The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip

Author: Sara Brunsvold

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: July 5, 2022

Not at all what I expected from this book in the best possible way! A story that pulls at the heart strings and captivates readers from the very beginning!

Aidyn Kelley feels her talent as a writer is being undervalued at the Kansas City Star. When she pushes for better assignments, it backfires, and she gets assigned to write an obituary for an ordinary woman dying of cancer. What is supposed to be a punishment of an assignment turns into the assignment of a lifetime. Clara Kip is a spunky lady that is dying, but not ready to let go of the life the lord has blessed her with. When Aidyn shows up to speak with Clara about writing her obituary, Clara knows that God brought the young girl into her life for a reason, and she vows not to waste the opportunity.

The Extraordinary Death of Mrs. Kip is just that, an extraordinary book, especially when you realize this is a debut book. Sara Brunsvold has written a delightful new story that is going to be in the running for one of my favorite books of the year. The characters of Aidyn and Clara are opposites but also need each other in ways neither of them could have realized making them great characters to read about. This book hit me in all the right places and even had me wiping away a tear or two towards the end, not something that happens often when reading. The subject matter is tough but handled delicately with Clara knowing she doesn’t have long to live but wanting to make the most of her time and help those she can. Her outlook on life is written so beautifully, this is the type of story that many need to read and take to heart how these characters act and try to incorporate that into their own lives. I am blown away that this is the first novel by Sara Brunsvold, this reads more like a seasoned author’s writing. I recommend this to readers that love a good contemporary book with fantastic characters and a story that flows so naturally you forget everything else you need to do.

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

Beyond the Desert Sands

Author: Tracie Peterson

Series: Love on the Santa Fe #2

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: July 5, 2022

Great redemption story set along the New Mexico rail lines!

Isabella Garcia has hated her life since she was ten years old when her parents tore her away from the family and estate that she loved in California and moved to New Mexico to start up the town of Silver Veil. She has gone back to stay with her aunt many times, but always loathes to return. Now at twenty-five, she feels that she is entitled to remain in California and marry her childhood crush Diego, who can manage her inheritance from her grandparents. But once again, she must make the trip to Silver Veil to spend time with her parents for Christmas. The only thing worse is that she must be accompanied by Aaron Bailey, who she has been at odds with for five years when he called her out for her selfish behavior.

Upon arriving in Silver Veil, she sees that the town has grown and learns that her father’s true reasons to leaving California were due to his health. Several days later, she also learns that her beloved aunt has died, and the estate was sold over a year ago. Now she must truly look at herself and behavior and decide if what she has really wanted all those years mean anything or if there is something more on the horizon.

I didn’t think that Peterson could write a character that would be more self-centered and annoying than she had in the first book in this series, but oh did she prove me wrong. Isabella is the most entitled, selfish character I have ever encountered in a book. She rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning and just kept on rubbing. Maybe it’s because I’m a parent of a preteen, but I was ready to lay down the law to her. But everyone is truly entitled to redemption, and I must say that her character’s turnaround was astonishing. How is it possible that a character you just love to hate can become one that you want to love? Truly a showing of how God’s love can impact people.

There is plenty of suspense, intrigue, and deception throughout these pages, so don’t think this is going to be some sappy historical romance. It’s exciting and will keep you on the edge of your seat while you enjoy learning part of the history of New Mexico.

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

Impending Strike

Authors: Lynette Eason & Sami A. Abrams

Series: Elite Guardians Novel #2

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Release Date: June 28, 2022

Another fantastic Elite Guardians novel that fans of the series will not want to miss!

Charlie Lee is a member of the Elite Guardians; he is the only male member. He has tried to put his feelings for fellow Guardian Lizzie Tremaine aside as he knows a relationship with her would be beyond complicated. Lizzie is a single mom whose main goal is to protect her daughter while doing her job protecting others. Charlie goes undercover on a project and winds up hurt with memory loss for the last four years of his life. With no memory of why he shouldn’t try to make things work with Lizzie, he tries to get her to see him as more than a friend. The closer they get, the harder it is to do their jobs without the risk of one or both of their hearts getting hurt.

This is the second book in the second installment of the Elite Guardians collection and the collaboration of seasoned author Lynette Eason with Sami Abrams, an up-and-coming author. I don’t feel like this one was as great as the first in this new series but still a great addition to the overall Elite Guardians collection. Lizzie and Charlie had a past that wasn’t explored as much causing a few head scratching moments. The moments of Charlie losing his memory and trying to recall what he couldn’t remember and how that affected his relationships with all around him helped to move the story along. When it comes to romantic suspense, these books read quickly and are a great companion for a rainy day or relaxing day reading without worrying about much else. I thought for her first book, Sami Abrams did a great job diving into this series with a world already built and established adding a great story and characters we hadn’t read much about before. This book was still fast paced and enjoyable, and I am curious to see what is going to come next with the series. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic suspense and has been a fan of the Elite Guardians series. Readers wouldn’t have to read the rest of the series’ first to enjoy but I do think it would help readers to get the most out of the book.

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

Unfailing Love

Authors: Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

Series: When Hope Calls #3

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: June 7, 2022

A wonderful companion for anyone that enjoys the Hallmark Channel’s When Hope Calls.

It is a hard job, but someone must care for the children in distress and Lillian Walsh and Grace Bennett have it placed upon their hearts to be there and help the children. When they hear of three children that have run away and need help, they do all they can to find them before it is too late. They have worked at creating a safe place for children and now Lillian must choose between her commitment to her sister and the life she has wanted to build with her fiancé. With all the trouble they encounter, it is hard to know who to trust and if they can’t trust their family and those they love, it makes their lives so much more difficult.

Unfailing Love is the third book in the When Hope Calls series and unlike some, I would say this is a series that needs to be read in order for the readers to get the most out of each book and follow the story. There is a lot to unbox within this story and the plethora of characters brings a dynamic to the story that can be hard to follow if readers aren’t careful. The writing is well done even if the pacing of the story is a tad on the slow side. I found the characters of Lillian and Grace to be good leads for this book but wished for a little more character development on a deeper level. The setting of the story really drew me in and kept the story what I wanted from it. I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and those that love the Hallmark type movies of this nature.

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

Running with Purpose

Author: Jim Weber

Publisher: Harper Collins Leadership

Release Date: April 26, 2022

An insightful read about how to take on larger competitors in business and in life.

In Running with Purpose, Jim Weber tells his life’s story from growing up to college to business to becoming the CEO of Brooks. He shares his triumphs and his tribulations throughout his journey both in business strategies but also in his life. He shows why the connections you make throughout your career are so important and how you can think strategically to overtake your competitors in market areas by being true to yourself and your brand!

Let’s be honest here. I picked up this book because I love to run and I love to use Brooks shoes for running. So, it just made sense that I would likely enjoy this book and I did! I didn’t even know Brooks existed until the 2000s when I would get my first pair for recreational running, which would turn into competitive obstacle course racing. There is a lot of backstory to Brooks and how they tried to compete on the level of other name brands that had a lot more apparel for each sport until Weber came along and refocused the brand to be just about running. I also enjoyed getting to learn about Weber’s life and the challenges that he has faced to show people that he is just as human and the next guy.

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

The Local

Author: Joey Hartston

Publisher: Doubleday

Release Date: June 14, 2022

Best legal thriller of the year! Felt like it was right in my own backyard!

Marshall, Texas, set about 150 miles east of Dallas, is the hottest spot in the world to file patent lawsuits. The Eastern District Court of Texas (EDTX) has been situated to handle patent cases like no other with speedy trials and large plaintiff payouts. But large corporations have realized that the local jurors just don’t connect with big city lawyers, which is why they team up with a local legal counsel to help sell the case. One of these locals is James Euchre.

As Euchre wraps up another patent case and scores a cool three quarter million into his account, he finds that this next client is Amir Zawar, CEO of a new rideshare app that uses technology that will drive out his competitors. During the preliminary hearing, things don’t go Zawar’s way and his makes threats while still in the courtroom. Later that night, the district Judge is murdered and all evidence points to Zawar. The last think that Eucre wants to do is defend Zawar in a criminal case, especially since the judge was one of his friends. Plus, Euchre doesn’t specialize in criminal law. But Zawar will have it no other way. Now Euchre must rely on a team he has only just met to pull off the case of his life.

I love a good legal thriller and Hartstone definitely delivered a fantastic story. As a fellow Texan, I have friends who are patent lawyers in Marshall, so it was fun to pick their brain while I read this story to get an idea of what goes on. The book centers more on the criminal case of the murdered judge instead of patent law, which probably makes the book move faster and get readers more engaged. Hartstone did a great job of setting up the scene quickly and bringing characters in to connect with readers. You can tell that Hartstone does screenplays as well because the book read just like a movie. I even began to pick out actors to play the different roles. Legal thriller fans will love this book and hope to see it on the big screen soon!

There is some strong language throughout the book as well as alcohol and cigarette use that makes it more suitable for mature readers.

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

Turn to Me

Author: Becky Wade

Series: Misty River Romance #3

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: May 3, 2022

Turn to me is whimsical, adventurous, and sweet romance not to be missed by fans of contemporary romance.

Luke Dempsey has let guilt hold him back in life since his brother died in an earthquake. Since that time, he has sabotaged any happiness that has tried to enter his life and even ended up in prison. While in prison, he befriends an older man that makes him promise to protect his daughter Finley. Luke learns that Finley is left a treasure hunt by her father and others may know and try to get the treasure from her. When Luke is released from prison, he finds Finley and starts working for her animal rescue non-profit. He is grumpy and gruff, but she sees something good in him that she wants to bring to the surface and help him find happiness. With each new clue they uncover, their feelings grow for each other along with the danger as others want what they are trying to find.

This is the third book in the Misty River romance series dealing with the Miracle five, a set of characters who survive an earthquake. Luke is the most reclusive of the members and his story revolves around him being released from prison after making a promise to protect someone. He has dreams of a quiet life, building his own cabin, and working from home without having to be around many people. When he meets Finley all that changes. The romantic tension between the two is obvious from the beginning. What bothered me was the fact Luke’s criminal past. I get that her father was in prison and he talked about Luke to her and she has a soft heart for rehabilitating others, but she never hesitated falling in love with someone with a criminal past. I liked the way Luke was portrayed, he had a hard time letting go of what he had done and didn’t think he would be good enough for Finley even though she never questioned it. They are complete opposites but in this case, opposites attract and it works well. Towards the end of the book, I was completely drawn into the story and wanted to see them with each other to have the happy ending. Even though this is the third in the series, I feel that readers could pick this one up without having read the previous two and still enjoy the story. There is enough backstory of the characters that I had no problem following along having not read the others. This is a great story for those that love contemporary romance.

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

Sunburst

Author: Susan May Warren

Series: Sky King Ranch #2

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: June 7, 2022

Another fantastic adventure by Susan May Warren that takes readers from Africa to Alaska with all the action you can expect from a novel by Warren!

Ranger Kingston has spent his life on rescue missions with the Navy SEALS. He recently left the life he had known for so long, but when his brother, Colt, is kidnapped with others in Nigeria, he goes in to help save him. During the mission, he escapes with a woman he never thought he would see again and has never forgotten. Noemi Sutton is just as surprised as Ranger when he comes into the terrorist camp to help them escape. The escape doesn’t go as planned and Noemi and Ranger must work together if they are going to make it out of Nigeria alive.

Susan May Warren is a master when it comes to Romantic Suspense. Her books have entertaining plots, engaging characters and settings that pull the reader in deep to the story. Sunburst is no exception to this method; she has crafted in making great stories for readers to enjoy.

Ranger isn’t looking for love, afraid it will take his mind off the mission, any mission he has next, and Noemi is afraid to get close to anyone because she might lose them, or they might get hurt because of her. With their combined baggage setting up the story, it makes it hard to see them making it work. With every step they take, more trouble comes their way and kept me glued to the story. This is the kind of fast paced story that I love reading; hard to put down and characters that I couldn’t help but cheer on at every turn. I loved the way Susan May Warren sets up scenes in so many different settings and doesn’t even make my blink, it all felt so incredibly real. This is the second in the series, but it could be read as a standalone. If you haven’t read the first, you will be missing a little backstory for a few of the characters and storyline, especially towards the end of the book. I do recommend this to fans of romantic suspense and Susan May Warren, you won’t be disappointed, another great read!

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

One Hundred Percent Me

Author: Renee Macalino Rutledge

Illustrator: Anita Prades

Publisher: Bloom Books for Young Readers

Release Date: May 3, 2022

Great book for young readers to understand more about mixed race children as well as give those children confidence.

A little girl living in the San Francisco Bay area knows she is an individual even though people may not understand who she is because of her ancestry. With a Puerto Rican father and Filipina mother, she looks different than other kids. People say that she has one trait of her dad’s or another of her mom’s, but she thinks those are just hers. Everything that makes her up makes her 100% Me.

This is a great children’s book that gives confidence to kids who are mixed race (because aren’t we all al little) as well as help kids understand that just because someone looks different doesn’t mean that, they are just different. With colorful illustrations and descriptive imagery, this book is great for all young readers. Some of the wording is a little more than very young readers would be able to handle. It will be more appropriated for ages six and up.

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

Among the Innocent

Author: Mary Alford

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: June 7, 2022

Not at all what I was expecting when I picked this book up but ended thoroughly enjoyed the story!

It’s been ten years since Leah Miller escaped the clutches of the man that murdered her entire family. Leah grew up Amish but left after the murders finding it too hard to stay. When the man they believed responsible for the murders took his own life, Leah was finally able to breathe again. She joined the police force and spent her time looking out for those in the town and Amish community. When another Amish woman is found murdered in the same way as Leah’s family, she knows the killer is still out there. Leah must work with Dalton Cooper, the new police chief in town who has his own agenda concerning this case. Together they work to find out the truth and stop the killer before any more lives are lost.

Normally a book on Amish fiction would not be one I eagerly pick up to read, but I’m happy to say Among the Innocent was so much better than I expected. Mary Alford crafted a story set within the Amish community that was engaging, suspenseful, delightful, and more. Every now and then the difference in language the Amish use made it slower to read but only slightly. Leah was a great character that even with her past and suffering she was able to still rise above it all and help others.

Dalton and Leah had great chemistry that brought the story to a higher level that I wasn’t expecting. The romance was just right letting the suspense always lead the story. The way the killer was written into the story was very engaging and had me turning the pages. I would recommend readers set aside a good amount of time to read so they can fully enjoy without distractions. This was my first Mary Alford book and can guarantee it won’t be the last. Readers that enjoy romantic fiction and Amish fiction will not want to pass this one up.

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