Outbreak ~ Review

Outbreak
By Davis Bunn

Theo Bishop hasn't talked to his older brother Kenny in years and he's not sure he wants to now. But when Kenny pours millions into his company Theo feels that he has to respond to his brother. What follows is something Theo never expected - a danger-filled trip to Africa, a life-changing investigation, and a world in danger from a previously unknown killer.

When Theo agrees to see something that his brother feels he has to see he knew something in Kenny had changed. But what the change was Theo didn't know. Going to West Africa opened his eyes to a threat that someone is determined to keep hidden - a threat that leaves total devastation in its wake with no survivors and no witnesses.

Paired with Avery Madison a biological researcher and Della Haverty an investigative reporter, Theo is in a race against time. A race that could result in the devastation of the Eastern North American Coastal regions. But this deadly ecological puzzle isn't the only danger facing this newly formed team as someone has put a price on Theo Bishop's head and if anyone gets in the way, well, their lives are on borrowed time too.

I really enjoyed this newest suspense fiction from Davis Bunn - I will admit I'd have liked the story to continue on a bit more just to find out what finally happens.  Now if there was to be a second story I would not be opposed to that possibility as there was definitely a dangling carrot that I'd like to continue following. If this is a standalone title it is resolved enough that the reader will have an idea of what is to come and be satisfied with what their mind can imagine.


About the Book:

The Danger Hasn't Passed-

            It's Just Changed Locations.

Something sinister is happening in the waters off the coast of West Africa, trailing death in its wake. Local insurgencies are no longer the only imminent danger-and the panic mounts. But before a global alarm can be sounded, the sea currents shift, and the outbreak evaporates. Coastal populations are relieved when life returns to normal, and the region's governments are all too happy to sweep the publicity nightmare under the rug.

Theo Bishop and Avery Madison saw the devastation with their own eyes, and they know the danger hasn't passed-it's just changed locations. But everywhere they turn, powerful interests are determined to silence all credible evidence of the impending biological disaster-by any means necessary. They will have to stay out of the crosshairs long enough to convince the powers that be of the toxic destruction about to be unleashed on American soil...




Check out this excerpt provided by Bethany House.

Rescuing His Secret Child ~ Review

Rescuing His Secret Child
True North Heroes #3
By Maggie K. Black

Nick Henry made the biggest mistake of his life when he walked away from Erica Knight leaving her to face her brother's wrath alone. But that night was the one that made him decide to change his life and be the person he could be.

Erika Knight's world changed when Nick walked out of her life but she was determined to be the best mother she could be to her child. She never expected to see Nick Henry again but that was all about to change when the train she's working on is hijacked.

Nick was headed to a meeting when a young boy, Zander, asks him for his help. Bad men with guns are onboard and he is worried about his mother. Nick knows how to handle situations like this, in fact, he even does training for just such scenarios. But the situation takes an unexpected turn Erika turns out to be Zander's mother.

As complications arise and the hijackers threaten Zander Nick and Erika must work together to come up with a plan to prevent this train trip from becoming deadly. But someone's determined to stop them and no cost is too high for the potential gains.

This is part of the Love Inspired Suspense line of books so if you want suspense that doesn't give you nightmares and you want a romance that is clean and ends on a happy note you'll enjoy this book. This is the third book in the True North Heroes series but it is not necessary to read the previous books in the series before reading this one. From what is revealed in this book it appears that this series follows the Henry family and the previous books dealt with Nick's brothers. This story deals with second chances, forgiveness, and honesty. Overall an enjoyable reading escape that will take you to Canada and a crime that isn't what it appears to be.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble

About the Book:

Print Length: 224 pages

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense; Original edition (April 1, 2019)

A train heist unearths family secrets

Trapped with armed hijackers aboard a speeding train, Nick Henry is determined to free the hostages—especially his ex-girlfriend and the son he never knew existed. The army corporal must use his training to save them, but this mission’s personal. Nick broke a promise to Erica Knight once, but he won’t let her down now, because something precious is on the line: his family.

Spinster and Spice ~ Book Blast with Giveaway

About the Book

Series: The Spinster Chronicles
Genre: Adult, Regency, Romance
Publisher: Phase Publishing
Publication date: May 1, 2019

Spinster, sweet Spinster

Isabella Lambert is a nice person. She is biddable, polite, soft-spoken, and eager to please. She also happens to be a spinster, and one of the writers of the infamous Spinster Chronicles, where she is less polite, more outspoken, and may not please anyone. Izzy also has a secret that only one person knows, and that one person may hold the key to its success.

Sebastian Morton finds Izzy Lambert fascinating. She is the perfect mentor for his younger sister as well as a capable and charming friend for him. When opportunity strikes to spend more time with her, her secret becomes his. But will this secret, and others, ruin their connection?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

Connect online:

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The Memory House ~ Review

The Memory House
By Rachel Hauck

Eighteen years ago Beck Holiday forgot and she's come to accept the fact that she'll never remember any of her memories that have any link to her father. When the towers came down on September 11th Beck lost a huge portion of her life and herself. Her tough New York City cop persona is about to take a hit when her emotions get the better of her and she takes out her frustrations on a repeat offender in a manner that has her facing several weeks of unpaid suspension. And then there is this little personal matter she's tried to ignore - a matter that is about to change her life in a big way.

In the midst of all her turmoil, Beck learns that she has inherited a house in Florida. Even more puzzling is why this Everleigh Callahan left her home in Fernandina Beach to her Beck Holiday? Could returning to Florida help Beck remember? She doubts it but she has the time on her hands thanks to her suspension and she'll need it to decide her future.

When Beck Holiday returns in time to attend Miss Everleigh's memorial service Bruno Endicott couldn't be more surprised or pleased as he's never forgotten his first love. Unfortunately, Beck seemingly has no memories of him or their childhood summers together. Bruno is determined to be the friend that Beck needs as he again rebuilds his career as a sports agent. And just maybe something will reawaken what Beck has lost as they spend time together.

While the current day story unfolds we are introduced to Everleigh Applegate a young woman of 1950s Texas who has her life just opening before her. She and her new husband have hopes and dreams for the future - their own home, a growing family and their growing love. But when tragedy strikes Everleigh makes a decision that she feels is unforgivable, one that is a betrayal of the love she and her husband shared. As the years pass Everleigh falls into a steady and hum ho type of existence. Life has seemingly passed her by until she has a chance encounter with brother's good friend. But a second chance at love - Everleigh just doesn't believe that is something she can chance her heart on again. How many times can a heart be broken and survive?

Can the Memory House bring healing to a broken grieving heart?

The Memory House is another enjoyable work from Rachel Hauck that binds two different eras together. In this case, the binding agent is the house - a house on which memories have been created and lost. A house where second chances are possible if one is willing to believe and have faith that God can work miracles.

As with all of Rachel's standalone titles this would be an excellent book club selection as there is much to delve into and contemplate. When faced with what Everleigh faced how would one handle it? Would you willing lose all your memories of a loved simple to block out the grief and pain? Who deserves to be given a chance to reach for their dreams and goals? And could one forgive a betrayal? And the best part is the way Rachel weaves these very things into her work so smoothly that it is the heart of the story. I highly recommend this newest work from Rachel Hauck.  Those familiar with her work will not be disappointed. And if you have never yet sampled her works this is a good place to start.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Embracing the future means remembering the past . . .

When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.

Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.

To Best the Boys ~ Review

To Best the Boys
By Mary Weber

Rhen Tellur has never been like other girls her mind is consumed with matters of intelligence and thinking (GASP!!!) And she wants nothing more than to continue her education but higher education is only for boys. But Rhen is determined to find the cure for the illness that the poor of her town are succumbing to.

As more of the Lowers fall ill the Uppers act as if their disease is due to lack of basic cleanliness and that poverty is just another symptom of their substandard intelligence. But Rhen knows if those in power and with the means to fund the research would listen this growing danger could be cured.  But as a young woman, her voice is just ignored by the Upper men.

This year Rhen is going to make everyone take notice and listen to her concerns - this year she is going to best the boys and win the scholarship to Stemwick University, an all-male institute. She is going to get the education she needs and find a cure to the crippling illness before time runs out for her mother. But to do this she'll need to disguise herself as a boy and hope no one notices her before she enters the labyrinth. And then there is a little matter of surviving the labyrinth which is a test of one's intelligence, knowledge, common sense, ability to think under pressure, and character. Does hiding your identity count as a strike against character? Only time and the labyrinth will tell.

To Best the Boys is an exciting fantasy read that will keep the reader turning the pages as the story progresses. This is a blend of realistic with factors that tend towards superstition and old wives tales - sirens and ghouls which I have to say are more than a little creepy.  There is also a class dispute brewing between the Lowers and the Uppers and Rhen is in the middle of it thanks to her background which has her in both worlds and yet in neither. Actions have consequences and nothing can remain hidden forever as Rhen is about to discover firsthand.

Change is coming to the kingdom of Caldon...and it is about to start in the Labyrinth.

I received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.     



About the Book:

The task is simple:

Don a disguise.

Survive the labyrinth.

Best the boys.

In a thrilling new fantasy from the bestselling author of the Storm Siren Trilogy, one girl makes a stand against society and enters a world made exclusively for boys.

Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port have received a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. The poorer residents look to see if their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.

In the province of Caldon, where women train in wifely duties and men pursue collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.

With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone is ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the deadly maze.

Welcome to the labyrinth.

Far Side of the Sea ~ Review

Far Side of the Sea
By Kate Breslin

Lieutenant Colin Mabry can no longer serve on the battlefield following the loss of his hand. And the nightmares stalk his nights. But he is determined to wok past the pain and the guilt. His posting Hastings allows him the decode messages that are important to the Allies war efforts and feel as if he can be of some use still in the war effort. But when Colin decodes a message that is asking for a meeting he knows that he must answer this summons. Now he just needs permission to return to France and respond to this plea for help - a plea from a woman he thought dead.

Johanna Reyer is in France - hiding from her past and searching for her family, including a sister she knew nothing about. A sister whom she believes to be in danger. And if she hopes to find Jewel she needs Colin's assistance in identifying her. And if she can find Jewel she hopes that she will find her father, a man she hasn't seen since she was 3 years old, a man whose parting words were that he wanted nothing more than to be her papa. Can she hope to find what she has lost in a country torn apart by war and occupation?

When Colin meets Johanna he is less than pleased with her subterfuge in obtaining his assistance but to honor the promise he made to Jewel he agrees to aid her. But nothing is what it seems with anyone and every one a potential spy. With a single photograph and a name as their only clues, Colin and Johanna must watch their every word and action so as to not arouse suspicions.

Far Side of the Sea is an excellent read and those who enjoy WWI historical fiction will enjoy this newest book from Kate Breslin. I like that several of the characters had previously been in her books so one has a familiarity with them. But if this is your first meeting with the author this book can very much be read on its own and nothing will be lacking in your understanding or enjoyment while reading. I like Johanna and her most unique personality and how she grew throughout in matters of faith. I also like how both Johanna and Colin fight to do what they feel is what they are meant to do even if it was opposed by those who had authority over them.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:
In 1918 England, Lieutenant Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages for MI8 after suffering injuries at the front. When he receives an urgent summons by carrier pigeon from Jewel Reyer--a woman who saved his life and whom he believed to be dead--he can only hope he'll regain the courage he lost on the front lines as he's driven back into war-torn France. 

But Jewel isn't the one waiting for him in Paris. Instead, it is a stranger who claims to be her half-sister, Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence. She found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive and in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is at first skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust grows.

That trust is quickly put to the test, however, when their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot and their search for answers quickly turns into a battle for their lives.

Spinster and Spice ~ Cover Reveal

About the Book

Series: The Spinster Chronicles
Genre: Adult, Regency, Romance
Publisher: Phase Publishing
Publication date: May 1, 2019

Spinster, sweet Spinster 

Isabella Lambert is a nice person. She is biddable, polite, soft-spoken, and eager to please. She also happens to be a spinster, and one of the writers of the infamous Spinster Chronicles, where she is less polite, more outspoken, and may not please anyone. Izzy also has a secret that only one person knows, and that one person may hold the key to its success.

Sebastian Morton finds Izzy Lambert fascinating. She is the perfect mentor for his younger sister as well as a capable and charming friend for him. When opportunity strikes to spend more time with her, her secret becomes his. But will this secret, and others, ruin their connection?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

And here it is

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Doesn't it make you want to pick it up and start reading?

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Giveaway

Enter the giveaway HERE. 

Giveaway ends May 1 at 11:59 MT. 

Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

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