Almost Surely Dead

Author: Amina Akhtar

Publisher: Mindy’s Book Studio

Release Date: February 1, 2024

Almost Surely Dead exceeded my expectations with a fun and thrilling read.

Dunia Ahmed has lived an ordinary life until it all changed and she finds herself in hiding and the center of a crime podcast. She has worked as a pharmacist in New York and trying to get over a failed engagement and then someone tries to kill her. From there, her life spirals into a crazy turn of events that will keep her running and those around her in danger.

I was intrigued by this one and when I picked it up, I wasn’t sure how it would end up but found myself pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns. The way the author played out the way Dunia found herself in danger and why was so well done, I found myself turning the pages faster and faster to see what was going to be the outcome. The different sections of interviews with those close to Dunia made the story much more interesting and entertaining. This was a full-on psychological thriller and readers that want a fun read that will keep them on the edge of their seat will not want to miss this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Cold Threat

Author: Nancy Mehl

Series: Ryland & St. Clair #2

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: January 23, 2024

A good read that felt familiar, like an old friend, a very enjoyable read.

It’s been twenty years since a serial killer known as the snowman murdered several people in Des Moines. Things seem to have stopped until similar murders start up in a small Iowa town and a detective from the original crimes is determined they are related. River Ryland and Tony St. Clair come to help Tony’s father try and solve the case that has haunted him for years. They don’t have long before another murder happens, and they work to uncover the evil that has been around for far too long.

I have been wracking my brain for days trying to figure out why this story seems so familiar, still haven’t figured it out. Something about the storyline was like déjà vu with each chapter. The storyline itself was good and kept me interested, I just wish I could figure out why it seems so familiar, especially the part about how the bad guys subdue their targets. I do like the slow burn between River and Tony, it is so much better than when things are rushed. This is a quick read that fans of Romantic Suspense will not want to miss.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Warsaw Sisters

Author: Amanda Barratt

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: November 7, 2023

An incredibly moving story and fascinating historical accuracy!

Twin sisters, Antonina and Helena Dabrowska have their lives turned upside down in 1939 with the German invasion of Poland. No one could understand how terrible life became for not only Jewish residents, who were sent to work camps, but also the ordinary citizens that had to endure the invasion and see their neighbors sent to die. Both sisters knew that something had to be done and that if they were caught, it would be the end.

I love reading about this time period because I do not want history to repeat itself and so little is taught academically. Whereas most of the stories set in Poland have focused on work camps, this one focuses on the residents of Warsaw and what they did to protect those they loved as well as those they didn’t even know. The characters were beyond realistic in this book and the accuracy is amazing that I often had to look up certain events to compare. This is the first book I have read by Barratt, but I will look forward to each new release!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Last Exchange

Author: Charles Martin

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: October 3, 2023

How far will you go to protect someone you love?

Maybe Joe Sue is the world’s biggest movie star. Orphaned and passed around through the foster care system, once she aged out, she headed for Los Angeles to try to make a name for herself. All she found were a few commercials and a place to wait on all night customers. One of those nights, a producer realized that she would be a perfect replica for the actress that he was having problems with. After a few takes and an indie movie film festival, her star took off and the rest was history. Except it wasn’t all unicorns and rainbows. Sure, she had fame, money, and what appeared to be a wonderful marriage, but it was really anything but that. Fortunately, she had her bodyguard MacThomas Pockets, who was loyal to her through everything and took care of her, even when she started abusing drugs. But when Pockets ends up in prison, things spiral out of control for Joe. Years later when the surrogate mother for her baby ends up blackmailing her for money, she goes even deeper into depression, all the while still winning acting awards. On the night of the award ceremony, Joe is abducted, and no one knows where she has been taken. But it will take everything to get her back on the right track.

As usual, Charles Martin brings a story that readers will love to read over and over again. The story of Joe and Pockets will warm readers’ hearts and mark them as another set of unforgettable characters that Martin has produced throughout his books. After the letters series, this was a bit of a different direct, more of a return to his roots. One can’t help but strive to see these characters succeed and get to the happy ending, even if a bit unconventional. I also love how he manages to tie in other novels he has written and would love to see if readers uncover the novel where Joe plays one of the main characters and wins an award!

The Divine Proverb of Streusel

Author: Sara Brunsvold

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 16, 2024

Sara Brunsvold came onto the scene last year with her debut novel that blew me away! Her second is a heartwarming read that will touch readers in the same way!

Nikki Werner has had her world turned upside down after her father left her mother and her relationship with her boyfriend is on the rocks. On break for the summer from her teaching job, she heads to her uncle’s farm to think and figure out the direction for her life. At the farm, she finds old journals and cookbooks from her grandmother that include Proverbs with the recipes. Within these pages and while learning to cook, she finds a way to connect to her past and that helps her see a future that might not be as bad as she expected.

I fell in love with Sara Brunsvold’s first novel and couldn’t wait to read her next. The Divine Proverb of Streusel is a heartwarming story that will give readers a lot to think about. The strained relationship she had with her father hit home for me and made a personal connection for me as a reader. While not every reader will have that connection, there will be something for everyone to gain from this book. I didn’t think this one was at the level of the first but still a fabulous contemporary novel. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy contemporary reads with a lot of heart.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Never Lie

Author: Frieda McFadden

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

Release Date: December 5, 2023

Another fantastic thriller from Freida McFadden! Readers will fly through the pages.

Tricia and Ethan are enjoying the honeymoon phase of their marriage and looking for the house to grow old in. When the house that once belonged to Dr. Adrienne Hale comes up for sale, they take a look and end up trapped during a winter storm. The longer they are trapped in the house the stranger things become. Tricia finds tapes of sessions with Dr. Hale and starts to learn more about the disappearance of Dr. Hale. The storm rages on and with it the danger Tricia and Ethan find themselves in, not only from the storm but also within the house itself.

Each Freida McFadden I pick up makes me think there is no chance it will be better than the last and each time I am proven wrong. McFadden is a top-notch thriller writer that has put a smile on my face with each new book and the way she is able to pull off such great twists and turns. The way she crafted the characters in this one and how it all tied back in the end was so beautifully done. Tricia and Ethan had me hooked from the first page and I flew through the pages so fast I couldn’t wait to see how it played out in the end. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with in the next book of hers I pick up. I would recommend this to readers that love a good psychological thriller.

Double Take

Author: Lynette Eason

Series: Lake City Heroes #1

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: January 9, 2023

Lynette Eason starts the New Year off with a bang in her new series! Double Take is a fantastic romantic suspense read with all the right stuff!

Lainie Jackson is still trying to deal with the fact that her fiancé tried to kill her and she ended up killing him in self-defense. It’s been 18 months, and she wants to move on but when she thinks she sees him at the hospital where she works, all the bad memories come back. When an attempt is made on her life, she can’t help but think maybe he is back for revenge. She receives help from Detective James Cross, the brother of one of her longest friends. James finds his work cut out for himself trying to keep Lainie safe and the more time they spend together the more attraction they find to each other and the more danger they encounter.

I’ve read a lot of Romantic suspense and this one is by far at the top of the list. The way Lynette Eason crafted this story had me hooked and wanting nothing more than to see these characters find a safe and happy ending. The cat and mouse gam that Lainie was thrown into made the tension rise with each page turned. This looks to be the start of an amazing series and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here. A lot of authors I read have gotten into the habit of writing the same types of stories that just aren’t interesting after a while; Eason is above the rest and only gets better with each book she writes!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Books to check out in 2024

With a new year comes new books! And here are just a few titles that we are excited about!

Top Picks for 2023

It’s New Years Eve and looking back at the year always reminds us of our favorite reads. Here is what brightened our days throughout 2023.

Top Pick: Long March Home by Tosca Lee

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Historical Fiction

Read the full review here.

He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Contemporary

Read the full review here.

The All American by Susie Finkbeiner

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Historical Fiction

Read the full review here.

Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Contemporary

Read the full review here.

Brooke by Ronie Kendig

Publisher: Task Force Press

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Read the full review here.

The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright

Publisher: Bethany House

Genre: Time-Slip / Suspense

Read the full review here.

Broker of Lies by Steven James

Publisher: Tyndale House

Genre: Suspense/Thriller

Read the full review here.

Dreambound

Author: Dan Frey

Publisher: Del Rey

Release Date: September 12, 2023

With twists, turns, and rabbit holes, Frey brings another unique story to readers of speculative fiction mixed with fantasy!

Liza Kidd finds escape within a set of fantasy novels. And not just a reading escape, but a literal escape into a hidden world. And she’s not the first kid to find a portal. Her father, investigative journalist Byron Kidd, believes something sinister is at work and won’t quit until he figures out what is going on. But the more the dives down rabbit holes in LA, the more he begins to question what is really happening until he takes his own journey.

Dan Frey dreams up some unique stories that can’t be described as much just read. He tells the story through the eyes of Byron Kidd with different types of correspondence, emails, interview transcripts, and text messages. Readers see one side of the story, but it is fun to try to patch together the pieces until you get the true reveal. There is some language throughout this book, so it is geared more toward mature readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.