Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble

Carly Harris is raising her infant son by herself after her husband Eric was murdered.  She lives with her grandmother and her grandmother wants to turn their home into a bed and breakfast.  She hires their next door neighbor Ryan to do the work.  While going through the attic, she discovers a chest.  When she goes through it, she discovers her grandmother was adopted.  She also discovers what she believes to be a Fabergé Egg hidden in the folds of a shawl.  She goes to Ryan's brother Lucas for help who is a police detective.  There is home broken into, murders, others have their homes broken into.  It all seems to be connected to the discovery of the egg. They also discover that Carly's grandmother has a twin sister.  She is even in danger so they have to find her fast. Carly never wants to remarry and Lucas also has no plans to marry.  But they find it hard to keep their feeling to themselves.

This is a fast paced book that I really enjoyed.  

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in anyway.  

Double Take by Lynette Eason

James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army and is now working as a police detective.  He meets Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson after he is shot while rescuing a child.  Lainie is recovering from having to kill her ex fiancé when he was trying to kill her.  The problem is that she keeps seeing him and he wants her dead.  Both James and Lainie suffer from PTSD from their past experiences. As James and Lainie work to discover if Adam is really alive and who wants her dead, they discover that they have feelings for each other.  

This is a great read and I recommend this book.

I received this book from Revell Publishing via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Undercover Baby Rescue by Maggie K. Black

Justin Leacock has just found his sister who has been living on the streets.  She just delivered a baby and wants him to adopt the baby.  While he is out of the room, he hears an alert that a baby has been kidnapped.  His nephew.  His former fiancé is assigned the case.  They must pose as a married couple to see if they can infiltrate the baby adoption ring.  They discover the place where the baby is.  Now they just have to rescue him before he is taken out of the country.  

This book was a little slow in spots.  But overall it was a good mystery.  The H & H are well thought out and play their parts well.

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

Undercover Christmas Escape by Terri Reed

Another great mystery by Terri Reed.  Sera and Duncan find themselves undercover at a Christmas party and Santa and Mrs. Claus.  They are trying to gather information about a drug lord.  Things take a turn when gunmen invade the party and take Sera hostage.  Things go even further south when Sera recognizes one of the gunmen.

This is Sera and Duncan's journey to admit their feeling for each other as well as to solve the mystery.  This isn't an edge of your seat mystery.  But still an good mystery.  

I received this book from Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Marshaling Her Heart by Mary Connealy

This was a great ending to the Wyoming Sunrise Series.  Becky Pruitt has her own ranch away from her mean spirited father.  The Deadeye Gang is still on the loose and killing and stealing.  Nate Paxton, her foreman, is a former US Marshal.  His brother is a US Marshal and is bringing other marshals with him to round up the Deadeye Gang.  They want to use Becky's ranch as there headquarters.  But they don't want anyone to know they're US Marshals.  

This book has lots of actions.  Plus Becky and Nate finally get their story.  Ms. Connealy has done another great job with this book.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jamie Jo Wright

This story goes back and forth between 1915 and decades later.  In 1915 Greta is trying to keep her family out of the poor house.  Her oldest brother fell to his death while working on the construction of the Barlowe Theater.  Now her next oldest brother has disappeared while in the theater.  Years later Kit's best friend disappears in the same theater.  The stories parallel each other with the strange happenings at the Barlowe Theater.  As the story progresses,  the mystery of the theater gets deeper and deeper.  

I'm not a fan of stories that go back and forth in time.  But this was a good book.

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Skye Fall by Paige Edwards

Isla has a job she loves and a boyfriend, who is a policeman, she adores.  It all comes crashing down when she discovers that her boyfriend is a vigilante and selling weapons to terrorists.  He stabs her and leaves her for dead.  After she recovers, she leaves everything behind and hides.  She's done this for two years.  Now she believes her ex-boyfriend has found her.  

This is a good mystery.  I wouldn't call it a suspenseful book.  But it has a good story line.  I would recommend this book to all who like a good mystery.

I received this book from Covenant Communications via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni

Cora's life was a mess.  She inherits her grandmothers old lodge and goes there to see if that will help her life get back on track.  Her main problem is that she has never known what true love is.  Many people seem to remember her.  But she doesn't remember them or her life on there before her mother took her away.   

This was an ok book.  Not one I would reread or go out of my way to recommend to someone as a great book.  I probably won't read another book by this author.

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

The Lost Manuscript by Mollie Rushmeyer

I had trouble getting through this book.  It seemed to drag in places.  Ellora is going through a difficult time in her life.  She is heading to a divorce.  She's s having to move our of her house and needs a job.  She kept talking to herself and saying the same things.  It was a good story, but it seemed to take forever to get to the end.

I received this book from Love Inspired Trade via NetGalley for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Crime Scene Conspiracy by Jessica R. Patch

A string of staged deaths forces Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission to investigate a governor’s connection to the deceased women. She doesn’t trust anyone—including crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer. But when Emily’s questioning makes her the serial killer’s next target, she must turn to ex-ranger Stone for help. With threats at every turn, outrunning a merciless villain could be the last thing they do.

Emily has serious trust issues.  A lot of it stems from her job as someone who is task with investigating crimes committed by supposedly upstanding citizens.  She has also just found out that her father has led a secret life for years.  Stone and his brothers operate a crime scene cleaning service after their sister committed suicide.  Emily and Stone has got the attention of a serial killer.  Every time they turn around someone is trying to kill them.  Along the way her trust issues get in the way of her trusting Stone and his brothers.  This book was a good book that kept me guessing all the way to the end.

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

Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard

Carrie James is a bush pilot in Alaska.  She flies supplies into remote areas.  She wasn't always a bush pilot.  She worked for a mission in Africa.  As she puts it in the book, she was murdered there.  She is approached by Detective Trevor West.  He is trying to locate his sister who has been missing for a year.  Her last reported location was in Alaska.  He wants to hire her to fly him around.  She says she'll do it for one day as she is going on vacation.  The one day stretches into more as it becomes apparent that someone is trying to kill them.  

Carrie has trust issues that she is dealing with.  Her former boyfriend threw her out of a flying plane.  She feel 200 feet. Broke multiple bones and spent months in the hospital.  Trevor also has trust issues.  His former wife was having an affair with his best friend.  He also feels he has let his sister down by not protecting her.  

This is not so much a mystery of who the bad guys are.  Because I figured that out.  It's more of the journey of how it is all resolved.  This was a book that kept me reading to get to the end.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any wya.

Into the Fire by Irene Hannon

Bri Tucker is a former smoke jumper who is now working as an arson investigator.  The fire she is investigating now is that of her former boss who has just retired.  The pieces just don't add up as an accident.  She is joined by ATF Special Agent Marc Davis.  This book is full of mystery.  They have to solve the current fire.  Also, they discover a pattern to this fire that connects to other fires that have been ruled as accidental.  It has to be someone that knows about fires.  While they continue to delve into the investigation, someone is trying to silence them.  Strange accidents keep happening to Bri.  

This is a good mystery that kept me reading and guessing to the end.  Ms. Hannon does not disappoint.

I received this book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot

This is the second book in the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing series.  It's not necessary to read the first book to read this one.  Book one is good so I would recommend reading it.

This book is about, Louisa, a woman who wants to be a doctor in the old West.  It was a time when women were expected to be nothing more that a wife and mother.  Louisa wants that also.  But she has wanted to be a doctor since she was very little.  Sweetwater crossing is not very receptive to her being a doctor.  Even with her successes the people don't think she has any business being there.  Josh is one of her success stories.  He was thrown from his horse and broke his leg.  She came across him in the road and took him home and fixed him up.  Josh is on a mission to come up with an idea to propose to his grandfather so he can be the one to take over the store in New York instead of his cousin.  This is Louisa's journey to become a doctor against all kinds of odds.  Josh has to learn what he wants to do rather than what his grandfather expects of him.  Then have the courage to do something about it.  

I also recommend this book to anyone who likes a good read.

I received this book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham

This book takes us on the honeymoon of Lord and Lady Astley.  They have already seen their share of murder and kidnapping.  Lord Astley decides to take Lady Astley to Venice by way of Cairo for a visit with his cousin who is sponsoring an archeological dig.  Of course they find themselves in the middle of a mystery when they get there.  Lady Astley has a vivid imagination which isn't helped by all the books she reads. She also has a very spontaneous nature that gets her into trouble.  She approaches every situation as if she were Sherlock Holmes. 

This book involves murder, tomb robbing, and kidnapping.  It's not a suspenseful novel. But full of mystery.  This is the second novel in the Freddie and Grace Mystery series.  This book sort of fills the reader in on what happened in the first book so it would be possible to read this with out reading the first book.

The only negative I have for this book is that sometimes I felt like I was reading a history book instead of a novel.  Other than that, I enjoyed it.  

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter

Charlotte Simpson is trying to restore her mother's ranch to it's former glory.  Only one problem.  Money.  With the death of her mother, she uses the insurance to build a barn to house the horses she hopes to be able to have.  Gunner Dawson is an excellent horse trainer.  He has a problem too.  He doesn't stay in one place very long.  Of course there's the spark between Charlotte and Gunner.  Charlotte is also hiding a secret that could have major consequences to people she has to come to consider as friends.

This book is a good book to read while sitting on the beach or in front of a fire on a cold wintry day. It was a little bit slow in spots.  But I tend towards more of a mystery most of the time.  The characters are likeable.  They each have their own set of problems that need to be worked out.  

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

Facing the Enemy by Diann Mills

Risa, an FBI agent, is thrilled to be having a reunion with her brother Trenton.  He's been a drug addict for years and has now cleaned up.  After a very nice lunch, they are walking along and someone tries to run over Risa.  Trenton is killed saving her life.  The rest of her family and friends are threatened if she pursues looking into who tried to kill her.  So her takes a leave of absence from her job and goes back to teaching college.  All the while secretly trying to determine her killed her brother.  Her FBI partner, Gage, is still working on the case also.  It all stems back to an adoption ring stealing babies.

This story has a lot of twists and turns that kept me reading.  Of course Risa and Gage develop more than a working relationship.  But they have to keep it quiet or the bad guys will start targeting Gage as well.  If you want a good mystery, this is the book for you.

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

Tracked Through the Woods by Laura Scott

Abby Miller is searching for her father.  Wyatt Kane is also searching for him.  He is a federal agent who has been betrayed.  Abby and her father neither one trust him as they were almost killed when they felt he had betrayed them.

This is a fast paced story with plenty of action.  We aren't told until the end who the betrayer is.  I did find it hard to believe that Abby kept going with all of the injuries she had received throughout the story.  But it's a book. Not real life.  Overall it's a good book and kept me reading.

I received this book from Love Inspired Suspense via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way. 

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

 This is a book that I wouldn't be surprised ended up as a Hallmark Christmas movie.  Adelaide receives a letter stating that she is the daughter of a king to a small country.  The king is gravely ill and wishes to see her before he dies.  Adelaide thinks it's all a joke until her friend convinces her to make contact with the person who wrote the letter.  She makes a visit to see her father and learns that she is next in line to become the ruler.  Her stepmother will do anything to stop that from happening.  

This is a nice cozy read with a little bit of mystery and romance.  

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

Mountain Abduction Rescue by Darlene L. Turner

 I enjoyed reading this book.  It had lots of action and suspense going for it.  It showed how far a mother will go to rescue their child.  Without giving too many spoilers, I did find it interesting how someone who was stabbed, then gone down rapids could do all the things that Hazel did.  I liked Mitchell also.  He was willing to risk it all to help Hazel find her son.  Hazel's father I did not like.  He was a bully.  

I recommend this book to all who like a good mystery.

I was given this book by Love Inspired Suspense Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Defending the Witness by Sharee Stover

Ayla DuPree witnesses a murder and is sent straight into witness protection.  Her handler is killed and US Marshall Chance Tavalla is task with her protection.  He's a fugitive hunter not a babysitter.  So he's not too happy with the detail.  Ayla isn't too happy either.  She's afraid to trust anyone with her life.  At every turn is seems like someone has found out where Ayla is and tries to kill her.  

The characters were both Christians, so there was some religion throughout the book.  It wasn't overbearing.  This was a clean fast paced Christian book that kept me reading.  It was a book that I would let my teenage granddaughters read.  

I was given this book by Love Inspired Suspense Publishing via NetGally in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl

River and Tony are both suffering from the after affects of their last case as FBI agents. They both about died.  River decided to move to St. Louis because her mother is suffering from Alzheimer.  Tony decides to move there also.  He's never had a different partner than River and didn't want to start now.   So they decide to open a PI office.  A mother comes to them and wants her to find her son.  He's been missing for four years.  She just wants closure.  

This is a fast paced mystery that will keep you guessing and kept me reading. There are several sub plots in the book as well.  Interwoven is a mystery that doesn't get solved.  River and Tony aren't even aware of what's going on.  But they will.  

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

Countdown by Lynette Eason

Raina sees a picture of a teen boy on television that starts the ball rolling for the fight of her life.  She's on the run from a stalker.  But she can't let that stop her from protecting the boy.   Vince is a US Marshall, who is also a friend.  He knows something isn't right and offers to help.  The problem Raina has, is that everybody who has tried to help her in the past has ended up dead.  As the story unravels, Raina has to determine who she is going to trust with her story or keep running.  The stalker always seems to be one step ahead of her.  He's determined to catch her.  She's the run that got away.  

I highly recommend this book.  I couldn't put it down.  

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

Blue Ridge Mountain Escape by Loretta Eidson

 All Haley wanted was a vacation.  A time to relax and destress.  She goes to the mountains to a secluded cabin.  She is woke up in the middle of the night by three escaped convicts.  She is knocked around and left unconscious.  When she comes to, Kendall, a fireman is telling her they must leave immediately.  The forest is on fire.  This is their story of surviving against a forest fire and escaped convicts against all odds.  Haley is concerned about the convicts salvation and takes every opportunity to tell them about Jesus.  Kendall wants to prove to his dad that fighting fires is important.  Not going into the family welding business.  

There's not a mystery in this book. But there is a lot of running for your life from fire.  It kept me reading.

I was given this book by Love Inspired Suspense via Net\Galley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Fugitive in Hiding by Jenna Night

I felt this book was about trust and learning to forgive each others mistakes.  Connor and Naomi had briefly been married until a tragedy they couldn't come to grips with tore them apart.  Now Naomi need Connor's to help her clear her brother of murder charges.  Connor also needs to protect Naomi as someone is trying to kill her.  Through all this Connor and Naomi struggle to forgive each other.   

This was a fast paced book that I enjoyed reading as they worked through their struggles.  I was given this book by Love Inspired Suspense Publishing via Net/Galley for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.                           

Tracking the Tiny Target by Connie Queen

This was a story about a women who left an abusive and criminal husband.  She turned him in and now he's serving time.  What she doesn't know is that he has escaped and is out for revenge.  What better way than to kidnap his son.  Not that he particularly wants his son.  But that would be the best way to hurt his ex-wife.  Enter a K-9 Sheriff Deputy.  Parts of the story was believable.  But it's hard to believe a deputy would let the child's mother go with him to check things out. 

This was no edge of your seat book.  But still an enjoyable read.  

I was given this book by Love Inspired Suspense Publishing via Net/Galley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Break of Day by Colleen Coble

This is the third book in the Annie Pederson series.  I highly recommend that they be read before reading this book.  Also, they need to be read fairly close together.  I read the first two book in the series when they came out.  When I started to read this book I felt like I had walked into the middle of a movie.  I sort of knew what was going on.  It took me a while to figure out who was who and where they fit into the story.  It was mentioned that Jon was injured but not how or why.  A short blub would have been helpful to refresh my memory.  The relationship between characters wasn't clear either unless you've read the first two book.  

After I figured out the characters again and the story line, the book held my interest in a typical Colleen Coble book.  The villian was a complete surprise surprise and I never guessed who it was.  

I would have given this book a 4 star rating if not for confusing beginning I mentioned previously.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow

This was an interesting book.  It centers around a lawyer, Liz, who is hired to check into what a woman would get if she would filed for divorce and a minister, Connor, who is doing marriage counseling for the same woman and her husband.  The woman is very demanding and manipulative.  Liz is just starting out and wants to do a good job.  Connor is very conscientious and tries to do everything the proper way.  When the book first starts out it didn't seem to me that he had a very close relationship to the Lord.  As the book progressed his eyes were opened to what a real relationship was.  He had a rough road along the way to that relationship.  Liz starts attending the church that Connor pastors and also wants to know more about the Lord.  The mystery was good.  I will say I figured out the who done it before the end of the book.  The down side of the book is that I found parts of the book to be rather boring.  Especially the parts where he was on a hike and the area was described in great detail.  

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

The Swindler's Daughter by Stephenia H. McGee

At first I wasn't sure I would like this book.  But the more I read of it the more I couldn't put it down. Lillian discovers that she has inherited property from her father.  She has always been told by her mother that he was dead.  Her mother sends her to sell the property and then give her the money.  And by the way her mother has also picked out her husband for her.  When Lillian arrives at the property she discovers that someone else is living there on the assumption that it is there's.  She also discovers she has other family there as well.  There's mystery as well.  Her father's business partner wants to buy her out.  But he doesn't seem to be on the up and up.  

I received this book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

The Laws of Attraction by Mary Connealy

This is the second book in the Wyoming Sunrise Series.  I recommend reading the first book in the series before reading this one.  You will understand better what is going on.

This book is about Nell Armstrong who is a seamstress.  But she makes more chaps for men than dresses.  She is also knows her way around a crime scene.  When the stage coach robbers strike again, she helps the doc in trying to save the life of the one survivor.  The problem with that is the robbers don't want anyone to be able to identify them.  She is also making dresses for Brand's daughters in exchange for them working in the store.  Brand and his daughters are now in danger also.  

This is a fast paced book with a good mystery.  I highly recommend it.

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

A Deadly Wilderson by Kelly Irviin

Susana is afraid to love anyone who puts their life on the line.  She's already lost one husband.  She doesn't want to risk loving and losing again.  She especially doesn't want her son to get hurt.  Ray is a police detective who loves Susana.  He takes Susana's son on a hike and falls down a ravine and lands on a dead body.  While he tries to solve that mystery, he as a new partner that is anything but kind.  She's got a drinking problem that she won't admit too.  Then there's his old partner that is now is Sargent who seems to be having an identity crisis.  The mystery is good and kept me reading.  

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

In the Shadow of the River by Ann B. Gabhart

This story has many different aspects.  An unwed mother looking for what is best for her unborn child in the 1800's.  A woman looking to guard her daughter even at the cost of her life.  And a young lady who was orphaned young and is being raised by her grandfather on a river boat.  It was important to know all the background of Jacci to get to the Jacci as a grown women. 

I did enjoy reading this book for the most part.  It seemed to drag and repeat itself in places.  It had some surprises in store by the end of the book.

I received this book from Revell Publishing House via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jamie Jo Wright

This story takes place in three different time periods.  All of them at Castle Moreau.  The Castle is shrouded in mystery and noted for young women disappearing.  

I found this book to be confusing at times.  It kept jumping back and forth between time periods.  Which I understand since it takes place in different times.  It seemed to be rather wordy and seemed to drag at times.  The ladies all seemed rather timid and afraid of their own shadows.  All that being said, the premise of the story was good.  The mystery of the castle was unraveled in the end.  

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

Montana Cold Case Conspiracy by Sharon Dunn

New evidence tied to a ten-year-old robbery sends Lila Christie running to her ex-fiancé, Sheriff Stewart Duncan, for support—and right into a gunman’s crosshairs. Reopening the case that left his father dead and hers missing is the last thing Stewart wants, especially now that Lila’s a target. But could uncovering old mysteries give them a second chance…or make them victims in their own investigation?

This was a great mystery.  Lila and Stewart has a past history.  They were engages at one time. Both of their father's are dead and Lila's father was blamed for Stewarts fathers death.  Now Lila is reopening the case and someone doesn't want to truth to come out.  That  someone will do anything to stop them. 

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

Fairest Heart by Karen Witemeyer

This was a book that grabbed my attention from the very beginning.  Penelope is an orphan who is struggling to make her way in the world.  Her problem is that she is a beauty and that is all guys see.  So she tries to make herself invisible with drab and loose clothes.  Her boss finds out and orders her to be taken away.  Titus, a Texas Ranger, finds her and takes her to his grandpa's ranch.  

I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend to everyone.  Titus and Penelope were fun to get to know.

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

A Novel Proposal by Denise Hunter

Sadie is a happy go lucky person, who has never meet a stranger.  She is also a constant chatter box.  She's got one problem.  She is an author who is facing a deadline with no ideas.  She's told to write a romance book.  The only problem is she's never been in love.  Her neighbor is Sam.  All he wants is to be left alone.  Sadie being Sadie can't seem to leave Sam alone.  

Sadie finds a ring in a book and convinces Sam that he need to help her find the owner.  

This is a good book to read in front of a nice fire.  Sadie and  Sam make a cute couple as they learn about each other.  

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

Across the Shores

This book contains four novellas written by four different authors.  Each story was a self contained story.  I found the stories to just be mediocre.  I found myself skimming them.  There was heartache in everyone of them.  I guess I was looking for a more upbeat feel good.  They all a somewhat happy ending.  

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

Blind Trust by Natalie Walters

Lyla Fox knows she has a reputation at the SNAP Agency for impulsivity, but when she receives a threatening letter from a man she helped put in prison, she can't stop herself from going all in to find out why he's coming after her. Unfortunately, she's going to need the help of the one person who questions her reckless choices more than anyone else.

Explosives and weapons specialist Nicolás Garcia agrees to help Lyla in order to keep her safe, but her recklessness continues to be a major concern, especially when her investigation into a conspiracy puts a target on her back. Dealing with bombs is dangerous. Working with Lyla is proving to be just as treacherous--to both the mission and his heart.

My review:  This was the third book in this series.  It's not necessary to read the first two book to read this book.  Although it would be helpful to get some of the back information.  This was a book that I had trouble putting down.  Lyla and Nicolas are dancing around their feelings for each other.  As they do this, Lyla's life is being threatened.  And Nicolas will do anything to protect her.  The ending was a total surprise as well.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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

After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot

Emily Leland sheds no tears when her abusive husband is killed in a bar fight, but what awaits her back home in Sweetwater Crossing is far from the welcome and comfort she expected. First she discovers her father has died under mysterious circumstances. Then the house where the new schoolteacher and his son are supposed to board burns, leaving them homeless. When Emily proposes turning the family home into a boardinghouse, her sister is so incensed that she leaves town.

Alone and broke, her family name sullied by controversy, Emily is determined to solve the mystery of her father's death--and to aid Craig Ferguson, despite her fears of men. The widowed schoolmaster proves to be a devoted father, an innovative teacher, and an unexpected ally. Together they must work to unmask a killer and escape the shadows of their own pasts in order to forge a brighter future.

My review:  The beginning of the book was a little slow.  After I got into it, I enjoyed it.  Emily has an uphill battle with proving her father didn't commit suicide.  Her sister is fighting her every step of the way. This is not an edge of your seat mystery.  But a good mystery that keeps you guessing.  I am looking forward to reading Emily's story in the next installment.

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

Texas Ranch Target by Virginia Vaughan

Brett Harmon is a security expert.  He is back at his ranch after his last job where his client was murdered.  He's not feeling to good about himself .  Then he runs across an injured woman in the road. Jaycee has no memory of her attack.  She also doesn't remember why she has Brett's business card.  

This is a fast paced mystery that kept me guessing all the way to the end.  I highly recommend this book.  This is the second book of the series.  But it's also a stand alone book.

I was given this book by Love Inspired Suspense Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley

Alexis Stone has only one ambition.  To become the first female police chief of police of Chattanooga.  But life has thrown her a curve.  Her grandfather has had a heart attack and has ask her to become the interim sheriff for Russell County, TN.  Her grandparents took her in and raised her after the death of her parents.  So she feels like she has to do this for her grandfather.  Nathan Landry is chief of police of Pearl Springs.  He and Alexis were high school sweet hearts.  Trouble seems to follow Alexis from Chattanooga in the form of a serial killer.  The victims all look like her and leave a white pawn.  Also, several attempts have been made on Alexis' life.  

This is a fast paced mystery that kept me reading way past bedtime.  I am looking forward to the next installment of this series.  

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

Windswept Way by Irene Hannon

This was a nice continuation of the Hope Harbor series.  Ashley wants to convert an old house into a wedding/ conference center.  She is a very focused person and has never really taken time to enjoy life.  She hires Jonathon to help with landscaping renovations.  But why does he always stay in the shadows.  Jonathon has as many scars on the inside as he does on the outside.  This is a good story about overcoming  your insecurities and discovering what is really important in life.  We also get to revisit some residents that are the focus of other Hope Harbor books.

This is a good book and I recommend to all who enjoy a lazy afternoon read.

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

A Cry in the Dark by Jessica R. Patch

Led to an isolated Appalachian Mountain town by a trail of disturbing murders, FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s determined to catch a serial killer with a twisted agenda. With locals refusing to reveal their secrets, Violet’s only ally is Detective John Orlando. But even John has an ulterior motive—he’s convinced this case is connected to his wife’s murder. 

As they dig deeper, Violet uncovers a link to her own unresolved past. For years she’s worked the cold case of her mother’s abduction, which had led to her birth. The need to look into the eyes of the sinful man who fathered her consumes Violet. Until she can, she’ll never have peace. Because she’s terrified she might be exactly like him.

This is a complicated story that has a lot twists and turns.  John and Violet have pasts that they are trying to put behind them.  Violet has never felt love and knows nothing about being part of a normal family.  John had a wife who never wanted a child and went undercover weeks after their child was born.  Then she was killed.  This story brings them together.  As they search for a murderer, they discover they might be searching for the same person who destroyed their past.  

This is a good mystery that I recommend to all.

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

The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

Catherine is running for her life after she sees a murder and is accused of being the murderer.  She's also running with a baby that she delivered just before she witnessed the murder.  The woman entrusted her to get the baby to his father.  Dylan is temporary sheriff until election time.  He used to be a drunk and womanizer but has since turned his life back over to God.  This is a story of how God can turn us around.  This is a feel good book and I recommend this to everyone.

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

Forged in Love by Mary Connealy

I have always loved Mary Connealy's books and this is no exception.  Actually this is one of her better ones.  Clint is chef who opens a diner in western Wyoming.  Mariah is left for dead after her father and brother are killed in a stage coach robbery.  She wakes up with amnesia and can't remember anything about the robbery.  The stage coach robbers never leave anybody behind to identify them.  Clint is afraid her life is in danger.  He makes it his priority to keep her safe. Mariah takes over the blacksmith shop.  There are several attempts on her life.  

I recommend this book.  It kept me reading when I should have gone to bed.  

I received this books from Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Shielding the Baby by Laura Scott

A double murder and an attempted kidnapping of a baby in a national park have Officer Danica Hayes and her K-9 partner on high alert. She’ll have to protect Luke Stark and his nine-month-old son while tracking the person who murdered his sister. Danica and Luke face a battle for their lives to keep from becoming the next victims.

I usually like books by Laura Scott.  This book didn't hold my attention like some of her other books have.  Danica is task with protecting Luke and his 9 month old son.  Luke has been burned in love when his wife cheated on him while he was overseas.  He realizes that they married too soon after meeting.  So when he says he loves Danica after only knowing her a week, it doesn't make sense to me.  The mystery was good.  But the rest of the story seemed to drag a little bit.

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

Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn

USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker has landed his dream assignment protecting the president of the United States. When the president plans a fundraiser at the exclusive estate of a political supporter in Raleigh, Zane is thrilled to be working again with Special Agent Tessa Reed, his best friend--and the woman he desperately wishes could be more.

Though Tessa almost lost everything, she battled her demons and came out on the other side healthy and healed. But when her role as the liaison between the Raleigh office and the president's protective detail wrenches her past back into the present, her greatest failure threatens to come to light.

Zane refuses to let Tessa go through this alone. But can he stand by the woman he loves and protect the president from a mounting threat at the same time?

My review:  Zane and Tessa are trying to keep the president safe when he visits Raleigh.  Tessa in charge of the detail that is vetting all possible threats before his arrival.  As she delves into some of the threats, someone tries to kill her.  This is an edge of your seat mystery that kept me reading.  

I received this book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Alaskan Avalanche Escape by Darlene Turner

After surviving a sudden avalanche, mountain survival expert Jayla Hoyt and her search-and-rescue K-9 discover that it was no accident—someone deliberately triggered the mountain explosion. To uncover the culprit, she’ll have to partner with Alaska park ranger Bryson Clarke, a man she doesn’t trust. But when the investigators become targets, can they capture the criminal mastermind…before they’re buried alive?

This book kept me guessing the entire time. Jayla and Bryson are trying to hunt the person or people who are responsible for a series of avalanches that have occurred.  The closer they get to discovering who is behind it, the more their lives are in danger.  

I recommend this book to all who enjoy a good mystery.

I received this book from Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

The Maid of Ballymacool

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

I found this to be an ok book.  I had trouble getting into the book.  Michael seemed a little wimpish at the beginning.  He did whatever he was told.  I definitely didn't like the headmistress of the orphanage where Brianna was raised and now working.  There was a mystery involved with who Brianna was and how she came to be at the orphanage.  In the end, it all worked out and the characters found purpose and were happy in the life that they had chosen.

I was given this book my Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.

This was a fast-paced book that I enjoyed reading.  I didn't want to put it down.  I would have liked more information as to why Autumn was fighting for her job.  It felt like that part was thrown in without any explanation.  It was like the details were explained in a previous book.  But this was book one of the series.  I liked that Grier and Autumn put aside their need to keep their noses clean in order to find the killers.

This was a clean suspense filled book. 

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

Engaging Deception by Regina Jennings

Olive Kentworth has spent her life hiding her interest in architecture, even though she pores over architectural books and sketches buildings. When she accepts a job on a home expansion, it's only because her cousin Amos agrees to pose as the builder. To further hide her involvement, Olive takes a position as a nanny, not knowing that she'll be working for her idol, Joplin's leading architect, widower Maxfield Scott.

Maxfield is intrigued by his new nanny. She makes his home and his life bearable again. His work, on the other hand, is a disaster. An untrained builder is remodeling a completed project of his. What's worse, Maxfield's current client wants changes to his plans because of that builder's work.

As the architectural one-upmanship heats up, Olive's involvement becomes harder to hide. Will the relationship between her and Maxfield survive, or will they both miss out on building something for their future?

My review: This is book three in the Joplin Chronicle Series.  It's not necessary to read the first two books in the series to read this book.  I enjoyed reading Olive's story.  There's not a great mystery in this book.  It's just a nice easy read.  The characters have flaws.  But strive to overcome them.  

I recommend this book to all who want a nice clean romance story.

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

Alaskan Mountain Search

In the Alaskan wilderness, there’s only one way to track a serial killer: a K-9. For police captain Bre Dayton, that means working with her ex, search and rescue worker Griffin Knight. With her niece missing and possibly kidnapped, Bre has to find the murderer known as the Echo Pass Hunter—fast. Even if it means trusting the man who broke her heart…and putting herself in the killer’s crosshairs.

This was an ok book.  There seemed to be a lot of repeating that Griffin broke Bre's heart. Griffin wouldn't tell Bre why he left so abruptly.  It seems that if they had known each other as long as they said, they would be more open with each other.  The mystery was good and that part I enjoyed that part.

I received this book from Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Kidnapped in Texas by Virginia Vaughan

After witnessing an abduction, FBI agent Luke Harmon vows to return the teenage victim safely to her aunt, his ex, Abby Mitchell. But Abby has a secret—the girl is their daughter. To rescue his child from a human trafficking ring, he’ll partner with the woman who deceived him. But can he forgive the past before Abby becomes the next target…and his family is lost forever?

This is an exciting story from the very beginning.  The kidnapping sets off a life changer for Luke and Abby.  They have to find their daughter and come to grips with their feelings for each other.  Luke has to overcome his feelings of anger that Abby never told him he had a daughter.  I found Abby's reasoning that she never told Luke to be self-centered.  It appeared that she finally grew up and accepted responsibility for her actions.  Overall, the story was good with lots of actions.  

I recommend this to all who enjoy a good mystery.  

I received this book from Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense Via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Scotland's Melody by Katie Stewart Stone

The story starts with Melody running away from home because her father is forcing her into an arranged marriage.  He wants her to marry someone from Scotland who she has never met.  Melody wants to marry a person of works for her father.  Melody soon learns that her boyfriend is just after money and runs away from him to her old governess. This is story of her misadventures and finding her true love.  She ends ups going to Scotland has a companion.  

Some of the circumstances in this book seemed rushed and farfetched.   I can't imagine a father disowning his own daughter and telling her he never wants to see her again.  Nor the reconciliation happening over night.  This was a fun read.  

I received this book from Covenant Communications via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Hearts of Steet by Elizabeth Camden

It took me a little while to get up to speed on the characters of this book.  Maggie is driven to succeed.  Liam is driven because of his background.  They both have the same person coming after them to try to ruin them.  

I have read other books by Elizabeth Camden that seemed to be better than this one.  Hearts of Steel just seemed a little slow to me.  I did enjoy finding out what happens to Liam.  

I received this book from Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.  

Critical Threat by Lynette Easton

Grace Billingsley is a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst for the FBI.  Her job is to get dangerous people off the streets.  Prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a serial killer is behind bars it doesn't mean they are still not a threat.  His father is a prime example of that.

Grace and Sam are both called to consult when a killer starts leaving victims.  Sam has a lot of issues to work through because of his father.  He hasn't wanted anything to do with his father.  But it appears he's going to have to talk to him as the new serial killer is using his father's MO.  

This is a fast-paced book that I couldn't put down. It kept me guessing the entire time.  This is book three in the Extreme Measures series.  It's a stand-alone novel and it's not necessary to read the first two novels.  They are both excellent books so I do recommend that you read them.

I received this book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Dark of Night by Colleen Coble

As if the last few months haven’t been hard enough—complete with threats on her life and the return of her first love, Jon—Annie has to figure out whether or not to believe a woman who claims to be her sister, Sarah, who was abducted twenty-four years ago at age five. Annie’s eight-year-old daughter, Kylie, has plenty of questions about what’s going on in her mother’s life—but there are some stories Annie doesn’t want uncovered.

As Annie grapples with how to heal the gulf between her and her would-be sister and make room in her daughter’s life for Jon, she’s professionally distracted by the case of yet another missing hiker in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A woman named Michelle Fraser has now been abducted, and though the woman’s estranged husband is at the top of their suspect list, Annie and her colleagues will need to dig deeper to determine whether these recent mysteries are truly as unrelated as they seem.

This is the second book in the Annie Pederson series.  The first book should be read before reading this book.  Annie has finally found her sister after she was kidnapped years ago.  Annie still doesn't trust her sister as she has done some terrible things.  Then there's her relationship she Jon.  He was her first love.  Can they make a go of it this time around.  She's also hiding some secrets from Jon that have to come out.

This is another great book by Collen Coble that I recommend to all mystery buffs.

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way. 

Wilderness Hunt by Lisa Phillips

When a plane carrying a federal witness crashes in the Montana backwoods, Officer Kelly Wayne and her K-9, Nico, track it down—and discover Ethan Harrigan injured with amnesia. Now with the mafia on their trail, Kelly must protect the man she thinks ruined her career. But nothing’s as it seems, and trusting the wrong person could get them all killed. 

Kelly doesn't know who to trust.  She certainly can't trust Ethan as he betrayed her.  But she's on a mission to protect him.  Ethan doesn't remember who he is.  As he has flashbacks into his memory, he doesn't remember things as they have been told to him.  Kelly and Ethan have to put all that aside as they try to stay alive.  They have been betrayed on all sides.  

If you enjoy a good mystery, you'll enjoy this.  All is not as it seems.

I received this book from Love Inspired Suspense via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any.

A Daughter's Courage by Misty M. Beller

After accidentally destroying the intricately carved chalice her people have treasured for over a hundred years, Charlotte Durand sets out in search of a skilled artisan who can repair the damage. What she expected to be a two-day trek becomes much more daunting when a treacherous snowstorm sets in.

Searching for solitude and respite from his troubling past, the last thing Damien Levette needs in the middle of a mountain blizzard is to tend to another person, but he can't leave behind the mysterious woman he found half frozen at the edge of a mountain lake.

As they battle both the elements and their distrust of each other, Charlotte and Damien must work together to survive the peril of the mountains--or it could be the downfall of them both.

 My review:  This book didn't hold my interest as I was reading.  The story line was ok. Girl goes off into the wilderness, not really knowing where she is going or what she will run into.  Boy is running away from life.  They run into each other and try to survive a blizzard. This book almost seemed like a repeat of other books I have read.  Would I recommend this book?  Maybe if you were looking for a very light read.  The first two books in this series were better and kept me reading.

If you haven't read the first books in the series, you need to read them.  The information about the village is very sketchy in this book.  Without the back information I think you would be lost.  

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