Traces of Guilt: An Evie Blackwell Cold Case

Dee Henderson is the author of numerous novels, including Taken, Undetected, Unspoken, Full Disclosure, and the acclaimed O'Malley series.  Her books have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, such as the RITA Award, the Christy Award, and the ECPA Gold Medallion.

You can visit with her and learn more about her writing at DeeHenderson.com.

She's turning up the heat on Carin County's Cold Cases.

Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police detective...mostly.  She's very skilled  at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks.  She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job.

Gabriel Thane grew up in Carin County and is now its sheriff, a job he loves.  Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he's sworn to protect.  He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have...

When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it's to help launch a new task force focused on unsolved crimes across the state.  She will work with the sheriff's department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases.  As she studies old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths surprising connections.  One way or another, she knows Gabriel Thane and his family will be key to the answers she seeks.

My Thoughts:
Short and sweet...if Dee Henderson writes it I read it!  Henderson always has intriguing story lines involving complex and well-developed characters and dizzying with twists and turns.  Traces of Guilt certainly did not disappoint.  I really enjoyed that Henderson included some of my favorite people from past books...Paul and Ann Falcon.  Also appreciated was the way Henderson told the story from varying character perspectives.  Henderson's stories aren't always neat and tidy and I love that about her writing.  You don't always get all the answers and for me as an avid reader, it keeps me engaged and coming back to each new thing she writes.  She leaves you hanging a bit with this one.  I can't wait to see what happens next for Evie Blackwell!
* I received a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

Sister Dear

Laura McNeill is a writer, mom, travel enthusiast, and coffee drinker.  In her former life, she was a television news anchor for CBS News afiliates in New York and Alabama.  Laura holds a master's degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University and is completing a PhD in Instructional Leadership at the University of Alabama.  When she's not writing and doing homework, she enjoys running, yoga, and spending time at eh beach.  She lives in North Alabama with her family.

All Allie Marshall wants is a fresh start.

But when dark secrets refuse to stay buried, will her chance at a new life be shattered forever?

Convicted of a crime she didn't commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish - time that can never be recovered.  Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name, rebuild her life, and reconnect with her daughter she barely knows.

But Allie's return home shatters the quaint coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia.  Even her own daughter Caroline, now a teenager, bristles at Allie's claims of innocence.  Refusing defeat, a stronger, smarter Allie launches a battle for the truth, digging deeply into the past even if it threatens her parole status, personal safety, and the already fragile bond with family.

As her commitment to finding the truth intensifies, what Allie ultimately uncovers is far worse than she imagined.  Her own sister has been hiding a dark secret - one that holds the key to Allie's freedom.

My Thoughts:
Sister Dear is an absolutely riveting story portraying small town Southern life, family relationships and redemption.  McNeill tells the story from varying character perspectives both past and present but does so fluidly.  She draws you in with Allie first on the scene in the first few pages.  By the end of the first chapter, I was invested in Allie's story and devoured the rest of the book.  I will be anxiously awaiting the next book by McNeill.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of giving an honest review.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

More Than Rivals

Ken Abraham is the New York Times bestselling author of many books, including Against All Odds with Chuck Norris and Let's Roll with Lisa Beamer.  His work has been featured on 20/20, Dateline, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, The CBS Morning Show, The Today Show, and many more.  Learn more at www.kenabrahambooks.com.

In 1970, one small southern town was a powder keg ready to erupt. But it was also on the verge of something incredible.

Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon grew up on opposite sides of the tracks in Gallatin, TN.  They knew the barriers that divided them - some physical landmarks and some hidden in the heart - but those barriers melted away when the boys were on the basketball court.  After years of playing wherever they could find a hoop, Eddie and Bill rose as leaders of their respective high school teams.  And at the end of the 1070 season, all-white Gallatin High and all-black Union High faced each other in a once-in-a-lifetime championship game.  Wat happened that night would challenge Eddie and Bill - and transform their town.

A fast-paced true story of courage, determination, and forgiveness, More Than Rivals offers hope and inspiration for our times.

My Thoughts:
My ten year old son absolutely loved this book.  I'm so very glad we were able to share it together.  I lost count the number of times he came to me while reading with "Mom, you won't believe..." or "Mom, I can't believe people actually treated each other this way...".  Ken Abraham tells the true story of Sherlin and Ligon during a time of racially charged conflict.  It is a timely and relevant read for today, but is one infused with encouragement and hope.  I was thankful that my son read the book.  He loved the sports aspect, but the greater life-lesson narrative within the pages was not lost on him.  Get this book!

*I received a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of providing this honest review.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

My Father's House

Rose Chandler Johnson is the author of the award winning devotional God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments. My Father's Houseis her first novel. She happily makes her home near Augusta, Georgia.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

About the book: 

My Father's House (March 2016)

Growing up, life is idyllic for Lily Rose Cates due to one constant --- her father's love.

But in her sixteenth summer, all that changes without warning. There begins Lily's struggle to find herself and the life she's lost. . . . Marriage promises fulfillment, but her happily-ever-after barely survives the honeymoon. Her husband's sophisticated façade hides a brooding man with even darker secrets.

When all illusions shatter, Lily must make hard choices --- abandon her husband or risk losing much more than her marriage. She flees their home in Detroit and sets out on a fearful journey to a house in Georgia that her husband knows nothing about. This is one woman's compelling tale of love and survival as she finds her way back home to who she's meant to be . . . in her father's house.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/217Bvib

To see what others are saying about the book, you can visit HERE.

My Thoughts:

I first encountered Johnson's writing when I read God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments.  I was really excited to hear of her debut novel My Father's House.  Johnson is a writer to be followed!  She has written an emotionally charged novel with well-developed characters.  I won't be forgetting Lily Rose Cates any time soon.  Johnson reminds readers through this story that even when all goes wrong, the Lord is ever faithful with mercy and grace new every morning.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Blessings,

Jennifer

The Seed: A True Myth

Erik Guzman is Vice President of Communications and Executive Producer at Key Life Network. He's the cohost of the nationally syndicated talk show Steve Brown, Etc. and announcer for "Key Life." His writing has been featured in Key Life's magazine and online at KeyLife.org, Liberate.org, Burnside Writers Collective, and Sojourners (sojo.net). He is also a Lay Eucharistic Minister, a drummer, and a 5th degree black belt in Aikido. Erik, his wife, and three children live near Orlando, Florida.

Website | Facebook | Twitter 

About the book: 

The Seed (New Growth Press, May 2016)

Young Madeline and Roark are desperately running from the shadow that destroyed their home and is threatening their lives.

One day, they encounter Tatus, an older man who has sworn to avenge the death of his family at the hands of the shadow, and they form an alliance with him. Tatus promises that he can keep them safe from the shadow if they will help him build a fortress. So they build.

But as fortress-building consumes their lives, Madeline and Roark are increasingly filled with anger and fear, and an unseen evil threatens to ultimately destroy them. When they finally face the shadow, he presents them with an unthinkable offer that will reveal shocking secrets of the forgotten past, the unseen present, and the unimaginable future.

We've all had the feeling that something's not quite right with our lives. It's bigger than any specific failure or disappointment. It's bigger than any person. No matter what you achieve or how much you drink or sleep, you can't shake it. It haunts you---night and day---and propels you to do something. So you build. You build and build the maze that is your exhausting life. Sound vaguely familiar?

The Seed: A True Myth is a journey into the personal labyrinths we create to protect ourselves and those we love from the pain of living in a broken world. Guzman's "true myth" takes the reader on an unforgettable journey that is, in essence, the grand narrative of God's redemptive work in the world. This page-turning Christian fantasy tale is packed with mystery and drama, and readers will feel the weight and power of redemption as they journey alongside Guzman's characters in their epic battle. The Seed deftly communicates the heart of Trinitarian theology through story---without using theological language or Christian terms---and reinforces biblical themes such as God's character and man's true identity and calling.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1YSvMfl

My Thoughts:

The Seed was a different book for me.  Actually, it was more of an experience than a simple reading of a book.  Guzman deftly weaves a tale that portrays God's plan of redemption through characters that jump right off the page.  Void of the typical "church" words and sometimes confusing theological terms, Guzman is able to present the Gospel.  What a gift he has shared with readers!

*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of giving an honest review.

Blessings,

Jennifer

Medical Judgment

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes "medical suspense with heart." His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers' debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and Romantic Times' Reader's Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas. Website | Facebook | Twitter  About the book:  Medical Judgment (Abingdon Press, May 2016) Dr. Sarah Gordon lost her husband and daughter. Now she's about to lose her life. After losing the two people she loved the most, Sarah Gordon doesn't think life could get worse. But, after a fire in her garage is ruled an arson, she begins to realize someone is after her---and that person wants to see her dead. But first, they want to see her suffer. Her late husband's best friend, Kyle Andrews, and a recovering alcoholic detective, Bill Larson, are trying to solve the mystery before it's too late, and they're both trying to win her heart, too. Not only does Sarah feel torn between two men, she also feels as though she cannot trust anyone. With creepy threats that become more and more sinister, Sarah finds herself in constant fear, but even the best home alarm technology won't protect her. Who is doing this, and why are they after her? Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PjHaAz My Thoughts: Richard Mabry's writing keeps getting better and better with each book he writes. Medical Judgment is a heart stopping ride from the first to the very last page. Richard writes with the perfect balance of intrigue, emotion, and faith.  His characters are easy for readers to become engaged with and to care about early on in the story.  And somehow he accomplishes this and takes readers on one amazing journey full of twists and turns.  I appreciate that Richard writes the medical jargon into his story but doesn't write over his readers' heads.  If you like suspense filled, faith based drama, you will love Medical Judgment! To see what others are saying, you can visit HERE. Happy Reading Ya'll, Jennifer

Anchor In The Storm

Sarah Sundin is the award winning author of the Wings of Glory and Wings of the Nightingale series, as well as Through Waters Deep.  During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist's made (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children.

Learn more about Sarah and her writing/books at www.sarahsundin.com.

In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love?

Nothing slows Lillian Avery down--not her personal challenges and certainly not America's entry into World War II. She finally has a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The demands of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg's attentions only annoy--even if he is her brother's best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch's destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves--and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? 

As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian's trust and affection?

My Thoughts:
I simply enjoy Sarah's writing!  Her characters are genuine and as a reader, I find them easy to identify with and because of them become easily engaged in their stories.  Anchor in the Storm is the story of Lillian Avery and Archer Vandenberg.  Lillian is Jim Avery's sister (Readers who read the first book will remember Jim).  She's a spunky girl who does not let her disability stop her.  Archer is Jim's best friend.  You can guess the dynamics that take place as Lillian and Archer begin to develop a war-time relationship.
In the book we get to revisit Jim and Mary from Through Waters Deep, the first book in the Waves of Freedom series.  Sarah is a genius at how she makes references to Jim and Mary's story and weaves it seamlessly into Lillian and Archer's without retelling the first book.  I also love the bold way Sarah peppers the story with faith and Scripture without coming off as preachy.  She lets the well developed characters and their story carry the faith message fluidly.  You will enjoy this series.  While Anchor in the Storm can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading Through Waters Deep as well to enjoy the fullness of the characters and the story.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of giving an honest review.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

Through the Shadows

Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken. Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she's not writing novels, she loves speaking at women's events, libraries, and book clubs.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

About the book: 

Through the Shadows (Abingdon, May 2016)

As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.

The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome---and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King's hopeful future.

Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.

Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney, Charles McKinley---a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco's crooked politics---Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1qqMTsB

To see what others are saying about the book, you can visit HERE.

My Thoughts:

Through the Shadows is the third book in The Golden Gate Chronicles series and covers the time period shortly after The Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. Barnett's research and attention to historical detail is outstanding and the reader is easily transported back in time.  Many of the characters are fictional but Barnett does highlight the ministry of missionary Donaldina Cameron who dedicated her life to serving at the Presbyterian Mission and rescued close to 3,000 Chinese and Japanese women and girls from brothels in San Francisco's Chinatown.

Elizabeth and Charles' story is one of a budding love, grace and purposeful living. Readers will be drawn into the story from the first couple of lines:

"Elizabeth King held her fingers against the ivory keys, refusing to stir as the final chord faded and silence descended on the parlor.  Were God ever to speak to her, she imagined it would be in the precious instant after a last note died away and before an audience responded."

And their hearts and minds engaged throughout the book with lines such as these:

"The deeper you involve yourself in His (God's) work, the more you're aware of the actions of His hands."

"Maybe the key to being a teacher is remembering to be a student as well."

"You heard the girls sing.  Chains bind the body, but music sets the heart free." 

While the story within Through the Shadows is told from a historical perspective, the themes are current...racial division, human trafficking, recovery after natural disasters.  Read this book and be inspired and encouraged in your faith and in the character of God.

*I was given a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

 Link here: https://promosimple.com/ps/99f1

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer