Review: When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin

When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The last thing naval officer Dan Avery wants to see on his radar is glamour girl Quintessa Beaumont—even if she has joined the WAVES.

When fun-loving glamour girl Quintessa Beaumont learns the Navy has established the WAVES program for women, she enlists, determined to throw off her frivolous ways and contribute to the war effort. No-nonsense and hoping to make admiral, Lt. Dan Avery has been using his skills to fight German U-boats. The last thing he wants to see on his radar is a girl like Tess. For her part, Tess works hard to prove her worth in the Anti-Submarine Warfare Unit in Boston—both to her commanding officers and to the man with whom she is smitten. When Dan is assigned to a new escort carrier at the peak of the Battle of the Atlantic, he’s torn between his lifelong career goals and his desire to help Tess root out a possible spy on shore. The Germans put up quite a fight, but he wages a deeper battle within his heart. Could Tess be the one for him?

With precision and pizazz, fan favorite Sarah Sundin carries readers through the rough waters of love in a time when every action might have unforeseen world-changing consequences.

Review: A Moonbow Night by Laura Frantz

A Moonbow Night by Laura Frantz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After fleeing Virginia, Temperance Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River. It's a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersmen traveling through the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke--men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew looking for an experienced guide. When his guide appears, Sion balks. He certainly didn't expect a woman. But it is not long before he must admit that Tempe's skill in the wilderness rivals his own. Still, the tenuous tie they are forming is put to the test as they encounter danger after danger and must rely on each other.

With her signature sweeping style and ability to bring the distant past to vivid life, Laura Frantz beckons readers to join her in a land of Indian ambushes, conflicting loyalties, and a tentative love that meanders like a cool mountain stream.

Review: Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon

Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Three-Time RITA Award Winner Delivers Another Heart-Stopping Thriller

After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn't on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather. As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana's foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action--ready or not.

Bestselling author Irene Hannon draws readers into a web of psychological suspense where danger lurks in dark corners . . . and keeps them captive until the very last page.

Review: Without Warning by Lynette Eason

Without Warning by Lynette Eason

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business.

Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again.

Witty dialogue and a simmering attraction will have readers flying through this tension-laced thriller. Eason exercises complete control of her readers' emotions as they race through the pages to discover the truth.

Review: All Summer Long by Melody Carlson

All Summer Long by Melody Carlson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Tia Gets a Second Chance at Love When an Old Crush Suddenly Reappears

Though it means giving up the chef's job at her uncle's small town Italian restaurant in Washington, Tia D'Amico is thrilled to move to San Francisco to help her aunt with a new business venture: transforming an old luxury yacht into an upscale floating restaurant. The icing on the cake is that Leo Parker, Tia's crush from a long-ago sailing camp, has been hired as the yacht's captain. The only problem is that he's engaged to someone else.

Tia hides her feelings and rolls up her sleeves as she sets out to make her aunt's dream a reality. But as the tide turns on Leo's relationship, does Tia dare hope he might set a course for her heart?
All the romance of a summer in San Francisco is captured in this delightful story from an author who has made a career of tugging our heartstrings.

Review: Always Watching

Always Watching by Lynette Eason

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK

The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have more than just skill and prowess in common--they're also all women. When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians in order to protect his son.

But when Wade's bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owner Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap. Olivia's skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade's stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him. Olivia has the feeling that she's next on the list. And to complicate things even further, she realizes that her heart may be in as much danger as her client.

MY REVIEW

Lynette Eason is one of my favorite suspense writers and this book definitely lived up to my expectations.  I really enjoyed this book!

First off, I love that the Elite Guardians are all women!  Some of my favorite characters in crime shows on TV are female.  :)  They do pull in help from other agencies though once the danger increases.  And I liked how Olivia's backstory plays into why she started the Elite Guardians Agency.
There was no lack of edge of your seat suspense!   When the first bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, you find out really quick that this stalker has planned and knows what they are doing.  As the story moved along I had my ideas as to who the stalker was but there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing.   The story moves along at a fast pace with lots of highly suspenseful action scenes.

You also get your behind the scenes romance with Olivia and Wade.   They struggle to keep their feelings for one another from growing for more than one reason.  But as they learn to know one another and draw on each others strengths to try to find this stalker and protect Wade and his family, they can't help but fall in love.  They also help each other strengthen/renew their relationships with God.

*Thanks to Revell Reads for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynette Eason is the best selling, award winning author of the Women of Justice Series, the Deadly Reunions series and the soon to be released Hidden Identity Series. She writes for Revell and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. She has won several awards including the 2013 Carol Award for WHEN A HEART STOPS in the Romantic Suspense category. Lynette teaches at writing conferences all over the country. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.

Review: The Christmas Joy Ride

The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK
Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Besides, a crazy trip with Joy would be more interesting than another Christmas home alone. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off to Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--and a hidden problem that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be an exciting ride!

MY REVIEW
I love Melody Carlson's Christmas books and this one was no exception! I love the cover of this book and thought it gave the story an extra flair. :)

This book featured what should be the focus of Christmas - GIVING! I loved the interaction between Miranda and Joy and the sweet friendship between this elderly lady and a much younger Miranda. In this world there is not a lot of respect for the elderly. So it was refreshing to read a book where two different generations got along so well.

You'll have no problem diving into this heartwarming short story with a touch of romance and a predictable but romantic ending.

*Thanks to Revell Reads for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*

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Review: The Mistress of Tall Acre

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal--readers find it all in the rich pages of this newest historical novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz. Her careful historical details immerse the reader in the story world, and her emotional writing and finely tuned characters never cease to enchant fans both old and new.

This story grabbed my attention right away but it wasn't until about half way through that I became gripped by the drama. Then ... oh my!... I felt the thrill and struggle to love and be loved, the angst and sorrow of tragedy and loss, the joy and peace of a new beginning, and then again the heart rending sorrow of betrayals from the past. There is no doubt you will be drawn into this story!

I loved the three main characters! Sophie Menzies is a gentle yet strong character who works hard, loves well, and is still hopeful for a bright future in spite of the abandonment of her father and the unknown whereabouts of her brother. General Seamus Ogilvy is a man wounded by the past and the war but with the strength and determination to reunite with his daughter and bring about the restoration of Tall Acre. And then there was Lily Cate (I love her name!). This little 5 year old, whose father is a stranger to her and whom circumstances have made on the serious side, is smart and loving and immediately takes to Sophie. My heart hurt for their struggles to become a family - whole and joyful once again.

The reasons for a 4 star rating rather than a 5 star is that for the first half of the book, although it flowed smoothly, for some reason it was just another book. It wasn't until about half way through that it became more than just another story. And although the last half of the book was riveting for me, it was also full of angst and sadness and trouble with just little bits of joy intertwined. I understand that the drama was part of the story and was needed for the whole story line but I could have handled the last half better if there had been a whole lot more lightness in the first half. Just my feelings on it.

All in all, this is a very well written story that will hold you captive with romance, drama, mystery, redemption and healing!

*Thanks to Revell Reads for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.

According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.

 You can find her at www.laurafrantz.net and on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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Review: Through Waters Deep

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them.

Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.

My expectations were high for this book. Even though I have only read 1 other book by this author, it was awesome and I expected the same from this book. So while I did really enjoy this book, I must say that it didn't just grab my attention at first. Even though the mystery thread started right away, it still took a while to build to the main story. However, once I really got into the book I had a hard time putting it down. I loved how Jim and Mary start falling in love through time spent together as friends. They've known each other since high school but Mary was always eclipsed by her vivacious friend Quintessa. As Jim gets to know Mary he's drawn to her quiet yet adventurous spirit. Now, if nothing gets in the way, they might just find love for a lifetime.

Mary and Jim both do a lot of changing and growing in this book. Jim is easygoing and kind of floats along in life. He learns the hard way in several instances in the book that he has to find a way to be bold and assertive sometimes. And Mary is beyond modest - she goes out of her way to fade into the background and never be put into the spotlight. All because of a childhood incident that caused her to be afraid of being "prideful". And yet she has these talents and desires and enough adventure in her that she yearns sometimes to be more free with her life. She learns throughout the book how to balance her fear of being prideful with using the talents God has given her.

The mystery in the book was not very suspenseful but it did speak to the times and the prejudices that were very strong at that time in history.

All in all I really enjoyed this book and fully intend on reading more of Sarah Sundin's books! :)

*Thanks to Revell Reads for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*

About this Author:
Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the author of the upcoming Waves of Freedom series (Through Waters Deep, coming August 2015), the Wings of the Nightingale series (With Every Letter, 2012, On Distant Shores, 2013, and In Perfect Time, 2014), and the Wings of Glory series (A Distant Melody, A Memory Between Us, and Blue Skies Tomorrow). She also has a novella in the WWII Christmas collection Where Treetops Glisten (WaterBrook, 2014).

A mother of three, Sundin lives in northern California. She works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school and women's Bible studies. She enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers' groups.



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Review: No Place to Hide

No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It's not every day you see your childhood friend and one-time crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can't believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she's determined to find him and help him clear his name. But she's not the only one looking. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to save thousands of innocent lives.

Lynette Eason masterfully weaves a gripping, suspenseful story in this third book in her newest (Hidden Identity) series. Jackie gets pulled into danger when she goes to find out from Ian why he's being connected with a terrorist plot. They are forced to go on the run in order to prove Ian's innocence. As their family and friends get drawn into the danger, they struggle to stay one step ahead of everyone!

I love the way Jackie believes in Ian and how Jackie's team believes in her! I also like the slow background romance that builds between them but doesn't detract from the suspense.

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series, as well as No One to Trust and Nowhere to Turn. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College, and she lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

*Thanks to Revell Reads and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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