Review: Winter by Marissa Meyer                                                                                            This is  the final book in the Lunar Chronicles Series. I loved the entire  series and it was hard to say goodbye to the characters  at the end.  There  is more room for story telling here  just  as there is at the end of the Throne of Glass Series. As I mentioned in a previous blog, this is  both good and bad. Good  in that the author can pick up the story line again at a later date if they want to. Bad in  that you are yearning for more.  All in all it is a successful end to the series. The plot line is well developed  and follows through with elements from the previous volumes while  adding enough plot twists to satisfy. The characters develop further  during this last offering  giving you more depth. Courage and personal determination of your fate are themes as well as love and sacrifice. Madness also makes an appearance.                                                                                                                                                                        The best part about this series is the high level  of adventure coupled with the compelling characters and the situations in whichntheybfind themselves. The bonds between the characters feel very real . You cheer for them and understand their in most thoughts and feelings. The unfailing loyalty is refreshing and vital . We should all have a friend or love interest willing to go to these lengths. Oh the feels! This is an action packed , never  a dull moment read. Plan to be in place for a while. Get all of your supplies ready so that you don't have to move.

Firewal by DiAnn Mills Review                                                                                                          After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they’re both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn’t who he appears to be. Agent Grayson Hall’s number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day’s act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naiveté just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company? With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson have no choice but to trust one another . . . and pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     I love when the decent geek is the main character in a romance and even more so when there is suspense involved. This is not frivolous but edge of your seat. You care about the characters and the outcome. Good plot and character development keep you glued to the book , eager to find out what happens next . Tatum really goes through a lot and is admirable  as a person as is the FUN agent who is trying to put an end to all the madness. This is a wonderful thing . I also love the good back story with a family aspect for the agent. It adds a lot to the story. There is even a dog for animal lovers like my self.                                                                                                    Greed is at the heart of a lot of things in this world and this story is no exception. Revenge also rears.it's ugly head as does an international I final issue providing the motivation behind the dizzying ride. This is a well crafted novel with all the elements you want in a thriller. Good decent people are out to stop twisted weirdos from doing the unthinkable with a vulnerable person at stake as well as broader implications for the world economy etc. What a ride. Me. Mills knows just when to change this up and kick it up a notch during the story. She kills you in a good way. I will be reading the next in the series to let her finish me off. gladly.

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 Queen of Shadows Review                                                                                                     Sarah J. Maas's New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series reaches new heights in this sweeping fourth volume. Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire-for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past... She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight. She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return. Celaena's epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena's story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Reading this was bittersweet because while I had been waiting for the continuation of the story, I was also sad to get to the end of the series. The main characters have been through a lot at this point. Their experiences have changed them for good or I'll. There are revelations in store. There is also, dare I say it room for more at the end. It is conceivable that Ms.Maas may be able to pull another book in this series out if she so chooses in the future. Stay tuned. The ending was really full of potential new beginnings which was what really made me frustrated. It adds to the book hangover because now you wish that you knew what happened with that. This is a testament to the author and this epic series.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Among the evidence of a well crafted story: Just when you thought that you had the players and their roles figured out, you don't. Not only do we see  anew ally but there is a change in a villain. The whole dynamic shifts. We get to see Dorian' s fate finally and all the build up from the last book comes to fruition as the king is faced. Amazing to see who finally winds up with who also. Always New players and surprises around every corner are in store. You will definitely not be bored so get comfortable before you dig in. You may not move for a while.                                          

Review:The Great Christmas knit Off by Alexandra Brown The perfect seasonal tale of how laughter, friends and wacky Christmas jumpers can mend a broken heart. For fans of Trisha Ashley and Jenny Colgan. Heartbroken after being jilted at the altar, Sybil has been saved from despair by her knitting obsession and now her home is filled to bursting with tea cosies, bobble hats, and jumpers. But, after discovering that she may have perpetrated the cock-up of the century at work, Sybil decides to make a hasty exit and, just weeks before Christmas, runs away to the picturesque village of Tindledale. There, Sybil discovers Hettie’s House of Haberdashery, an emporium dedicated to the world of knitting and needle craft. But Hettie, the outspoken octogenarian owner, is struggling and now the shop is due for closure. And when Hettie decides that Sybil’s wonderfully wacky Christmas jumpers are just the thing to add a bit of excitement to her window display, something miraculous starts to happen…                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         This book was sort of a cross between a Sophie Kinsella novel and Friendship bread by Darien Gee. It has quirky characters, heartwarming moments and the whole town comes together in time of need. It follows a young woman trying to heal and find a new direction for her life. The reader is taking an adventure with her . It is wonderful that two problems are solved at once both for the main protagonist and one of the villages elderlybresidents. It is also neat that there is a new and better man to consider. Very satisfying ending. I believe that this  is meant  to be the start of a series. It should be interesting  to see how the author carries on from here.

Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter.                        

Eden Martelli is too busy fleeing the clutches of danger to realize she’s running straight into the arms of a new love. Speeding north through rural Maine, Eden Martelli wonders how her life came to this—on the run with her mute five-year-old son dozing fitfully in the passenger seat. When a breakdown leaves them stranded in Summer Harbor, Eden has no choice but to stay put through Christmas . . . even though they have no place to lay their heads. Beau Callahan is a habitual problem solver—for other people anyway. He left the sheriff’s department to take over his family’s Christmas tree farm, but he’s still haunted by the loss of his parents and struggling to handle his first Christmas alone. When Eden shows up looking for work just as Beau’s feisty aunt gets out of the hospital, Beau thinks he’s finally caught a break. Eden is competent and dedicated—if a little guarded—and a knockout to boot. But, as he soon finds out, she also comes with a boatload of secrets. Eden has been through too much to trust her heart to another man, but Beau is impossible to resist, and the feeling seems to be mutual. As Christmas Eve approaches, Eden’s past catches up to her. Beau will go to the ends of the earth to keep her safe. But who’s going to protect his heart from a woman who can’t seem to trust again?                                                                                                                                            This book had very engaging characters and drew me in right away. First there was the situation that the main characters were in, then the intersection between them and the Callahans and finally the wonderful plot development delivered without breaking your heart in the end. The novel deals well with the feelings  of the traumatized. It ultimately explored the issues of fear that they were struggling with. Fear limits your life and holds you prisoner. You have to decided to surmount it. It also explored people's reactions to loss. I loved the way that Eden/Kate' s dad pops up towArd the end. It was a nice tie in. If you are not a fan of insta love the rapid development of the relationship may be a sore point but It was done well all things considered.

!Review Moments of Truth by Sandra D. Bricker.  Regan Sloane was married once. Eight years, no kids, she got the house. In the years since the divorce, she's managed to keep afloat with the only real skill she has: Writing. She hadn't really noticed how her readership had blossomed until a well-known reviewer noticed her sweet little lifestyle blog. When had it transformed into a single woman's go-to? With the life and loves of her four BFFs to fuel the content and have her back at every turn Regan realizes that something magical happens when women join forces. Girl Power just might be the new super power!Regan Sloane was married once. Eight years, no kids, she got the house. In the years since the divorce, she's managed to keep afloat with the only real skill she has: Writing. She hadn't really noticed how her readership had blossomed until a well-known reviewer noticed her sweet little lifestyle blog. When had it transformed into a single woman's go-to? With the life and loves of her four BFFs to fuel the content and have her back at every turn Regan realizes that something magical happens when women join forces. Girl Power just might be the new super power!

 This is the latest offering from one of  my favorites Sandra Bricker. It is also  a bit of a departure in that this project is for Bling Romance a new imprint of edgy inspirational fiction. It is the wonderful story  of the friendship shared by five women. Sometimes life is just more bearable in all of its ups and downs with people who get you. People who are there  to support you through those moments of Truth. The author does a great job of selecting women who are in various life situations and are from various backgrounds. Each has major challenges  and decisions. Through it all they are there for each other. I liked the feel of  the bond between the characters as much as I do in Neta Jackson's Yada Yada series. Since that is one of my all  time favorite series that is really saying something.                                                                                                                                                                                            I thought that it reflected the situation of a lot of people who have a mixed bag of people in their lives. Some are grounded in their faith and may have come to faith after some adventures in other lifestyles. Some consider questions of faith when facing serious illness or loss. Some people do not have a faith life and are accustomed to thinking in a different bent. They find it difficult to believe that others could find happy living according to the tenets of their faith in the modern world  with its prevailing attitudes.                                                                                          Friendships are the relationships which we ourselves choose. They cross boundaries of race,religion ,socio-economic status etc. A unique connection is forged and enriches our lives. The love and support women give to.one another  and the difference that it makes in their lives was the subject matter here and masterfully communicated.                                                                                                                On the technical side, Me Bricker developed her characters well  and have us a glimpse into their inkjet world. The plot was organic and well executed. Even when she kills.US it is.still ok because we want to know what happens next. I enjoyed reading this book and am glad to known that there is more to come from this author including an interactive work based on the successful Emma Rae Creation series . This will.continue where the last book left off.

Review: Good Clean Murder by Traci Tyne Hilton. Bible school student Jane cleans houses to make ends meet. She’s getting by just fine — until she finds one of her customers murdered in his bed.                                                                                                                                                     Actually she finds both her client and his wife dead which kicks off a whole series of events that directly impact Jane. I really liked this first book in the series. The characters were interesting and the plot held my interest throughout. The author kept you guessing who the culprit was and kept throwing out possible suspects and plot twists. The main character is well meaning and actually gains valuable insight into herself and also into her readiness to go off to a foreign mission field. I liked the touch of romance thrown in and well worked into the plot line. I actually read this as an ebook with audible narration and In was also very satisfied with the accompaniment of the audio book. The narrator did a nice job. 

Review: Point blank by Fern Michaels. The women of Fern Michaels’ New York Times bestselling Sisterhood series are beloved for bringing justice to strangers in need. And when one of their own needs help, that loyalty and commitment goes double… Nothing compares to the bond between Sisters—except perhaps the special brotherhood between some of their menfolk. Nikki’s husband, Jack Emery, and Yoko’s partner, Harry Wong, have forged a deep friendship over the years. So when Jack awakens one night, knowing in his bones that Harry’s in trouble, he immediately rushes to Harry’s dojo. Harry, pacing like a lion, has received a phone call from his old schoolmate Jun Yu in China. Both were educated at a Shaolin temple—the same temple where Harry’s daughter, Lily, is now a student. But Jun Yu has had to vacate the temple urgently. He’s managed to get his son out, but Lily is missing. And now Jun is trusting Harry to guard the most precious things in his life—his wife Ling and their two children, whom he has smuggled to America. While long-time ally Pearl Barnes whisks Ling and her children to safety via her underground railroad, the Sisters and their allies head to the war room to make plans. Finding Lily is a top priority, and Kathryn’s partner, Bert Navarro, comes up with a way for the group to travel to China. They’ll go to Macau, nicknamed “the Monte Carlo of the Orient,” on the pretext of opening a casino there. But what will they find once they reach their destination? Can they hope to rescue Lily when the enemy has the home advantage…and the will to kill? The odds are stacked against them, but when the Sisterhood is involved, you can always bet on the underdog.                                                                                                       I always have problems with some of the brutality in this series which is involved in the vigilantism. It is similar to the feelings that I have while reading the Bad Day series by Sophie Littlefield featuring Stella Hardestyas the vigilante. However I keep feeling myself drawn to reading the next installment because of other factors including the characters by themselves, in relationship to each other and the general Robin Hood feeling of the series. The character development continues in this volume where we get a rare glimpse into the psyche of Avery Snowden who mainly appears as hero and clean up man who mAkes people disappear and has mysterious spook resources at his disposal. We also get interesting information about Harry Wong, his upbringing and background . The return of Cooper the magical dog is wonderful . It is a nice touch of the mystical in an otherwise gritty yet glittering world. This is another showing of girl power on steroids  which was great. I also liked to see Kathering protest too much at the end. Ready for more.

Review: Just Different Devils by Jinx Schwartz  Hetta Coffey is a sassy Texan with a snazzy yacht, and she's not afraid to use it—most of the time. She's an intrepid cruiser, but wild rumors of marauding gangs of flesh-shredding giant Humboldt squid on a rampage in the Sea of Cortez could keep even Hetta tied to an expensive dock. However, when the opportunity for an intriguing and highly lucrative charter arises she talks her best friend, Jan, into signing on for a mysterious cruise. Damn the calamari! Full bank account ahead!                                                                                                  This is the sixth installment in the Hetta Coffey action/adventure mystery series. It includes moments of bothersome and humor. One of the best things about this series is the main character and her best friend. They are a little  worldly, a little crazy , funny ,brave and kick - ass. Both her freelance work and her living full time on a yacht get Hetta into unique situations and this series gives us an inside look at the world and culture of serious boaters.  In this book a recurring character ,Nacho makes an appearance once more. Nacho is a mysterious guy who appears to have ties to both government agencies and bad guys and is your basic rakish and charming , not sure what in the world you are actually about but you're exciting fellow.                    Various underhanded and nefarious goings on  lead Hetta to suspect that someone is blaming giant squid in order to cover up their operation. Even her dog gives us some moments of suspense which is saying something. You really want to root for Hetta . She is funny, zesty ans spunky. Ends are tied up neatly and satisfyingly.

Review :Lamp Black, Wolf Grey by Paula BrackstonArtist Laura Matthews finds her new home in the Welsh mountains to be a place so charged with tales and legends that she is able to reach through the gossamer-fine veil that separates her own world from that of myth and fable. She and her husband Dan have given up their city life and moved to Blaencwm, an ancient longhouse high in the hills. Here she hopes that the wild beauty will inspire her to produce her best art and will give her the baby they have longed for. But this high valley is also home to others, such as Rhys the charismatic loner who pursues Laura with fervor. And Anwen, the wise old woman from the neighboring farm who seems to know so much but talks in riddles. And then there is Merlin. Lamp Black, Wolf Grey tells both Laura's story and Merlin's. For once he too walked these hills, with his faithful grey wolf at his heel. It was here he fell in love with Megan, nurse-maid to the children of the hated local noble, Lord Geraint. Merlin was young, at the start of his renowned career as a magician, but when he refuses to help Lord Geraint it is Megan who may pay the price.                                                                                                                                                                                                              Okay so here we have two stories running throughout the book as the description explains. Laura , an artist who is heartbroken that she has not been able to conceive wants  a home in the country and a fresh start with her husband Dan. Megan is a girl in another time period who works as a governess to Lord Geraint' s children. Her father is the local horse breeder. As you might expect there are elements of magical realism as Laura has contact with beings that are supernatural in origin. There is  apart thAt reminds me of how some people describe the film adaptation of Game of Thrones, a great story with unneeded ,explicit sex scenes. I believe the writer includes this in order to set up the rest of the plot line and to explain what was going on inside Laura's head. Still I am not sure the particular way in which we are given to understand that something occurred is always necessary in mostnpiterature, not only in this work.                                                                                                                                    I enjoyed  the writers ability to surprise me while reading with plot twists as well as perspective shifts. I am not that sure how come the anything works out the way it does . I guess that is the part.that should have been described in more detail. Ms. Brackston' s portrayal of the relationship between Laura and her husband was well done and felt very real. I loved the way that her supernatural guardians stepped in to help her. I also loved how things were wrapped up nicely at the end with still an otherworldly touch in evidence. She captured the main characters angst very well and describes the ennui of many modern women but with the Merlin plot thrown in with a Destiny beyond time.  I also felt that she did drama well and had me anxious for what would happen next.

   

Review:The Gift by Wanda Brunstetter

Follow the heart-wrenching story of Adam Beachy, whose mother walked out on him and his family—and away from the Amish faith. Now he balks at the idea of ever marrying and having a family of his own. But when tragedy strikes, Adam is suddenly a father figure to his three nieces and finds himself needing a wife. Despite their differences over her practice of reflexology, Leah Mast seems the best option to fill that role. Can they make it work in a modern-day marriage of convenience?                                                                                  This was a wonderful story . Adam has been wounded by events in his childhood. Unfortunately they center around someone who also practiced reflexology. Leah swiftly develops an attachment to the children and an attraction to Adam. He is also drawn to her but they agree on a marriage of convenience. Things heat up when the person who impacted Adam so much in the past turns up  and is accidentally found by Leah. The story was rich and full of the inner dialogue of the characters as well as the narrative. This book is part of a series and I really want to read the next one to see how things progress. I felt that the life situations of the people portrayed were done well . Issues of one's personal calling, bitterness  and unforgiveness  and love were explored and dealt with admirably. 

Review:The Bakers Wife by Erin Healy

Before Audrey was the baker's wife, she was the pastor's wife. Then a scandalous lie cost her husband a pastoral career. Now the two work side-by-side running a bakery, serving coffee, and baking fresh bread. But the hurt still pulls at Audrey. Driving early one morning to the bakery, Audrey's car strikes something--or someone--at a fog-shrouded intersection. She finds a motor scooter belonging to a local teacher. Blood is everywhere, but there's no trace of a body. Both the scooter and the blood belong to detective Jack Mansfield's wife, and he's certain that Audrey is behind Julie's disappearance. But the case dead-ends and the detective spirals into madness. When he takes her family and some patrons hostage at the bakery, Audrey is left with a soul-damaged ex-con and a cynical teen to solve the mystery. And she'll never manage that unless she taps into something she would rather leave behind--her excruciating ability to feel other's pain.This was the first time that I have read this author. I had heard some very good things about her work from fellow book enthusiasts so I took the plunge. I think that I will be reading more of her work because I found her to be an interesting writer who weaves supernatural elements into her work and develops both complex charafters and plots but also moving and suspenseful as well as spiritual threads together well. The portrayal of a family wracked by mental health issues and conflict was edge of your seat. Her portrayal of Diane and Audrey' s family was equallynpoignant and affecting. This book took me on a complex thrill ride through emotions , following God's leading, hostage taking ,identity and marital questions as well as the odd ways that people are drawn to a train wreck and also drawn to lend their support. I believe that she plots out before she writes because their were elements where you recalled her mentioning this was in the environment etc. earlier in the story. Descriptions were vivid and I could "see" the people and surroundings well. 

Sabotaged by Daniel Pettrey.

I  am sorry that this is the last book in the series because  I have truly enjoyed it. I enjoyed getting to know this family  and their significant others. I also thoroughly enjoyed the mystery , suspense and romance in the stories. Here is the synopsis to start us off.                                                                                                                                  Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey’s search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light. Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits. Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank’s daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper’s bidding or she will die. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen. This one was very suspense ful and wraps up nicely. All of our main characters are in this one to some degree. Lots of action and lots of self discovery, romantic feelings and personal growth along with the race against time. It was nice lynbrook done  as a series wrap up. I am now looking forward to her next big thing is coming soon and it is called Cold Shot. 

Review: Veil of Pearls by MaryLi Tyndal                                

She thought she could outrun her past... It is 1811, and the prosperous port city of Charleston is bustling with plantation owners, slaves and immigrants. Immigrants such as the raven-haired Adalia Winston. But Adalia has a secret: her light skin belies that she is part black and a runaway slave from Barbados. Skilled in herbal remedies, Adalia finds employment with a local doctor and settles into her quiet life, thankful for her freedom but still fearful that her owner will find her. Born into one of Charleston's prominent families, Morgan Rutledge is handsome, bored—and enamored of the beautiful Adalia, who spurns his advances. Morgan's persistence, however, finally wins, and Adalia is swept into the glamorous world of Charleston high society. But Adalia's new life comes at a high price—that of denying her heritage and her zeal for God. How far is she willing to go to win the heart of the man she loves? And when her secret is revealed, will that love be enough, or will the truth ruin Morgan and send Adalia back into slavery?                                                                                                                                                                                        So this is my first time reading this author although I have thought about it before. Some of her story lines sounded interesting. I enjoyed Bolton the story and the writing style. I also liked the way that she took on the time period and the difficult subject. The main character had a tragic story in her early life and was making a different life foe herself elsewhere as an adult. As sometimes happens her identity became known and the awful person from whom she wished to be permanently parted could try to enforce his will. The way that she became enslaved after being a free child and what happened later just prepare you for what a weirdo the guy is. The love interest also has static with his mom and dad as he really has a completely different trade in mind than they do. Elements of faith are woven through the story. It was done very well and in keeping with the plot and characters. In really rooted for this woman. She deserved something go

od and normal to happen to her because she was a fine woman.

Review :Be My Valentino by Sandra D. Bricker.

This is the second book in a trilogy,: The Jessie Stanton Series. I reviewed the first book in  the series, On a Ring and  Prayer recently. The book series follows Jessie a woman whose sudden exit from her life leaves her with no rounds and no idea where he is or what is going on. She hires Danny Callahan, a private detective to help her find out some information and uses the only thing of value she has, her engagement ring  to finance her new store. The store rents out designer wear to people who love the look but cannot ord to buy. . Along the way she has met Danny's friend Aaron Riggs who becomes her landlord, Amber who works with her at the store Adornments. and  .cast of other characters. In this book she travels to Louisiana's to see the grandfather whose voice appears throughout the book. He gives us background and insight into Jessie. It is a device continued from the first book and works wonderfully.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Jack Stanton is still causing trouble both directly and indirectly. Jessie is impacted by these intrusions into the  new life that she is making for herself but shines through. The wonderful support  of friends is seen in this novel as it is in other works by Sandra Bricker. As in real life it really makes  a difference. Broken things are mended and throughout  is the echo of one who is closer than  a brother.You really root for Jessie because you feel like she deserves a break. She seems like  a nice woman who thought that she knew what she wanted and discovered maybe it wasn't what she needed. It is  Avery human story. You also find yourself rooting for Danny as more of his own past comes to light and he deals with its echoes. He could use a second chance . There is an easy humor as  well as drama in this book as well as life insight. an all around good read and good second book in a series which is not always easy to pull off. 

Review:Double Cross. FBI Agent Laurel Evertson's investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though she's vowed to forget Wilmington--and what she sacrificed to put him away--he is now her best lead.Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammer's next targets, and he'll do anything to protect his family--even force interagency cooperation. But he's quickly drawn to Laurel's empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmington's claims of redemption,or if he's leading them into a double cross.                                                           The characters in this book were great. A kick as s granny does it for me every time. Abby was cool. Loved  Laurel and Danny aswell. The plot was great with plot twists, danger and explosions along the way. All the way through to the end I was trying to figure out if the ex-fiance had changed or was still a crook especially when it was not clear through much of the storyline. The real bad guy was surprise and it was therefore masterfully done. My hat goes off to Ms.Mills. I also even began to suspect another agent for a.second. also good work on the plot.

Review Heart of Betrayal

Held captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda, Lia and Rafe have little chance of escape. Desperate to save her life, Lia's erstwhile assassin, Kaden, has told the Vendan Komizar that she has the gift, and the Komizar's interest in Lia is greater than anyone could have foreseen. Meanwhile, nothing is straightforward: there's Rafe, who lied to Lia, but has sacrificed his freedom to protect her; Kaden, who meant to assassinate her but has now saved her life; and the Vendans, whom Lia always believed to be barbarians. Now that she lives amongst them, however, she realizes that may be far from the truth. Wrestling with her upbringing, her gift, and her sense of self, Lia must make powerful choices that will affect her country... and her own destiny                                                                                                                            What can I say. This is the second installment in the Remnant Chronicles and again it ends on a cliffhanger. Mary Pearson, girlfriend what are you doing to me? Intrigue , tunnels, plot twists and is there anyone who doesn't fancy marrying Lia? Wow. We pick up where we left off in Kiss of Deception . Kia has been brought to Venda by Laden instead of being killed byKaden. Race has followed and promises that his men will arrive shortly and rescue them. Shortly is not how long they wait. When they do appear it is very near the end of this book . Nail biting waiting for them. Also the character of Kaden' s boss the komizar is introduced and presents a whole new set of problems. Strange alliances are revealed and  a little more of a glimpse into the prophecies role of Lia are beginning to become more clear. Very exciting from the middle to the end as things really start to move and things get more complicated. I love Lia' s sass. In really like her now and things look kind of dark. I can't believe that I have to wait to find out how it turns out. You're killing me here Me. Pearson. I recommend continuing with the series if you have read Kiss of deception.

Emma Lee Raines knows there's only one cure for a bad case of murder! I told you I was sick, reads the heastone abouve Mamie Sue Preston's grave. She was the richest woman in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky, and also the biggest hypochondriac. Ironic, considering someone killed her-proprietor of the Eternal Slumber Funeral HOme, know all this? Because Mamie Sue's ghost told her, that's how! And she's offering big bucks to find the perp. The catch is, Mamie Sue was buried by the Raines family's archrival, Burns Funeral Home. Would the Burneses stoop to framing Emma Lee's granny? With an enterprising maid, a penny-pinching pastor, and a slimy Lexington lawyer all making a killing off Mamie Sue's estate, Emma Lee needs a teammate-like her dreamboat boyfriend, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross. Because ith millions at stake, snooping around is definitely bad for Emma Lee's health..

A Ghostly Murder by Tonya Kappes. This book is part of  a series. I recently reviewed the installment proceeding this one. This series follows Emma , a funeral director who discovers that she can see and hear the departed after a blow on the head. She discovers that she is entrusted with the task of assisting those who are not at peace to find justice by catching their killer. in this case there are some very strange things going on and there are a string of deaths which looked like natural causes but we're not. Emma has her work cut out for her following the money trail, unearthing long kept secrets and dealing with the possible career move her boyfriend is considering. On top of it all Emma's sister is making some changes.                                                                                                                                                                               Emma just can't catch a break . There are so many zany goings on and more in between ghosts are popping up. This story blends the crazy and amusing with the serious and suspenseful well. You've got to feel for Emma because if she won't gettingnintona scrape then one of her family like her grandmother. The charafters are quirky and interesting. The plot has twists and action in the right places. The plot tied together unicellular the end. The main character is facing several situations that are difficult in her personal life adding some dimension. I also learned some interesting facts about tombstones and bells that I did not know before. This was a fun and yet suspenseful romp.

Review: A Heart's Promise by ColOwen Coble. At Fort Laramie, soldier Isaac Liddle determines he will court and win Emmie Croftner's hand. Though courting seems improbable for a woman in her condition, Emmie begins to care deeply for Issac and chafes as Jessica Dubois sets her bonnet for him. When Jessica learns of Emmie's secret pregnancy, she blackmails her. With the Sioux Wars raging outside the safety of Fort Laramie, Emmie knows she cannot lose Isaac. But will he reject her--and her child--if he learns the truth?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This is part 5 in a series. I timed my review to go up as.the next book in the series is becoming available for all of you who have been the victims of the cliffhanger effect. That is when you are stoked to find out what happens next and have to wait months or sometimes years to find out. Luckily this is a previously published series which is being re-released. It is one of the authors earlier series and one that has special meaning for her. This is because she wrote it to her to deal with the loss of  a loved one.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The story takes place in the Wyoming Territory and since I am calling it a territory rather than a state you probably just put together that it is  a historical novel. It follows Emma who is the wronged "wife" of a vocalist who is pregnant with his child. The man passed away . She is in a fort with some other military officers wives. She is staying with friends. Two of the other wives are also pregnant. One is having  a difficult time. Emma is attracted to an officer named Isaac but believes that if he knew the situation he would not want her. To make matters worse another female enters the picture and signals her intentions to snag Isaac for  a husband. She threatens to out Emma to the whole fort if she doesn't stay away from him. Can't a girl get a break here?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This book is more of  novella in length and that is good because as I indicated earlier you want to get on to the next installment to find out what happens next. You really root for Emma because she is very caring and decent. She did not have the ideal situation growing up and feels for the other women at the fort. The spectre of her childhood colors her current life situation as first she was ashamed because of a men(her father and brothers) and now another man(her duplicitous husband to whom she was never really married) make her life miserable with effects of their bad choices and behaviors. Isaac has the character that these men lacked so you really want them to get together. The sense of solidarity and sisterhood among  the women  in the story was lovely and well presented as was the camaraderie among the men. The women though are definitely the stars here and get the most attention.The realities of their situation in the wilderness is well portrayed. The next installment in this series A Heart's Home releases August 4th so pick it up along with this to keep going and not keep hanging from that cliff.

Review: The Cacuts Creek Challenge. Anything he can do, I can do better. At least that was what Cassie Bucknell thought before she pinned on Ben Wilder’s badge and took to patrolling the streets of Cactus Creek, Texas. Cassie has been in love with Ben since primer school, but Ben treats her like a little sister. When they are picked to swap jobs for a month as part of the annual Cactus Creek Challenge in their Texas hometown, the schoolhouse is thrown into an uproar, the jail becomes a temporary bank vault, and Cassie and Ben square off in a battle of wills that becomes a battle for their hearts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This book was a western romance with a twist. Two couples were involved rather than just one and , as throttle suggests were involvedninna contest for prize money. This was an original and creative concept. The world building, plot line and character development were all solid and well done. The author worked well with the historical period displaying  a knowledge of the physical environment related details that her characters would encounter but also the social and cultural factors present at the time. The children  in the book were written beautifully. They were funny, smart, brave, loyal and resourceful. The romantic elements were well balanced with action, humor and tension. The writing of the characters inner conflicts and thoughts demonstrated an understanding of the human mind and heart and the source of inner motivations. This story was a pleasure to read and I will be looking for more by this author.

Review: Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swendon.                                                                        A sixteen-year-old governess becomes a spy in this alternative U.S. history where the British control with magic and the colonists rebel by inventing. It’s 1888, and sixteen-year-old Verity Newton lands a job in New York as a governess to a wealthy leading family—but she quickly learns that the family has big secrets. Magisters have always ruled the colonies, but now an underground society of mechanics and engineers are developing non-magical sources of power via steam engines that they hope will help them gain freedom from British rule. The family Verity works for is magister—but it seems like the children's young guardian uncle is sympathetic to the rebel cause. As Verity falls for a charming rebel inventor and agrees to become a spy, she also becomes more and more enmeshed in the magister family’s life. She soon realizes she’s uniquely positioned to advance the cause—but to do so, she’ll have to reveal her own dangerous secret.

I had previously read the first book in the Enchanted Ink series and so I was looking forward to reading her latest offering. This was very different but was good. It is an alternative history in which the British rule the colonies by virtue of their magical powers. It is set in the Victorian era. It has a steam punk element as the rebels are using steam powered machines in order to break up the British monopoly on transportaction and various other fields. This will allow them to challenge the governing authorities infrastructure.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I particularly enjoyed the world building in this book. I also found Verify a brave and smart heroine. Likewise I enjoyed Lord Henry , her employer who was by turns bumbling and dashing. The rebels were exciting and made you like them . There were many points throughout the story where I sort of held my breath waiting to see what would happen. There are plenty of tight spots loaded with action and adventure as well as secret missions. There is plenty of romantic tension as well and more than one love interest. The smaller children remind me of some that I know and were well written as was the bored, fashion crazy teen. I found it to be an original concept which was well executed. It was good as  a stand alone but I could also see it as the first in a series. Thoroughly enjoyable for teens through adults.

Review A Ghostly Demise by Tonya Kappes      

                                                                           

When she runs into her friend's deadbeat dad at the local deli, undertaker Emma Lee Raines can't wait to tell Mary Anna Hardy that he's back in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky, after five long years. Cephus Hardy may have been the town drunk, but he didn't disappear on an epic bender like everyone thought: He was murdered. And he's heard that Emma Lee's been helping lost souls move on to that great big party in the sky. Why do ghosts always bother Emma Lee at the worst times? Her granny's mayoral campaign is in high gear, a carnival is taking over the town square, and her hunky boyfriend, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross, is stuck wrestling runaway goats. Besides, Cephus has no clue whodunit…unless it was one of Mrs. Hardy's not-so-secret admirers. All roads lead Emma Lee to that carnival—and a killer who isn't clowning around. (less) ebook, 288 pages          

                                                                                                                                                                                                         This is part of a series. I will also be reviewing the next book in this series  as I received galleys of both in exchange for an honest review. I am acquainted with the authors work having read several of her prevpious works. This particular selection the main character Emma is an undertaker who has recently discovered that she can assist souls which are not able to be at rest because of the manner of their death. She takes the clues which they provide and assists in bringing their killer to justice. This is a light, fun read. There are some awkward moments when neighbors and relatives think that Emma has lost her sanity because she can see a and speak to spirits . There are also plot twists and moments of danger and suspense as Emma investigates what has happened to her latest client. The characters are colorful and entertaining. The southern quirky town is a great setting. For me ore details you can check out my review on goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1346184924?book_show_action=false

Special Forces operator Salvatore “Falcon” Russo vowed to never again speak to or trust Lieutenant Cassandra Walker after a tragedy four years ago. But as Raptor closes in on the cyber terrorists responsible for killing two of their own, Sal must put his life—and the lives of his teammates—in her hands. Despite his anger, Cassie is ill-prepared for his resistance and the fallout when she must protect the one asset who can end the attacks. As allies become enemies and hostiles become unlikely partners, Raptor fights for its very existence.                                   

Revview: Falcon by Ronnie Kendig. Part of the Quiet Professionals series.This was exciting and suspenseful. It takes place with a special ops unit which is deployed in Afganistan. It delves into the personal pain of the main character as well as following the general storyline of war and terrorism. There is a "spook" an intelligence operative along as well and she has a very major tie to Falcon. There is a terrorist who is being sought . When someone is caught and is to be questioned regarding the acts of terrorism the witness gets neutralized. Other strange things happen. A commanding officer is sacrificed and powerful players are involved including an old friend of Cassidy, the intelligence officer. The depiction of the camaraderie between service members was nice. The real sense of danger these people face while deployed was significant. I could not help thinking as I was reading cerrain sectIons of the book that it would translate well into film.The action scenes especially.  A very difficult subject for many people (spoiler here a bit) was the issue of self-harm so if this is a trigger for you opt out. Likewise I would not recommend it for a combat veteran who has had vivid dreams, flashbacks or other symptoms of Post traumatic stress syndrome. Otherwise it was a good novel that dealt with both personal relationships and military situations. There were plot twists thAt I was not expecting so bravo to the author. You totally got me.

Review: Taken by Dee Henderson.
Abducted at the age of sixteen and coerced into assisting the Jacoby crime family, Shannon Bliss has finally found a way out. She desperately wants to resume some semblance of normal life, but she also knows she has some unfinished business to attend to. She has enough evidence to put her captors behind bars for a very long time. When Shannon contacts private investigator and former cop Matthew Dane to help her navigate her reentry into society, she quickly discovers that gaining her freedom doesn’t mean her troubles are over. For one thing, her brother is the leading candidate in the race for Illinois governor, and news of her escape will create a media frenzy. For another, the ransom her family reportedly paid years earlier appears to have been a scam; no one knows what happened to the money. And then there’s the fact that Shannon’s escape involved faking her own death. If the Jacoby family learns she is still alive, they’ll stop at nothing to silence her. If justice is to be done, and if Shannon’s life is ever to get on track again, Matthew will need to discover exactly what happened to her–even if it means stirring up a hornet’s nest of secrets.                                                                                                                      Ok so this is a departure from the seat of your pants suspense type of book that this author has been known for in the past so not so much on the adrenaline  rush. It is however a timely and thoughtful book which tackles the topic of healing from trauma. It follows Shannon who has been abducted and has escaped.captivity. The reader walks with her through the days following her re-entry and all that the process entails. It also.follows the man who she has chosen to help her walk through it. Matthew has done this with his daughter and has some idea what she will need. It is  a thoughtful work which produces lots of feels. It features strong yet sensitive characters  who you want to make it through. It took me into a.special.world filled with the dynamic tension of needing to heal while needing also to perform in order to help.apprehend the captors. One thing that stood out to me was that Shannon was written with depth and complexity. She had forged such inner strength and kept the core of who she was, her integrity. She protectlooed others while being held captive and even after.