Lethal Target

Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired.  Her twenty-two years of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories.  She has penned ten romantic suspense novels:
the Cold Case Justice series, the Pacific Coast Justice series, Critical Pursuit, and Visible Threat.  Crisis Shot and Lethal Target are the first two books in the Line of Duty series.

Police Chief Tess O'Rourke thought she'd taken care of her small town's drug problem last year.  But now Rogue's Hollow residents are up in arms over a contentious vote on legalizing the sale of marijuana within city limits.  And when an eighteen-year-old is found dead of a possible opioid overdose, Tess wonders if the local pot farms might be involved and begins to fear that a new, deadlier drug supply chain has cropped up.  As tempers flare and emotions boil over, Tess faces the possibility of losing the town's support.
With her relationship to Sergeant Steve Logan on shaky ground, Tess could really use a friend, and she feels drawn to Pastor Oliver Macpherson's quiet presence.  But the anger she holds over her father's death prevents her from embracing his faith and finding peace.
Battling storms within and without, Tess is shocked when a familiar face from her past shows up in town to stir up more trouble.  And his threats against Tess may prove lethal.

My Thoughts:
Cantore has knocked the Romantic Suspense ball out of the ballpark with her Line of Duty series.  Readers first encounter Tess O'Rourke in the first book, Crisis Shot and the second book, Lethal Target, continues Tess's faith journey and time in Rogue's Hollow. 
Cantore's protagonist, Tess O'Rourke, is well-developed and I was drawn to her immediately in the first book.  In Lethal Target, Cantore incorporates the faith element fluidly and in a non-preachy way.  Tess's growth is so uplifting to follow.  And the romance element is suspenseful in itself!  Who will Tess end up with?  The third book releases Summer 2019.  I guess we'll have to wait until then!
*I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer

The Biggest Win: Pro Football Players Tackle Faith

Joshua Cooley is a sports writing veteran of 20-plus years for various print and online publications, including Sports Illustrated, FCA Magazine, Sports Spectrum, Orioles Magazine, Clubhouse, and Highlights.  He is also the author of The One Year Devotions With Jesus and the Heroes of the Bible Devotional, among other books.  Josua is the full-time children's minister at Chapel Hill Bible Church in North Carolina.

The Biggest Win gives athletes and sports fans of all ages a unique, insider's look into the lives and faith of six Christian NFL players from the 2017 Philadelphia Eagle's Super Bowl team - Carson Wentz, Nick Foles, Zach Ertz, Trey Burton, Jordan Hicks, and Chris Maragos - in particular, how these high-profile athletes remain committed to God's word, genuine Christian discipleship, and sharing their faith.  Using their voices and stories, The Biggest Win gives sports-minded readers hope and direction for living our their faith while competing, as well as providing a helpful resource for pastors, youth and college leaders, and coaches to use as a small group resource with students interested in sports.



My Thoughts:
My thirteen-year-old son is an avid sports fan...he eats, lives, and breathes sports.  He is currently on the A-team as the starting power forward on his junior high basketball team.  My husband and I are very proud of him and enjoy watching him play and grow, but more than being on the "A-team", as his parents, we want our son to know the Lord and grow in Him.  We want him to excel in his sports' abilities but more so we want him to grow in his desire and faithfulness to God.
I'm thankful for Cooley and his book, The Biggest Win. Cooley highlights the faith stories of six NFL players who are living out their faith in God both on and off the field.  My son has been reading this book and I've noticed the bookmark move slowly as he has been using the book devotionally.  I particularly appreciate the questions for reflection at the end of each section.  My son and I have had great conversations as he has moved his way through the book.  
Well-written and full of practical examples for application of deep biblical truth, Cooley has made this mama of a sports-loving teenage boy glad.  I feel like I have someone that has come alongside me in helping me point my son's eyes and heart truly toward the biggest win.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher - New Growth Press.  All opinions stated here are my own.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer