Chosen People ~ Review

Chosen People
By Robert Whitlow

Anyone who has read Robert Whitlow's books in the past (or seen one of the movies based upon them) knows that he doesn't shy away from the issues of the day. Well, Chosen People is no exception and it is an emotionally engaging read from the cover to cover. From the cover, you can tell that there is something a little different as Jerusalem is the featured image. This book transitions between Atlanta, Georgia, and Jerusalem as a nearly four-year-old terrorist attack is the subject of a lawsuit.

When Hana Abboud's law firm is approached by Jakob Brodsky, a young Jewish lawyer, to be co-counsel in a lawsuit for the family of an American woman killed in a terrorist attack at the Western Wall, Hana has reservations. But upon meeting the woman's young daughter Sadie, Hana feels lead to take part in this suit. But before they can proceed they need the investigative services of someone who calls the region home and using her connections from home Hana is able to secure the services of Daud Hasan.

With seemingly random events in Atlanta having a link to their investigation in Jerusalem Jakob and Hana find their lives in danger before leaving the country. And what they find in Jerusalem will change their understanding of everything.

I really liked Hana's insights into being a Christian Arab Israeli it offers a view into this world that is often overlooked in the media hype stories. I also liked Jakob and his growth as a person as a direct result of his time in Isreal and his interactions with Hana and Daud. There are times when it becomes hard to know just who can be trusted and who has ulterior motives where this case is concerned.

But overall I highly recommend this newest offering from Robert Whitlow. It would make an excellent book club selection as there is much worth discussing. If you are a fan of legal fiction and don't want to jump into a series Robert Whitlow is perfect as most of his books are stand-alone titles.


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

About the Book:

You are a chosen people, a 

royal priesthood, a holy nation . . .

During a terrorist attack near the Western Wall in Jerusalem, a courageous mother sacrifices her life to save her four-year-old daughter, leaving behind a grieving husband and a motherless child.

Hana Abboud, a Christian Arab Israeli lawyer trained at Hebrew University, typically uses her multi-language skills to represent international clients for an Atlanta law firm. When her boss is contacted by Jakob Brodsky, a young Jewish lawyer aggressively pursuing a lawsuit on behalf of the family under the US Anti-Terrorism laws, he calls on Hana’s expertise to take point on the case. After careful prayer, she joins forces with Jakob, and they quickly realize the need to bring in a third member for their team, an Arab investigator named Daud Hasan, based in Israel.

To unravel the case, this team of investigators goes from the streets of Atlanta to the alleys of Jerusalem, a world where hidden motives thrive, the risk of death is real, and the search for truth has many faces. What they will uncover will forever change their understanding of justice, heritage, and what it means to be chosen for a greater purpose.

Justice Delayed ~ Review

Delayed Justice
Hidden Justice #3
By Cara Putman

Jaime Nichols has lived with the memories and the nightmares for twenty years but she is now strong enough to seek justice against the person who broke her trust. This will not be an easy fight to win against someone as powerful as he is. But Jaime needs to do this - to be a voice for others who were without a voice as she was.

Chandler Bolton, a veteran, who has suffered from the scars from his own service works with other veterans who are in need of counseling. When a young victim who needs the special comfort skills of his dog Aslan, Chandler finds himself helping Tiffany work through her trauma. A victim that Jaime is asked to help, due to her personal insights into what Tiffany is dealing with. But working with someone like Chandler is something Jaime isn't sure she can do especially with the upheaval she is experiencing in both her personal and professional lives.

As Jaime confronts the past she hopes to find healing but the healing she seeks might come from an altogether different source. Her friends have been praying for her and now Chandler has added his own for her. Could God have been there all along? Or is He as distant as she always assumed? The answers to her questions will determine the future course of her life.

Each book in the Hidden Justice series can be read as a standalone book with each book focusing on different characters. Difficult issues are covered and each could be taken right from the headlines of current news events and Justice Delayed is no exception. The book does not get into the nitty-gritty ugly details leaving that to the reader's own imagination (or not). The issues covered are childhood abuse and PTSD. This is not a book to read if you want fluff but it is an excellently written work that I would recommend if you are looking for a book that offers some depth to it.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson through their blogger program with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion ~ all opinions offered are my own.


About the Book:

She had long given up the desire to be loved. 

Now she only needed to be heard.

Jaime Nichols went to law school to find the voice she never had as a child, and her determination to protect girls and women in the path of harm drives her in ways both spoken and unspoken. As Jaime, now a criminal defense attorney, prepares to press charges against someone who wronged her long ago, she must face not only her demons but also the unimaginable forces that protect the powerful man who tore her childhood apart.

Chandler Bolton, a retired veteran, is tasked with helping a young victim who must testify in court—and along with his therapy dog, Aslan, he’s up for the task. When he first meets Jaime, all brains, beauty, and brashness, he can’t help but be intrigued. As Chandler works to break through the wall Jaime has built around herself, the two of them discover that they may have more to offer one another than they ever could have guessed—and that together, they may be able to help this endangered child.

This thrilling installment of the Hidden Justice series explores the healing power of resolution and the weight of words given voice. And as Jaime pursues delayed justice of her own, she unearths eternal truths that will change the course of her life.

Lone Witness ~ Review

Lone Witness
Atlanta Justice #2
By Rachel Dylan

Working as a prosecutor for the Fulton County District Attorney's office is Sophie Dawson's passion. She is determined to get justice for those who need it. And her current case seems relatively straightforward - a local bank employee has been cheating his customers and pocketing the extras into his own pocket. The bank's CEO wants a quick settlement to cap any unwanted negative PR but Sophie wants to work through her case before she agrees to a pretrial settlement/plea bargain.

When Sophie is the lone witness to a brutal double homicide she's just found herself in a whole new world, so to speak. She's on the other side of the table as a witness to the prosecution. Worse the person she identified as the killer is the younger brother to the head of Atlanta's biggest gang. So not only is she the key witness she is now target number one to a man not known for his warm cuddly side.

Determined to keep his only daughter safe Randall Dawson hires Cooper Knight of K&R Security to keep Sophie safe. But as the danger to Sophie increases Cooper has to use all of his skills as well as those of his partners to keep her alive. And he needs to keep his emotions in check because for some reason Sophie manages to get past the wall he's erected around his heart - one due to his own pain-filled past.

I liked Lone Witness, which is the second book in the Atlanta Justice series, especially as it got into the book just a touch. Having not read the first book I had no problem getting this one as it appears that a different pair of characters takes center stage in Deadly Proof. While Sophie and Cooper are the main characters we are also introduced to several other characters who play key roles. There is Ashley Murphy a defense lawyer who seems to have no qualms about representing the worst of the worst as long as they have the money. Patrick Hunt a Deputy Chief ADA from Dekalb County is called in to prosecute to avoid any conflict of interest charges. Then there is Whitney Bowman CEO of SIB whose bank has come under Sophie's scrutiny in her investigation. And finally Juan Wade the protective big brother who is willing to do whatever it takes to keep his brother out of prison. The various interactions between these and other key characters keeps the reader in suspense as to the outcome of both cases and the longevity of various persons.

This book deals with the legal system but won't bog the reader down in a lot of confusing legalese jargon. There a definite suspense element and a few unexpected surprises that will keep the reader turning the pages. Those who like an element of romance in their reading there is definitely romance to keep you happy. Overall the book is a well-blended work that an enjoyable escape from the summer extremes.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House through their blogger program with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

She's the Only Witness to a Brutal Crime. 

Now She Can't Outrun the Target on Her Back.

Prosecutor Sophie Dawson has taken a new role at the Fulton County DA's office, and her first case involves a local bank employee who may be cheating customers. She's determined to bring justice to those who've lost their savings . . . but her life is turned upside down when she becomes the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang.

With her life at risk, friends and family convince her that she needs protection, and private security guard Cooper Knight is hired as a bodyguard. But as threats escalate, neither Cooper nor Sophie knows whom they can trust.

Unwilling to back down on either case, Sophie pursues the truth at any cost. But her bank litigation gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from taking the stand. With all sides closing in, steadfast Cooper is the only man she can lean on. But drawing close may be the distraction that costs both of their lives.

Imperfect Justice ~ Review

Imperfect Justice
Hidden Justice #2
By Cara Putman

Kaylene Adams was so close to escaping the situation she found herself in and with the help of Emilie Wesley she would get the security she sought. But something went wrong and Kaylene is making the news as the woman who took her own life and that of one of her daughters. Her youngest daughter in the hospital recovering from her own gunshot wound.

Emilie can't believe that the police have the whole story but she has no proof. And her knowledge of Kaylene isn't enough for the police and she has been ordered by her boss to let this go and focus on the clients that they can still help.

But Emilie can't let it go and when Kaylene's brother Reid Billings asks for her help in fulfilling Kaylene's final request of him she has a reason to pursue justice. But can they find enough evidence to have Kinley removed from her father's custody and placed with an uncle? With time against them, they are determined to do all they can. And proving that Robert Adams isn't the broken-hearted father that he is presenting to watching world isn't going to be easy.

But Emilie has a problem that those around her think is just paranoia from a traumatic accident earlier in the year. But Emilie is sure she has a stalker and in her line of work that is a distinct possibility. The only question is it a former client or the ex of a client? Can she stay two steps ahead long enough to determine who is shadowing her? Or will she become a victim too?

This is the second book in the Hidden Justice series and this book is just as good a read as the first. The high-stakes legal cases that are being pursued are ones that have a personal investment involved in them as these lawyers fight with their heart. The story has an intensity that builds as everything Emilie is dealing with comes together right at the end. And believe me when I say it could go either way. If you like good fiction or legal thrillers this is one book you can't skip. Haven't read the first book Beyond Justice? That's okay this book is easy to get into and the main characters are different though they are in both books. And when you finish one you can start in on the other one.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers but there was no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

The police say the woman was a murderer. 

Emilie Wesley knows they can't be talking about 

her client . . . can they.

To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams snapped and killed her daughter and then was shot by police. However, attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story. Kaylene was a nurturer at heart looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive marriage. Kaylene's death shakes Emilie's world and her belief that she can make a difference for these women. Self-doubt plagues her, and she finds herself struggling to continue her work in the wake of tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned of the manner of her death. He receives a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would take on his case, but Kaylene's letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in the race to save Kinley Adams from a father who isn't all that he seems, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. But if they can hang on to hope together, maybe they can save Kinley—and find a future for themselves in the process.

A Time to Stand ~ Review

A Time to Stand
By Robert Whitlow

A Time to Stand is a story that has a powerful message as a small town threatens to come apart following a police shooting. Sides are drawn and anger boils on both sides and caught in the middle is Adisa Johnson, a rising lawyer in a growing firm. But when a family matter brings her home to Campbellton, Georgia, she is drawn into this racially charged situation.

Adisa feels her loyalty should belong to the young man shot by the police officer. But when she feels led to defend Luke Nelson she knows the rest of the African-American community will not understand why she has "turned" on her own people. Truthfully Adisa is having trouble with her decision herself. But Adisa is committed to doing her best.

As the case moves forward hostilities on both sides become more active in their opinions. But this is a case that has more to it than just front page headlines. Can Adisa's stand to follow the internal leading within be the first step towards reconciliation in Campbellton? Or will her efforts only be viewed as an attempt to sway the jury and public opinion?

A Time to Stand is yet another masterful work of fiction from Robert Whitlow that could easily be pass for straight from a news report. One can empathize with both sides and see that both sides are at fault for the escalating feelings of anger. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes contemporary fiction or legal fiction. This is a book that will make the reader think and examine what they think they know about themselves.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through the BookLook blogger program with no expectations of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

In a small Georgia town where racial tensions run high and lives are at stake, can one lawyer stand up for justice against the tide of prejudice on every side?

Adisa Johnson, a young African-American attorney, is living her dream of practicing law with a prestigious firm in downtown Atlanta. Then a split-second mistake changes the course of her career.

Left with no other options, Adisa returns to her hometown where a few days earlier a white police officer shot an unarmed black teen who is now lying comatose in the hospital.

Adisa is itching to jump into the fight as a special prosecutor, but feels pulled to do what she considers unthinkable—defend the officer.

As the court case unfolds, everyone in the small community must confront their own prejudices. Caught in the middle, Adisa also tries to chart her way along a path complicated by her budding relationship with a charismatic young preacher who leads the local movement demanding the police officer answer for his crime.

This highly relevant and gripping novel challenges us to ask what it means to forgive while seeking justice and to pursue reconciliation while loving others as ourselves.