King. Ty Remington will stop at nothing to rescue his mentor, not even when the girl he loved--and lost--walks back into his life. But Brette needs his help more than he knows, despite her stubborn determination to push him away. And when he gets a second chance, loving her just might cost him more than he can imagine.

A blogger for Vortex Storm Chasers, Brette Arnold didn't expect her adventures to land her in the same place as Ty, the guy who she walked--no, ran--from over a year ago. She had her reasons--good ones. The kind that tell her that falling for him again would only lead to heartache. But Ty isn't the kind of man to give up--not on the missing students, or on her.

Life and love hang in the balance in Susan May Warren's breathless story of holding on to hope during a deadly summer of storms.

As always, Susan May Warren didn't disappoint.  This story focuses on Ty and Brette.  Brette disappears from Ty's life and he never found out.  Now that they meet up again Ty means to find out.  Ty is still struggling with the issues that led up to him crashing the helicopter and left him with busted knees and his mentors injuries. Ty also has to control issues.  Brette doesn't want anyone controlling her life.  She is doing just fine on her own.  All of this is taking place while they are searching for Chet and several teenagers missing from a massive tornado that went through town.

I loved this book and recommend it to everyone.  Anxious to read Pete's story next.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York, Adele's Jounney by Amanda Barratt

Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband.

Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.

On a sightseeing trip to the Falls, Adele meets several eligible suitors. Incredibly wealthy and pompous, Franklin Conway takes an immediate fancy to her. But Adele would truly like to marry for love.  When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?

I don't like giving negative reviews.  But that what I'm going to do.  I just couldn't seem to get into the book.  I'd read it for a little bit, then pick up something else. I've read several of the "My Heart Books" and have enjoyed them.  But I had trouble finishing this book. For this reason I wouldn't recommend it to friends to read.

Adele keeps crossing paths with Drew, who keeps taking terrible risks.  I understand his reasoning better that Adele's.  To me she seemed rather snobbish.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.




A Borrowed Dream by Amanda Cabot

Catherine Whitfield is sure that she will never again be able to trust anyone in the medical profession after the town doctor's excessive bleeding treatments killed her mother. Despite her loneliness and her broken heart, she carries bravely on as Cimarron Creek's dutiful schoolteacher, resigned to a life without love or family, a life where dreams rarely come true.

Austin Goddard is a newcomer to Cimarron Creek. Posing as a rancher, he fled to Texas to protect his daughter from a dangerous criminal. He's managed to keep his past as a surgeon a secret. But when Catherine Whitfield captures his heart, he wonders how long he will be able to keep up the charade.

With a deft hand, Amanda Cabot teases out the strands of love, deception, and redemption in this charming tale of dreams deferred and hopes becoming reality.

I enjoyed reading this book.  I didn't realize that plastic surgery had been around that long.  We take our modern medicine for granted not realizing what was acceptable 100 years ago could kill you. 

Catherine did have a legitimate reason for distrusting doctors.   So I can see why Austin would hesitate to tell her he was a doctor.  Let alone that if it got out him and his daughter would be killed.

I enjoyed reading this book.  It wasn't an edge of your seat book.  But still had mystery to it.  I would recommend this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way. 

The Heart's Appeal by Jennifer Delemere

Strong-minded and independent Julia Bernay comes to London to study medicine and become a doctor--a profession that has only just opened up to women. She witnesses a serious accident, and through her quick actions saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson.

Coming from a family that long ago lost its money and its respectability, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought was impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to rise above his family's stigma and set him on the path to wealth and recognition. But his well-laid plans are upended when the accident brings Julia into his life.

Michael soon discovers he's met a woman every bit as stubborn and determined to make her mark on the world as he is. Sparks fly--but will they find common ground?

An interesting read about the struggle women had in becoming doctors.   Even though Julia saved Michael's life she still wasn't looked upon as good enough to be a doctor just because she was a woman.  Nurse was fine but men were the only ones smart enough to be doctors. 

I judge books on:  does it hold my interest and is it one I would consider reading again.  I can say yes to both.  I recommend this book to everyone.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.  I was not compensated in anyway.

Beneath the Surface by Lynn H. Blackburn

After a harrowing experience with an obsessed patient, oncology nurse practitioner Leigh Weston needed a change. She thought she'd left her troubles behind when she moved home to Carrington, North Carolina, and took a job in the emergency department of the local hospital. But when someone tampers with her brakes, she fears the past has chased her into the present. She reaches out to her high school friend turned homicide investigator, Ryan Parker, for help.

Ryan finds satisfaction in his career, but his favorite way to use his skills is as a volunteer underwater investigator with the Carrington County Sheriff's Office dive team. When the body of a wealthy businessman is discovered in Lake Porter, the investigation uncovers a possible serial killer--one with a terrifying connection to Leigh Weston and deadly implications for them all.

This book was a new author for me.  All I can say is that I will be on the lookout for more of her books.  There was edge of your seat suspense.  It kept me guessing right up to the end.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.