Approach with Caution… (by guest blogger Hayley)

9780764211973Bethany House Publishers has released a new addition to the Christian Suspense genre, and from the chilling title alone, mystery enthusiasts will no doubt be drawn to this dynamic novel. Cold Shot is a masterfully written story by acclaimed author Dani Pettrey, who has woven together numerous elements of emotion, faith, and struggles into a unique and unpredictable storyline. Cold Shot is a seamlessly crafted story with such a deep feeling of realness, that it is almost difficult to believe that Griffin, Finley, Parker, Declan, and the rest of the team are actually fictional characters. Continue reading

An Incredibly Well-Done Suspense Novel

imageVendetta, written by Lisa Harris and published by Revell in the fall of 2015, is the first book in a new series entitled “The Nikki Boyd Files”.  As a mystery and romantic thriller, this novel has it all – heart-pounding action, emotional drama, and suspense that is enough to make you a little (or a lot) hesitant to read it after dark! Of course if you are like me, you WILL still read it after the sun goes down, because the suspense will just be too much to bear, and you will HAVE to find out what happens next.

Vendetta is very reminiscent of various crime shows on television, just in book format. In similar television fashion, it seems the series will have an ongoing story woven between the books. Of course, this first book also contains a separate-but-related mystery that is solved by the end. With this technique in play, I’m sure you realize that after reading Vendetta you will be anxiously waiting for the next book in the series, set to be released in July 2016! Continue reading

An Interesting Story of an Unsuspecting Little Town…

Murder at the Courthouse imageIsn’t it fun to open the pages of a new book and immediately be transported to that location? Well, if you open the pages of Ann H. Gabhart’s newest release from Revell entitled Murder at the Courthouse, you will undoubtedly find yourself visiting the small town of Hidden Springs, Kentucky. It is a pleasant-enough town, with your average number of busybodies, family feuds, and personal histories that are known by everyone. One unique thing about this town, however, is the fact that it is home to a murderer. And not just any murderer, but one who leaves their victim on the front steps of the courthouse – in broad daylight! As you can see, Hidden Springs may not be such an ordinary town after all… Continue reading

A Sweeping, Dramatic Saga

The+Lost+Heiress+title

LostHeiress_BethanyTitle: The Lost Heiress

Author: Roseanna M. White

Publishing House/Publication Date: Bethany House/September, 2015

Genres: Christian Historical Fiction; Inspirational Romance; Mystery and Drama

Time Period: 1910

Number of Pages: 448

Series: Book #1 in the ‘Ladies of the Manor’ series

You should read this book if… You enjoy sweeping, dramatic sagas filled with intricate and interwoven storylines. Mystery, romance, and suspense also abound within the pages of this book, making it difficult to put down.

Tone and Mood: While this novel would not be considered a carefree, bright and cheerful novel, neither is it shrouded in darkness and despair all the time. Rather it is a fairly well balanced mixture of both extremes. Heart-pounding action and suspense at various high points complete it as a masterfully told story. Continue reading

As Lovable as the Waters are Deep! (Guest review by Hayley)

ThroughWatersDeepThrough-Waters-Deep imageOf all the book character companions I’ve had over the years, Miss Mary Stirling and Ensign Jim Avery are two of the best. Bringing them to vivid life through the pages of her newest release, Through Waters Deep, author Sarah Sundin gives us a gift through her writing as beautiful as Mary’s sweet soprano voice. With a mystery to keep you guessing, characters that will become friends, and a love story that will melt even the hardest of hearts, Through Waters Deep is a story that should not be missed by any Christian fiction reader, or any reader at all!

Everything about this novel simply breathes life. One of my favourite aspects Continue reading

A Heart-Pumping Story of Suspense – With a Foundation of Faith!

Gone Without a Trace imageTitle: Gone Without a Trace

Author: Patricia Bradley

Publishing House/Publication Date: Revell/July, 2015

Genres: Christian Fiction; Romantic Suspense

Time Period: Modern Day

Number of Pages: 336

Series: Book #3 in the ‘Logan Point’ series

You should read this book if… You enjoy stories filled with suspense, heart-pumping action, mystery, and a little romance, too. Added to this exciting mixture is the underlying structure of Christian faith, meaning that if this book were a movie, it would not be rated R! Also, if readers have enjoyed the previous two Logan Point 1&2books in the series, this story will provide an enjoyable visit with numerous recurring characters (although it does not seem necessary to read the books in order). Continue reading

The Trouble with Patience review

The Trouble with Patience image

As the first book in the new ‘Vices and Virtues of the Old West’ series written by Maggie Brendan, The Trouble with Patience was published early in 2015 by Revell.   Although not as vividly real to life as many similar historical novels, it possesses endearing characteristics nonetheless. With an enjoyable setting and interesting storyline, this book is a fast, easy read.

Undecided whether this is the novel for you? Here are 3 reasons to read The Trouble with Patience… (And 2 reasons not to!) Continue reading

The Secret of Pembrooke Park review

SecretofPembrookePark_mck.inddMany fans of historical fiction enjoy the Regency setting of Jane Austen’s era – a period of elegance and etiquette, when young ladies spent their days preparing for ‘the season’, and personal success was measured by the mastery of social graces. On the other hand, some readers prefer more intrigue, suspense, and action in their historical novels, even though it may be unorthodox for the time period. In either case, bestselling author Julie Klassen delivers a tale that is sure to appeal to both ends of the spectrum in her newest release from Bethany House, The Secret of Pembrooke Park. To fans of her previous works, including The Dancing Master, Ms. Klassen suggests that this novel may be her best work yet. Does her untypically strong focus on the mystery woven throughout the romance prove her right, Continue reading