State of Lies

State of Lies.jpg Author: Siri Mitchell

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: August 13, 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Filled with international espionage, domestic terrorism, and danger coming from every page, readers will not want to miss a page of State of Lies!

Georgie Brennan has had months to deal with the death of her husband after a hit and run accident and still aches from the loss. When Georgie discovers that Sean lied about where he was going the day he was killed, she starts digging deeper into the man she thought she knew best and realizes maybe she didn’t know him as well as she thought she did. She finds a missing notebook with cryptic messages; strange noises around the house worry her with each passing day and her job as a physicist is in jeopardy as she continues to dig into her husband and what actually happened to him. During her struggles she relies on her family, her son is struggling to deal with the death of his father and her own father, a four-star general is being considered for secretary of defense. Her life is threatened more than once, along with everyone she cares about and she is running out of people to trust.

With danger around every corner, this was a great read that surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. This was the first book I have read by Siri Mitchell but will for sure not be the last. The story was fast paced and solid throughout with a storyline that was riveting and engaging throughout. So many aspects of this story were spot on for me; the characters, each and every one, even the minor characters reacted exactly as I felt they should making the story exceedingly enjoyable. Those minor characters had some of the best scenes for me, not something you see in every book. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the way Mitchell tastefully addressed the subject of sex within marriage. So many times, especially in a book from a Christian publisher, sex is a topic not even touched. It was refreshing to see this addressed in this way that would keep me from wanting to read or recommend to anyone. One other point to me is even though this was published by Thomas Nelson, a Christian publishing house, not much at all was mentioned or even hinted at to make a reader aware of that fact. I know many readers don’t want to be preached at but even a hint would have been nice. I have to say though this story was good enough that even that didn’t take away my enjoyment of the story. It was obvious the author had real knowledge of military and DoD that flowed throughout the story and deep within the bones of the characters. Overall this was a great read that I highly recommend to fans of political thrillers and wanting a fun, fast-paced, and all in all great read.

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

One Final Breath

One final breath Author: Lynn Blackburn

Series: Dive Team Investigations #3

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: September 3, 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Lynn Blackburn finishes up the Dive Team Investigations series with the very best yet! Fans of the series will have no choice but to fall in love with Gabe and Anissa’s story.

Anissa Bell, captain of the dive team investigators, has had a problem with Gabe Chavez since before he was on her team. He worked undercover and would only dive once or twice a year, not enough in her opinion to stay up to speed with the rest of the team. Anissa was a missionary kid growing up until she went to college and her best friend was murdered and the three-year-old child she was watching disappeared. From that moment on, she spent her time trying to solve the case leading her to be with the dive team and around Gabe. When an investigation surfaces into the death of a young boy on the lake, they must figure out how to put their issues with each other aside and work to solve the case.

With each book in this series I have seen Blackburn come alive in her writing. One Final Breath brings the best of the series and gives readers even more to love. The suspense is top notch, the romance is right on point and the story flows without even trying. Each character brings just the right amount of believability to the story to make it an easy enjoyable read. I loved everything about this series and am sad to see it come to an end, but happy to say it is a satisfying end. Gabe and Anissa have been mentioned in the other books but this one is devoted to them and their story, and oh what a story it is! Both have a past that wasn’t the easiest, but they use that past to fuel them going forward making them a great team. Each of the main characters from the previous books have a role here and it lets us see how those relationships have progressed as well. The ending was my favorite in every way. The suspense was at its peak, and the romance was there without getting in the way of the tension driving the story forward. This is by far Blackburn’s best novel to date, fans of hers will love the conclusion to this series. Readers that enjoy Lynnette Eason, Dani Pettrey and other Christian Romantic Suspense authors will want to add Lynn Blackburn to their list of go to authors. Even though this is the third in the series, it could be read as a stand-alone without feeling lost. This is one of those books I wish I could rate more than five stars. I highly recommend this to fans of romantic suspense and all those that enjoy a good clean, quick read.

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

King’s Shadow

Kings shadow Author: Angela Hunt

Series: The Silent Years #4

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: August 6, 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

As the silent years come to a close, the story of Herod the Great is put on display.

Salome is sister to Herod the Great. Her family is from Idumean descent, who the Jews believe are inferior. Herod was placed in power by the Roman Republic as a puppet king to rule over the lands. Salome is determined to protect and defend her brother with her life as he once came to her rescue. Unfortunately, sometimes his choices make that difficult to do. His decision to marry Mariamne, daughter of Alexandra whose father was Hyrcanus the previous Jewish leader who was a Hasmonean. They always speak ill of Herod and his family and plot ways to get the kingdom back. Their offspring prove to be no better. Herod begins to rule emotionally, his decisions often swift and sometimes unjust. What will become of the Jewish nation?

Zara is a young Jewish girl who is selected to be handmaid to Salome. She learns to trust her mistress and do her bidding indiscreetly. However, as she ages, she sees the bitterness and lack of trust begin to tear the Herodians apart. She continues to live selflessly, hoping to one day have a family of her own.

I have read a little into King Herod’s time, but have never delved as deep as what Hunt has just given me. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the historical timeline played out between Herod and Marc Antony of Rome with Cleopatra which lead to the battle with Octavian and eventually to Augusts Caesar. I’ve dived much deeper into Roman history and was happy to see how well this all accurately connected. As always, Hunt is a master historian that can easily weave the knowledge into her novels. I haven’t found any book by her that I haven’t loved. I also enjoy that she uses more minor characters from history to be her main characters so that readers get to witness the events in a first person setting. I’ve heard of Salome, but more from the reference of Herodias’s daughter that ask for John the Baptist head on a platter. So it was very interesting to see the story of her ancestor played out up through the birth of Jesus.

I recommend this book to historical fiction lovers, biblical fiction lovers, and people who enjoy Hunt’s work!

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

Castle of Concrete

Castle

Author: Katia Raina

Publisher: Young Europe

Release Date: June 11, 2019

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Historical novel from the eyes of a teenage girl in the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The school year of 1990-1991 is ushering in a lot of change in Russia, especially in Moscow. Democracy is starting to take shape with the face of Boris Yeltsin. Gorbachev is starting to be forced out but isn’t ready to give it up just yet. Sonya Solovay is experiencing several changes too. She is finally able to live fully with her mother, who is a dissident of the Russian government. She leaves her grandmothers in a small remote village and moves with her mother to the outskirts of Moscow. To complicate things, they are Jewish and many of Russia’s disgruntled residents blame the Jews for their problems. However, Sonya is determined to make a new life for herself at her new school. She butts heads with some of the teachers but manages to strike up a relationship with the best-looking boy at school. She finds it easy to fall in love, but her Jewish ethnicity may cause a problem. When her mom decides that it may be best to move to America, Sonya is torn between her friends love for Russia and her love for her mother.

This book is a prime example of why I love historical fiction. I learned quite a bit about the social climate in Moscow during the fall of the Soviet Union. I had no idea that there was such an anti-Semite feeling across the country during this time frame. I would have figured earlier in the century but was surprised to find this out. History aside, I had a lot of trouble connecting with Sonya. I understand that she is a teenage girl out to make a new life, but she seems to just go about it all wrong. I didn’t really understand the relationship between her and Reslan either. If the intent was to see this time period though the eyes of a confused teenager, then it was definitely successful. There is some tension throughout the book between Sonya and two of the boy characters, which plays out great at the end. Stay through the end of the book and you will enjoy it.

There is some foul language throughout the book as well as some implied young adult intimate scenes that makes is suitable for a mature audience.

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

Ford

Ford Author: Susan May Warren

Series: The Montana Marshalls #3

Publisher: SDG Publishing

Release Date: September 3, 2019

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

The third book in the Montana Marshalls lets readers glimpse into the life of Navy Seal Ford Marshall. Readers will love this strong courageous man that will stop at nothing to protect the ones he loves.

Ford Marshall went into the Navy to become a Seal and prove he was just as tough or tougher than his brothers, but when his twin sister RJ is in trouble, he must use every ounce of strength he has to not fall apart. The family finds out RJ has been accused of an international incident, but Ford won’t let anything stop him from getting to her. Knowing this isn’t something he can do on his own, he calls on the one person he knows will have his back, Petty Officer Scarlett Hathaway. Scarlett can help him get into the country and he wouldn’t mind one more mission with her before she leaves to be a Rescue Swimmer. If he is being honest with himself, what he really wants is to convince her to give the two of them a chance. Scarlett has complications of her own since her mother died and she has a little brother to take care of. Being single in the navy isn’t the best life for that and she is left with a tough decision to make. Thrown into the search for Ford’s sister, Scarlett puts aside her troubles and together they both must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice for love.

Ford is the third book in the Montana Marshalls series following Knox and Tate. Each of the Marshall men have their own strengths and special talents making them swoon worthy with Ford potentially being the most of all as a navy seal. He is strong, independent, capable and will stop at nothing when someone he cares about is in danger. The relationship between Ford and RJ was an interesting dynamic. Being twins, they have a special bond the other siblings don’t share, but that bond was damaged when they were young, and it still hasn’t been repaired. As a twin, I know how hard a strained relationship can be and the way Ford knew that his sister was in trouble and needed him is true of a twin relationship and the bond that can’t be broken. For me, this is not the best of the series but still a very enjoyable read. Fans of Warren’s books will surely enjoy the story. It read a little slower than the first two, maybe because of the setting and so much of it being in Russia just didn’t pull me in as much as her writing usually does. Even so, I was still able to get through the book quickly and can’t wait for the next in the series.

One thing about a Susan May Warren book is you know you are getting a good story that is filled with inspiration, romance, action, suspense and a good time. I recommend this to fans of her work and even those that are new to her writing will find the series enjoyable.

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

The Oysterville Sewing Circle

Oysterville

Author: Susan Wiggs

Publisher: William Morrow

Release Date: August 13, 2019

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

The kind of special book that is made for book clubs! Women helping women and a warmth throughout that will leave readers smiling as they turn the last page.

After setting off for the big city to launch a career in the fashion industry, Caroline Shelby has worked hard to prove herself to have it all explode in her face. With nowhere else to turn, she returns to her hometown of Oysterville, Washington. She isn’t returning alone, coming home with her are two children that become orphans when their mom, her friend died. It has been ten years since she left, and a lot has changed. When she arrives on her parent’s doorstep, she isn’t sure where her life is headed. It isn’t long before she runs into Will Jensesn, one of her oldest and closest friends until she left town. Will went into the Navy and was wounded causing him to return home with his wife Sierra, Caroline’s best friend. It doesn’t take long for Caroline to return to her favorite place in town, the sewing shop, and discovers secrets the town has been hiding for years. Finding a purpose with the secret, Caroline starts the Oysterville Sewing Circle and sees lives changed, especially her own.

For me, the name of this book was very misleading. I was expecting one thing and ended up with something very different. This is a great women’s fiction domestic drama, lots going on in the pages of this story with so many life lessons we can learn from helping a friend to dealing with long lost love. Even if you think a book about sewing and fashion isn’t for you, give it a chance as there is so much more to this story. Caroline is a great protagonist, she has to go up against a lot, not only the people in the fashion industry but also taking on the responsibility of the kids thrust into her life. A lot of people put in her position wouldn’t have made the decision she did. The story flowed great, not only with all she went through but how others reacted to her and the way she kept her values at the forefront of all she did. The subject of domestic violence, drug abuse, and others tackled here are not easy, but when handled with care it can make for a story very much worth reading. I loved the way Wiggs dealt with these characters and the issues they faced. This is the first book I have read by Wiggs but can easily see myself picking up more by her. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy contemporary women’s fiction with a message and heart to the story.

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

Rule of Capture

Rule of Capture Author: Christopher Brown

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Release Date: August 13, 2019

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Interesting concept of a dystopian America given the current political climate.

America is on the brink of a full civil war. Climate change has caused drought conditions in the northern part of the countries and forced most of the population south. A war with China has devasted the country and brought fallout zones off the coast of Texas as well as several other areas. The current president trying to hold onto power and once the flood zones of coastal Texas became catastrophic, he declared martial law. Now justice has been suspended. There are still courts, but they must answer to a higher power rather than being impartial. Anyone suspected of being a rebel to the cause is now brought before the court for a quick trial often leading them to exile or death.

Donny Kimoe still believes in justice. He used to work for the US attorney’s office to put away said criminals, but he realized that the system was broken and decided to change sides and defends them. His newest client Xelina Rocafuerte is a filmmaker for propaganda materials but witnesses the death of an opposition leader. As the court tries to silence her for good, Donny must exhaust every option that he has to try to have her released. But this uphill battle has consequences that could lead to Donny’s demise as well.

This book definitely grabbed my attention based on the current political and because it is set in Texas, my home state. It seems crazy to think that the entire judicial system could be turned in a manner that people are guilty until proven innocent, but then again, maybe it is not so farfetched. With stronger hurricanes and heavy flooding, it’s not difficult to picture the climate change indicated in the book. I had a love/hate relationship with Donny. Loved that he fought for the underdog, hated his methods and habits. Did remind me a little of Better Call Saul, but just wanted him to be more of an up and up guy. I liked Xelina immediately. Her attitude and demeaner fit right in with my perspective of her. I also enjoyed seeing how the author broke the county apart based on current events. If you enjoy this type of novel, you will likely love this one as well.

There is a lot of foul language throughout the book as well as some graphic violence that makes is suitable for a mature audience.

The Beginner’s Guide to Wining an Election

election

Author: Michael R. French

Publisher: Moot Point Productions

Release Date: November 20, 2018

Rating: 3 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A topic that might not seem interesting shows a different side to the world of high school politics.

Being involved in high school politics is the last thing Brit Kitridge had on her mind. She wanted to finish high school, go to college and then onto med school. She has always loved history, especially her history teacher and looks to him for guidance. After he fuels her passion for politics, she joins the team of Matthew Boltanski, the school’s shoo-in for winning the election. He has a team of fourteen that has helped him win everything he has gone out for and now he wants to be Student Body President. Before she can do much for the team, she is accused of being a spy and trying to sabotage the team. It doesn’t take long for Brit to realize she wants to be the change in her school and sets out to beat Matthew at his own game and win the election herself. Winning is going to be harder than she imagined and the secrets she uncovers go deeper than anyone in school could have predicted.

I would like to say I enjoyed this book, but I can’t. It started out far too slow, especially for a YA novel that should take off from page one. Not only did it start slow, but for me it was very unbelievable. Set a few years in the future isn’t enough to make the scenarios feel real for me. High school students being paid by a corporation to win elections in high school? And the amounts paid? It was just too farfetched for me to buy. The rest of the storyline itself is good, a high school election with the underdog going out to try and make a difference for the school. I liked that along with the values that Brit stood for and tried to be a moral compass, even when she made mistakes she owned up to those mistakes. The author did a good job of portraying young adolescents in a difficult time, one of the best aspects of the novel. Several points in the book had language that I am not comfortable recommending to young readers. I don’t recommend this to YA readers with the language and slow start, but older readers might enjoy the story.

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

Have You Seen Luis Velez?

Luis Velez

Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde

Publisher: Lake Union

Release Date: May 21, 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Another wonderful, heartwarming and deep story by an author I have come to rely on to pull my heartstrings and deliver a tale like no one else.

It can be hard growing up and feeling like you don’t belong anywhere. Raymond Jaffe feels this way living with his mother and her new family. He spends the weekends with his father and stepmother he is even more out of place. When his best friend moves, he is left with a stray cat he has taken a liking to and a blind ninety-two-year old woman from his building who needs his help. The first time he met her, she was asking about a man named Luis Velez. Luis had been coming to help her go to the bank and grocery story and has disappeared. Mildred Gutterman is worried about him but also needs help to provide her basic needs she can’t do on her own. She and her family escaped the Holocaust and has been on her own since her husband passed away. Luis came to help her and when he stopped coming without an explanation, she feared the worst might have happened. Raymond works to help Mildred survive and find out what happened to Luis and give her closure. The more they dig, the farther Mildred retreats into herself and Raymond makes it his mission to show her that even in the hard times there is always hope.

Every single novel I read by Catherine Ryan Hyde pulls me in further and shows me she is one of the very best at crafting a story that pulls at your heartstrings and character relationships that very few other author could pull off. The relation between Raymond and Mildred is one that normally wouldn’t have worked out, but the way they came together here was so natural and beautiful. There are so many life lessons in this book: friendship, kindness, hope when things seem lost, family, even if it isn’t blood relatives. The job that Raymond has, trying to help Mildred, isn’t an easy one; he could have just made a call and tried to get her government assistance, but he didn’t. Raymond needed Mildred as much as she needed him, even if he didn’t realize it or want to admit it. One thing this book teaches us it to pay attention to who is around us. It may be easy to look the other way or pass the person down the hall and think they aren’t are problem or concern, but we might be the only thing keeping them handing on in a tough time. I could go on and on about the lessons and little gems in this book for readers, but it is better to soak them in with the passing of each page. I highly recommend this book to readers looking for a read that will touch their heart and show them that good people are still out there ready and willing to do what is right.

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

A Glitter of Gold

Glitter of Gold

Author: Liz Johnson

Series: Georgia Coast Romance #2

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: August 6, 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Fun, witty, charming, and pirates make for the best kind of summer story.

Anne Norris is trying to escape her past life back in California. A series of wrong choices landed her in places that she would rather never have visited. As soon as she could, she packed up and moved across country to Savannah, Georgia where no one has a clue who she is. She even started up a business as a pirate tour guide, but she isn’t making much and barely scrapes by from month to month. After a hurricane passes over, she spends a morning at the beach and stumbles upon what appears to be a solid gold sword hilt. If this is real, it could change her life, but also bring in unwanted publicity. When she visits the local maritime museum, the curator is ecstatic and wants to find the remainder of the treasure but won’t be able to do it without Anne’s help. Can she trust him? Or is she better off alone?

This was a fun quick read that was just perfect to start closing out the summer reading list. Stories set in Savannah are always fun to take a stroll down the setting. And when a pirate’s story comes to surface, that makes it even better. I quickly fell into Anne’s backstory to understand why she was so skittish and lacked self-esteem, which became evident pretty quickly. Carter was self-assured, but to focused on living up to his family name to actually enjoy life for what it was. With a colorful group of supporting character, both Anne and Carter were able to grow both individually and together. The romance never felt forced and was pretty predictable, but fun all the same. I recommend this book to those who love a good summer read!

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