"Seek and Find"

Rookie K-9 Unit

by Dana Mentink!

Description

KILLER HEADLINE 

Reporter Madison Coles wants to write an exposé on the crime spree rocking Desert Valley, Arizona—but the small town's residents and police are tight-lipped. Even when Madison herself is attacked, the only help she can get is protection from rookie K-9 officer James Harrison and his trusty bloodhound. 

Suspicious of the reporter's motives, the handsome cop keeps her at arm's length. But the more Madison's life is threatened, the more focused she is on finding the truth—and the closer she gets to James. Can he help her find the story without them both ending up in the obituary pages? 

Rookie K-9 Unit: These lawmen solve the toughest cases with the help of their brave canine partners.




 





Biography

Dana is an award winning author of Christian fiction. Her novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, won a 2010 Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, and she was pleased to win the 2013 Carol Award for Lost Legacy and a Holt Medallion Merit Award. She's authored more than twelve novels to date for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her at www.danamentink.com 










My thoughts ~

Dana Mentink has a vivid imagination when it comes to creating truly suspense-filled novels. I've read several of her Love Inspired Suspense books, and I'm always on the edge of my seat, wondering what is going to happen next! Seek and Find is another one that kept me reading past my bedtime, wanting to read just one more chapter. 

Her characters are very well developed. Reporters and cops don't tend to mix well, and James and Madison are challenged as the plot heats up, but Madison's instincts adds intrigue and determination throughout the story. Both characters carry heaven burdens from the past, and those burdens add friction to their friendship.

I fell in love with James' trusty bloodhound, his K-9 companion. I laughed at times at the antics he got into. Other characters throughout create darkness and a sinister focus. 

By all means, pick up a copy of this great suspense-filled book. I loved it, and highly recommend it. It's a great weekend read or one you can take to the beach. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.   



   

 

"In Golden Splendor"

(An Heirs of Ireland Novel)

by Michael K. Reynolds

 

 

Description

Irish immigrant Seamus Hanley is a lost soul, haunted by his past as a U.S. Army deserter and living alone in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in 1849. But after witnessing a deadly stage coach crash, he finds purpose in the scattered wreckage -- a letter with a picture of a beautiful and captivating woman named Ashlyn living in San Francisco at the height of the Gold Rush.Moved by her written plea for help, he abandons all and sets out on an epic journey across the wild and picturesque American frontier. While being pursued by those who want to hang him, Seamus encounters fascinating characters including a young Pauite Indian who makes the ultimate sacrifice in helping Seamus to cross the snowy Yosemite Valley.

Battered but changed for the better, Seamus reaches San Francisco on Christmas Eve as the city burns in the tragic fire of 1849. But there is little time for rest, as an even greater, more harrowing adventure involving Ashlyn is about to begin.

Biography

Michael K. Reynolds is the author of a series of Irish historical novels published by B&H Publishing Group.

Heirs of Ireland Historical Saga
An epic and sweeping Irish 19th century historical series written with a cinematographic eye. It features gripping suspense, memorable characters and breathtaking settings.

Michael is a writer with more than two decades of experience in crafting fiction, non-fiction, journalism, copywriting and documentary production.




My thoughts ~
 

"God comes to us in golden splendor........." 

My reaction to this, the second in the Heirs of Ireland series is, "magnificent!" I was impassioned by Flight of the Earls, and equally impressed with In Golden Splendor. The author shares impressive knowledge of the history of mid-19th century America and the gold rush. It is obvious that much research went into the writing of this indepth novel. and the terrain traversed by a young Irish immigrant, an Army deserter.

Seamus Hanley's uncertain future is affected by many varied incidents throughout his search for a beautiful young woman whose picture he discovered in a letter. His travels from the Rocky Mountains to the coast of California are filled with unforgettable moments. I find it difficult to put into words the effect this novel held for me. I experienced numerous emotions throughout the reading of this book. There are numerous impressive passages. The one below took my breath away.

"There spinning beneath them, breathlessly and seemingly miles below, was a valley finely taylored in a stunning cloak of white and generously covered with snow-flocked forestry.It lay at the base of a symphony of granite that reached like grateful hands up to the heavens." 

The poetic descriptions throughout this book add grandeur to adversity as Seamus traverses the mountains and unpredictable countryside, having no knowledge of what lay ahead.

I highly recommend this unforgettable novel of haunting memories that touched my heart and brought tears of both sadness and joy. This series is an impressive set of novels, books that I will read again. I can hardly wait to read book 3 in this series, Songs of the Shenandoah!

Disclaimer: I received this book from Michael K. Reynolds in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

   

"Forever Safe"

(Beacons of Hope #4)

by Jody Hedlund!

Description

Race Point, Massachusetts, 1876 Will she ever be able to stop running, even when she believes she’s finally safe? Heiress to a vast fortune, Victoria Cole has everything she wants, including the perfect fiancé. Having left two other men at the altar, Victoria is sure that now she’s found her true love and will finally live happily ever after. As her wedding draws near, however, Victoria’s life is threatened. To keep her safe, Victoria’s father hires a bodyguard. Tom Cushman’s number one priority is protecting his clients, which means no personal entanglements. But he’s never guarded someone as beautiful and winsome as Victoria. After a near-kidnapping, the wedding is cancelled, and Tom hides Victoria at Cape Cod’s Race Point Lighthouse until her attacker can be found. Appointed as assistant light keeper with Victoria posing as his wife, Tom believes the isolation of the lighthouse will keep her safe. As Victoria struggles to live without familiar luxuries, her heart betrays her with growing feelings for her protector. Determined to help Tom stop fleeing from his haunted past, can the runaway bride learn to face her own fears? With the attacker closing in, will both of them ever be able to stop running and find the safety they long for?

Biography

Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award and finalist for the Christy Awards, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate. 

My thoughts ~

Victoria is well portrayed as the spoiled heiress to an immense fortune, never having to do for herself, much less perform basic household tasks. Her life takes a sudden turn as her young bodyguard whisks her off to the northern tip of Cape Cod to his father's lighthouse post, in order to protect her from a predator. Tom and Victoria pose as newlyweds and Tom takes the assistant light keeper position alongside his father, who cajoles them relentlessly about their lack of typical newlywed behavior.

The setting on Cape Cod is magnificent and picturesque. The author's depiction of the locale, the lighthouse and light keeper's house is charming and descriptive. Characters throughout this romantic suspense are so well defined that I could easily relate to their personalities and behavior. As Tom and Victoria are expected to spend intimate time together their attraction for each other begins to spark. The sparks begin to smolder, and soon a raging fire is knocking at their door. This relationship kept me breathless! Their passion for one another is palpable and fervent.

Jody Hedlund has created an impassioned romance that pulls out all the stops! Tactful, tasteful, though intensely passionate, you'll find yourself holding your breath and not able to put this book down! This author is one of my favorites, and she continues to amaze me with her capacity for creating in depth, magnificent stories that continue to "wow" me! Please don't miss Ms. Hedlund's most recent creation, Forever Safe, and take some time to read her other books as well. You'll be swept into the currents of her storytelling.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and her publisher in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

"Grannie, Grandpa, and Me!"

by Julia A. Royston

Illustrated by

Derrick Thomas

 

 

 

Description

 

Many grandparents, aunts, distant relatives, foster parents and other guardians issued by the state, raising today’s children. Some of these people are long past the retirement age and should be taking cruises, vacations in the summer or moved to warmer climates enjoying their latter years until they are unable to take care of themselves. Instead, they are coming to parent teacher conferences, buying school clothes and shoes, finding tutors for homework that they stopped doing long ago. Walks in the park, visits to the zoo and circus tickets were once a thing of the past, but have resurfaced so that this generation can somehow enjoy being a kid and have a better life. These are the true heroes of our generation. People who are willing to sacrifice their wants, needs and desires to be able to see the next generation survive and hopefully, thrive. 

 

 

 

Biography

 

Julia A. Royston is an author, publisher speaker, teacher and songwriter residing in Southern Indiana with her husband, Brian K. Royston. To her credit, Julia has written original music for 5 Music CDs, 2 DVDs, authored 20 Books, a contributing author in 3 books. Julia and her husband oversee the operation of BK Royston Publishing, LLC to provide quality, informative, inspirational and entertaining materials in the global market place in all media formats. The non-profit, For the Kingdom Ministries is established to encourage, enlighten and empower people to live the abundant life God promised. By profession, Julia is a certified, technology teacher with the local public school system. For more information visit www.bkroystonpublishing.com, www.juliaroystonenterprises.com or www.juliaroyston.net. 

 

 

 

My thoughts ~

 

Grannie, Grandpa and Me revolves around grandparents raising an infant through to adulthood. Written for children from ages 3-6 years of age, I feel that some of the writing is a bit over their heads, and not quite appropriate for that age group. 

 

Artwork is colorful and very much a part of the story. As I read the book I wanted use my own words to portray the stages of growth by use of the artwork. I like the premise that the book is revealing the example that many of us are acting in various roles as caregivers for our grandchildren. It is an honest revelation of our unique way of life in the 21st century.

 

It's a sweet story regarding the stages of growth as told through the eyes of the granddaughter, but my opinion is that too much is revealed as the child grows older. Three to six year olds don't need to hear about pimples, winking, etc. This might be more appropriate for 8-10 year old girls. I do think that older children might enjoy this book.

 

For a 48-page paperback book this book is quite highly priced.

 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Book Crash in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

 

 

"The Mystery of Ghost Dancer Ranch"

(The Adventures of Punkin & Boo #1)

by Patrick E. Craig

Description

The Mystery of Ghost Dancer Ranch is the gripping story of two teenage cousins who are thrown together for the summer at their Grandparents’ ranch in California. While exploring the old ranch, the girls stumble on a mystery that involves desperate crooks, the ghost of a long-dead Sioux War Chief, a young Native American man on a mission to save his tribe, and secret tunnels and caves left over from an old Spanish Mission. Throw in a guardian angel who protects the girls from some evil spirits that want to bring the story to a bad end, and you have The Mystery of Ghost Dancer Ranch, the first in a series of faith-filled mystery adventures for kids, featuring Punkin and Boo. 

Biography

Best-selling author, Patrick E. Craig, is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next twenty-six years as a worship leader, seminar speaker and pastor in churches, and at retreats, seminars and conferences all across the Western United States. He is now concentrating on writing and publishing both fiction and non-fiction books. In November, 2011, Patrick signed a three book deal with Harvest House Publishers to publish his "Apple Creek Dreams" series. His Latest work, "The Amish Heiress" (Book One in The Paradise Chronicles series) was on the best seller lists on Amazon for six months. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency.

My thoughts ~

Patrick E. Craig has opened up a whole new world in his career, Christian mysteries for young people. I would recommend this book and future books in the series for avid readers ages 10-18. As an adult I loved it! Reminders of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys came to mind, books that I loved as a youngster. I certainly wouldn't discourage adults from enjoying this book either!

This adventures of cousins, Punkin and Boo, is a story of family and their connections to the past. As cousins evolve into friendships the two share mysteries discovered inside their grandparents' home. Danger lurks as the girls' curiosity gets the best of them. Hidden corridors and rooms are revealed as a hidden wall space is discovered. It's mysteries and adventure from there on, as the suspense continues to build.

Punkin and Boo are so typical of young girls in the early teen years. They're curious, fun loving, and adore their grandparents who set a wonderful example for these youngsters. Genealogy is a part of this story, and some wonderful secrets emerge as the plot continues.

I highly recommend this book for young girls and boys. I think that young boys would enjoy the mysteries discovered in this story as well. My copy of this book will remain in my library for my granddaughter as she approaches the age where she will undoubtedly love reading it!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Patrick E. Craig in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

   

"Remembering Dresden"

(A Jack Turner Suspense Novel #2)

by Dan Walsh

 

Description

Young history professor, Jack Turner, takes a retreat at a lakeside cabin just outside of Culpepper, Georgia to work on his doctoral dissertation. The cabin is owned by an ambitious state senator, an inheritance from his father. Inside, everything is exactly the way it was when the old man died ten years ago. While taking a break from his research, Jack snoops through the father’s books and finds an old photo album filled with black-and-white pictures of orphaned children. Intrigued, he continues searching and finds what appears to be evidence of murder and an old leather journal, handwritten entirely in German. Rachel Cook, Jack’s girlfriend, translates the journal for him. What it reveals instantly puts both of their lives in mortal danger. Besides his bestselling inspirational novels, Dan Walsh is quickly becoming known for unputdownable novels of suspense.

Biography

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including "The Dance "and "The Promise "with Gary Smalley, as well as "The Unfinished Gift", "The Discovery", and "The Reunion". He has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels were finalists for "RT Book Reviews" Inspirational Book of the Year for 2011 and 2012. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. Visit www.danwalshbooks.com for more. 

My thoughts ~

Dan Walsh has been a favorite author of mine for many years, and there hasn't been a book of his that I haven't loved! Remembering Dresden is one of his most masterfully written books thus far. The prequel, When Night Comes is another. These books can stand on their own, but some of the characters from When Night Comes carry over to Remembering Dresden. By all means read both of these impressive suspense novels, and read them in sequence!

This novel is actually a novel within a novel based on a background record of historical accounts from WWII. The horrors of that time period are incomprehensible. Moving into the present, shocking information reveals itself, putting Jack and his girlfriend in grave danger.

The book moves at a fast pace, filled with suspense and moments of terror and agonizing events. Characters are very well portrayed with characteristics realistic and believable. The setting is very picturesque and the ambiance of the cabin on a lake is charming, yet a site of horrifying secrets and jeopardy. This novel will keep your attention until the very end.

I highly recommend this powerful and intriguing novel. This is one of my favorite books of the year! Dynamic and impressive!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

"Mermaid Moon"

A Sunset Cove Novel

by Colleen Coble
GIVEAWAY!

Description

Mallory’s mother died fifteen years ago. But her father’s last words on the phone were unmistakable: “Find . . . mother.” Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point. Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart—and left—without a word, years ago. When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye. As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.  

Biography

Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com.

My thoughts ~

The setting for this suspense novel is Downeast Maine, along the Atlantic coastal region. The protagonist had left her east coast home for reasons that she still hasn't resolved. Her character is well developed, but insecurities surrounding her past have prevented her from moving forward until tragedy forces her to return to the home of her childhood.

This book is the third in a series. I have not read the first two books previous to this one, so I may be missing some of the background from the former books. I felt that I was missing information regarding a couple of the characters. Otherwise, the book is fast paced with suspense that will keep you from putting the book down. 

Romance comes into the picture as a past relationship is once again kindled. This was developed in a very natural progression and realism. There are dysfunctional relationships which cause a great deal of discomfort and confusion for the characters, but the author provides good background information regarding those issues. 

I would have liked more descriptive elements regarding the setting along the coast of Maine, but once again, that may have been provided in the first two books in the series. I would recommend reading this series in order rather than stand alone novels. I enjoyed Mermaid Moon and the elements that the title represents. This is a great read for a summer day on the beach, or while on vacation.

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