Julia Monroe Begins Again

Author: Rebekah Millet

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: October 24, 2023

A warm and fuzzy read that will find its way into reader’s hearts.

Julie Monroe has been dealt a hard hand. She has just turned 40 and is all alone after her boys head off to college and she is left a young widow. Her focus is not on her business and trying to be the best version of herself she can. That is all made harder when Samuel Reed shows back up town after breaking her heart over twenty years ago. The last thing she wants is to find her heart in pieces again and the only way to accomplish that is to avoid Samuel at all costs. Her best friend has other plans though and sets off to bring the two together.

If you are looking for a fun and somewhat sappy love story, this one is for you. I flew through the pages waiting to see how and if the love would blossom between these characters. There were a few over the top, roll your eye, moments but overall, this was a quick and fun romance. Julia is a character after my own heart, I turned 40 this year and even though my boys are still at home it won’t be long until they are gone. I enjoyed the second chance romance aspect and how things all played out. Anyone that enjoys contemporary romance 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.

A Beautiful Disguise

Author: Roseanna M. White

Series: The Imposters #1

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: August 22, 2023

A fun read that fans of shows such as Downton Abby will thoroughly enjoy.

Life behind a desk is not at all what Sir Merritt Livingstone wants after all his time in the field. But when he is hit with pneumonia and forced out of the field, he must show that he still has worth. When he finds suspicion of an aristocrat sending information to Germany, he must find a way to stop it and asks The Imposters, Ltd to help. This is a group that is more legend than anything else but they always get results. Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother run The Imposters, Ltd; they work to uncover secrets in their society, but nothing prepares them to look into her best friend’s father as a traitor.

This book had a lot of potential but fell flat for me. That being said, it just isn’t my cup of tea, but those that enjoy this genre will not be disappointed. Historical romanced are a hit or miss for me, for some reason this plot line of this one dragged a little and I just couldn’t seem to get going. I did find The Imposters an intriguing group and thought more time should have been focused on this part of the story. If you are a fan of Downton Abby and such this will be one you will very much enjoy.

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

Lethal Range

Author: Ryan Steck

Series: Matthew Redd Thriller #2

Publisher: Tyndale House

Release Date: August 8, 2023

Another fantastic military thriller from Ryan Steck that I couldn’t put down.

Matthew Redd has been off helping the FBI track down a very dangerous man when they find out they’ve been set up causing him to defy orders. While Matthew is overseas, his wife, Emily, is home in Montana taking their sick baby to the doctor when she is attacked by a biker gang. She and their son are shaken but safe when Matthew returns home and finds out what happens he knows there is more coming and who is behind the attack. With what happened on the mission, his family being attacked, and facing financial troubles, Matt is facing a war he might not be able to win.

The second book in the Mathew Redd thriller is just as good, if not better, than the first with all the action and drama readers will love. I particularly loved the parts with Matthew’s family, it made me care about him on a whole new level. The threats he faced both overseas and around his home kept him on his toes and almost over the edge. It was obvious that he would do anything to keep his family safe and when they are in danger, it is almost more than he can take. I loved it when his wife got in on the action and even when he wanted her safe she wanted to be with him and keep him safe as well, it was a great dynamic that moved the story along well. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys military thrillers that are clean, well-written and fun to read.

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

Into the Fire

Author: Irene Hannon

Series: Undaunted Courage #1

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: October 3, 2023

Another great romantic suspense from Irene Hannon that was explosive to the very end!

Bri Tucker has put the life of being a smoke jumper behind her after an accident left her unable to stay in the job she loved. Now, she works as an arson Investigator and is looking into the death of a former colleague that had been digging into cold cases. Bri starts looking into the puzzle pieces left behind by the death of one of the investigators she looked up to. With each new piece she uncovers, she finds herself in more and more danger as the killer quickly puts a target on her back. She works with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis and together they try to put the puzzle pieces together before it all falls apart.

Irene Hannon is one of the bestselling authors when it comes to Christian fiction both with romantic suspense and contemporary fiction books. This was a great first book in her new series and I enjoyed it as much as any Christian romantic suspense I’ve read lately. There wasn’t anything negative I can say about it; it was overall a very enjoyable book with many tense moments and good wrap up at the end that also left me wanting more! I can’t wait to see what the next in the series will have to offer. Fans of Hannon’s work 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.

He Should Have Told the Bees

Author: Amanda Cox

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: August 29, 2023

A fabulous contemporary novel with heart, and just the right amount of softness to bring readers back to the pages again and again.

Beckett Walsh has been working as a beekeeper with her father and loving every minute of it; they have a great rhythm and she can stay with him and the bees just the way she likes it. When her father dies suddenly, she is left alone except for the stranger he has left half of their family business to. Callie Peterson is just as surprised as Beckett when she finds out she is left half of the bee farm she never knew about. She has been working to keep her small business afloat after her mother reenters her life dealing with substance abuse and draining Callie’s bank account. Beckett is afraid of losing all she has left of her father if Callie wants to sell her half of the business and Callie just wants to find stability after all she has dealt with.

He Should Have Told the Bees is the newest by Amanda Cox, her third book, and amazingly her third 5 star read from me. Each time I pick up a book by Cox I find myself in for a treat, her writing is some of the best I have read for a newer author that doesn’t have a long catalog of books and has written for many years. Lately I have found contemporary novels to be some of the most moving for me with characters that grab you by the heartstrings and don’t let go. Beckett and Callie were such different characters and yet had enough in common that pulled them close even as they struggled to realize why. As the story worked its way to a conclusion, I found myself holding back tears as I was so moved by the writing. Amanda Cox is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors for a book that will move me and be a story I will not easily forget. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys contemporary novels that will move you far beyond the last page.

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

The Last Thing He Told Me

Author: Laura Dave

Publisher: Marysue Rucci Books

Release Date: March 21, 2023

A gripping page-turner that shows the ugly truth that many go through in this life making for an engrossing read.

When Hannah Hall can’t reach her husband, Owen, she fears something is wrong. They have only been married a year and when a note arrives from Owen that says, “Protect her,” Hannah knows he means his sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. Owen can’t be reached and the authorities are not looking for him. Hannah has no idea what is going on and her stepdaughter wants nothing to do with her. With every hour that goes by without a word from Owen, Hannah quickly realizes her husband isn’t who he said he was. Hannah and Bailey must set their differences aside in order to figure out what is going on and be able to make a future they can live with.

I got this book after seeing the preview for the apple tv series that was going to be starting Jennifer Garner, who is one of my favorite actresses. I liked the way it looked and always enjoy reading a book that will then have a movie/show based on it. Overall, it took me a little bit longer to get through the book than I expected. The story was good but little nitpicky things throughout pulled me out of the story making it a slower read. The high points had to be the mystery and suspense of it all along with the characters, especially Hannah. What the novel lacks in certain areas it makes up for in others. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a good mystery while being able to look past the nitpicky parts that might bother others.

Facing the Enemy

Author: DiAnn Mills

Publisher: Tyndale House

Release Date: September 5, 2023

Just what I have come to expect from Diann Mills, a quick read that is enjoyable and engaging.

Risa Jacobs worked at the FBI trying to fight crimes against children when her estranged brother reaches out to meet with her. She is excited about the reunion until it ends in tragedy with his death after a hit and run. She leaves the FBI and goes back to teaching. As she tries to put the tragedy behind her, one of her students writes a paper with amazing details of how her brother’s death. Risa works with her former partner to track down her brother’s killer and hopefully keep anyone else from getting hurt.

DiAnn Mills is one of the top Christian fiction writers; she is good but unfortunately for me, her writing is becoming predictable leading to similar storylines. The story is good and clean, which I love. Readers of Christian fiction will love the fact that this is a suspense story with no bad language or gore. The characters are good, but I didn’t feel the connection between Risa and Gage, no matter how much I wanted to I just never did. The best thing I can say about this book is the female lead is a good character and it is a good suspense story that is clean.

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

Falling

Author: T.J. Newman

Publisher: Avid Reader Plus

Release Date: July 6, 2021

One of the best fast action thrillers I’ve read all year! Guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seat.

When the pilot of a commercial flight going across the country finds out his family has been taken hostage by a group of terrorists and they insist he crash the plane or they will kill his family, things get interesting. The captain is torn between his family and all the souls trusted to his care; his flight attendant finds out what has happened and is entrusted with his helping stop the terrorist. With each passing page the captain and the terrorist come head-to-head in an explosive twist of an ending.

This book looked interesting from the first look and didn’t disappoint. I loved the fast pace and tension throughout. I was immediately drawn into the characters and what they were going through; the author did a fantastic job of creating a connection and making readers feel for what they were going through. Most of the time in stories like these, some of the characters are just annoying and a waste of space, but here I followed each character and was fully invested in the story and what was going to happen. I would recommend this story to anyone looking for a great thriller that is fast paced and full of thrills.

Malibu Burning

Author: Lee Goldberg

Series: Sharpe & Walker #1

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Release Date: September 1, 2023

An explosive thriller that was tightly written with a great cast of characters and an even better storyline!

Every year in Southern California, the Santa Ana winds appear affecting the area with high winds that make wildfires go crazy. One person that looks forward to these fires is Danny Cole, a master thief that takes advantage of the fires to pull off his crimes. This year’s fires are the worst ever and arson Investigator Walter Sharpe and his new partner Andrew Walker find evidence of fires being set intentionally and they are on the hunt to find out who and why.

Malibu Burning is the first book in a new series from an author that I have found I really enjoy. His writing is good with characters that I enjoy, I did not enjoy these characters as much as I did the Eve Ronin series, but they are still good. The back and forth between Sharpe and Walker to the Danny Cole point of view was a nice way to tell the story and really kept the pages turning. I thought the character development was very well written and one of the best aspects of the book. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy suspense and mystery.

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

Seven Dirty Secrets

Author: Natalie D. Richards

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Release Date: November 2, 2021

The more secrets uncovered, the more danger for them all. A very intense thriller that will keep you glued to the pages.

Cleo’s last year has been a hard one. When she receives a mysterious birthday scavenger hunt, she decides it is just what she needs. At first, she thinks her best friend or brother might have done it to cheer her up, but the more she looks into it things start to get freaky. Each new clue uncovered leads to her dead boyfriend who drowned a year ago on a trip with her and her friends. His death was shrouded in mystery and Cleo now thinks someone is coming after her because of it.

This book had all the right thrills and chills to keep me glued to the page. I especially loved the ending and the way it played out as the mystery unfolded. Cleo had a tough time and having to relive what she went through was written with all the right tension and moments of suspense. I particularly loved the way her brother and best friend were by her side to help her, and those relationships were used against her in the evil plot. I thought this was a very fast paced and well written book. I don’t know that I would agree with it being written for teenagers as it had a lot of mature themes, but for the more mature audience it would be a perfect read to keep them on the edge of their seats.